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General Forums => Aces High General Discussion => Topic started by: FBRaptor on September 21, 2005, 10:24:32 PM

Title: Houston
Post by: FBRaptor on September 21, 2005, 10:24:32 PM
I am in Houston and since I can't find a hotel within 500 miles to head North, I guess I am going to ride the big wind Friday night. Heck the main highways are so packed with people evacuating, I couldn't go if I wanted to now. To all others in this area, good luck, and God be with you. It's going to be a big one I hear:aok

BTW, Skuzzy, HTC, Can we come stay at your place in Dallas? Got two kids and a dog, but we will bring groceries and wine :D
Title: Re: Houston
Post by: SkyChimp on September 21, 2005, 10:27:34 PM
Quote
Originally posted by FBRaptor
I am in Houston and since I can't find a hotel within 500 miles to head North, I guess I am going to ride the big wind Friday night. Heck the main highways are so packed with people evacuating, I couldn't go if I wanted to now. To all others in this area, good luck, and God be with you. It's going to be a big one I hear:aok

BTW, Skuzzy, HTC, Can we come stay at your place in Dallas? Got two kids and a dog, but we will bring groceries and wine :D


lol G/L Sir.
Title: Houston
Post by: cav58d on September 21, 2005, 10:37:00 PM
Goodluck...but seriously try and get out....You know what happened with Katrina....

Do we have any AH members who live in northern texas or surrounding states that can take him in?

I really would advise leaving....goodluck

Title: Houston
Post by: SkyChimp on September 21, 2005, 10:41:34 PM
<-lives in lubbock if u wanna come this far ;)
Title: Houston
Post by: mars01 on September 21, 2005, 10:52:32 PM
You have time dude, Get the F out of there.
Title: Houston
Post by: Lazerr on September 21, 2005, 11:07:29 PM
Mars.. go pick him up with your plane, you wuss. Then go on a tour of the hurricane, and post some pictures.

Pick me up some Taco Bell too please... :p
Title: Houston
Post by: Fry on September 21, 2005, 11:10:16 PM
You guys take care.  Fortunately (I guess you could say that), you're above sea level. from what I remember.  So you'll mostly have to contend with the wind and debris....not flood waters.

Keep in touch and keep down;)
Title: Houston
Post by: FiLtH on September 21, 2005, 11:26:39 PM
Its not due to hit till saturday! I dont wanna have to talk poorly of ya if you stay! :P
Title: Houston
Post by: cav58d on September 21, 2005, 11:40:51 PM
Seriously Raptor...Get out man.....do you really think your house can stand 100+ mile per hour winds for a sustained period?

be smart man...get out
Title: Houston
Post by: MOIL on September 21, 2005, 11:47:33 PM
Be safe!!  Your kids are not replaceable, your house is!

(http://www.cdnn.info/travel/hurricane_charley_250300.jpg)

(http://news.bbc.co.uk/olmedia/1465000/images/_1469489_hurricane_300ap.jpg)

(http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/gifs/1992andrew2.gif)
Title: Houston
Post by: sullie363 on September 22, 2005, 01:28:36 AM
It drives me up the wall how all these cookie cutter houses have their roofs built with 1x4s spaced as far apart as possible.  No wonder roofs fly apart.  Hell we built our roof with 2x10s and the only threat around here is forest fire, go figure.  Oh yeah, and Raptor you should get as far away as possible.  Rita is having sustained winds of 175mph and gusts up to 195.  Time we invented a Catagory 6 I think.
Title: Houston
Post by: FBRaptor on September 22, 2005, 01:33:43 AM
Thanks guys but at this point all major highways are blocked bumper to bumper for hundreds of miles. Just drove out to 290 and I-45 to see, and neither is even moving. There are no hotels, within 500 miles (beleive me I checked) and a gas station with gas in its tanks is hard to find. I would imagine it will be even harder as you go North or West. Remember, Houston and Harris County has a population of over two million people. The chance at this point of getting stuck on the highways with no gas or just not moving are very high. I believe it is most likely safer to remain put than to venture into an uknown. I am on the Northwest side of Houston about 60 miles from the coast. There will be no storm surge of water this far in. We will have to contend with high winds and the possibilities of tornadoes, but...well, anyways, were here, we can not get out, no where to go if we did within driving distance, so we prepare, pray, and then prepare some more. Anyone else in the Houston area? If so,...got any D size batteries? :)  All the stores are out!!

