View Full Version : Hurricane Harvey, "Catastrophic?"
Have been watching this on the Weather Channel today...hope everyone stays safe.:eek:
Holly
http://www.foxnews.com/us/2017/08/25/nws-hurricane-harvey-strengthens-to-category-2-storm-texans-prepare-for-worst.html
Hurricane Harvey likely to be 'catastrophic,' 'life-threatening,' forecasters warn
As "catastrophic" Hurricane Harvey churns toward Texas, bringing with it a "life-threatening storm surge," major cities have devolved into ghost towns while authorities use their last hours before landfall to warn of the chaos to come. A tornado warning was issued for Galveston on Friday.
Flooding could reach heights of 6 to 12 feet above ground level along the Texas coast, according to the National Hurricane Center, and nearly three feet of rain could fall in some regions as Harvey potentially strengthens to a Category 3 storm when it makes landfall late Friday or early Saturday.
Authorities are anticipating extensive damage, including "structural damage to sturdy buildings" and "complete destruction of mobile homes," according to a bulletin from the National Weather Service Forecast Office in Corpus Christi. Damage is likely to be "greatly accentuated by large airborne projectiles.
Locations may be uninhabitable for weeks or months." At least one county, Nueces, is expected to be without power for up to a week.
Normally bustling with residents and tourists, Houston's Galleria was nearly vacant Friday afternoon, with the parking lots about 80 percent empty.
"Not worth it," Janelle Givens told Fox News about forgoing her shopping experience at the glitzy Galleria.
At Houston's University Co-op shop, the manager told a Fox News reporter: "You're brave. I think we're going home early."
Another associate said, "We all live pretty far away and flooding here's a real concern. My mother is all alone. I have to make sure she's okay."
At The Texas Medical Center, the largest medical complex in the world, preparations were being put in place for the expected deluge to come.
"I'm never surprised by the weather in Texas," said William McKeon, president and CEO of TMC. "The hurricane is elevating in strength over us. We're not so much concerned with the wind as we are with it stalling over us. It's daunting to think of how much rain we could get."
McKeon said the hospital had emergency plans in place and had been working with the city on communications and worst-case scenario preps. Some hospitals on the coast, meanwhile, have been evacuating patients, FOX7 Austin reported.
President Trump tweeted late Friday morning he was being constantly updated on the hurricane's progress.
"I have spoken w/ @GovAbbott of Texas and @LouisianaGov Edwards. Closely monitoring #HurricaneHarvey developments & here to assist as needed," Trump tweeted.
Landfall was predicted for late Friday or early Saturday between Port O'Connor and Matagorda Bay, a 30-mile stretch of coastline about 70 miles northeast of Corpus Christi.
Harvey has been fueled by warm Gulf of Mexico waters.
To put the hurricane’s strength in perspective, superstorm Sandy, which wasn’t formally called a major hurricane and still devastated New York and New Jersey in 2012, didn’t have the high winds like Hurricane Harvey and lost tropical status by the time it hit land.
"We're forecasting continuing intensification right up until landfall," National Hurricane Center spokesman Dennis Feltgen said.
As of late Thursday afternoon, Harvey was roughly 305 miles southeast of Corpus Christi, making its way north-northwest at about 10 m.p.h, with sustained winds clocked at 85 mph.
Texas Gov. Greg Abbott, who has activated about 700 National Guard members ahead of Hurricane Harvey’s arrival, said in a statement that President Trump called him to pledge all available federal resources to assist in preparation, as well as rescue and recovery efforts. Abbott said he assured Trump that Texas was working hand-in-hand with local and federal partners.
“FEMA stands ready to support state, local and tribal officials as they prepare for Hurricane Harvey,” Brock Long of the Federal Emergency Management Agency said in a statement. “I encourage residents who will be affected to follow directions from their local officials. Know your threats, heed the warnings, and if you’re in the path of the storm, ensure your family is prepared for possible prolonged disruptions to normal services.”
This video should answer your question. It is also an example of why people did not evac /new Orleans when told to.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OxigYdxZ7to
Very interesting video B.O.
