Hurricane Ike targets Subsim (Texas)

[Onkel Neal]

Something tells me I'm going to have a busy weekend :dead:

http://www.wunderground.com/tropical/tracking/at200809_5day.html#a_topad


Edit: picture removed, the weather service apparently updates and it changes

Grrr... I had plans this weekend and they did not include 115 mph winds.

.

[Digital_Trucker]

Not to belittle the situation, but you didn't feel like flying a 3 acre kite?

Seriously, hope Ike calms down before he gets there (wherever the there is that he decides to go).

[FIREWALL]

Will have fingers crossed for all you Gulf state members. :yep:

[Diopos]

Keep safe!
Too many hurricanes, though eh?

[HunterICX]

Make sure your Motorbike is locked up properly, you wont wanna see that thing swinging in a Hurricane :o ''Heartbreaking''

Be safe Neal :yep:

HunterICX

[AVGWarhawk]

To rest your mind Neal, I have 150 trucks staged in Carville LA. I have over 300 trailers loaded with MRE, water, tarps and JFO kits at Carville and Port Allen. I have 5 86000# generators (these can light a small city) and 15 trailers of smaller generators in Carville as well. I have water tankers in position at these locations. It is not potable water. It is used for cleaning up vehicle that catch the mess of it. Water comes in plastic bottles. Carville has turned into a 24/7 operation as of today. These units are helping with the clean up of Gustav. Most of east Louisiana is still without power. Fort Worth is the major distribution center for FEMA. I have been feeding Fort Worth from the other FEMA distribution centers. Moffet Field CA, Fort Gillem GA, Denver CO and Winchester VA. Since Gustav, I have spent at least 18 hours up daily moving relief supplies with my trucks. Today, we moved out the trucks positioned in Richmond VA for Hanna that did not amount to much. But, we were ready. All our attention is on Ike. TX, LA has waived overweight and hours of drive time for my drivers. This is huge when attempting to move a lot in a short time. Short of stopping the storm, I can not do much more. My sister lives in Houston. She will be getting some of this nastiness coming your way. After this is all over, I can re-introduce myself to my wife and kids:up:

[August]

AVG your job sounds like something i would love to do.

[Platapus]

Sounds like he is in the business of helping people in trouble. That's ok in my book :up:

[AVGWarhawk]

AVG your job sounds like something i would love to do.

It's ok. Storms come and go. Running things for the military bases is what I like the most.

[nikimcbee]

Now, are we going to have have a hurricane for the subsim meetin'?:hmm:

The hurricane and the Cavalla sleepover would be exciting:hmm:

[AVGWarhawk]

Sounds like he is in the business of helping people in trouble. That's ok in my book :up:

It is nice. My aunt lives in Gulfport MS. She got whacked by Katrina. She was very appreciative to have MRE and water. I was ready to have one of my trucks arrive to her house and load up what she wanted. Then proceed north. Fortunate for her, her house was not squashed or damaged. She stayed. Spent all night in the bathtub with her dogs as Katrina ripped the hell out of the coast. She really stayed because she is a nurse who makes house calls to those that can not get to the doctors. She was not going to leave her patients. She has a lot of spunk for a person who is 72. She still make house calls even today. 24/7. But, most only hear about the bad things in the news because this generates viewers and ratings. Ever notice there are 10 bad things to report to the 1 good thing to report? Sometimes I wonder if it is safe to leave the house after watching the news.

[Platapus]

It must be a good feeling to actually provide direct aid to people in trouble. Not just funding aid, planning aid, or endlessly discussing aid. But to actually be able to give aid. That is a successful life.

The best of luck in your noble efforts.

/salute

[AVGWarhawk]

It must be a good feeling to actually provide direct aid to people in trouble. Not just funding aid, planning aid, or endlessly discussing aid. But to actually be able to give aid. That is a successful life.

The best of luck in your noble efforts.

/salute

After Katrina, FEMA made new plans and new directives. So, the planning of aid did happen in the past three years. Years ago, FEMA would chase storms. They then stopped. The end result and because of a lot of communication breakdown between Fed and local governments (some just ignored the storm and that is whole other thread) produced the end results as witnessed by Katrina. Katrina, however, was a different story. We are talking about 100s of miles of coast line just completely destroyed. Some of my trucks would drive the entire coast all day and not get out of any of the area that was hit. This would tell you the magnitude of that storm. So, were do you begin cleaning up after Katrina? It was a hard fought battle. All were involved to the best of their ability. But, the devastation of Katrina produced plans that were witnessed with Gustav. All of our relief supplies were there months ago just waiting. Gov Jindal declared the emergency days ahead of the storm. Jindal was on his game and should be applauded. Before Katrina, it was up to the state to declare the emergency(this was partial fault of some who sat on their thumbs for Katrina). The law states the Fed can not step in until asked by the state. This law was changed after Katrina. The Fed can go in when they wish. So, that law previous to Katrina was part of the issue. You will notice that New Orleans was a ghost town in under 3 days of evacuation. Relief supplies were onsite and ready to go weeks prior to the storm. Shelters were ready to go. It was about the most successful major evacuation I have ever seen. Yet, not one peep out of the press of a job well done. Relief for Gustav is still ongoing. Ike is just a kick in the head for the minute.

