My Dad drove in to Columbus, because it turns out (I didn't know this earlier) they only have about $90 on them, problems with their last retirement check or whatever (they live check to check with nothing extra), and my sister sent them money Western Union. Well, the store in Columbus was already closed, so no money from Western Union. But my Dad reports that I-10 in Columbus is a parking lot, barely moving. Highway 90 (about 15 miles south of I-10) is moving slowly, and is also bumper to bumper. They will be heading west on Highway 90, hoping to head north on 77, but I'm betting anything it's already a parking lot.
My Dad said "If 77 isn't moving, we'll probably just come back home and stay at the shelter (Rice High School)." I told him not to do that because -- what are they going to do after the storm passes? No power for a week, flooded roads -- then they'll never get out. So hopefully they can get far enough north and west in short enough time to catch something eastbound towards Texarkana. If they can get that far, they should be fine the rest of the way here to Tennessee.
My brother, on the other hand is hard-headed, and will be staying. He lives near Highway 59 at West Bellfort in southwest Houston. He couldn't get out now, anyway, so he doesn't have a choice at this point. But he probably would have stayed anyway (he's just stubborn like that). He also lives in a bad neighborhood, has had a few burglaries, and was concerned about looting (even pre-storm looting) if he left.
A whole lot of folks are in need of a whole lot of prayer right now. Thanks.
Nothing to be ashamed of. If they can keep a few hundred in CASH hidden away for emergencies like this, they could relax a little. Rich or poor, cash is King.
In an emergency, a pauper with a twenty is worth more than a millionnaire with a bazillion credit cards.
Sunny days are ahead. God bless you and yours.