Will keep you guys posted. Thanks for your concerns, would appreciate your prayers as well. Raptor (Tom)

PS...Moil, please do not send any more pics like that, it's hard enough as it is
;)
Title: Houston
Post by: cav58d on September 22, 2005, 02:01:46 AM
Do we have any private pilots in the gulf region that would be willing to fly into houston and pick raptor + dependants up?

seriously
Title: Houston
Post by: Central on September 22, 2005, 02:24:40 AM
Atleast you can get rid of that 20watt fan and feel the real deal now, as if your canopy was back while flying AH:D

Be safe:aok
Title: Houston
Post by: MOIL on September 22, 2005, 03:24:32 AM
Sorry bro,

Guess just tryin to shake ya to move and be safe that's all

Prayers are with you
Title: Houston
Post by: Tex on September 22, 2005, 03:29:35 AM
Quote
Originally posted by FBRaptor
Will keep you guys posted. Thanks for your concerns, would appreciate your prayers as well. Raptor (Tom)
;)


You have another FB guy there in Houston with you (La Porte anyway) Can't recall Patricks handle though. I met him in Real life and never flew against him, heh. Anyway, I'm getting a bad feeling about this storm. :(

Tex
GEnie 968
CRC 5883
Title: Raptor
Post by: snakemaw on September 22, 2005, 04:13:37 AM
you are welcome to stay with me.   i have two extra bedrooms and you can contact me at 210 683 8502     north side of san antonio better than where you are at brother   ask for william
Title: Houston
Post by: SkyWolf on September 22, 2005, 06:52:13 AM
Quote
Originally posted by FBRaptor
Thanks guys but at this point all major highways are blocked bumper to bumper for hundreds of miles. Just drove out to 290 and I-45 to see, and neither is even moving. There are no hotels, within 500 miles (beleive me I checked) and a gas station with gas in its tanks is hard to find. I would imagine it will be even harder as you go North or West. Remember, Houston and Harris County has a population of over two million people. The chance at this point of getting stuck on the highways with no gas or just not moving are very high. I believe it is most likely safer to remain put than to venture into an uknown. I am on the Northwest side of Houston about 60 miles from the coast. There will be no storm surge of water this far in. We will have to contend with high winds and the possibilities of tornadoes, but...well, anyways, were here, we can not get out, no where to go if we did within driving distance, so we prepare, pray, and then prepare some more. Anyone else in the Houston area? If so,...got any D size batteries? :)  All the stores are out!!

Will keep you guys posted. Thanks for your concerns, would appreciate your prayers as well. Raptor (Tom)

PS...Moil, please do not send any more pics like that, it's hard enough as it is
;)



How old is your house?
Title: Houston
Post by: Nwbie on September 22, 2005, 08:05:53 AM
Raptor

I'm looking at the map in motion right now on Weather channel, Im suggesting Amtrak... seriously, water surge or not, there are going to be tornados popping up with this one, GTF out of there.
Take a train ride round trip to who the H knows, come back in two days, after it goes through...whatever...

NwBie
Title: Houston
Post by: AKDogg on September 22, 2005, 08:15:14 AM
Quote
Originally posted by sullie363
[Rita is having sustained winds of 175mph and gusts up to 195.  Time we invented a Catagory 6 I think. [/B]


Actually the wind gust are as high as 215 which is equal to an F3 tornado.
Title: Houston
Post by: Balsy on September 22, 2005, 08:24:55 AM
I bet if we can spawn enough LTARsOstys at Galveston, they could shoot down Rita, that vulching bieetch.