[Platapus]

Yet, not one peep out of the press of a job well done.

As they say "Good news is no news" :nope:

[August]

Yet, not one peep out of the press of a job well done.
As they say "Good news is no news" :nope:

Unless of course you're a foreigner who relies on the press for an accurate view of things over here.

[geetrue]

Like a homing pigeon Ike is zooming in on Texas:


http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/storm_graphics/AT09/refresh/AL0908W5_sm2+gif/211731W_sm.gif

[Onkel Neal]

Geetrue, I like that prediction better, it has Ike coming well south of me :yep:

[Stealth Hunter]

Geetrue, I like that prediction better, it has Ike coming well south of me :yep:

Lucky you. It's coming right near me.

Pace yourselves, kids; it's going to be a long week. Shall we go down with the ship, Neal?:lol:

[AVGWarhawk]

Well, the track looks good in two places...away from LA and Neal but....Stealth Hunter will have to weather the storm.

[OneToughHerring]

Lots of casualties in the Caribbean nations, and lots of economic damage. Always a tough hit for a poor nation that most of them are, maybe only Cuba is prepared to handle these things.

[Jimbuna]

Geetrue, I like that prediction better, it has Ike coming well south of me :yep:

Lucky you. It's coming right near me.

Pace yourselves, kids; it's going to be a long week. Shall we go down with the ship, Neal?:lol:

Jimbuna gave a clear instruction to the weather Gods and told them his arrival was imminent and that they should not invoke the wrath of the Grey Wolves. :p

Seriously though guys....good luck and keep yourselves safe. :up:

[Konovalov]

Hope all this doesn't cause problems for the Subsim meet next month.

[sonar732]

Latest model spread...looks like Central MO will get another couple days of rain from the remnants.

http://icons-pe.wunderground.com/data/images/at200809_model.gif


Here are a few links for reference...

US Navy Fleet and Numerical Meteorology and Oceanography Center (https://www.fnmoc.navy.mil/tcweb/cgi-bin/tc_home.cgi)

Stormpulse (http://www.stormpulse.com/) web based tracking

Various NOAA GEOS Satellite (http://www.ssd.noaa.gov/PS/TROP/float4.html) views

and Finally...to show how much a geek I can be...

Accuweather.com Ike Forum (http://forums.accuweather.com/index.php?showtopic=7929)

Hurricane Center Accuweather.com (http://hurricane.accuweather.com/hurricane/index.asp?partner=accuweather&traveler=0)

[geetrue]

Probably not this one, but perhaps the next one will be the kind that just sits out there in the middle of the gulf of mexico churning up the water going no where for three days or so.

Everybody scatters when those kind come along :yep:

[Platapus]

Well, based on current events, I have to say that I don't like Ike. :nope:

[Onkel Neal]

Dang it, now the models have Ike sliding north again. :o As of 2300 hours Sept 9, the general landfall appears to be north of Corpus.

[Stealth Hunter]

Well, based on current events, I have to say that I don't like Ike. :nope:

http://z.about.com/d/americanhistory/1/0/z/9/34_eisenhower_1.jpg

Eisenhower is not amused...

[sonar732]

Dang it, now the models have Ike sliding north again. :o As of 2300 hours Sept 9, the general landfall appears to be north of Corpus.
I can't believe that I forgot the Holy Grail of Hurricane tracking...

National Hurricane Center (http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/)

Anyway...Neil, it looks like the experts are floating towards the GFDL model which is the blue line in the graphic I posted.

On a side note...it has a 957mb pressure reading, which equates to a CAT-3 hurricane...but the surface winds are 90mph which is CAT-1. Once the surface winds catch up to the pressure...it's going to get nasty. I suspect when it gets well into the Gulf and feeds on the warm loop currents it will get the highest reading.

[Stealth Hunter]

On a side note...it has a 957mb pressure reading, which equates to a CAT-3 hurricane...but the surface winds are 90mph which is CAT-1. Once the surface winds catch up to the pressure...it's going to get nasty. I suspect when it gets well into the Gulf and feeds on the warm loop currents it will get the highest reading.

Well that's just wonderful.:-?

Haven't seen anything on the news about evacuations, not that I'm planning on leaving (I haven't for the past 5 years when hurricanes have hit).

[geetrue]

Looks like saturday morning early am around corpus christi way:


http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/storm_graphics/AT09/refresh/AL0908W5_sm2+gif/151325W_sm.gif

[vois2]

It looks like this thing will make landfall within spitting distance of Galveston on either side ... and yet am I correct in my understanding that Galveston Island is *NOT* being evacated?

I don't know where Neal is exactly but he's probably closer in to Houston proper.

I'm no emergency modeler but I am thinking ... low-lying coastal island ... Cat 4 washing up very nearby ... not good for the dogs and the cats and the toddlers living on that island.

Well, hopefully the residents won't shoot firearms at the rescue helicopters landing on the island after the storm passes.

[Onkel Neal]

Looks like saturday morning early am around corpus christi way:


http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/storm_graphics/AT09/refresh/AL0908W5_sm2+gif/151325W_sm.gif

That's not Corpus, that's Freeport!:dead:

[Stealth Hunter]

Well, by that map I'm still buggered (follow the red line on the first one).