Guess we will see....:munchin
Holly
Old Dog New Trick
08-25-2017, 14:53
I moved here (Houston) just in time for the big show!!! :munchin
Hopefully far enough north and east to only see minor to moderate flooding (hopefully minor around the house) those closer and along the coast my thoughts are with you.
I'm amazed at the interviews of people who have decided to ride it out. "Oh, we have water, food, flashlight batteries, and we live on the second floor, so...(tee hee) we're just going to hunker down and ride it out."
Gone. You never see them again.
Kind of like: ISIS is coming. "Oh, we have a Glock and two clips of ammo, pepper spray, and cat litter...(tee hee) we'll be fine. We're just going to ride it out. (tee hee)."
Gone.
Use your brains, people!
LOL, Brush Okie! Yep, fake news and fake weather! What're gonna do?
It's just hard to find the logic to "ride it out" when the forecast (nevermind the MSNBC crapola) calls for 30+ inches of rain, and for the rain to last thru next Wednesday! Where's the common sense in taking the risk?
I moved here (Houston) just in time for the big show!!! :munchin
Hopefully far enough north and east to only see minor to moderate flooding (hopefully minor around the house) those closer and along the coast my thoughts are with you.
Good luck. I just received an interview for a job in Missouri City, too. Hopefully, it's still there for a job.
Bleed Green
08-25-2017, 20:03
Stay safe everybody in the projected storm path. I will be keeping you guys and those that we sent off to the area today in our thoughts and prayers.
Golf1echo
08-25-2017, 22:06
Stay safe everybody in the projected storm path. I will be keeping you guys and those that we sent off to the area today in our thoughts and prayers.
Mine as well.
I would add one piece of advice based on a friends experience who lived in Hattiesburg Mississippi during Katrina...If you are not or can't evacuate from impacted areas have an outside contact away from the effected area that would have the resources to come and evac you and sensitive / important items. It may be sometime before roads are cleared and even then fuel and security could be bigger issues than realized. make contact now before comms are down.
I moved here (Houston) just in time for the big show!!! :munchin
Hopefully far enough north and east to only see minor to moderate flooding (hopefully minor around the house) those closer and along the coast my thoughts are with you.
ODNT,
Hope all is going well? Have been watching the Weather Channel between laundry cycles, and it sounds like Tornadoes and lots of rain for Houston...
Very sad to see the devastation pictures from Rockport and agree that those who stayed behind in evac areas are without brain function.:rolleyes:
All flights to and from Houston, for my AO, have been canceled...Great balls of Fire!
All those travelers are now stuck!
Continue to hope all are well, as the projections of rainfall seem dire.:munchin
Holly
Old Dog New Trick
08-26-2017, 14:17
Almost 5" of rain so far where I'm at.
Hourly warnings for something or another.
Doing well.
Thoughts and prayers out for those in need.
In an impending/ongoing natural disaster you have those who have a little, but not a lot, don't have money to "evacuate" and everything they own is in the house.
To them staying is the only option - to prevent looting and being in the area - not being kept out by orders when the weather is done.
Now those who want to have a Hurricane Party? Let them be washed out to sea.
Golf1echo
08-26-2017, 16:53
Pete that is a great point, with more folks living pay check to paycheck these days there are most likely many in the situation you refere to.
To elaborate on the situation I mentioned, my friend is a very capable, eperienced and a hard man who did have resources. Katrina was a much bigger event than many expected, he was able to endure the initial landfall but found the aftermath of the event and environment untenable for him and his family...weeks of not having power, access to fuel and supplies as well as the opportunists that began looting. His friend came in from FL with a truck filled with fuel and supplies...mostly fuel so they could get back out again when roadways were cleared...many weeks later. What he mentioned of his experience made me understand why they just moved on afterwards and that there can be many more unforeseen issues after the larger events then are worth dealing with...
Edit: All one has to do is look at the images of the aftermath and you can begin to understand.
In an impending/ongoing natural disaster you have those who have a little, but not a lot, don't have money to "evacuate" and everything they own is in the house.
