Houblog

Still here. Still no rain. Ike’s front edge may be getting sheared off, and it’s swallowed some dry air. If that makes it sputter, great, but the surge is still going to be there, no matter what. Too late for that to change.

Confirmed report of two fires in Galveston, unknown how many homes are involved in the second one.

Note about my earlier risk estimate: that’s based on the full zone A and B, and is a WAG. If it’s just the eastern portions closer to the bay, we may luck out and only have 2-300,000 at risk. I really, really hope that 40% figure is way high.

“Only,” he says.

Might be last post. Power blinked again. 250k people without power by now. Estimates that there may be a few million without power, and it may take a couple of weeks to restore it inland, a month along the cost.

Outer bands about to hit my area.

There’s a lot of reporters in Galveston and the shore of the bay. Wonder how many of them we’re going to lose?

Still much less wind than expected. No rain here yet. First death reported.

Traffic cameras at I-10 and San Jac river no longer reporting on HCOEM site. Let me rephrase: no longer listed. Not the usual “No Data Available.” An attempt to save their server bandwidth?

Power steady at the moment.

Last data from tide gauge at the Battleship Texas was a couple of hours ago. About 5 feet over normal:

,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,Date/Time Pre. Obs. Res. Wsp. Wdr. Wgt. Bar. Air Water Humid
(Local Time) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (ft.) (ft.) (ft.) (kts.) (true) (kts.) (mb.) (oF) (oF) (%)
09/12/2008 00:00:00 CDT 0.63 1.89 1.26 -999 -999 -999 -999.9 81.7 86.2 -999.9
09/12/2008 00:06:00 CDT 0.62 1.89 1.27 -999 -999 -999 -999.9 -99.9 -99.9 -999.9
09/12/2008 00:12:00 CDT 0.60 1.90 1.30 -999 -999 -999 -999.9 -99.9 -99.9 -999.9
09/12/2008 00:18:00 CDT 0.59 1.90 1.31 -999 -999 -999 -999.9 -99.9 -99.9 -999.9
09/12/2008 00:24:00 CDT 0.58 1.91 1.33 -999 -999 -999 -999.9 -99.9 -99.9 -999.9
09/12/2008 00:30:00 CDT 0.57 1.91 1.34 -999 -999 -999 -999.9 -99.9 -99.9 -999.9
09/12/2008 00:36:00 CDT 0.56 1.91 1.35 -999 -999 -999 -999.9 -99.9 -99.9 -999.9
09/12/2008 00:42:00 CDT 0.55 1.92 1.37 -999 -999 -999 -999.9 -99.9 -99.9 -999.9
09/12/2008 00:48:00 CDT 0.54 1.93 1.39 -999 -999 -999 -999.9 -99.9 -99.9 -999.9
09/12/2008 00:54:00 CDT 0.53 1.95 1.42 -999 -999 -999 -999.9 -99.9 -99.9 -999.9
09/12/2008 01:00:00 CDT 0.53 1.96 1.43 -999 -999 -999 -999.9 80.8 86.0 -999.9
09/12/2008 01:06:00 CDT 0.52 1.97 1.45 -999 -999 -999 -999.9 -99.9 -99.9 -999.9
09/12/2008 01:12:00 CDT 0.52 1.99 1.47 -999 -999 -999 -999.9 -99.9 -99.9 -999.9
09/12/2008 01:18:00 CDT 0.52 2.01 1.49 -999 -999 -999 -999.9 -99.9 -99.9 -999.9
09/12/2008 01:24:00 CDT 0.51 2.02 1.51 -999 -999 -999 -999.9 -99.9 -99.9 -999.9
