Texas -- Who does what or not!?!

[x-y-no]

Well, I think we on Storm2K need to set a precedent. DO NOT go to WORK tomorrow! Back one another up and tell everyone that you know and love that they should do the same. By tomorrow night people will not be able to travel safely in Houston. UGH!!! SKIP WORK for one day or two, it's not worth the chance.

That's a tough call to make as the last thign some people need is to put jobs at risk.

My hope is that Harris County orders an evac for my zip code as we're smack in between the Brazoria mandatory evac and the Galveston voluntary evac.

My suggestion is that you proceed with preparations on the assumption that they will order evac.

[jasons2k]

I'm watching Channel 2. Just had on Judge Ed Emmett (County Commissioner?). He said they are not anticipating any mandatory evacs at this time for Harris County and no plans for contraflow. He said they are meeting with the mayor at 7AM to discuss "where we go from here".

I'm biting my tongue so hard it could bleed, I'll just put it that way. I just don't get it. What has all the planning over the years been for if they're not using it for the worst hurricane to hit the state possibly since Carla??

[eaglegirl]

... As in so many other cases, knowledge is power...

I couldn't agree with you more. I have been in the room when I've heard the dreaded words "we don't have the time needed to do an evacuation". Those present knew that it was a "math" statement and decision.

When it becomes too late for a full evac, everyone is told to shelter in place.

If such a case would occur in your area, just because everyone could not get out in time would not mean that you would have to stay.

Quite honestly, if you were my family members, I would be finding out what factors were being considered as evacuation decisions were being made... especially on time issues.

Ike looks like a very ornery critter.

[Raider Power]

I'm watching Channel 2. Just had on Judge Ed Emmett (County Commissioner?). He said they are not anticipating any mandatory evacs at this time for Harris County and no plans for contraflow. He said they are meeting with the mayor at 7AM to discuss "where we go from here".

I'm biting my tongue so hard it could bleed, I'll just put it that way. I just don't get it. What has all the planning over the years been for if they're not using it for the worst hurricane to hit the state possibly since Carla??

If I had to guess, I think they are downplaying things a little right now to assure a timely evacuation of the surge areas can take place. He did state that it is vitally important that the freeways be used as little as is possible tomorrow to allow coastal residents to move freely.

[ak8s]

Texas A&M Galveston campus shut down at 5pm today and evacuated student to the main campus. They didn't wait for the mayor to give the green light. Good on them!

[jasons2k]

Roads are clear:
http://traffic.houstontranstar.org/layers/

[TexasSam]

I wonder if this all could be a very creative way of avoiding the traffic nightmare of Hurrican Rita? If I remember the Houston area freeways were mostly clear of traffic nearly 24 hours before Rita hit.

As I said some where on here...about 9:00pm I got a recorded call from the Baytown Mayor telling me that people in the zip code 77520 that live near the water, of in mobile homes should evaccuate.

[mattpetre]

I wonder if this all could be a very creative way of avoiding the traffic nightmare of Hurrican Rita? If I remember the Houston area freeways were mostly clear of traffic nearly 24 hours before Rita hit.

As I said some where on here...about 9:00pm I got a recorded call from the Baytown Mayor telling me that people in the zip code 77520 that live near the water, of in mobile homes should evaccuate.

Creative? Well creativity killed the best of me. 10,000 maniacs quote... Seriously, that seems kinda "great right wing conpiracy"-ish to me. If that's the case it's really pretty cruddy, not to be up front and honest with the public.

[bob rulz]

I have already decided I will "work" from home tomorrow. I will tell my boss that if he doesn't like it, he can come visit me Saturday morning and tell me how much. I have been so frustrated all day today. When I was a kid, if we had a little snow (N. Mississippi) school was out. There was no huge threat, but the school district didn't want the liability. Seems to me that HISD is taking on a HUGE liability tonight. I for one will hold them partially accountable if evacs go all wrong yet again.

Yeah I find this pretty ironic.

Schools and businesses in the South will close because of a trace of snow yet will stay open when a major hurricane is approaching and people need to start evacuating.

[x-y-no]

Locking this.

Use the "ATL IKE / Obs / Preparations / Web Cams / All of Texas Coast" thread to discuss evacuation and preparations.

And please, lets all try to be calm.