To them staying is the only option - to prevent looting and being in the area - not being kept out by orders when the weather is done.
Now those who want to have a Hurricane Party? Let them be washed out to sea.
Thank you Sir, for reminding me. Guess if it was just me, and only me, I would have a tough time leaving.
And I know the older generations in my family would have a reluctance to move.
Hope for the best for those folks impacted...
Holly:(
Old Dog New Trick
08-26-2017, 17:22
People have to remember: Katrina was a man made disaster. The hurricane Katrina wasn't that bad by itself. Lake Pontchartrain pouring through a concrete wall holding the lake back from a city built beneath it was the disaster.
You can blame the barge or blame the idiocy of the planners.
Texas_Shooter
08-27-2017, 10:45
I'm amazed at the interviews of people who have decided to ride it out. "Oh, we have water, food, flashlight batteries, and we live on the second floor, so...(tee hee) we're just going to hunker down and ride it out."
Gone. You never see them again.
Gone.
Use your brains, people!
Thats what happened during Hurricane Ike and Bolivar Point by Galveston. People decided to stay and ride it out and the hurricane and the storm surge CLEARED the island. No bodies ever found.
Houston's problem now is the flooding from the excessive rain. Even if it stops raining, its raining up north and then we have to worry about the rivers that run near/through Houston along with the bayous. It'll take a three or four more days to make sure we are out of the woods.
Weather Channel guy just made a valid point:
"You can't evacuate 6.5 million people. People can't move out, away from the flood. All you can do is move UP. Get to a tall building."
There's another 2-3 ft of rain predicted and it's not going to end until late in the week, like Thursday or Friday. Now, for much of the area it's all academic, too late.
This is a major disaster for America.
Consider that this area is vital for American oil refineries. Infrastructure damage is quite possible, but also people are isolated from their homes, nevermind them getting to work at a refinery.
Old Dog New Trick
08-27-2017, 17:32
Now being called unprecedented rain event in Houston.
We are still doing well. Have gone out and about and while there is local flooding nearby (over the roads), our property is fairing well. If the runoff drains and culverts backup things in the neighborhood could change rapidly.
I've had 12" of rain today add to 5" yesterday. It's not stopping like they had hoped.
Ready to go if that's where we end up.
Bleed Green
08-27-2017, 19:35
Good to see you are doing well so far ODNT. I will continue to keep you guys in our prayers until this is done and over. What is the weather like for helicopter ops? I got a query on that and given the weather that I have seen it didn't look promising for smaller helicopters but trusting what I see and believing a trusted source are 2 different things.
Now being called unprecedented rain event in Houston.
We are still doing well. Have gone out and about and while there is local flooding nearby (over the roads), our property is fairing well. If the runoff drains and culverts backup things in the neighborhood could change rapidly.
I've had 12" of rain today add to 5" yesterday. It's not stopping like they had hoped.
Ready to go if that's where we end up.
Some forecasts calling for another 24" for Houston. Rain shield NNE and southern Louisiana in the crosshairs. The next few days are going to be tough. Everything is downhill from something in Texas. SAR-OPS via civilian resources are being taxed. FEMA is an after-the-fact resource.
Now being called unprecedented rain event in Houston.
We are still doing well. Have gone out and about and while there is local flooding nearby (over the roads), our property is fairing well. If the runoff drains and culverts backup things in the neighborhood could change rapidly.
I've had 12" of rain today add to 5" yesterday. It's not stopping like they had hoped.
Ready to go if that's where we end up.
ODNT,
Are so glad you are fairing well...it is amazing to watch the videos and broadcasts coming out of Houston.:(
And thanks for checking in, and posting your condition...means a lot!
Be safe, and know that you are all in our thoughts and prayers.
Holly
Now being called unprecedented rain event in Houston.
We are still doing well. Have gone out and about and while there is local flooding nearby (over the roads), our property is fairing well. If the runoff drains and culverts backup things in the neighborhood could change rapidly.
I've had 12" of rain today add to 5" yesterday. It's not stopping like they had hoped.