09/12/2008 01:30:00 CDT 0.51 2.04 1.53 -999 -999 -999 -999.9 -99.9 -99.9 -999.9
09/12/2008 01:36:00 CDT 0.51 2.06 1.55 -999 -999 -999 -999.9 -99.9 -99.9 -999.9
09/12/2008 01:42:00 CDT 0.52 2.07 1.55 -999 -999 -999 -999.9 -99.9 -99.9 -999.9
09/12/2008 01:48:00 CDT 0.52 2.09 1.57 -999 -999 -999 -999.9 -99.9 -99.9 -999.9
09/12/2008 01:54:00 CDT 0.52 2.11 1.59 -999 -999 -999 -999.9 -99.9 -99.9 -999.9
09/12/2008 02:00:00 CDT 0.52 2.13 1.61 -999 -999 -999 -999.9 80.4 86.0 -999.9
09/12/2008 02:06:00 CDT 0.53 2.15 1.62 -999 -999 -999 -999.9 -99.9 -99.9 -999.9
09/12/2008 02:12:00 CDT 0.54 2.17 1.63 -999 -999 -999 -999.9 -99.9 -99.9 -999.9
09/12/2008 02:18:00 CDT 0.55 2.19 1.64 -999 -999 -999 -999.9 -99.9 -99.9 -999.9
09/12/2008 02:24:00 CDT 0.56 2.20 1.64 -999 -999 -999 -999.9 -99.9 -99.9 -999.9
09/12/2008 02:30:00 CDT 0.57 2.22 1.65 -999 -999 -999 -999.9 -99.9 -99.9 -999.9
09/12/2008 02:36:00 CDT 0.58 2.24 1.66 -999 -999 -999 -999.9 -99.9 -99.9 -999.9
09/12/2008 02:42:00 CDT 0.59 2.26 1.67 -999 -999 -999 -999.9 -99.9 -99.9 -999.9
09/12/2008 02:48:00 CDT 0.61 2.28 1.67 -999 -999 -999 -999.9 -99.9 -99.9 -999.9
09/12/2008 02:54:00 CDT 0.62 2.30 1.68 -999 -999 -999 -999.9 -99.9 -99.9 -999.9
09/12/2008 03:00:00 CDT 0.64 2.32 1.68 -999 -999 -999 -999.9 80.8 85.8 -999.9
09/12/2008 03:06:00 CDT 0.66 2.35 1.69 -999 -999 -999 -999.9 -99.9 -99.9 -999.9
09/12/2008 03:12:00 CDT 0.68 2.38 1.70 -999 -999 -999 -999.9 -99.9 -99.9 -999.9
09/12/2008 03:18:00 CDT 0.70 2.41 1.71 -999 -999 -999 -999.9 -99.9 -99.9 -999.9
09/12/2008 03:24:00 CDT 0.72 2.44 1.72 -999 -999 -999 -999.9 -99.9 -99.9 -999.9
09/12/2008 03:30:00 CDT 0.73 2.47 1.74 -999 -999 -999 -999.9 -99.9 -99.9 -999.9
09/12/2008 03:36:00 CDT 0.76 2.51 1.75 -999 -999 -999 -999.9 -99.9 -99.9 -999.9
09/12/2008 03:42:00 CDT 0.78 2.55 1.77 -999 -999 -999 -999.9 -99.9 -99.9 -999.9
09/12/2008 03:48:00 CDT 0.80 2.59 1.79 -999 -999 -999 -999.9 -99.9 -99.9 -999.9
09/12/2008 03:54:00 CDT 0.83 2.62 1.79 -999 -999 -999 -999.9 -99.9 -99.9 -999.9
09/12/2008 04:00:00 CDT 0.85 2.67 1.82 -999 -999 -999 -999.9 80.6 85.8 -999.9
09/12/2008 04:06:00 CDT 0.88 2.71 1.83 -999 -999 -999 -999.9 -99.9 -99.9 -999.9
09/12/2008 04:12:00 CDT 0.90 2.75 1.85 -999 -999 -999 -999.9 -99.9 -99.9 -999.9
09/12/2008 04:18:00 CDT 0.93 2.78 1.85 -999 -999 -999 -999.9 -99.9 -99.9 -999.9
09/12/2008 04:24:00 CDT 0.95 2.81 1.86 -999 -999 -999 -999.9 -99.9 -99.9 -999.9
09/12/2008 04:30:00 CDT 0.98 2.84 1.86 -999 -999 -999 -999.9 -99.9 -99.9 -999.9
09/12/2008 04:36:00 CDT 1.01 2.87 1.86 -999 -999 -999 -999.9 -99.9 -99.9 -999.9
09/12/2008 04:42:00 CDT 1.03 2.90 1.87 -999 -999 -999 -999.9 -99.9 -99.9 -999.9
09/12/2008 04:48:00 CDT 1.06 2.93 1.87 -999 -999 -999 -999.9 -99.9 -99.9 -999.9
09/12/2008 04:54:00 CDT 1.09 2.96 1.87 -999 -999 -999 -999.9 -99.9 -99.9 -999.9