[Onkel Neal]

By gosh, the Terminator is sending help. (http://www.statesman.com/news/content/news/stories/local/09/11/0911ike.html) :lol:

[elanaiba]

Good luck, Neal and the Texas gang.

[sonar732]

It looks like this thing will make landfall within spitting distance of Galveston on either side ... and yet am I correct in my understanding that Galveston Island is *NOT* being evacated?

I don't know where Neal is exactly but he's probably closer in to Houston proper.

I'm no emergency modeler but I am thinking ... low-lying coastal island ... Cat 4 washing up very nearby ... not good for the dogs and the cats and the toddlers living on that island.

Well, hopefully the residents won't shoot firearms at the rescue helicopters landing on the island after the storm passes.

They are under mandatory evacuations now.

[sonar732]

Various webcams from the Texas Gulf Coast...

Current "surf cam" from Freeport, TX (http://www.netsurfing.com/surfcam/index_orig.shtml)

Various Houston Street Cams (http://traffic.houstontranstar.org/cctv/transtar/by_roadway.html?mnu=freeway&rd=US-290_Northwest)--A TON OF THEM

Various other webcams (http://www.cincystreet.com/webcams/houston.html)in Houston

A few Galveston (http://www.galveston.com/webcams/) webcams...almost forgot a Seawolf Park (http://www.cavalla244.org/ParkWebcam.htm) webcam

A few Corpus Cristy Webcams (http://web.caller.com/ptz/) and here (http://www.earthcam.com/usa/texas/corpuschristi/).

[sonar732]

Last WW3 Wave information from the US Navy...

36h (https://www.fnmoc.navy.mil/ww3_cgi/cgi-bin/ww3_all.cgi?color=w&type=tau&area=cent_am&tau=036)

48h (https://www.fnmoc.navy.mil/ww3_cgi/cgi-bin/ww3_all.cgi?color=w&type=tau&area=cent_am&tau=048)

Keep in mind to watch Buoy 42001 (http://www.ndbc.noaa.gov/station_page.php?station=42001) also.

Conditions as of 7:50 CDT...

Wind Direction Wind Direction (WDIR): NNE ( 20 deg true )
Wind Speed Wind Speed (WSPD): 40.8 kts
Wind Gust Wind Gust (GST): 52.4 kts
Wave Height Wave Height (WVHT): 24.9 ft
Dominant Wave Period Dominant Wave Period (DPD): 14 sec
Average Period Average Period (APD): 9.2 sec
Atmospheric Pressure Atmospheric Pressure (PRES): 29.30 in
Pressure Tendency Pressure Tendency (PTDY): -0.10 in ( Falling Rapidly )
Air Temperature Air Temperature (ATMP): 82.9 °F
Water Temperature Water Temperature (WTMP): 84.4 °F
Dew Point Dew Point (DEWP): 75.0 °F
Heat Index Heat Index (HEAT): 90.3 °F

http://www.ndbc.noaa.gov/images/maps/WestGulf.gif

[sonar732]

A good weather blog (http://www.accuweather.com/mt-news-blogs.asp?partner=accuweather&blog=weathermatrix) from Jesse Ferrell at Accuweather.com with loads of information besides forecast.

[Onkel Neal]

As of now, Hurricane Ike is headed directly to my region.

Storm Pulse for Ike (http://www.stormpulse.com/)


Well, the good thing is traffic is getting heavy but has not reached gridlock (http://traffic.houstontranstar.org/cctv/transtar/by_roadway.html?mnu=freeway&rd=IH-45_Gulf)(yet). The folks who live on the coast are evacuating now. I've filled up my camping water cans, boarded up the exposed windows, and will be grilling steaks tonight. Hurricane Ike is slated to visit tomorrow afternoon/Sat morning.

The Cavalla cam, (http://www.cavalla244.org/ParkWebcam.htm) you can watch the weather here while the connection lasts.

Another good thing, the storm has not strengthed as expected. Maybe it will come in as a Cat 2 :D

My biggest worry, the SUBSIM server sits downtown Houston at the Planet, we had a fire a couple months ago, seems fitting we now have wind and water!

[HunterICX]

My biggest worry, the SUBSIM server sits downtown Houston at the Planet, we had a fire a couple months ago, seems fitting we now have wind and water!

better start work on Signatures saying ''I survived the SUBSIM Hurricane'' ;)

HunterICX

[Jimbuna]

My biggest worry, the SUBSIM server sits downtown Houston at the Planet, we had a fire a couple months ago, seems fitting we now have wind and water!

better start work on Signatures saying ''I survived the SUBSIM Hurricane'' ;)

HunterICX

Ha bloody ha http://img98.imageshack.us/img98/6153/uowprofuriousoi0rt6.gif


http://www.itsnature.org/forums/images/smilies/twister.gif http://www.canadacarry.org/forums/images/smilies/twister3.gif
Neal...I suggest we move the venue to London http://imgcash3.imageshack.us/img412/4774/thumbsuplargeon1.gif

[Tango589]

Neal...I suggest we move the venue to London http://imgcash3.imageshack.us/img412/4774/thumbsuplargeon1.gif

YEAH BABY!!!

This would suit me down to the ground!!