Balsy
Title: Houston
Post by: Pyro on September 22, 2005, 10:29:30 AM
I have space if you need a place to wait out the storm.  They've opened up I-45 so all lanes are northbound.  Call me at the office if you need it.
Title: Houston
Post by: Pooface on September 22, 2005, 10:39:35 AM
man, i hope all you guys will be ok. makes me realise what a great place england is disaster wise.

of course, if you decide to stay you could always go looting, and pick up a new video card :D
Title: Houston
Post by: mojo55 on September 22, 2005, 10:50:51 AM
Gas up the lincon, we are going to kill some time.
Title: Houston
Post by: Golfer on September 22, 2005, 10:54:55 AM
I can snag a Mooney from Ohio but would run out of funding by Louisville, KY :(

Best of luck to you and your family Raptor.  Read this when it's all over sir.
Title: Houston
Post by: SuperDud on September 22, 2005, 11:31:11 AM
Quote
Originally posted by MwDogg
Actually the wind gust are as high as 215 which is equal to an F3 tornado.


Was just thinknig that myself. Only if it keeps it's strength it's like an F3 tornado..for hours. Even if the surge doesn't get you Raptor, theres a decent chance if you take the brunt, your house might not hold up. I really hope you decide to get out, good luck.
Title: Houston
Post by: Toad on September 22, 2005, 11:53:44 AM
While I certainly hope Rita doesn't hit ANY heavily populated area, it is interesting to watch the evacuation in progress.

It's orderly and began in a relatively timely manner but..... it's not working very well if you believe the media. Reports of going 6 miles in 3 hours and gas stations already out of gas.

If these two 'canes have shown us anything, it is probably that you can't evacuate a large US city in a few days.

Makes one wonder what they'd do in the event of a nuc/chem/bio threat.
Title: Houston
Post by: Skuzzy on September 22, 2005, 12:08:03 PM
I can put a few as well.  The traffic is moving pretty well once you get past Huntsville Raptor.  As someone who has been through 4 hurricanes and lost a home, I cannot stress the following enough.

While a home has a lot of memories and things in it which can and cannot be replaced, you being there, if it goes, is not going to help.  Suck it up and bail!  The lives of you and your family are worth more than anything in that house.
Title: Houston
Post by: Balsy on September 22, 2005, 01:03:49 PM
Hit Enter 3 times.

O for Open


Balsy
Title: Houston
Post by: GooseAW on September 22, 2005, 01:18:46 PM
Good luck and get out Raptor!

Ironic that I just left Texas for home in FL. safe and sound here...

Get while the gettins good! You'd be amazed what 70 MPH sustained winds feel like. Much less 150 plus!
Title: Houston
Post by: cav58d on September 22, 2005, 01:18:53 PM
I Agree....Send the LTARS to stop that damn RITA.......Skuzzy will be on his way in a goon to pick you up...RAPTOR GET OUT
Title: Houston
Post by: NoBaddy on September 22, 2005, 01:59:39 PM
Quote
Originally posted by Toad
While I certainly hope Rita doesn't hit ANY heavily populated area, it is interesting to watch the evacuation in progress.

It's orderly and began in a relatively timely manner but..... it's not working very well if you believe the media. Reports of going 6 miles in 3 hours and gas stations already out of gas.

If these two 'canes have shown us anything, it is probably that you can't evacuate a large US city in a few days.

Makes one wonder what they'd do in the event of a nuc/chem/bio threat.


Toad...

The biggest part problem stems from everyone trying to get out at once. As planned, the areas closest to the coast go first. Unfortunately, that isn't what is happening. We got a phone call about an hour ago announcing the "manditory" for our area. I plan to try and leave tonite (which should give us 24 hours to clear the area) and hope much of the heaviest traffic will be cleared out by then.

I hope I have a house to come back to. :)
Title: Houston
Post by: AWMac on September 22, 2005, 03:49:21 PM
Just notified by the wifey that my Daughter and Boyfriend can't get out of Houston due to the traffic. They tried to drive North and said it took 3 1/2 hours to go almost 6 miles. They're back home and going to ride it out.  They live in the Katy area.

