ATL: IKE Discussion

[Innotech]

there is no dodging a bullet in a storm this big. Hell even terrebone parish didnt dodge a bullet.

[lisa0825]

Report I heard on KHOU on the radio was that the surge had been on the order of 10-12 ft as opposed to 20+ so far.

Friend in Texas City sad that they are faring OK so far. No power here in WHou. Only online a few minutes at a time for updates.

[fasterdisaster]

Does anyone know where exactly Mike Bettes is? All it says is "Houston" but Houston's a pretty big city and he's not downtown because if he was he'd be in well above hurricane-force winds, and he looks like he's on the west edge of the eye. Is he closer to the La Porte area?

[Matt-hurricanewatcher]

Listening to KFDM streaming... surge is in Bridge City and some people are asking to be rescued. They made contact with KFDM, saying they had 4 feet of salt water in their house and were asking for help. Sadly, they're on their own.

The surge is still rising and high tide is less than 30 minutes away. Sabine Pass surge is very high, set a record way earlier tonight and still rising.

Beaumont/Port Arthur area reported to be mostly without power. Very high, howling winds, sideways rain, etc.

Where are you right now? Did you go inland?

Heck yeah! Thanks for asking.

Do you think its like Rita for your area surge wise, it did top Rita's and Andreys record.

[fasterdisaster]

YEESH, there's that south eyewall on Clear Lake again. It's really too misty to even see the reverse surge.

[southerngale]

Do you think its like Rita for your area surge wise, it did top Rita's and Andreys record.

I don't yet know how bad the surge will end up being here as it's still rising, but just from what I already know, yes, worse than Rita. The winds.... I don't yet know the damage from Ike, but I doubt the wind damage could top Rita's.

[Innotech]

still gusting to 35 here and tornado warnings. This storm is going to cause a crazy amount of damage widespread across the gulf coast.

[fasterdisaster]

Half question/Half comment: If Ike caused 7 billion already not counting the last 24 hours on the north central Gulf Coast wouldn't it only need to do 20 billion in Texas? Since he didn't move like due north into the TX/LA border I think that's pretty much a given, so I'm pretty sure Ike is the second costliest hurricane in US history (unadjusted of course)

[soonertwister]

I'm gonna get some shuteye and try to get up fairly early in the morning. No rest for the weary. Goodnight, all.

[Derek Ortt]

Do you think its like Rita for your area surge wise, it did top Rita's and Andreys record.

I don't yet know how bad the surge will end up being here as it's still rising, but just from what I already know, yes, worse than Rita. The winds.... I don't yet know the damage from Ike, but I doubt the wind damage could top Rita's.

It will be very touch an go regarding the winds in that area.

In Rita, Beaumont/Port Arthur received cat 1 winds with gusts to about 115 mph. I THINK those winds will remain just to the west this time. It will be very close though

[jlauderdal]

alot of people will be able to say they experienced an eye/eyewall

[Derek Ortt]

96 mph gust at Port Arthur

[jimguru]

ABC 13 Houston roving reporting driving in Metro Houston Jeff Ehling reporting numerous windows " blown /broken out" of numerous buildings. " The blinds are flapping like flags down here."

[fasterdisaster]

Sounds like Alicia type damage happening in downtown Houston with winds funneling between the buildings right now.

[Innotech]

people say Houston got the weaker side of the storm but all these reports of 100 mph gusts in downtown Houston is making me think there will be significant damage to buildings. This could very well be an extremely expensive storm. TWC continues to have amazing footage.

[fasterdisaster]

Almost seems like his eye is improving on IR?

[Normandy]

One good thing will come out of this.

The phrase "Its only a 2" will NEVER be used again.

[Normandy]

CNN reporting some infrastructure damage along I-45 south of Houston

[HurricaneQueen]

WOW!!! What a night. I can't believe I've stayed up all night watching IKE. Really need to go to bed (Hubby just left for work- ) but want to see what happens with the back side of the storm in Galveston Bay at high tide. Guess I am hooked.

I switched around earlier to all the major TV stations plus caught some of the online broadcasts out of Texas and I agree the TWC was head and shoulders above the others both in coverage and professionalism. Of course, they had their best meteorologists out in field (IMHO) and had minimal commercials and elevator muzak.

My thoughts and prayers are with all who were and continue to be affected by this storm in TX, LA, MS and AL as well as the first responders and officials who had to make hard calls, utility workers and, of course, the TV stations and their brave men and women in the field. Kudos to all.

Lynn

P.S. Even though the banner under Mike Bettis says Houston, he is still in Clear Lakes.

[KBBOCA]

ABC 13 is showing video of a vortex in downtown Houston right by the JP Morgan Chase building. Looks like windows are blown out in several of the buildings in that area.