The thing that makes me angry, is here in Utah, all our oil comes from local wells in Utah, Colorado and Wyoming. None comes from any Hurricane affected area, yet the Vendors use it for a excuse to gouge us saying the cost of refining will go up. This is all an excuse to line their pockets, it cost no more to run the refinery or haul the crude then it did before.

My sympathies go out to those in the affected areas, I hope it does not get too bad, but for those not in these area's, we are getting screwed. I plan on filling up tonight when I get off work.

 

IBeam - in situations like this the refined product from other places has to be spread out more, supposedly causing shortages in areas far from the hurricane. Just one possible explanation....

Question. Does anyone think the media is over-hyping this hurricane on the heels of Katrina or is this one really going to be as bad as I am hearing? I suppose hoping it disperses to a tropical storm before hitting land is futile at this point

 

well i live in texas, thing is houston flooded about a year and half ago or so...You cant compare NO with Houston because there not built the same...First off houston is a much more modern city...Second it does not sit below sea level its above. Also its futher away from the sea. So yes its goin to flood no doubt about that...But they are issueing a mandatory evacuation for some counties already...This is the last thing we need. As far as media hype, i think the general thought is you cant be to careful on this one.

 

Yes, NOLA and Houston are very different. If we flood, it'll drain off reasonably quickly. Two days after Allison most places looked normal again, and that was some major flooding.

The Gulf is a lot shallower here than south of NOLA or Mobile. We'll still get a heck of a storm surge, but it shouldn't be as bad as they got. A 12' surge would be bad, but a 20' surge would be that much worse. Personally I hope it's no worse than 3-4'. Wishful thinking, I know.

 

shoot. she's gone to a cat. 5. we're looking at some serious wind and rain now. starting to think about getting out of dodge, not sure yet. I'm not so worried about flooding where I'm at, but having been through a few, this one's starting to worry me some. just waiting now to see better landfall expectation.

some of this is probably a knee jerk reaction to Katrina, regarding the press, and their reactions, but having lived in FL for over 28 years, and actually involved with hurricane shutter testing and development while there, I do have a good idea just what wind can do. of course, so does most of the gulf coast now.
BTW MRKnight, love your avatar. have meatwad on my phones wallpaper.

 

I just read this morning before leaving the plant (I work at a silicone poduct manufacturing plant in Free(k)port, TX) that a new energy bill sponsored by some empty suit (Rep or Dem still means empty suit) from Ennis, TX will have legislation for building new refineries, but at the same time does NOTHING to urge higher CAFE requirements.

So, diesel non-Super Duty dreamers, you may have to dream longer.

My folks left this morning. I have to check in and see if I will have to be around tonight to pull the plug on the plant. So, pack I must. Wrap up the MGB car cover with loads of rope, too.

As for Nagin not sleeping on the thought of a M.E., well, I think he got tired of messing with the Coastie (Thad Allen?) and crying about being a fool that he is, so to look good, send everyone back out of that dump. Why anyone was let in....ah, just an ego stroke.

 

Over-hype over Rita just brushing the Keys, yes.

The news we didn't get yesterday was that the Iraq Defense Fund (or something like that) scammed some dollar amount into the billions from the USA.

I say make them a glass factory now, but that's for the next time I see this computer, hopefully in one piece.

 

If there is anyone left in that area, do they have any more money to live on or leave on then they did before?

What's going to happen to the people without means?

 

If it goes into Houston there will be extensive flooding. Houston will drain but it is relatively flat country, drainage will be slow. The worst part will be the wind and the tall trees that will be falling. Those pines hurt when they come down and most houses in Houston are built under or next to them. If Houston is the target, there will be massive destruction.

 

BOHICA

Good grief, how I hate the twenty first century...

 

That is one wild looking circling mass of hell i might say.
Ill think ill stop whining about the cold for I dont have to deal with what you guys are dealing with, one after another EVERY year.
Good luck to everyone down there and dont stay if you dont have too.

They Closed down all 3 of vetco gray's shops down in Houston today till its past, (who i work for) And thats vetco's world headquarters there. Crazy stuff.
G' luck everyone. Come on up north if ya want to

 

still watching the track...waiting to see just what it's gonna do. I do however have an out, san antonio, rooms already reserved. oh well, just a waiting game now. good luck everyone.

 

Good luck to all of you who will be affected, my thoughts are with you. I can't imagine weathering a hurricane even after going through a few earthquakes and twisters myself.

 

You got that right.

Definitely good luck to those involved.

 

Well, I spent all day boarding up our house, and my Fiances parents house, and my Grandparents house, AND my Stepdads parents house!!

All I can say is PHEW and I never want to cut another piece of plywood or deal with those damn pesky Ply-Lock clips again!!!

xuzme720, thats excellent that you found a room in S.A.! Around 10PM we were trying to find a hotel for my Stepdad's parents and the closest we found was either El Paso, Arkansas, or Oklahoma!! We tried everywhere, little podunk towns included, and they were booked solid.

Here in Corpus Christi, we're expecting to be on the Southwestern edge of the hurricane if the high-pressure system starts moving off to the east. At most, 50 to 75mph winds and a helluva lotta rain. If the high-pressure system stays put, we're in Rita's sights, and we're screwed!

Mandatory evacuations were in effect since yesterday for most towns along the TX coast, we had ours come into effect at 6 PM Wednesday. Lots of people are leaving, the interstate out of town to S.A. was pretty full. I'm glad officials aren't sitting on their hands on this one. Surprising to see mandatory evacuations taking place two whole days before the hurricane.

As for me and my family, we're going to wait until Thursday afternoon/evening to make a decision to leave. If Rita goes north, we'll be ok here in Corpus, but if it shows any sign of coming south, we're getting outta here! We'll be taking the back roads to S.A. to avoid the massive amount of traffic on the main interstate tomorrow (6hr expected travel time to S.A., normally takes 2hrs), and we'll be shacking up with family.

So, until later, keep us Gulf Coasters in your prayers, and I wish everyone on the TX coast the best of luck!