Worrying my bellybutton off and praying that they'll be okay.

Mac


:(
Title: Houston
Post by: Balsy on September 22, 2005, 04:11:05 PM
Quote
Originally posted by AWMac
Just notified by the wifey that my Daughter and Boyfriend can't get out of Houston due to the traffic. They tried to drive North and said it took 3 1/2 hours to go almost 6 miles. They're back home and going to ride it out.  They live in the Katy area.

Worrying my bellybutton off and praying that they'll be okay.

Mac


:(


Does your wife know about your Boyfriend?

Id be more worried about that.

Balsy
Title: Houston
Post by: NoBaddy on September 22, 2005, 04:49:12 PM
Quote
Originally posted by AWMac
Just notified by the wifey that my Daughter and Boyfriend can't get out of Houston due to the traffic. They tried to drive North and said it took 3 1/2 hours to go almost 6 miles. They're back home and going to ride it out.  They live in the Katy area.

Worrying my bellybutton off and praying that they'll be okay.

Mac


:(


Mac...

The latest is that TEXDOT is opening the south bound lanes of all the evac routes for north bound traffic. This should help. Additionally, the current predictions are that it will make land fall east of Houston (the sumbeach is pointed right at me :D). I wish them luck. :)
Title: Houston
Post by: SkyChimp on September 22, 2005, 05:13:27 PM
*pulls out 4 wheel drive*:p




Better safe than sorry get out..
Title: Houston
Post by: Sp4de on September 22, 2005, 05:21:40 PM
The stars at night! Are big and bri....:confused:
Stay safe raptor Good luck!
Title: Houston
Post by: FBRaptor on September 22, 2005, 05:39:45 PM
I can't say how much I appreciate the concerns and offers from you guys. This is a trying time here. But as I said and others said, there is no gas, it takes hours to get a few miles, and there is no gas between here and..well, there :) At this point. Even as of last night, it is possibly impossible to get to another major city further North or West before the storm arrives. A friend of mine left for San Antonio yesterday about 5pm. He called me today around 5pm after staying at the wheel all night and he is not there yet. My car has 3/4 of a tank, and I can't find fuel anywhere. Not enough to drive straight to Austin, Dallas, or San Antonio even without standing in traffic.
It is not a matter of me not wanting to leave or thinking that my house is more important than my lifa and family, it is a matter that we can not leave safely. When weighing the odds of hitting the road with no way to get fuel, and possibly seeing this storm from the car only lets say 100 miles North of here, it becomes apparent that it is more safe to hunker in here. Will keep you posted as long as there is power. Again, thanks for all of the concerns and offers.

AWMac, best of safety to you and your family.
Title: Houston
Post by: Wolf14 on September 22, 2005, 05:47:23 PM
Good luck guys.
Title: Houston
Post by: Fencer51 on September 22, 2005, 05:55:12 PM
Quote
Originally posted by NoBaddy
Mac...

The latest is that TEXDOT is opening the south bound lanes of all the evac routes for north bound traffic. This should help. Additionally, the current predictions are that it will make land fall east of Houston (the sumbeach is pointed right at me :D). I wish them luck. :)


Good Grief Carlton, EJECT EJECT EJECT.  Punch outta there buddy.  Don't forget the hat collection!

Will be thinking of you old friend.

Kenneth
Title: Houston
Post by: Hornet33 on September 22, 2005, 06:02:14 PM
Dude, if you have to stay in the area, at least try to seek shelter in a building stronger than a house. Try contacting a local National Guard Armory or something. Someplace that has some cinder block construction and is SOLID. DON'T stay in the house. One window lets go and it's going to be over fast. That wind gets inside and you might as well set off a bomb in the house because it will come apart around you.

Please take care of yourself and your family.

