http://www.nytimes.com/2008/09/13/us/13galveston.html?ref=us
GALVESTON, Tex. — As the storm surge from Hurricane Ike began battering the island of Galveston and officials warned that “certain death” awaited anyone who failed to evacuate, a reckless and stubborn bunch ignored the warnings.
“We never punked out before. Why start now?” said Marie Creasy, the owner of the Poop Deck, a biker bar just stumbling distance from the waterfront. She said her patrons had a proud, defiant and downright stupid tradition to uphold. “We’re not about to break our streak over some Category 2 nonsense.”
Down on the sea wall, Robert Shumake laughed when asked why he had not left the island. Walking with the American flag on a four-foot pole, Mr. Shumake said he had not broken his routine in seven years and, “by golly,” he was not going to deviate now.
Since the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, he said, he has not missed a day of his morning ritual of walking along the shore carrying the flag. “This is nature meets the proud United States of America, and my US of A is going to win,” Mr. Shumake said.
more @ link above.......
911 emergency phone service is not functioning in Pasadena, Seabrook areas of Harris County.
http://blogs.chron.com/hurricanes/2008/09/emmett_asks_harris_county_resi.html
Emmett asks Harris County residents to use bottled water as a precaution
Harris County Judge Ed Emmett early this morning asked residents to begin conserving water.
``Use bottled water if at all possible,’’ he said. ``There is no danger that we know of. This is a precaution.’’
Damage is still being assessed.
``We don’t know exactly until people can get out and about and inspect the damage,’’ Emmett said.
For life threatening life emergencies only, dial 911.
Those calls will be handled as soon as responders can get out.
The Houston Fire Department stopped responding to calls at about 4:45 a.m. because of the danger getting to residents.
``Virtually the entire Houston area is without service,’’ Emmett said.
Houston 911 reported 12,050 calls in the last 24 hours.
``That’s about 60 percent higher than normal,’’ Emmett said.
Travel across the Ship Channel toll bridge is still suspended.
``No one should be out driving anyway, ‘’ he said.
The Harris County phone bank at 713-881-3100 is still working. Residents can call this for general information about the storm.
—Terri Langford
On the news last night, they interviewed a bunch of drunk college age kids having a hurrican party at a bar.
I hope that the worst they suffered is a hangover.