Ready to go if that's where we end up.
This can be a bit dangerous depending... but have you considered gathering some manpower and working through your supporting drains and culverts and clearing as much obstructions as possible to prevent potential flooding?
Old Dog New Trick
08-27-2017, 21:26
This can be a bit dangerous depending... but have you considered gathering some manpower and working through your supporting drains and culverts and clearing as much obstructions as possible to prevent potential flooding?
A bit late for that. But on that note I've seen the home owners out making sure obstructions are cleared. I'd say this HOA has a good handle on things and are already sending out emails on problem areas that will be addressed after this is over.
Just need a little break in the nearly .51"/hr of rain. Let the retention ponds drain a bit.
A bit late for that. But on that note I've seen the home owners out making sure obstructions are cleared. I'd say this HOA has a good handle on things and are already sending out emails on problem areas that will be addressed after this is over.
Just need a little break in the nearly .51"/hr of rain. Let the retention ponds drain a bit.
We are just starting to get another one of our big bands starting. Our retention ponds were able to get about a two hour break to lower. But, we have some bad stuff hitting us again around 0100. The water was about 25 feet or so from my house this morning. It's time for the rain to go.
ODNT, hope you are spared from the dam releases. Prayers out for all those affected.
We are just starting to get another one of our big bands starting. Our retention ponds were able to get about a two hour break to lower. But, we have some bad stuff hitting us again around 0100. The water was about 25 feet or so from my house this morning. It's time for the rain to go.
Oh goodness. Been watching the coverage on and off today, and it just looks overwhelming for a lot of folks.:(
We are holding out hope for all...
Holly
Have seen reports that the rain and rising water have driven feral hogs into neighborhoods. I know The Woodlands had this problem a while back and it looks like this catastrophe is making it worse.
Any sightings, ODNT?
Old Dog New Trick
08-29-2017, 12:00
Have seen reports that the rain and rising water have driven feral hogs into neighborhoods. I know The Woodlands had this problem a while back and it looks like this catastrophe is making it worse.
Any sightings, ODNT?
No but I'm not in the heart of the flooding.
Old Dog New Trick
08-29-2017, 23:04
Update: (Houston) The rains have stopped or let up enough to begin drying out. So much flooding and damage to infrastructure. Major roads may be impacted and impassable for days or months. Over 100,000 people displaced from homes and over 30,000 that don't have a home to return to.
Second phase of storm will be continued river flooding as the rains move northward as all rivers must flow through Houston back to the Gulf. 1,000,000 gallons of water will have to drain and pass through the area. And, that's not counting the lakes and reservoirs that breached their levees.
We stayed home and are fine (nowhere to go and no way to go very far, all routes away were flooded and impassable by Sunday night.) Have plenty of food/water for several more days if needed.
Back to work on Thursday. Will go out later today to see how I will get to work. Very thankful that at the last minute work didn't require me to leave my family to fend for themselves. Very concerned that I may get to work and could not get back home.
Thanks for the prayers and Agogee is still in my thoughts and prayers in LA.
ETA: over 25" of rain at the house since it began. (If my new rain gage is correct)
Old Dog New Trick
08-29-2017, 23:32
This is a major North/South freeway between me and Houston I-69/Tx59: (San Jacinto River washing Jersey dividers across and over the edge)
https://twitter.com/DTGoteraKHOU/status/902587452040282114/video/1
This is someone's drone footage of same area:
https://m.facebook.com/kevin.mcgrath.t/posts/1836586429703418
Old Dog New Trick
08-30-2017, 00:18
One thing that's absolutely pissing me off is the continued news coverage focusing on the negatives.
Repeat coverage of a few disgruntled survivors (oops victims) who have been rescued and taken to Red Cross shelters in the city that didn't have a f-ing king size suite set up for them and the people and bathrooms smell. You are freaking alive to complain about the smells and the free hot food and a dry place. Give me a break!
The news bashing the Mayor for not evacuating 6.5-million people ahead of the storm. So far he has saved more lives than those lost in the last evacuation by hundreds.
