Hurricane Rita and Texas

[LSevcik]

Hi All! It looks like Houston/Galveston will have a difficult time with Hurricane Rita. Currently it is predicted to hit just south of Galveston and is strengthening as it approaches. If it stays on its course and at a Cat 5 Galveston will look the same as Gulfport and Biloxi. I plan to stay in Houston so once the storm is through and we get electricity again I and other Houston teams will give you an update. It's going to be really tough for FIRST teams in the South this season. Take care.

[sciguy125]

Originally Posted by LSevcik

I plan to stay in Houston...

Um...I don't want to sound rude or anything, but is that really a good idea? I'm pretty sure that a Cat 5 will level anything in it's path. Aside from that, one of the issues in New Orleans was that there were people that needed to be rescued. Then they complained because help didn't come soon enough. If everyone had left, however, nobody would have needed rescue. I'm sure Houston won't flood, but still...

[Greg Perkins]

easy man,

it's their choice to leave, same as it was in New Orleans, granted there was a mandatory evacuation, those who refused to leave were left knowing that they were on their own. So if they decide to stay, it's their own live's they are risking. besiides last weather report i watched said Rita is starting to turn more north and aim more at the coast where the majority of texas' oil refinereies and offshore rigs are. So Houston should be out of the direct path.

Speaking of gas, i went to fill up today, planning on the rise of prices within the next 24 hours...even in NH i tried to stop at 3 stations and 2 of them had dry tanks. Can we say gas shortage...again??

[sure_smile]

i just hope that everyone stays safe...we have a bunch of really good friends that are evacuating and last we heard they were stuck in traffic. for the people sticking it out, i wish you good luck and hope everything goes okay, and that your communities and your teams are able to get back on your feet quickly!

[Erin Rapacki]

My brother had just moved to Houston earlier this month for a Music Teaching job. He was one of the lucky ones. Turns out he had planned on flying back to CT to see his girlfriend anyway, so all he had to do was transfer his plane ticket from Saturday morning to Thursday morning.

I was very relieved to hear that. Now it's my Aunt's family in Lake Charles, LA that I have to worry about.

I wish the best of luck and circumstances for everyone in those coastal areas.

As for gas? I used to be a road warrior, but now I've stopped driving (almost entirely). College kids can't afford these prices!