I can be there in 20-30 mins on the train!:rock:

Also:

Good luck riding out the storm Neal and all others in the area, hope it's not too rough for you.

[Oberon]

Neal...I suggest we move the venue to London http://imgcash3.imageshack.us/img412/4774/thumbsuplargeon1.gif

YEAH BABY!!!

This would suit me down to the ground!!

I can be there in 20-30 mins on the train!:rock:

Also:

Good luck riding out the storm Neal and all others in the area, hope it's not too rough for you.

Is that ten minutes for the train journey and twenty minutes for the delays? :lol:

[nikimcbee]

I trust the external Cavalla cam will be on for all of this.:hmm:

[sonar732]

An erie looking map...

http://www.houstonclimateprotection.org/images/hgac_map_closeup_3dag.jpg

with the 4pm cdt update focused on storm surge...

COASTAL STORM SURGE FLOODING OF UP TO 20 FT ABOVE NORMAL TIDE
LEVELS...ALONG WITH LARGE AND DANGEROUS BATTERING WAVES...CAN BE
EXPECTED NEAR AND TO THE EAST OF WHERE THE CENTER OF IKE MAKES
LANDFALL...EXCEPT AT THE HEADS OF BAYS...WHERE SURGE FLOODING OF UP
TO 25 FT COULD OCCUR. COASTAL STORM SURGE FLOODING OF 6 TO 8 FEET
ABOVE NORMAL TIDE LEVELS...ALONG WITH LARGE AND DANGEROUS
WAVES...CAN BE EXPECTED WITHIN THE TROPICAL STORM WARNING AREA
ALONG THE NORTHERN GULF COAST. ABOVE NORMAL TIDES IN THE EASTERN
GULF OF MEXICO SHOULD GRADUALLY SUBSIDE OVER THE NEXT DAY OR SO.

[NEON DEON]

I just booked my mother in law a room in Galveston;)

[Bill Nichols]

Neal...I suggest we move the venue to London http://imgcash3.imageshack.us/img412/4774/thumbsuplargeon1.gif

YEAH BABY!!!

This would suit me down to the ground!!

I can be there in 20-30 mins on the train!:rock:

Also:

Good luck riding out the storm Neal and all others in the area, hope it's not too rough for you.


No! No! Nix on London. I aleady have my air and hotel reservations made for Houston... non-refundable :/\\!!

And Neal: Remember that if you dive deep enough, you can ride out any storm no matter how severe.

:arrgh!:

[mookiemookie]

Looks like we're gonna get this sucker head on. They're forecasting 75-100 mile an hour sustained winds here tomorrow night. I'm well prepared with plenty of canned soup, bottled water, booze and cigarettes. I'm actually playing a fun game while watching the continuous local news coverage here...every time someone says the phrase "hunker down" or a variant of such, I'm taking a swig of my drink.

I suspect I will be falling down drunk withink 30 minutes or so. :()1:

Captain, the hatches have been dogged down and we're rigged for hurricane weather! :arrgh!:

[nikimcbee]

Worst case scenario, this will be a Cavalla grounds clean up party. Hopefully the damage will be minimal to the Seawolf Park. I guess we'll find out. i'll bring my leather gloves and help clean up the place.

[nikimcbee]

double post

[snakeyez]

Neal, along with all others in the path, I pray for your safety. I'm tired of hurricanes myself.

[Onkel Neal]

Thanks, Snakeyze, and don't worry, Bill, I'm headed to test depth in 24 hours.

Hmmm....looks like the Cavalla cam is frozen. No surprise. Here are some general Galveston cams. (http://www.galveston.com/webcams/)

[SteamWake]

Little advice?

Ice.... no really make as much Ice as you can.

I survived Andrew :up:

Good luck and God Speed

[Stealth Hunter]

My biggest worry, the SUBSIM server sits downtown Houston at the Planet, we had a fire a couple months ago, seems fitting we now have wind and water!

Now all we need is an earthquake, and we'll be combined with all the elements.

[Stealth Hunter]

Looking at the most recent maps from the National Hurricane Center, the storm should hit my place around (and I'm guessing on this) noon this Saturday. Missouri is even going to take one hell of a hit; so is Illinois.:o

Ike is really powerful from the looks of things.

[Kpt. Lehmann]

Looking at the most recent maps from the National Hurricane Center, the storm should hit my place around (and I'm guessing on this) noon this Saturday. Missouri is even going to take one hell of a hit; so is Illinois.:o

Ike is really powerful from the looks of things.

Well, if you live in Houston, my work-partner and myself may be the ones that fish you out of the soup. :arrgh!:

Packing my gear now. My truck leaves for the region in three hours and FEMA owns my butt for two weeks. hopefully we'll be home sooner. Cheers all!!!

[Stealth Hunter]

Looking at the most recent maps from the National Hurricane Center, the storm should hit my place around (and I'm guessing on this) noon this Saturday. Missouri is even going to take one hell of a hit; so is Illinois.:o

Ike is really powerful from the looks of things.

Well, if you live in Houston, my work-partner and myself may be the ones that fish you out of the soup. :arrgh!:

Packing my gear now. My truck leaves for the region in three hours and FEMA owns my butt for two weeks. hopefully we'll be home sooner. Cheers all!!!