[Everyone (state, federal, and civilian volunteers) are coming together and working together to save a million stupid people from themselves. They are risking their lives to save everyone and their pets. I've made myself available to go out with search and rescue units from the Sheriffs Dept. in anyway I can. (I'm just limited in maneuvering myself) maybe tomorrow and this weekend I'll be out on boats getting people from flooded homes.]
Also, the news coverage of what the President has done or hasn't done and whether FLOTUS wore spiked high heels to visit Corpus Christy. For fucks sake who cares! (She looked great BTW). I think President Trump is doing a great job communicating with the Governor and FEMA. Now put a boot in Congress's ass and get the oil flowing!!!
I hate people and yet my job is to protect them. Everyone should have a 'sign' "I'm an idiot don't risk your life for me, I'll just complain!"
Okay rant/off. Just pisses me off to see those who are too stupid to help themselves complain about the people who are volunteers to help them through this. Grow a pair and grab them!
I hate people and yet my job is to protect them. Everyone should have a 'sign' "I'm an idiot don't risk your life for me, I'll just complain!"
I may have to add this to my sig quotes!
The problem with being prepared is that no one else is and they rely on you to help them.
Protect your own first! Then do what you feel is needed.
Pat
1stindoor
08-30-2017, 05:41
ODNT, glad to hear you and your family have weathered (pardon the pun) what seems to be the worst of it (so far).
The types of people that are shooting at the Cajun Navy/looting/being general scum of the Earth rats are the same ones who fled Katrina w/ gov. issued debit cards and proceeded to buying luxury goods with them.
Ain't it a shame, disasters bring out the best and worst of people and the media and politicians get to profit off of people's misery. SMH
Thanks for the prayers and Agogee is still in my thoughts and prayers in LA.
Thanks for the thoughts and prayers my brother! Harvey blew right over us this morning and made landfall at 0400. It's now a little north of us and we were able to stay dry. On Monday, I had some relatives bring me some sandbags in the event we would need them since the water made it inside my carport and about 10 feet from my front door.
As things are going now, I will probably be like you and be back at work tomorrow. This was the first storm since 1989 that I didn't have to actually work. It was a nice break.
Again, thanks for the thoughts and prayers. I am glad to hear your family did well.
The horrible effects of Harvey are compounded by the relocation of people from their homes and jobs. Several thousands of people are being relocated to other cities in Texas and other states. While this does remove the individual from the flood it effectively moves an unemployed homeless person into an area where they will need to restart their lives from scratch. The "new normal" should find a way to allow people to remain as close to their former homes and to their jobs as possible. If that means construction of temporary housing and creating transportation to allow people to get to their jobs as soon as those businesses can be restored. I can't imagine the horror a person experiences being evacuated from their lives, not just from their homes, and having to restart their lives from nothing in a desperately short time. Imagine how hard or impossible that task would be if you were elderly, or if you were a single parent with school age kids. How does one reinvent their lives? I don't know.
Old Dog New Trick
08-30-2017, 12:13
I'm feeling better this morning. Watching the news the last few days focus on the few to many negatives should be outweighed by the tremendous amount of goodwill and life saving work being done. You could fill volumes with greatness being exhibited by professionals, Army NG, and volunteers from far away.
I'm tired of the sound bites that the press uses to exploit the emotional distress. There is already enough emotional distress for everyone here.
I'm feeling better this morning. Watching the news the last few days focus on the few to many negatives should be outweighed by the tremendous amount of goodwill and life saving work being done. You could fill volumes with greatness being exhibited by professionals, Army NG, and volunteers from far away.
I'm tired of the sound bites that the press uses to exploit the emotional distress. There is already enough emotional distress for everyone here.
I saw an interview last night of a pastor there somewhere. He went to great lengths to explain the overwhelming response of townsfolk and congregation members in feeding/clothing/housing/helping people who showed up at his doors needing help.
Even in a disaster, there are just some lines that will not be crossed!
http://www.fox4news.com/sports/276162282-story :D
Pat