09/12/2008 05:00:00 CDT 1.12 2.99 1.87 -999 -999 -999 -999.9 79.9 85.6 -999.9
09/12/2008 05:06:00 CDT 1.15 3.01 1.86 -999 -999 -999 -999.9 -99.9 -99.9 -999.9
09/12/2008 05:12:00 CDT 1.17 3.03 1.86 -999 -999 -999 -999.9 -99.9 -99.9 -999.9
09/12/2008 05:18:00 CDT 1.20 3.06 1.86 -999 -999 -999 -999.9 -99.9 -99.9 -999.9
09/12/2008 05:24:00 CDT 1.23 3.08 1.85 -999 -999 -999 -999.9 -99.9 -99.9 -999.9
09/12/2008 05:30:00 CDT 1.26 3.10 1.84 -999 -999 -999 -999.9 -99.9 -99.9 -999.9
09/12/2008 05:36:00 CDT 1.29 3.12 1.83 -999 -999 -999 -999.9 -99.9 -99.9 -999.9
09/12/2008 05:42:00 CDT 1.32 3.13 1.81 -999 -999 -999 -999.9 -99.9 -99.9 -999.9
09/12/2008 05:48:00 CDT 1.35 3.15 1.80 -999 -999 -999 -999.9 -99.9 -99.9 -999.9
09/12/2008 05:54:00 CDT 1.37 3.17 1.80 -999 -999 -999 -999.9 -99.9 -99.9 -999.9
09/12/2008 06:00:00 CDT 1.40 3.20 1.80 -999 -999 -999 -999.9 79.7 85.6 -999.9
09/12/2008 06:06:00 CDT 1.43 3.21 1.78 -999 -999 -999 -999.9 -99.9 -99.9 -999.9
09/12/2008 06:12:00 CDT 1.46 3.23 1.77 -999 -999 -999 -999.9 -99.9 -99.9 -999.9
09/12/2008 06:18:00 CDT 1.49 3.26 1.77 -999 -999 -999 -999.9 -99.9 -99.9 -999.9
09/12/2008 06:24:00 CDT 1.51 3.28 1.77 -999 -999 -999 -999.9 -99.9 -99.9 -999.9
09/12/2008 06:30:00 CDT 1.54 3.30 1.76 -999 -999 -999 -999.9 -99.9 -99.9 -999.9
09/12/2008 06:36:00 CDT 1.56 3.33 1.77 -999 -999 -999 -999.9 -99.9 -99.9 -999.9
09/12/2008 06:42:00 CDT 1.59 3.35 1.76 -999 -999 -999 -999.9 -99.9 -99.9 -999.9
09/12/2008 06:48:00 CDT 1.61 3.37 1.76 -999 -999 -999 -999.9 -99.9 -99.9 -999.9
09/12/2008 06:54:00 CDT 1.64 3.41 1.77 -999 -999 -999 -999.9 -99.9 -99.9 -999.9
09/12/2008 07:00:00 CDT 1.66 3.44 1.78 -999 -999 -999 -999.9 79.3 85.6 -999.9
09/12/2008 07:06:00 CDT 1.68 3.47 1.79 -999 -999 -999 -999.9 -99.9 -99.9 -999.9
09/12/2008 07:12:00 CDT 1.71 3.51 1.80 -999 -999 -999 -999.9 -99.9 -99.9 -999.9
09/12/2008 07:18:00 CDT 1.73 3.53 1.80 -999 -999 -999 -999.9 -99.9 -99.9 -999.9
09/12/2008 07:24:00 CDT 1.75 3.56 1.81 -999 -999 -999 -999.9 -99.9 -99.9 -999.9
09/12/2008 07:30:00 CDT 1.77 3.59 1.82 -999 -999 -999 -999.9 -99.9 -99.9 -999.9
09/12/2008 07:36:00 CDT 1.78 3.61 1.83 -999 -999 -999 -999.9 -99.9 -99.9 -999.9
09/12/2008 07:42:00 CDT 1.80 3.62 1.82 -999 -999 -999 -999.9 -99.9 -99.9 -999.9
09/12/2008 07:48:00 CDT 1.82 3.64 1.82 -999 -999 -999 -999.9 -99.9 -99.9 -999.9
09/12/2008 07:54:00 CDT 1.83 3.66 1.83 -999 -999 -999 -999.9 -99.9 -99.9 -999.9
09/12/2008 08:00:00 CDT 1.85 3.68 1.83 -999 -999 -999 -999.9 80.4 85.5 -999.9
09/12/2008 08:06:00 CDT 1.86 3.70 1.84 -999 -999 -999 -999.9 -99.9 -99.9 -999.9
09/12/2008 08:12:00 CDT 1.88 3.73 1.85 -999 -999 -999 -999.9 -99.9 -99.9 -999.9
09/12/2008 08:18:00 CDT 1.89 3.77 1.88 -999 -999 -999 -999.9 -99.9 -99.9 -999.9
09/12/2008 08:24:00 CDT 1.90 3.81 1.91 -999 -999 -999 -999.9 -99.9 -99.9 -999.9