Might have to. I don't plan on leaving, but we'll see what happens.

Cheers.

[Skybird]

Even German news cover Ike regularly since some time. Good luck to you all. Hope you can ride it out unharmed.

Honestly said I am glad that we do not have such things over here yet, and not with that yearly regularity. What we know with some regularity is strong but "normal" storms, and spring floodings in certain areas around major rivers, but that does not compare to the violence and threat level to so many lives of a hurricane.

[TDK1044]

Ike is nothing compared to subsim's warring modders, Neal. Much more wind and hot air from those guys.:D

[Onkel Neal]

I've got Kpt. Lehmann's cell on my speed dial :|\\ so if the 100+ mps storm winds rip my house apart, I'll call for rescue.

[Konovalov]

Stay safe Neal. :yep:

I wouldn't be surprised if Subsim is down some time this weekend. :-?

[Quillan]

Good luck guys. I'm in Baton Rouge, and got my power back last Saturday after Gustav. My brother lives in Houston, so my thoughts and prayers are with you.

[Onkel Neal]

Updated storm track.
http://www.moto-dude.com/images/ike.ht2.jpg




Boarded up.
http://www.moto-dude.com/images/ike.ht4.jpg




Lights. Candles. Batteries. Water. Ice. 10 cans of chili: check
http://www.moto-dude.com/images/ike.ht1.jpg


No sign of Ike....yet
http://www.moto-dude.com/images/ike.ht3.jpg

[AVGWarhawk]

My sister is in Houston, Neal. She is riding it out. However, she booked a room further inland if the power is out for days. This storm is over 700 miles wide. It is pushing a lot of sea water. I think we can predict some of the coast is going under. Busy as hell with FEMA today and will be tonight. For Saturday we wait out the storm and then all hell breaks loose on Sunday for clean up and supplies. Ain't we got fun?:shifty:

[sonar732]

University of Texas study showing a 19ft storm surge on Galveston Bay...

http://www.jsg.utexas.edu/images/big/coast06/texascity6.jpg

[OneToughHerring]

Yea stay safe all Texas Subsimmers. I used to have a relative who lived in San Antonio, I've heard stories of floods and stuff.

[AVGWarhawk]

Yep, we can pretty much kiss Galveston goodbye if the surge is over 17 feet. The surge wall is only 17 feet in Galveston. 700 miles of storm is pushing a hell of a lot of ocean.

[mookiemookie]

I'm watching the news and there's already some homes on the beach being washed away in Surfside (about 20 miles south down the coast from Galveston). I wouldn't be surprised to see some major damage in Galveston and Freeport.

Getting pretty breezy here on the west side of Houston. This afternoon should be fun.

[Jimbuna]

Good luck Neal and everyone in the area....thankfully we seldom if ever get anything of this magnitude in the UK :nope:

[sonar732]

On a side note...nothing on the Subsim.com homepage about Ike even though you are "looking down the barrel"?

[Onkel Neal]

Ha ha, good point :)

I'll update now, then going around town on my motorcycle before closing the hatch.

[BlueBeard]

I seriously hope that you are getting your butt out of there Neal. Where exactly in Galveston is your house?

Regards,
Menno and Jolanda (BlueBeard and Angel)

[longam]

The traffic is low on the main roads. These Traffic cams could come in handy for an escape route.

http://tinyurl.com/4pnkst

Live Coverage FOX http://www.myfoxhoustonlive.com/

[sonar732]

Webcam on I-45 and 61st in Galveston...

Regular Day
http://www.houstontranstar.org/snapshots/directional/d170.jpg

Snapshot image showing frontage road access gone.
http://www.houstontranstar.org/snapshots/cctv/170.jpg

[Rhodes]

"It's a big one, and it's going to get bigger," said Lt. Col. Mark Carter, 54, a pilot who has chased storms for 31 years"

in Yahoo know:

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20080912/ap_on_re_us/eye_of_ike

Do not know if is 100% realleable.

Good luck Neal, hang in there!!!

[RickC Sniper]

http://fieldnotes.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2008/09/12/1385259.aspx

The video on that page shows that seawall in Galveston.

The water is very very high there already, and the storm was 17 hours out.

Isn't this thing still just a cat2? Is it the enormous diameter of the thing that gives it the potential to do so much damage?

[Jimbuna]

I've just noticed the cavalla webcam is down....hope it's not for obvious reason :hmm:

[sonar732]

Isn't this thing still just a cat2? Is it the enormous diameter of the thing that gives it the potential to do so much damage?

This is exactly why the storm surge is huge. Ike is pushing the water in the gulf towards Galveston and Sabine Pass. Here is a graphic from WGN's Tom Skilling explaining a few things also.

http://blogs.trb.com/news/weather/weblog/wgnweather/WX-FEATURE0912.jpg

Ike is bigger in size than Katrina was. You have all the water underneath the tropical force winds being shoved into NE TX/SW LA right now. Please note my links for buoy reports.

They are already reporting flooding as far East as New Orleans...yes...New Orleans.

[Onkel Neal]

Noon update: No storm yet. Maybe Ike got lost?

Bluebeard, I received your text message, thanks. So far, I don't think Ike will be an overwhelming storm.

