Please limit graphics to ~50kb, no animated graphics...and don't hotlink Associated Press, Getty, etc. images.
Once again...there are FReepers, family members, and their property in harm's way. Use good judgement in posting comments.
NN,
Rika checking in. decided to head to San Antonio when we lost water as well as power. One I can do, not both.
Back fence is gone, some shingles missing, that is going to be a fun insurance claim. The storm last night actually did more damage than the hurricane. The neighborhood flooding from last night was awful. It took me three hours to get out of Houston.
Haven’t seen the news yet, but everyone that I have talked to is basically without power and water, gas is in massive shortage, and you run the risk on your life at the intersections that don’t have working lights. (most of them)
High water is/was just about everywhere and they expect another storm tonight.
I will head home Tuesday after I get a plan of action for what needs to be done.
The Psycho and I are ok, just shaken up, nothing broken that can’t be fixed.
RS
To any and all:
Any word on things in Sulphur Springs (east of Dallas)?
A friend moved there not two weeks ago and her phone isn’t working. I know the storm went right over there yesterday.
This is from an email I received from my niece who lives (lived?) in Galveston, sad but grateful news. They’re tough kids, they’ll be ok!
////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
Hello friends and family,
Some of you have heard the latest from mom; we did hear from our neighbor Angela again this morning, she is staying with another neighbor that has an intact house. My connection with her was very bad during our last conversation, and I didn’t get all of the details. She did stay in our house, in our upstairs bedroom, during the storm. We did lose our backyard pecan, which lifted up the rear of the house with such force it sent the refrigerator flying. Soon after we lost our front, massive sycamore. It’s rootball lifted the front of our house, tore off the front porch and we lost the front door. Angela says the door jams popped and the house is so off level none of the interior doors will close. It sounds like a total loss and I would be surprised if the house is structurally sound enough to enter and collect whatever is left.
(snip)
We are so, so grateful our house kept Angela safe, it is not a small miracle both of those giant trees, fell away from the house.
Love,
///////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
I have 16 Houston families, including my own, here as our guests in Key Biscayne-Miami that left before Ike hit. Looks like it is going to be weeks before power is restored. My brother and I are looking at the videos and photos of the incredible damage to property on Bolivar Peninsula, which is east of Galveston. It’s right up there with the damage to the Mississippi coastal property from Katrina. Further, we don’t believe the reports that damage was minimal to the Port Arthur refineries. That area took a massive hit and record storm surge. Valero owns 3 of them and their gas stations prices have already gone up 45-55 cents per gallon. Have to say hats off to Geraldo Rivera’s live coverage when all hell broke loose around 12:15-30 a.m. when the full force of Ike came on-shore in Galveston. We know Galveston like the back of our hands, and there’s no question the storm surge was a solid 16 -17 ft in front of the San Luis Hotel where Geraldo and many other reporters were. Also, none of us have ever seen the level of hurricane damage sustained by Galveston Island from Ike, other than photos of the Great 1900 Hurricane.
Hope everyone effected by the hurricane is hanging in there. It’s going to take a long time for Southeast Texas to recover.
Checking in.....
We have lights and water.
Lost a few tree many limbs and part of a fence. In the hood a few houses lost siding and shingles. Everyone lost part of a fence. Most had broken tree limbs. One very large tree fell in to the street on the main street in the subdivision. The amazing thing beyond that was the fact that none of the many cars parked in driveways were not damaged.
I much prefer the storm during the day. I was okay until the lights went out and I lost FR(really). The howling winds bothered me alot. At about 2 I looked out side to see 3 incredibly tall pine trees dancing. I know that sounds bizarre, but that’s the only way to explain it.
Background then rant....
I’m 46 dwf. Live with 70 year old mother. 10 miles from the water in LaPorte and in the flight path of Ellington Field
Some of the menfolk neighbors helped secure the house and made sure we were okay. Before and after the hurricane.
The lights were out for 38 hours and water was out/low for about 4.
As soon as the winds died down and the rain slowed cargo planes began landing at Ellington. They are still landing today. Several neighbors commented on it.
This morning there were people selling generators at retail near my home. The local police (3) were there to help keep things moving. There will be another semi with generators there in the morning. I know, I bought one. (the old one wouldn’t work)
Several miles away on 45 there were several semi loads of ice and water being delivered.
It is estimated that 97% of Centerpoint’s customers were with out power. On Friday, to Centerpoint’s credit they had staging areas set up and ready to go after the storm.
Several stores opened in limited capacity to provide for people who couldn’t be bothered before hand. To be fair open for others who required different things.
All that said...
This has been some of the most hysterical irresponsible reporting I have ever seen. KTRK’s (ABC) Wayne Dolcifino ranks near Geraldo for being a complete a$$. Since when does Dolcifino have a right to photograph dead bodies and call it information? He is absolute contemptible scum.
The local officials starting with Sheila Jackson Lee and Mayor Bill White have drawn the usual political line in the death and destruction of Ike.
The call ins to radio and tv were predictable. One person called early Saturday morning to complain that she was out of power and where were the crews. I heard a lady blathering about she had no food, water or ice for her chirens and where was the government to help. (we had a battery operated radio that I wanted to throw against the wall. I was the picture of self restraint.)
I’m so disgusted with the media and democratic leadership I can’t see straight.
No power, lots of tree debris, most fences down.
Been trying for 30 + hr to connect via cell phone.
We parked our truck in the garage and watched this whole thing. The wind and noises were amazing. Pics later
No power, lots of tree debris, most fences down.
Been trying for 30 + hr to connect via cell phone.
We parked our truck in the garage and watched this whole thing. The wind and noises were amazing. Pics later
DU`ers are claiming the Weather Channel has said 20,000 people are unaccounted for on Galveston Island.
Your doing a great job on the thread, your very dedicated..
I have a friend down in the Houston area. He's an older gentleman, his health is only so so. I got an email from him last Thursday saying he wasn't going to evacuate this time because the last time they did so (three years ago) they got stuck in gridlock traffic for 25 hours. He said he didn't want to get trapped in that type of fiasco again but would let me know how he makes out.
I sent him an email Saturday morning but I haven't heard anything from him again. I'm very concerned now after seeing some of the devastation. All they've been talking about on the news is Galveston but nothing about the other hard hit areas. I'm not familiar with Texas but I believe his location is about 12 mile west of Galveston Bay around the out skirts of Houston. I'm wondering if the power is back on in that area or how much damage the area has sustained. I've been so busy these days that I don't have much time for the Internet anymore but I've been skimming over the thread periodically looking for some clues. If you or anybody out there knows anything or hears anything please let me know.
I know the Salvation Army does a good job, anyone else seen anything ?
I haven't checked Houston area 'papers/TV stations yet. Thanks