[texgal]

Galveston has called for mandatory evacuations of the west part of the island - the part not protected by the sea wall. The city is evacuating people who have signed up (elderly and those who don't have cars) on busses they have staged in Texas City.

The evacuation from Rita cost the hospital almost $18 million, so they're being cautious this time. If this is coming in as a Cat 4, I'm pretty sure they will make the decision to evacuate patients.

[jpsb]

Glad to hear west end is under mandatory evacuation orders. Last I heard it was voluntary. No body wants to do another Rita like evac! Ike might not strengthen to a cat 4, it is still a cat 2. Friendswood should be OK. Seabrook, Khema, Clear Lake, LaPort waterfronts are going to get hammered. Texas City too.