09/12/2008 08:30:00 CDT 1.91 3.84 1.93 -999 -999 -999 -999.9 -99.9 -99.9 -999.9
09/12/2008 08:36:00 CDT 1.92 3.87 1.95 -999 -999 -999 -999.9 -99.9 -99.9 -999.9
09/12/2008 08:42:00 CDT 1.93 3.90 1.97 -999 -999 -999 -999.9 -99.9 -99.9 -999.9
09/12/2008 08:48:00 CDT 1.94 3.93 1.99 -999 -999 -999 -999.9 -99.9 -99.9 -999.9
09/12/2008 08:54:00 CDT 1.94 3.96 2.02 -999 -999 -999 -999.9 -99.9 -99.9 -999.9
09/12/2008 09:00:00 CDT 1.95 3.99 2.04 -999 -999 -999 -999.9 82.8 85.5 -999.9
09/12/2008 09:06:00 CDT 1.95 4.01 2.06 -999 -999 -999 -999.9 -99.9 -99.9 -999.9
09/12/2008 09:12:00 CDT 1.96 4.03 2.07 -999 -999 -999 -999.9 -99.9 -99.9 -999.9
09/12/2008 09:18:00 CDT 1.96 4.04 2.08 -999 -999 -999 -999.9 -99.9 -99.9 -999.9
09/12/2008 09:24:00 CDT 1.96 4.06 2.10 -999 -999 -999 -999.9 -99.9 -99.9 -999.9
09/12/2008 09:30:00 CDT 1.97 4.07 2.10 -999 -999 -999 -999.9 -99.9 -99.9 -999.9
09/12/2008 09:36:00 CDT 1.97 4.09 2.12 -999 -999 -999 -999.9 -99.9 -99.9 -999.9
09/12/2008 09:42:00 CDT 1.97 4.11 2.14 -999 -999 -999 -999.9 -99.9 -99.9 -999.9
09/12/2008 09:48:00 CDT 1.97 4.12 2.15 -999 -999 -999 -999.9 -99.9 -99.9 -999.9
09/12/2008 09:54:00 CDT 1.96 4.15 2.19 -999 -999 -999 -999.9 -99.9 -99.9 -999.9
09/12/2008 10:00:00 CDT 1.96 4.17 2.21 -999 -999 -999 -999.9 84.4 85.3 -999.9
09/12/2008 10:06:00 CDT 1.96 4.20 2.24 -999 -999 -999 -999.9 -99.9 -99.9 -999.9
09/12/2008 10:12:00 CDT 1.96 4.22 2.26 -999 -999 -999 -999.9 -99.9 -99.9 -999.9
09/12/2008 10:18:00 CDT 1.95 4.25 2.30 -999 -999 -999 -999.9 -99.9 -99.9 -999.9
09/12/2008 10:24:00 CDT 1.95 4.27 2.32 -999 -999 -999 -999.9 -99.9 -99.9 -999.9
09/12/2008 10:30:00 CDT 1.94 4.28 2.34 -999 -999 -999 -999.9 -99.9 -99.9 -999.9
09/12/2008 10:36:00 CDT 1.94 4.31 2.37 -999 -999 -999 -999.9 -99.9 -99.9 -999.9
09/12/2008 10:42:00 CDT 1.93 4.34 2.41 -999 -999 -999 -999.9 -99.9 -99.9 -999.9
09/12/2008 10:48:00 CDT 1.93 4.36 2.43 -999 -999 -999 -999.9 -99.9 -99.9 -999.9
09/12/2008 10:54:00 CDT 1.92 4.39 2.47 -999 -999 -999 -999.9 -99.9 -99.9 -999.9
09/12/2008 11:00:00 CDT 1.91 4.43 2.52 -999 -999 -999 -999.9 85.5 85.3 -999.9
09/12/2008 11:06:00 CDT 1.90 4.46 2.56 -999 -999 -999 -999.9 -99.9 -99.9 -999.9
09/12/2008 11:12:00 CDT 1.89 4.49 2.60 -999 -999 -999 -999.9 -99.9 -99.9 -999.9
09/12/2008 11:18:00 CDT 1.89 4.52 2.63 -999 -999 -999 -999.9 -99.9 -99.9 -999.9
09/12/2008 11:24:00 CDT 1.88 4.56 2.68 -999 -999 -999 -999.9 -99.9 -99.9 -999.9
09/12/2008 11:30:00 CDT 1.87 4.60 2.73 -999 -999 -999 -999.9 -99.9 -99.9 -999.9
09/12/2008 11:36:00 CDT 1.86 4.64 2.78 -999 -999 -999 -999.9 -99.9 -99.9 -999.9
09/12/2008 11:42:00 CDT 1.85 4.67 2.82 -999 -999 -999 -999.9 -99.9 -99.9 -999.9
09/12/2008 11:48:00 CDT 1.83 4.71 2.88 -999 -999 -999 -999.9 -99.9 -99.9 -999.9
09/12/2008 11:54:00 CDT 1.82 4.74 2.92 -999 -999 -999 -999.9 -99.9 -99.9 -999.9
