Texas Snowman wrote:Well, not trying to "split hairs" because being a Texan, I certainly remember the damage that Rita caused in our state.
But from the official history of Rita on the NHC Web site (
http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/ms-word/TCR-AL182005_Rita.doc ) the official point of the
eye's landfall was just east of Sabine Pass:
Rita maintained Category 3 status up to the time of landfall of the center, which occurred at 0740 UTC 24 September with an estimated intensity of 100 kt, in extreme southwestern Louisiana just west of Johnson’s Bayou and just east of Sabine Pass.
Rita weakened after making landfall, remaining a hurricane until only about 1200 UTC 24 September when it was centered about 35 n mi north of Beaumont, Texas.Of course, not that it matters at all since both SW La and SE Texas both endured a horrible beating from this Cat 3 storm.
All in all, it was a poor choice of words on my part. Instead of saying direct hit, which Texas certainly received, I should have said a landfalling hurricane whose eye and worst storm surge officially occurred at some point within the boundaries of Texas.
Meanwhile, back on topic - sorry for the detour.
I wasn't going to correct you because you are sooooo right in that we both took a horrible beating that day.
I'm not worried but I am following through with my hurricane preparation plan that begins when a storm is forecasted to enter the gulf. Being prepared generally lessens the anxiety.I do suggest that everyone reading these threads go fill up your cars, 4-wheelers, gas cans and fuel cells tomorrow because as Gus enters the Gulf the prices will certainly increase on this projected path. As for now my 6-7 day plan (Upon forecast of entering the Gulf) is to (1)begin bagging as much ice as my ice maker can produce (2) Fill all fuel and propane tanks at once (3) start filling freezer with water bottles (4) Keep laundry current (5) Inventory Freezers and try to use up as much as possible from freezer for this weeks meals (4) check storm2K at least every couple of hours.