Hurricane Ike

Okay. The danger for North Texas in regards to Hurricane Ike seems to be mainly rain. It hasn't gotten very windy, and the rain has come in waves. I heard that the Hurricane was downgraded to a Tropical Storm, so I'm sure the danger is pretty much passed. I don't think the city where I live was in too much danger since we are on the backside of the Hurricane (Tropical storm now). I couldn't help but find myself watching the reports about the hurricane as it approached Texas.

I was totally amazed that some people in Galveston had chose to stay. I mean, goodness gracious people it was a strong Category 2/weak Category 3 by the time it reached land (by the sound of it, by the time it reaches the point it did Category ranking is just part of it). I know that the reports for Galveston Island were grim, and that in and of itself would have been enough for me to leave. That and the fact that the hurricane was bigger than the state of Texas!

The fact that the reports also stated that it was a Category 2 based on wind speed, but the force and power of the water raised it's damage capabilities to a strong 3/weak 4 would have been enough for me to get out of town. It just amazes me how people can say, "You know, I don't think I'm going to heed the MANDATORY evacuation announcement and ride out the storm in my house." and then when it damages the area and puts houses and entire neighborhoods under water do they beg for help. I guess I'm just a wus when it comes to natural disasters, but when I found out it could hit where I live I'd get out of town. I'm also amazed at those people who didn't leave and when a tree or something fell on their house, called 911 for help. Um, yeah the fire department is really going to send out personnel to come help you during the height of the storm and risk their lives because a tree fell on your house (and you ignored the mandatory evacuation order).

I'm really sorry that the area got hit by a hurricane because this natural phenomena is so powerful. But if you're going to decide to ride out a hurricane be prepared for the worst.