09/12/2008 12:00:00 CDT 1.81 4.78 2.97 -999 -999 -999 -999.9 85.5 85.5 -999.9
09/12/2008 12:06:00 CDT 1.80 4.82 3.02 -999 -999 -999 -999.9 -99.9 -99.9 -999.9
09/12/2008 12:12:00 CDT 1.79 4.85 3.06 -999 -999 -999 -999.9 -99.9 -99.9 -999.9
09/12/2008 12:18:00 CDT 1.78 4.88 3.10 -999 -999 -999 -999.9 -99.9 -99.9 -999.9
09/12/2008 12:24:00 CDT 1.77 4.90 3.13 -999 -999 -999 -999.9 -99.9 -99.9 -999.9
09/12/2008 12:30:00 CDT 1.75 4.94 3.19 -999 -999 -999 -999.9 -99.9 -99.9 -999.9
09/12/2008 12:36:00 CDT 1.74 4.97 3.23 -999 -999 -999 -999.9 -99.9 -99.9 -999.9
09/12/2008 12:42:00 CDT 1.73 5.00 3.27 -999 -999 -999 -999.9 -99.9 -99.9 -999.9
09/12/2008 12:48:00 CDT 1.72 5.03 3.31 -999 -999 -999 -999.9 -99.9 -99.9 -999.9
09/12/2008 12:54:00 CDT 1.71 5.06 3.35 -999 -999 -999 -999.9 -99.9 -99.9 -999.9
09/12/2008 13:00:00 CDT 1.70 5.10 3.40 -999 -999 -999 -999.9 86.2 85.6 -999.9
09/12/2008 13:06:00 CDT 1.69 5.12 3.43 -999 -999 -999 -999.9 -99.9 -99.9 -999.9
09/12/2008 13:12:00 CDT 1.67 5.16 3.49 -999 -999 -999 -999.9 -99.9 -99.9 -999.9
09/12/2008 13:18:00 CDT 1.66 5.19 3.53 -999 -999 -999 -999.9 -99.9 -99.9 -999.9
09/12/2008 13:24:00 CDT 1.65 5.23 3.58 -999 -999 -999 -999.9 -99.9 -99.9 -999.9
09/12/2008 13:30:00 CDT 1.64 5.27 3.63 -999 -999 -999 -999.9 -99.9 -99.9 -999.9
09/12/2008 13:36:00 CDT 1.64 5.31 3.67 -999 -999 -999 -999.9 -99.9 -99.9 -999.9
09/12/2008 13:42:00 CDT 1.63 5.35 3.72 -999 -999 -999 -999.9 -99.9 -99.9 -999.9
09/12/2008 13:48:00 CDT 1.62 5.40 3.78 -999 -999 -999 -999.9 -99.9 -99.9 -999.9
09/12/2008 13:54:00 CDT 1.61 5.45 3.84 -999 -999 -999 -999.9 -99.9 -99.9 -999.9
09/12/2008 14:00:00 CDT 1.60 5.50 3.90 -999 -999 -999 -999.9 84.7 85.8 -999.9
09/12/2008 14:06:00 CDT 1.60 5.56 3.96 -999 -999 -999 -999.9 -99.9 -99.9 -999.9
09/12/2008 14:12:00 CDT 1.59 5.60 4.01 -999 -999 -999 -999.9 -99.9 -99.9 -999.9
09/12/2008 14:18:00 CDT 1.59 5.65 4.06 -999 -999 -999 -999.9 -99.9 -99.9 -999.9
09/12/2008 14:24:00 CDT 1.58 5.69 4.11 -999 -999 -999 -999.9 -99.9 -99.9 -999.9
09/12/2008 14:30:00 CDT 1.58 5.73 4.15 -999 -999 -999 -999.9 -99.9 -99.9 -999.9
09/12/2008 14:36:00 CDT 1.57 5.76 4.19 -999 -999 -999 -999.9 -99.9 -99.9 -999.9
09/12/2008 14:42:00 CDT 1.57 5.79 4.22 -999 -999 -999 -999.9 -99.9 -99.9 -999.9
09/12/2008 14:48:00 CDT 1.57 5.82 4.25 -999 -999 -999 -999.9 -99.9 -99.9 -999.9
09/12/2008 14:54:00 CDT 1.56 5.86 4.30 -999 -999 -999 -999.9 -99.9 -99.9 -999.9
09/12/2008 15:00:00 CDT 1.56 5.90 4.34 -999 -999 -999 -999.9 84.0 86.0 -999.9
09/12/2008 15:06:00 CDT 1.56 5.95 4.39 -999 -999 -999 -999.9 -99.9 -99.9 -999.9
09/12/2008 15:12:00 CDT 1.56 6.00 4.44 -999 -999 -999 -999.9 -99.9 -99.9 -999.9
09/12/2008 15:18:00 CDT 1.56 6.05 4.49 -999 -999 -999 -999.9 -99.9 -99.9 -999.9
09/12/2008 15:24:00 CDT 1.56 6.10 4.54 -999 -999 -999 -999.9 -99.9 -99.9 -999.9
