Remember the morning before Katrina hit- the NWS issued that incredible statement "Devastating damage expected.." and some of us thought it was a hoax for a little while- because it was SO dramatic ???
They released it around 10 AM on Sunday...I'm wondering if something similar will come out tomorrow morning.
I do remember that. Curdled my blood. Indeed, seemed to be a hoax.
I think I've already seen the dire damage alerts. Check weather warning links in red at the top of the thread.
It is worth reading. Gives the different gradations of severity.
As of late afternoon...Hurricane rita was approaching the northwestern portions of the gulf...And is expected to continue moving west-northwest. Rita is forecast to reach the upper texas coast as a category 4 hurricane late friday night or early saturday morning. Hurricane force winds are expected to reach the coastal counties early saturday morning and spread inland across the eastern part of southeast texas throughout the day saturday. Tropical storm force winds will spread inland throughout the day saturday across the western sections of our area.
For sustained wind 90 to 110 mph with gusts 115 to 135 mph: extremely dangerous winds will cause extensive damage...All mobile homes will be destroyed!
Structural damage: houses of poor to average construction will be destroyed or severely damaged. Moderate to major damage of well constructed houses will include failure of up to one half of all gabled roofs. In addition....Up to one quarter of exterior walls will fail.
Aluminum and light weight steel roofs will be torn off buildings at industrial parks. Partial roof and exterior wall failures are likely at low rise apartment buildings...Especially those of poor to average construction. Most windows in high rise office buildings will be blown out...With other minor to moderate damage possible due to swaying.
Airborne debris of light to moderate weight will cause additional major damage...As well as injuries and a few fatalities.
Near total power loss is expected. Up to one half of all power poles will be knocked down...And hundreds of transformers will pop. The availability of potable water will be diminished as filtration systems begin to fail.
Natural damage: thousands of trees will be severely damaged. Up to three quarters of all healthy small to medium sized trees will snap or be uprooted... Most common on saturated ground. Up to one half of healthy large trees will snap or be uprooted. Severe damage is expected to citrus orchards...Some orchards may be destroyed. Most newly planted ground crops will be wiped out. Livestock left outside will be injured... Some critically. A few livestock deaths are likely.
For sustained wind 110 to 130 mph with gusts 140 mph or more:
catastrophic damage expected to man made and natural structures!
Houses of poor to average construction will be severely damaged or destroyed. Well constructed homes will have substantial damage to roof and walls. Destruction may occur to homes with gabled roofs... With the wind lifting them off. More than half of all industrial buildings will be destroyed...Others will have partial roof and wall damage. Wood framed garden apartment buildings will be severely damaged or destroyed...And others will have partial roof and wall failures.
High rise office buildings will sway dangerously. Most windows will be blown out...And moderate structural damage is possible.
Airborne debris...Some pieces greater than 50 pounds...Will cause extensive damage. Persons...Pets...And livestock exposed to the winds are at great risk for injury or death.
Electricity and water will be unavailable for days...And perhaps weeks...After the storm passes. The majority of trees will be snapped and uprooted...Most common among those of small and medium size. Citrus orchards will be destroyed as will all newly planted ground crops. Established ground crops will have damage...With up to one half of fields no longer arable. Livestock exposed to the winds will be critically injured or killed.
Persons in the region should take action to secure trash cans...Lawn furniture...And other loose or lightweight outdoor objects. High winds can topple trees...Blow weakened roofs off houses...And down power lines.
Hurricane rita is comparable to hurricane carla of 1961...The last destructive category 4 storm to hit the upper texas coast.
Stay tuned to noaa weather radio...Commercial radio or television stations...Or your cable television provider for the latest information concerning hurricane rita.