I went out for a ride to survey the town. Not many people out, most have boarded up and are staying put.

My favorite Tex-Mex restaurant, closed. People, please pray with me this place survives. :hmm:
http://www.moto-dude.com/images/ike.ht5.jpg

http://www.moto-dude.com/images/ike.ht7.jpg

http://www.moto-dude.com/images/ike.ht8.jpg



These stores are always full of people and cars... not today. Drat, I was thinking about picking up some movies...
http://www.moto-dude.com/images/ike.ht9.jpg

http://www.moto-dude.com/images/ike.ht10.jpg




These guys are in for a surprise shortly!
http://www.moto-dude.com/images/ike.ht11.jpg




Here are two derelict structures. It will be interesting to see if they survive the 100+ mph winds. If they do, well, that may debunk the myth of the awesome power of da hurricane :hmm:
http://www.moto-dude.com/images/ike.ht12.jpg

http://www.moto-dude.com/images/ike.ht13.jpg

[Onkel Neal]

I seriously hope that you are getting your butt out of there Neal. Where exactly in Galveston is your house?

Regards,
Menno and Jolanda (BlueBeard and Angel)

Not exacly Galveston, inshore a bit
http://www.moto-dude.com/images/ike.ht2.jpg

[BlueBeard]

Well looks quiet on the pictures. I am curious about the before and after effect.

The storm will arrive around 07:00 AM GMT+1 I think.

[AVGWarhawk]

Fear not Neal! FEMA is working up ordering 200 more tractors to pull relief supplies. I'm stroking through my availability now:up:. I have water tankers on the way....like you need more water:o Balls out today for positioning trucks. Tomorrow it is sit and wait out the storm. Then it is balls out Sunday moving in supplies and generators. I'm pulling trucks to Fort Sam Houston and Randolph AFB. As of now, my trucks are slated to be onsite shuttling relief supplies up to 30 days or beyond. Heck, I have 5 trucks sitting in the Reliant Center, Houston. That is right...inside the Reliant Center:o I have to make sure my tractors do not blow away:up: It is now the calm before the storm.

[sonar732]

Department of Energy is estimating roughly 7.8 million households will be w/o power after Ike.

[Jimbuna]

I know I've posted this before, but good luck guys.

Somebody should tell Ike there is a very important SS Meet due soon and he/she/it should respect that :lol:

[sonar732]

Current models are moving Ike's landfall South of Freeport!

http://www.stormpulse.com/fullscreen/current

[OneToughHerring]

Yea it could basically hit a lot of places. But Houston has to prepare for the worst which is smart, I think. There is nothing easy about these hurricanes, when you're prepared for them to hit, they wont.

edit. Checked the latest satellite images, I guess it's gonna hit Houston. :(

[ubootcomrade]

Good luck to everyone who is bearing the brunt of hurricane Ike, I hope that you all make it out in one piece.:up:

[Stealth Hunter]

I seriously hope that you are getting your butt out of there Neal. Where exactly in Galveston is your house?

Regards,
Menno and Jolanda (BlueBeard and Angel)

Not exacly Galveston, inshore a bit
http://www.moto-dude.com/images/ike.ht2.jpg

Well ****. It's going to go right over my place, too.:damn: Out of curiosity, do you have a link to this specific map from their site?

[patton610]

any Ideas about what they are doing at the Battleship? Last I heard it was ready to sink by itself. this would be a odd storm... carrying the name of a Texan, flooding Texas, and sinking the U.S.S. Texas as well. should change the name to Billy and maybe it will divert to New Mexico.

[Torp III]

And his name is Ike. Batton down your hatches and dive deep. You'al take care down there Texas way. Sure now you get the wasser to put the fire out. We'll see you on the other side. We are all here with ya "Riden the Storm Out"

Danno

[Onkel Neal]

5:30 PM: Nothing to report. My friends Richard, Ryan, and Brenda came over to ride out the storm. We ordered pizza and watched Wild Hogs. Wind has picked up a bit. I'm beginning to wonder if this hurricane is a simulation generated by the gasoline and D cell battery lobbies....:doh:

[Stealth Hunter]

I have a bit of rain going on right now. I sent Wallie to my nephew and his family. Hopefully, he'll be safe there.

[Captain Vlad]

Good luck, guys.

[sonar732]

USS Bataan Returns from Successful Underway Training (http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=39679)

NORFOLK (NNS) -- The multipurpose amphibious assault ship USS Bataan (LHD 5) pulled into its homeport of Norfolk, Sept. 11 following a successful underway when the ship completed a four day Hurricane Exercise (HURREX 08-002) and landing qualifications for pilots from Marine Attack Squadron (VMA) 542 and Marine Medium Tilt-rotor Squadron (VMM) 263.

Perfect timing...fair winds and following seas as they are dispatched to the GOM for sure.

[sonar732]

Defense Department Readies Help as Ike Approaches Landfall (http://www.defenselink.mil/news/newsarticle.aspx?id=51142)

WASHINGTON, Sept. 12, 2008 – With Hurricane Ike forecast to make landfall tonight or early tomorrow on the Texas coast, the Defense Department already is assisting civilian agencies.

U.S. Northern Command, based in Colorado Springs, Colo., is coordinating DoD’s support.