Good luck and GOD speed to everyone in the path of this thing.
Title: Houston
Post by: fartwinkle on September 22, 2005, 06:40:07 PM
Raptor I can meet you half way and bring 10 gallons of gas if ya want .
Title: Houston
Post by: Holly83 on September 22, 2005, 07:10:32 PM
Raptor, I'll be praying for you and the others in the same situation. Good luck and if you decide to stay at home, fill your bathtub, all the jars, bottles, cups, etc, that you can with water. The hurricane will most likely (I hope) decrease in force before it hits the coast, so hopefully you won't have to worry about being blown away.
 Just make sure you have PLENTY of water, food, a generator (if you can find one, lol) and some kind of non-electric entertainment to pass the time (especially if you have kids)- I can imagine that no electricity, no phone, very few outside contact, it will be helpful to keep the kids busy listening to a story or playing a game or something where they won't be as stressed/affected by all of this And don't forget... Praying does make a difference!
Title: Houston
Post by: crowMAW on September 22, 2005, 07:21:25 PM
If they live in Katy, they need to go west and south...San Antonio maybe good.  They might even have an easy time of getting to Laredo on HWY 59...I bet most folks in Houston would not think of actually going south and then west.  The storm is going to head north after landfall...so southwest would be a good option.
Title: Houston
Post by: NoBaddy on September 22, 2005, 07:47:08 PM
Quote
Originally posted by crowMAW
If they live in Katy, they need to go west and south...San Antonio maybe good.  They might even have an easy time of getting to Laredo on HWY 59...I bet most folks in Houston would not think of actually going south and then west.  The storm is going to head north after landfall...so southwest would be a good option.


Actually, IH-10 West to San Antonio is about as clogged as IH-45 North and US 59 North.
Title: Houston
Post by: Tigger29 on September 22, 2005, 08:44:03 PM
I lived in Bear Creek... near Katy.. for years... trust me..

you don't need 4x4.. no hills... no grass... all cement.. well just about anyway

I hope it weakens enough by the time it reaches greater Houston... Was planning on taking a trip down there this fall... show my wife where I grew up.

I hope there's something left to show her...

Also have several aunts and uncles down there.. can't get a hold of them.  I think they all piled together and are on their way to stay up here in st. louis for awhile, hopefully anyway.

I remember when we got hit by hurricane Alisha back in the 80's... did quite a bit of damage and it was no where as powerful as this.  Downtown Houston was several inches of glass from the windows being blown out of the high rise buildings, and trust me it's built up quite a bit since then.

I remember finding a Denny's that had generator power.. and next door was a four story bank building with a glass exterior that somehow was left untouched.. they had a sign out front "Better luck next time, Alisha!"  Well guess what?  She's back.. and she's PISSED.

Good luck and God bless.. just get the heck out of there.
Title: Houston
Post by: HB555 on September 22, 2005, 09:04:57 PM
I would just like to add, my family and I all wish you guys the best, and there are prayers being said for everyone down there.
If there is anyway we can help any of you from Reno, NV, 775-849-0143 is our home number and 775-848-6201 is my cell number.
Jack "Snoopy" and Lynda Bell
HB555
Title: Houston
Post by: SkyTex on September 22, 2005, 09:58:41 PM
Was schedualed to go pick up oil in houston tonight/tomorrow. That was canceled due to all major routes out of the coast being all 1 way and all clogged up. Still, there are minor ways out. Pull up mapquest and follow FM (Farm to Market) and CR's (Country Roads). I've found hauling gravel that you can get anywhere on backroads. Might be worth checking out anyways.

Was planned to go to ardmore Oklahoma to pick up oil tonight till tomorrow nigh. That was canceled due to I-35 being all northbound. no way home. can't take a loaded tanker truck down the backroads. All routes outbound of the dallas and san-antonio areas are blocked (Exception is westbound I-10 past san antonio).

Now plans are shot all to hell and i'll prolly be hauling DF-blend all day tomorrow, and be shut down till tuesday due to the rain. Luckily the storm keeps tracking more and more east for landfall.

As bad as it may sound, I would have prefered it hitting New Orleans again. Everything is already destroyed, it's 99% evacuated already from katrina. less damage less deaths. Course it coulda hit some damned desert along the mexican coast and been better off.

