[dirtboy]

Houston would fair much better in a Katrina type storm since Houston is on higher ground, but it would still be very very bad.

Houston is on higher ground. The refineries aren't.

[jpsb]

Refineries are well above sealevel 12' at least. I know as worked on the Shell Oil refinery in Deer Park long long time ago. Not sure how high Exxon at Baytown is, but I am sure it is similar. Texas City refineries are older but they too are well above sea level.

I am not saying the Houston area refineries could ride out a katrina like storm without serious damage. Just that after the storm the refineries would not be under water and the to and from roads would not be underwater either. Also keep in mind that Houston is 50 miles inland from the Gulf of Mexico.

Hopefully there will be no more Katrinas this year. Local folklore has it that every winter with snow is followed by a major huricane, Houston had a white Christmas last winter.