09/12/2008 15:30:00 CDT 1.56 6.16 4.60 -999 -999 -999 -999.9 -99.9 -99.9 -999.9
09/12/2008 15:36:00 CDT 1.56 6.22 4.66 -999 -999 -999 -999.9 -99.9 -99.9 -999.9
09/12/2008 15:42:00 CDT 1.56 6.28 4.72 -999 -999 -999 -999.9 -99.9 -99.9 -999.9
09/12/2008 15:48:00 CDT 1.56 6.34 4.78 -999 -999 -999 -999.9 -99.9 -99.9 -999.9
09/12/2008 15:54:00 CDT 1.57 6.38 4.81 -999 -999 -999 -999.9 -99.9 -99.9 -999.9
09/12/2008 16:00:00 CDT 1.57 6.43 4.86 -999 -999 -999 -999.9 85.6 86.0 -999.9
09/12/2008 16:06:00 CDT 1.57 6.47 4.90 -999 -999 -999 -999.9 -99.9 -99.9 -999.9
09/12/2008 16:12:00 CDT 1.57 6.51 4.94 -999 -999 -999 -999.9 -99.9 -99.9 -999.9
09/12/2008 16:18:00 CDT 1.58 6.54 4.96 -999 -999 -999 -999.9 -99.9 -99.9 -999.9
09/12/2008 16:24:00 CDT 1.58 6.58 5.00 -999 -999 -999 -999.9 -99.9 -99.9 -999.9
09/12/2008 16:30:00 CDT 1.58 6.61 5.03 -999 -999 -999 -999.9 -99.9 -99.9 -999.9
09/12/2008 16:36:00 CDT 1.59 6.64 5.05 -999 -999 -999 -999.9 -99.9 -99.9 -999.9
09/12/2008 16:42:00 CDT 1.59 6.66 5.07 -999 -999 -999 -999.9 -99.9 -99.9 -999.9
09/12/2008 16:48:00 CDT 1.59 6.67 5.08 -999 -999 -999 -999.9 -99.9 -99.9 -999.9
09/12/2008 16:54:00 CDT 1.60 6.68 5.08 -999 -999 -999 -999.9 -99.9 -99.9 -999.9
09/12/2008 17:00:00 CDT 1.60 6.69 5.09 -999 -999 -999 -999.9 84.2 86.0 -999.9
09/12/2008 17:06:00 CDT 1.60 6.69 5.09 -999 -999 -999 -999.9 -99.9 -99.9 -999.9
09/12/2008 17:12:00 CDT 1.60 6.70 5.10 -999 -999 -999 -999.9 -99.9 -99.9 -999.9
09/12/2008 17:18:00 CDT 1.61 6.69 5.08 -999 -999 -999 -999.9 -99.9 -99.9 -999.9
09/12/2008 17:24:00 CDT 1.61 6.67 5.06 -999 -999 -999 -999.9 -99.9 -99.9 -999.9
09/12/2008 17:30:00 CDT 1.61 6.64 5.03 -999 -999 -999 -999.9 -99.9 -99.9 -999.9
09/12/2008 17:36:00 CDT 1.62 6.61 4.99 -999 -999 -999 -999.9 -99.9 -99.9 -999.9
09/12/2008 17:42:00 CDT 1.62 6.57 4.95 -999 -999 -999 -999.9 -99.9 -99.9 -999.9
09/12/2008 17:48:00 CDT 1.62 6.53 4.91 -999 -999 -999 -999.9 -99.9 -99.9 -999.9
09/12/2008 17:54:00 CDT 1.62 6.52 4.90 -999 -999 -999 -999.9 -99.9 -99.9 -999.9
09/12/2008 18:00:00 CDT 1.62 6.51 4.89 -999 -999 -999 -999.9 83.7 85.8 -999.9
09/12/2008 18:06:00 CDT 1.62 6.48 4.86 -999 -999 -999 -999.9 -99.9 -99.9 -999.9
09/12/2008 18:12:00 CDT 1.63 6.47 4.84 -999 -999 -999 -999.9 -99.9 -99.9 -999.9
09/12/2008 18:18:00 CDT 1.63 6.46 4.83 -999 -999 -999 -999.9 -99.9 -99.9 -999.9
09/12/2008 18:24:00 CDT 1.63 6.45 4.82 -999 -999 -999 -999.9 -99.9 -99.9 -999.9
09/12/2008 18:30:00 CDT 1.62 6.45 4.83 -999 -999 -999 -999.9 -99.9 -99.9 -999.9
09/12/2008 18:36:00 CDT 1.62 6.41 4.79 -999 -999 -999 -999.9 -99.9 -99.9 -999.9
09/12/2008 18:42:00 CDT 1.62 6.41 4.79 -999 -999 -999 -999.9 -99.9 -99.9 -999.9
09/12/2008 18:48:00 CDT 1.62 6.41 4.79 -999 -999 -999 -999.9 -99.9 -99.9 -999.9
09/12/2008 18:54:00 CDT 1.62 6.40 4.78 -999 -999 -999 -999.9 -99.9 -99.9 -999.9

