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Locked on 09/22/2005 3:40:46 AM PDT by Jim Robinson, reason:
New thread: http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/news/1489163/posts |
Posted on 09/21/2005 4:19:11 PM PDT by NautiNurse
Extremely dangerous and large Category Five Hurricane Rita is churning westward across the Gulf of Mexico toward Texas. Air Force Reconnaissance indicated the central pressure has dropped to 904mb, making Rita the fifth most intense hurricane ever in the Atlantic Basin.
Hurricane and Tropical Storm Watches have been issued from Northern Mexico through the South Louisiana coastline. Galveston TX used school buses to evacuate residents. Mandatory and voluntary evacuations are in effect along the Texas coastline.
The following links are self-updating:
Public Advisory Currently published every 3 hours 5A, 8A, 11A, 2P, etc. ET
NHC Discussion Published every six hours 6A, 11A, 6P, 11P
Three Day Forecast Track
Five Day Forecast Track
Rita Forecast Track Archive
Forecast Models
Buoy Data Western Gulf of Mexico
Current Weather Warnings and Watches for Texas
Current Weather Warnings and Watches for Louisiana
Images:
Storm Floater IR Loop
GOM WV Loop
GOM IR Still Image
Visible Storm Floater Still (only visible during daylight hours)
Color Enhanced Atlantic Loop
Streaming Video: (coverage may be intermittent)
KHOU-TV/DT Houston: mms://beloint.wm.llnwd.net/beloint_khou
WWLTV NOLA
Additional Resources:
FReeper Sign In Thread Check in to let us know whether you are staying, going, and when you get there
FReepers Offering Lodging To Rita Evacuees People and/or Pet Friendly FReepers Offering Shelter
Coastal TX Evacuation Maps
KHOU Houston
KTRK ABC News Houston
Hurricane City
Wxnation Houston
Galveston Webcams
Golden Triangle Weather Page Provides Galveston Weather, Warnings, Radar, etc.
| Category | Wind Speed | Barometric Pressure | Storm Surge | Damage Potential |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tropical Depression |
< 39 mph < 34 kts |
Minimal | ||
| Tropical Storm |
39 - 73 mph 34 - 63 kts |
Minimal | ||
| Hurricane 1 (Weak) |
74 - 95 mph 64 - 82 kts |
28.94" or more 980.02 mb or more |
4.0' - 5.0' 1.2 m - 1.5 m |
Minimal damage to vegetation |
| Hurricane 2 (Moderate) |
96 - 110 mph 83 - 95 kts |
28.50" - 28.93" 965.12 mb - 979.68 mb |
6.0' - 8.0' 1.8 m - 2.4 m |
Moderate damage to houses |
| Hurricane 3 (Strong) |
111 - 130 mph 96 - 112 kts |
27.91" - 28.49" 945.14 mb - 964.78 mb |
9.0' - 12.0' 2.7 m - 3.7 m |
Extensive damage to small buildings |
| Hurricane 4 (Very strong) |
131 - 155 mph 113 - 135 kts |
27.17" - 27.90" 920.08 mb - 944.80 mb |
13.0' - 18.0' 3.9 m - 5.5 m |
Extreme structural damage |
| Hurricane 5 (Devastating) |
Greater than 155 mph Greater than 135 kts |
Less than 27.17" Less than 920.08 mb |
Greater than 18.0' Greater than 5.5m |
Catastrophic building failures possible |
Previous Threads:
Hurricane Rita Live Thread, Part II
Hurricane Rita Live Thread, Part I
Tropical Storm Rita
Tropical Depression 18
Wouldn't that be the "udder" coast, the one with all the slicone?
From my driving experience, drive at night, sleep in the morning after daybreak, and drive more in the afternoon. If you can - it's easier for me as I work rotating shifts. Night is day is night. But you can cover good mileage at night, and I think it's safer in rest areas during the day when people are more prevalent.
Prayer can help for those on the sidelines - but if you are in a hurricane's path, you can pack up the family car, drive AND pray at the same time.
Sorry for the delay in responding. I've been securing the valuables.
Yeh, I'll give my "live" report from Austin.
I've talked to relatives all over the state. It sounds like the entire state of Texas is preparing for Rita!
Katlyn...I am talking to you seriously...what do you mean "is it coming to Houston?'
That would be the storm system that dropped a tornado in Minneapolis earlier this evening.
It looks like the eastern eyewall will hit Houston. This is NOT good, because of Surge effects.
I actually get to talk about a hurricane that's not about to hit me.
Some FReepers that are evacuating could find themselves in some unusual and uncomfortable situations before this thing is over with. If any of you need my help, please do not hesitate to contact me. I am single (4 dogs only) and am willing to drive to help FReepers in need. Anyone in trouble should contact us here on FR...Freepers are everywhere and a generous group. We may be able to find you help that you can't find by yourself...use us.
I bought 4cases of beer, 4 boxes of ammo and a box of Little Debbies. I'm gonna hunker down. Wish me luck. I may need it.
LOL!
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1488924/posts?page=591#591
I have been hearing an TWC that they are not able to keep up that cat 5 rating for long periods of time. I think they kind of out run themselves and reduce in strength.
...Category five Rita continuing to strengthen over the central Gulf of Mexico...
Movement toward...west near 9 mph. Maximum sustained winds...175 mph. Minimum central pressure... 897 mb.
Hurricane force winds extend outward up to 70 miles...110 km... from the center...and tropical storm force winds extend outward up to 185 miles...295 km.
...Category five Rita continuing to strengthen over the central Gulf of Mexico...
Movement toward...west near 9 mph. Maximum sustained winds...175 mph. Minimum central pressure... 897 mb.
Hurricane force winds extend outward up to 70 miles...110 km... from the center...and tropical storm force winds extend outward up to 185 miles...295 km.
It means if you are in Houston, it's time to get the hell outta Dodge...
Wow. That storm is about an hour out from where i am located.
The finasl gasp of humidity for the summer. Wicked storms all over this area up here tonite. Still going too.
Will you call my Dad for me and tell him if they don't leave, you'll put out a contract for a 'hit' on him? That's about the only thing that'll change his mind! My Mom can't even swim.
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