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September 22, 2005
Preparations
When Hurricane Rita comes ashore, it is likely to pass East of Dallas. That's still close enough, though, that even if Rita follows the expected track and falls off in strength as expected, we're going to get a lot of rain and some notable winds. That means that it's likely that we'll have power outages. (A transformer blew earlier today, and the electric company came out to replace it. Stephanie deemed it "practice failure" for TXU. They've been better lately, but in my experience they don't really need the practice.)
To be ready if the power does go out, we fueled the van and decided on two different evacuation routes going in different directions. We got extra water, batteries, flashlights (for the kids, so they won't drain the important one playing), food that can be eaten uncooked like fruit and pop tarts, and a camp stove and fuel (which we needed anyway, because the older kids just joined the Boy Scouts). When I was in the local supermarket getting some last bits of this, the checkout lady said that they were selling a lot of water, and you couldn't get D cell batteries in the store any more. I saw a lot of people out doing the same kinds of things I was doing, a good two days in advance of when the storm will likely get here.
I don't know how much of the preparations people are making around here have to do with watching the aftermath of Katrina, but it's a good thing nonetheless to see people preparing.
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» Bloggers commenting on Hurricane Rita from The Glittering Eye
Several bloggers on my regular rounds are in the path of Hurricane Rita and are commenting.
Beldar says that the enormous traffic jams in Houston are due to people who aren’t in the mandatory evacuation area leaving anyway. He’s in Hou... [Read More]
Tracked on September 23, 2005 9:35 AM
Comments
Hmmm, and I haven't done a thing, really.
I did fill the gas tank because I expect prices to spike. I have a working flashlight handy and more batteries, but food and water could be a problem. Guess I should be thinking about that stuff, huh?
Of course, we've already been given the notice that we're still expected to show up for work, regardless.
Posted by: Brian Medcalf at September 23, 2005 1:11 AM
It's possible that Rita will continue to have hurricane force by the time it reaches your area. And it's a big storm so it's pretty likely you'll get some of it. They're also saying it's possible it'll hold steady so you'll get a lot of rain.
If you're anywhere near a flood plain, watch out.
And keep your feet dry, man.
Posted by: Dave Schuler ![[TypeKey Profile Page]](http://www.caerdroia.org/blog/nav-commenters.gif)
at September 23, 2005 9:25 AM
We're not in the 100 year flood plain. Actually, we're about 1/3 of the way up a shallow rise that leads up from a creek about 1/4 mile South of us.
I do think we'll get rain, and maybe winds, though it doesn't appear likely to still be hurricane force here by the time the storm reaches us (particularly if it keeps slowing over land and trending East, as is currently the consensus of the various models). But we'll be fine one way or the other.
Posted by: Jeff Medcalf at September 23, 2005 9:53 AM
Jeff,
I actually acquired the flood maps from FEMA. From what I can see, Bear Creek's 500-year flood plain goes across Bear Creek Parkway and comes up to the end of Cindy St. Some of the houses at the end of the street might have water up to their doors in the worst-case scenario. However, I noticed that the city was out there this morning mucking out the creek channel at the bridge where the creek crosses back under the street (near Anita). They were also testing the generator at Town Hall.
Anyhow, right now I'm not as worried as I was a couple of days ago. Still, we're in the process of prepping the CERT truck, just in case we're needed to go out and help.
My mother lives in East Texas, near Gilmer, and yesterday's forecast track had it going right over her. She'll probably be coming here tomorrow.
Posted by: Aubrey Turner at September 23, 2005 10:19 AM
Which end of Cindy, North or South? I know we're not in the 100 year flood plain, but I don't know about the 500 year. If it's the South end, though, we're some 5-8 feet above that end of the street.
Posted by: Jeff Medcalf at September 23, 2005 11:08 AM
Jeff,
It's the South end, which is right across from the park (and the creek).
Posted by: Aubrey Turner at September 23, 2005 3:03 PM
Yes, that's what I thought from looking at the very poor resolution version I could find online. It appears to go to the South end of Cindy, and not quite hit Roy at all. Since that's the 500 year mark, I'm content that we're not at serious risk.
Posted by: Jeff Medcalf at September 23, 2005 3:57 PM