All in All, You should investigate alternate routes out of the area, but have enough gas to get away from the area. 200 miles would be plenty far if you went west. If your stuck riding it out, Do find someplace sturdier than a house. Check your local library. Those are usually built to withstand a nuclear blast and are certified bomb shelters.
Title: Houston
Post by: sullie363 on September 22, 2005, 10:04:54 PM
Current projections show Rita coming ashore north of Houston.  So while it will still be bad in Houston, it won't be as bad as it could have been.  And actually it might not be the best idea to head north anyway, heading south will put more distance between you and where it makes landfall.  But this is all from projections and it could always change course, but it seems to be aiming for the Texas/Louisiana border.
Title: Houston
Post by: crowMAW on September 22, 2005, 10:13:30 PM
Quote
Originally posted by NoBaddy
Actually, IH-10 West to San Antonio is about as clogged as IH-45 North and US 59 North.

Yeah...that why I was thinking that backroads to Hallettsville and over to Gonzales, then up to San Antonio.

Or just 59 south all the way to Laredo.
Title: Houston
Post by: AWMac on September 22, 2005, 10:27:40 PM
Quote
Originally posted by Balsy
Does your wife know about your Boyfriend?

Id be more worried about that.

Balsy


Yeah Balsy she's okay with you, she knows that I'm just a Pitcher and yer the Catcher!

PWNED!
Title: Houston
Post by: AWMac on September 22, 2005, 10:32:08 PM
Quote
Originally posted by NoBaddy
Mac...

The latest is that TEXDOT is opening the south bound lanes of all the evac routes for north bound traffic. This should help. Additionally, the current predictions are that it will make land fall east of Houston (the sumbeach is pointed right at me :D). I wish them luck. :)


Wish you luck also NoBaddy, addin you to the Prayers, you, Simm007, FBRaptor, =MIG= and Macs DaddysGirl and future Son in Law.

Prayers to all that couldn't flee in time.


Mac
Title: Am in Louisiana...
Post by: SIM on September 22, 2005, 11:31:17 PM
Folks, Im in Bogalusa La right now helping to restore power to folks left in the dark by Katrina. If you all in Houston see Duke Power trucks, that will be my crew. We're on standby to head that way once the storm comes thru....Hope those who cant get out make it thru alright.

SIM
Title: Houston
Post by: Roscoroo on September 22, 2005, 11:33:51 PM
Ummmm Sim ... would ya bring back my Sheep pastures and Ewe monthly when your done ?

Btw Good Luck everyone and stay safe.
Title: Houston
Post by: Tigger29 on September 23, 2005, 05:03:25 PM
Head south?  Heck this may just be the first time illegal american immigrants are going INTO mexico ;)
Title: Houston
Post by: FBRaptor on September 24, 2005, 02:11:18 PM
Well guys it's all over for the most part. Houston was spared the worst of this storm and it seems that the worst nightmare stories are of those who spent days on the roads trying to get out and the ones who ran out of gas and were stranded. Anyways, thanks for all concerns and prayers. Now we have 2.5 million people who have to get back :D
Title: Houston
Post by: dhaus on September 24, 2005, 06:43:07 PM
Good to hear from ya Raptor!!  Was wondering how you were doing while I was watching the storm.
Title: Houston
Post by: mars01 on September 25, 2005, 03:40:48 PM
LOL Rapt, funny how things work sometimes.  Glad you were on the better end of it and all are mostly safe.  
Title: Houston
Post by: Holly83 on September 25, 2005, 05:06:58 PM
Well, what'd I say? Prayer does make a difference! I'm very glad to hear that Houston wasn't hit directly or anything. There are still a lot of people affected by this last hurricane. Here in Kentucky, we have several people that are coming from Texas to stay while things are being repaired/restored. Many of them are in similar situations as the people after Katrina, so for all of you who are willing to pray, pray that they will get the things that they need, especially food and water. :aok Glad you're safe, Raptor
Title: Houston
Post by: AWMac on September 26, 2005, 11:40:15 AM
My Daughter and her boyfriend made it okay.

But I've aged terribly over the weekend. LOL

:aok

Mac