My first post since surviving the eye of Rita

bbadon · #1 Postby **bbadon** » Tue Mar 21, 2006 4:13 pm

Well hello to you all. I haven't posted since a few days before Rita hit last September. To update you all the landfall center of Rita was about 3 miles to the west of what used to be my home. The gas transmission plant in which I work approximately 10 miles from the center was directly in the path of the most intense part of the landfalling eyewall. Structures that were built to withstand 150 mph winds were significantly impacted. We have estimated approximately 12 million dollars worth of damage so far not counting offshore damage. Storm surge exceeded 15 feet across our entire plant site and infact our entire city. Out of approximately 200 homes only 5 are inhabitable and they were about 17 feet above sea level. Approximately 6 miles east of our plant site the little village known as Holly Beach, LA was completely flattened. I have always been astonished by hurricanes and now have lived through the most devastating hurricane to strike our area since 1957. Myself, My entire family, and all of my friends lives have forever been changed. Insurance companies are getting the best of everyone, FEMA is literally a joke and I have first hand experience to say that. We are very slowly getting things to some since of normalcy we will even have a grocery store open in about a month. To all the S2k'ers out there please keep the victims of Hurricane Rita in your prayers and thank you for letting me share my first hand experience.

Matt-hurricanewatcher · #2 Postby **Matt-hurricanewatcher** » Tue Mar 21, 2006 4:16 pm

Wow that is pretty bad...That surge would have to be over 20 feet to do that. I hope everything works out for you.

southerngale · #3 Postby **southerngale** » Tue Mar 21, 2006 4:26 pm

Rita was much worse than most people realize. We got the western side and it was quite devastating....I know what y'all experienced was even worse. God bless you and best of luck with the rebuilding. It's going to take all of us a long time.

bbadon...here's some pictures I posted from Southeast Texas after Rita. Feel free to add some from your area. I think everyone who lives in a hurricane prone area should see what these monsters can do so they'll GET OUT when one is threatening their area.

http://www.storm2k.org/phpbb2/viewtopic.php?t=79174

So sorry about your home.

#4 Postby **JtSmarts** » Tue Mar 21, 2006 4:26 pm

Thanks for sharing, I will definitely keep you and your loved ones in my prayers. May things continue to get brighter for you and your family!

#5 Postby **vbhoutex** » Tue Mar 21, 2006 4:27 pm

WOW!!! I did not realize you lived in Johnson Bayou!! :eek:

I saw the pictures out of there early on and like Holly Beach it was all but flattened(as you stated). I presume you and your family evacuated prior to the Hurricane? If not, where did you stay to survive it? I hate to keep asking questions, but are you living back in Johnson Bayou now?

So glad you are back too!!!!

#6 Postby **cycloneye** » Tue Mar 21, 2006 4:28 pm

My prayers continue from Puerto Rico to you and your family for a total recovery and thanks for sharing your story about that landfall experience.

beachbum_al · #7 Postby **beachbum_al** » Tue Mar 21, 2006 4:42 pm

Glad to hear from you. Sorry about your home. I will keep you and your family in my prayers.

NCHurricane · #8 Postby **NCHurricane** » Tue Mar 21, 2006 5:33 pm

Very sorry about your home, but glad you are ok. You will be in our thoughts and prayers and best of luck in the recovery.

#9 Postby **BreinLa** » Tue Mar 21, 2006 8:04 pm

Hey b glad to see you online again. Saw you on tv during all the devistation. My prayers have been with you guys since day one and will continue to be with you

CajunMama · #10 Postby **CajunMama** » Tue Mar 21, 2006 10:57 pm

BADON! Glad to see you back with us. We were extremely worried about you during rita but you did check in with us. I am glad you and your family are doing ok with the rita aftermath (as much as you can be).

Jagno · #11 Postby **Jagno** » Tue Mar 21, 2006 11:54 pm

bbadon; I'm not far from you, across the black bayou bridge off of Big Lake. I just got back in my home although it's far from finished. My prayers are with you.

#12 Postby **gatorcane** » Tue Mar 21, 2006 11:58 pm

glad you are okay...you can take the poll on my post on Ground Zero in major hurricanes...

bbadon · #13 Postby **bbadon** » Wed Mar 22, 2006 10:56 pm

Thanks guys. Yes vbhoutex I am back in Johnson Bayou now. I am the emergency manager for our town. I actually made it back in by air boat that Saturday the water had not even receded all the way. IT was quite an experience to say the least. I rode the storm out in the Calcasieu Sherrifs office along with Sherrif Mancuso and Sherrif Duhon. We were supposed to ride the storm out in the Jail but got stuck in the annex building. We were scared to death to say the least.

Thanks Bre, Cajun Mama and all for the prayers.

Rainband · #14 Postby **Rainband** » Wed Mar 22, 2006 11:04 pm

Prayers on the way. Glad you and your are "ok" Homes and possesions can be replaced...lives cannot. God Speed.

My first post since surviving the eye of Rita

My first post since surviving the eye of Rita

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