Galeveston Bay buoy reports storm surge at 9.3 feet.

Power blinked. May lose it entirely soon.

Moving one of the trucks backfired. The configuration of the buildings put it in a “chute” and some molding got ripped off already. We debated going to retrieve it but decided it’s a bad idea.

From Dr. Jeff Masters:

I’ve given the mistaken impression that the Galveston sea wall will save the city from inundation. That is not the case. The wall merely protects the city from a frontal assault by the storm surge and the 20 foot waves likely to be on top of the surge. Ike will flood the city of Galveston. However, the predicted level of surge will be just beneath the sea wall. If the surge exceeds the 17 foot forecast, it will overtop the sea wall and act like a battering ram against the buildings in Galveston. It is also possible that the sea wall will be destroyed along some sections, allowing the ocean direct access to Galveston.

The situation is also grim for Port Arthur, Texas, on the Louisiana border. The expected storm surge of 15-20 feet will overtop the city’s seawall by six feet, resulting in flooding of the city and a number of major oil refineries. Expect a significant tightening of gas supplies in coming months, due to extensive damage to the oil refineries in the Houston and Port Arthur area.

Rita gave us a wake-up call. Nobody answered.

Just spent a few minutes outside. Stronger winds, a few gusts probably to tropical storm strength. Out of due north now. Clouds moving very fast across the sky.

Look at the pressure drop. Text at the top of the third chart gives the actual value.

Going to quickie twitter-style posts now until I lose power.