The storm is expected to hit the coast as a strong Category 2 or possible Category 3 hurricane. A Category 2 storm has winds between 96 and 110 mph. A Category 3 has 111 to 130 mph winds. The storm surge is expected to be between 15 and 20 feet, officials said.

U.S. Transportation Command has evacuated more than 400 patients from Corpus Christi and Beaumont, Texas.

Defense coordinating elements are in place at federal and state emergency centers all along the Gulf Coast, Pentagon spokesman Bryan Whitman said today.

Six DoD bases have been designated as staging and logistics bases in advance of Hurricane Ike. They are: Marine Logistics Base, Albany, Ga.; Naval Air Station Jacksonville, Fla., Maxwell Air Force Base, Ala.; Naval Air Station Meridian, Miss.; Fort Sam Houston, Texas; and Randolph Air Force Base, Texas. Some of those installations will provide lodging for Federal Emergency Management Agency urban search-and-rescue teams, Whitman said.

More than 1,500 active duty personnel are in a “prepare to deploy” status due to the storm.

NorthCom has more than 50 aircraft available for the response effort, and the USS Nassau is loading disaster relief supplies in Norfolk, Va.

“We are also looking at having a disaster relief team going aboard that,” Whitman said. The team would have a surgical team, utility landing craft and other support, he added.
The Nassau would support “what would be DoD’s primary mission, which would be to save and sustain lives and relieve suffering,” Whitman said.

About 11 million packaged meals are cached at sites in Louisiana and Texas, and another 50 million are available if needed. Trucks and flat-bottomed boats have been pre-positioned and will be ready to go into affected areas in the aftermath of the storm.

U.S. Air Forces Northern is establishing a search-and-rescue unit in preparation of Hurricane Ike landfall and in support of Texas Search and Rescue. The 331st Air Expeditionary Group is responsible for search-and-rescue operations, and will be located at Randolph Air Force Base. The unit’s helicopters can fly once the wind drops below 50 knots.

NorthCom also has ready to deploy a wide-area damage assessment capability that comprises manned and unmanned aircraft that can gauge the extent of damage once the storm passes. Officials used the assets to chart the California wildfires and in the aftermath of Hurricane Gustav.

Bases along the path of the storm are reacting also, Whitman said. Air bases are evacuating or “hangaring” aircraft. “We are getting critical DoD assets in the path of the hurricane out of the way,” Whitman said.

[geetrue]

To answer bluebeards question:

Galveston is about 45 miles from Houston proper, but with urban sprawl it's probably a lot closer by now.

Saw rattlesnakes hanging on barbed wire fences after Hurricane Carla back in 1961 ... yep I was in that one when I was 17.

Here's some interesting reading while waiting for the surge to pass:http://www.cnn.com/2008/US/weather/09/12/galveston.1900/

By KC Wildmoon (CNN) -- The worst weather disaster in American history took place in Galveston, Texas, :o
in 1900 when a hurricane estimated as a Category 4 intensity blew ashore, killing thousands of residents and obliterating the town.

PS I wasn't in that one lol

[mookiemookie]

A while back, History Channel had a great show on the 1900 Galveston hurricane. My girlfriend and I were talking about it....amazing how at that time they had to rely on weather observations from ships when they finally came into port, as they had no radio or wireless at the time. Yet we still have pretty good records on the 1900 hurricane track and strength and whatnot.

As of 7:00 here on the west side of Houston in the Galleria area, theres some pretty strong gusts of wind, but sustained wind isnt that bad. Saw a few sprinkles earlier today around 4:00 but that's it as far as rain goes.

Girlfriend and I are tucked in tight on my 3rd floor apartment. Our cars are in a covered parking garage on the 2nd floor, so we're not concerned with flooding. All the windows face a courtyard, too, so flying debris damage shouldn't be a problem. Food and water stocks are great, as well as the booze, so we're splicing the main brace and rigged for hurricane running. :D

[AVGWarhawk]

The latest is a high pressure system north of TX that will keep the storm moving very slowly over TX. This means dumping rain like mad!

[Stealth Hunter]

Maybe we won't be whirled away, Neal... maybe we'll drown.:lol:

[Onkel Neal]

To rest your mind Neal, I have 150 trucks staged in Carville LA. I have over 300 trailers loaded with MRE, water, tarps and JFO kits at Carville and Port Allen. I have 5 86000# generators (these can light a small city) and 15 trailers of smaller generators in Carville as well.


I'd feel a lot better if I had one of those generators parked in my drive way right now. I'll PM you my address.

It's 2200 hours here, power is still on. Wind gusts have picked up to ~40 mph, food is still holding out pretty well but I'm eating non-stop now. Something about hurricanes makes me hungry. So far, things are peachy here.

PS: Richard says park one of those generators in Clute, too. ;)

[RamRod]

Defense Department Readies Help as Ike Approaches Landfall (http://www.defenselink.mil/news/newsarticle.aspx?id=51142)

WASHINGTON, Sept. 12, 2008 – With Hurricane Ike forecast to make landfall tonight or early tomorrow on the Texas coast, the Defense Department already is assisting civilian agencies.