7pm: wind is picking up. Concerned about gas storage; have to keep it outside due to fumes. Started to move it indoors and cut hot water heater. Decided was too much fumes to risk, moved it back out. Burning Down the House needs to remain a song. Yacht storage on fire in Galveston. Rain bands hitting southern Houston, nothing here yet.

I have been doing far more running around than I planned. The city is shutting down bit by bit; I took pictures while I was out today, and will be posting them in a bit.

No traffic out there. Great time to evacuate, people.

As one reporter pointed out last night, the storm surge is going to arrive tonight in the dark, after power has failed. And as I put it, your current opinion of the foolishness of evacuating is going to be pretty damned cold comfort, when you’re standing in chest deep water, trying to shove granny on the roof in 95mph winds (and waves). Hint: it ain’t happening. You’re toast.

Personally, I’d like to urge the folks in Zones Coastal and A who chose to remain behind to follow these instructions:

Instead of relying o­n a “Good Samaritan” policy - the fantasy in New Orleans that everyone would take care of the neighbors - the Virginia rescue workers go door to door. If people resist the plea to leave, Mr. Judkins told The Daily Press in Newport News, rescue workers give them Magic Markers and ask them to write their Social Security numbers o­n their body parts so they can be identified.

“It’s cold, but it’s effective,” Mr. Judkins explained.

I hear hammers. Someone else is boarding up. Not like I can look out my window to see who…

Ike is beginning to strengthen slowly. At least I hope it is slowly. What we’ve been seeing has been an unusually long and drawn-out eyewall replacement. From KHOU:

Six hours after the National Hurricane Center forecast that Ike would make landfall on or near Galveston as a minimal Category 1 hurricane, forecasters now predict the hurricane will strengthen to a Category 3.

Guys, don’t lay this one at the feet of the NHC. You laid this turkey egg on your own. If you’ve been reading the damned discussion, you’d know that.

(Note: See the updates to the prior post. I’m putting more general updates there until my next full post. I’m keeping this post focused on traffic management.)
(Note 2: I’ve noticed a spike in traffic thanks to Brendan’s linkage. FYI, if you’re inclined to comment, you must register, and the first comment has to be held until I approve it. Sorry, but there’s a spambot somewhere with my number.

So where are the contraflow lanes? The state and county spent several million dollars setting up the ability to run contraflow lanes out of Houston, and they should have been open today. Why weren’t they? Take a look at these traffic camera pictures, taken only minutes ago:

I picked cameras as far out as possible to take the images from.

Houston Transtar, which monitors regional traffic and is the local Disaster HQ for Harris County and Houston, has scheduled a 10 p.m. news conference. Perhaps they’ll let us know something then?

Freeways out of town that are currently clear: I-10 East, Hwy 249 (northwest); Hwy 290 (northwest) is mostly clear. Hwy 90 isn’t a freeway but for a few miles, but it’s probably good too.

Maybe if more people saw the traffic moving, and weren’t hearing horror stories from their neighbors stuck in traffic, they would be willing to leave.

(edited for clarity at 9:15pm)

Update: Photo by KTRK ABC Ch. 13, taken around 9 PM:

Update 2: Tom Kirkendall explains the traffic jam!

By the way, speaking of poor decisions, what on earth is the University of Houston doing playing Air Force in Dallas on Saturday afternoon (they were scheduled to play on the UH campus)? Not only is it irresponsible for UH officials to suggest that students and other supporters of the program clog one of the main evacuation routes out of Houston to attend the game, the game itself is likely to be played in driving rain and tropical storm-force winds as Ike passes through the Dallas area on Saturday afternoon. I know this is Texas and all, but Is it really that important to play a non-conference football game?

(h/t to Kevin Whited of blogHOUSTON.) Also in that thread, there’s a link to pictures that bH regulars are taking and uploading.

From the Chron:

“Those who stay here and don’t voluntarily evacuate, we are asking to stay at home,” Galveston Mayor Lyda Ann Thomas said. “We don’t want to evacuate the island, that’s the last thing we would want to do.”

Officials had been criticized for ordering a mandatory evacuation when Hurricane Rita sideswiped Galveston in 2005 and were determined not to order an evacuation this year unless it was necessary.

This is seriously worrying me. Because of the cluster-fuck that Rita’s evac turned into, too many officials may be gun shy. Add to that, Ike has an unusually low wind speed for such a powerful hurricane, and we could be setting up for a hell of a sucker punch, if Ike suddenly tightens up and makes it to the Cat 4 strength that its barometric pressure indicates.