Sonar732, it's really cool the US government is ready and set to assist those of us living along the gulf coast but... this is not New Orleans. I believe most of us Texans are actually prepared for this storm and will not require a fraction of the assistance Lousianna did. Check the ID's of any FEMA trailer applicant after this storm and I'm sure you'll find a transplanted resident of NO.

[Stealth Hunter]

I'm about to post a thread on this subject. Stand by. I've got a few things to say.

[cappy70]

,,,be safe down there and my thoughts with you guys in the path of ike ,,

[vois2]

On 09-10-2008, 10:38 PM , vois2 wrote

It looks like this thing will make landfall within spitting distance of Galveston on either side ... and yet am I correct in my understanding that Galveston Island is *NOT* being evacated?

I don't know where Neal is exactly but he's probably closer in to Houston proper.

I'm no emergency modeler but I am thinking ... low-lying coastal island ... Cat 4 washing up very nearby ... not good for the dogs and the cats and the toddlers living on that island.

Well, hopefully the residents won't shoot firearms at the rescue helicopters landing on the island after the storm passes.

I wrote that 48 hrs ago when almost all the models had Ike coming in at Freeport. Mr. Ike decided to head in much closer and onto Galveston Island - not that Freeport would have been much better for the island itself considering the location of Galveston Island relative to (what was once predicted as) a Freeport landing. I haven't followed the news in the last couple of days but I do hope every living soul is off of Galveston Island.

[mookiemookie]

To rest your mind Neal, I have 150 trucks staged in Carville LA. I have over 300 trailers loaded with MRE, water, tarps and JFO kits at Carville and Port Allen. I have 5 86000# generators (these can light a small city) and 15 trailers of smaller generators in Carville as well.

I'd feel a lot better if I had one of those generators parked in my drive way right now. I'll PM you my address.

It's 2200 hours here, power is still on. Wind gusts have picked up to ~40 mph, food is still holding out pretty well but I'm eating non-stop now. Something about hurricanes makes me hungry. So far, things are peachy here.

PS: Richard says park one of those generators in Clute, too. ;)

Neal, I doubt you will, but if you need anything my door is open. :up:

[RamRod]

Galveston called for a mandatory evacuation yesterday but not everyone left. There are many people still on the island and there are already reports of looting. Many people that wished now they had left are being sheltered in Ball High School.

[geetrue]

I just got home and turned on the weather channel ...

What's the first thing I see?

Sugarland is under lock down 8pm curfew ...

I think Neal is in Missouri City which is bascally the Sugarland area ...

Neal is in lockdown :ping:

[TheBrauerHour]

Hope Neal weathers the storm well. The video I am watching here doesn't look good.

[RamRod]

I just got home and turned on the weather channel ...

What's the first thing I see?

Sugarland is under lock down 8pm curfew ...

I think Neal is in Missouri City which is bascally the Sugarland area ...

Neal is in lockdown :ping:

I think Neal lives further east, like in Pearland. My guess is he's huddled up in a sleeping blanket under his kitchen table, talking on the phone to his girlfriend to keep himself from panicing. :huh:

[geetrue]

I just got home and turned on the weather channel ...

What's the first thing I see?

Sugarland is under lock down 8pm curfew ...

I think Neal is in Missouri City which is bascally the Sugarland area ...

Neal is in lockdown :ping:

I think Neal lives further east, like in Pearland. My guess is he's huddled up in a sleeping blanket under his kitchen table, talking on the phone to his girlfriend to keep himself from panicing. :huh:

Thats where he lives Pearland ... when I was in highschool back in the 60's Pearland, Sugaland and Missouri City all ran together.

CNN just reported La Porte is flooding and that is way inland on Galveston Bay. I lived there till 1977.

This is going to be a wild ride :yep:

[sonar732]

On 09-10-2008, 10:38 PM , vois2 wrote

It looks like this thing will make landfall within spitting distance of Galveston on either side ... and yet am I correct in my understanding that Galveston Island is *NOT* being evacated?

I don't know where Neal is exactly but he's probably closer in to Houston proper.

I'm no emergency modeler but I am thinking ... low-lying coastal island ... Cat 4 washing up very nearby ... not good for the dogs and the cats and the toddlers living on that island.

Well, hopefully the residents won't shoot firearms at the rescue helicopters landing on the island after the storm passes.
I wrote that 48 hrs ago when almost all the models had Ike coming in at Freeport. Mr. Ike decided to head in much closer and onto Galveston Island - not that Freeport would have been much better for the island itself considering the location of Galveston Island relative to (what was once predicted as) a Freeport landing. I haven't followed the news in the last couple of days but I do hope every living soul is off of Galveston Island.
Unfortunately, that is not the case...

CNN Coverage (http://www.cnn.com/2008/US/weather/09/12/hurricane.ike.texas/index.html)

Galveston had ordered evacuation of the island, but LeBlanc said about 40 percent of the city's 57,523 residents chose to stay. "It's unfortunate that the warnings that we sent out were not heeded," he said.

Fox Coverage (http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,421742,00.html)

The emergency management coordinator for Galveston County estimates that 80 percent of the residents evacuated. That leaves more than 11,000 residents in the county that is expected to take a direct hit from Ike's massive storm surge.

[RamRod]

Pearland Resident Cracks Under Weight of Hurricane Ike
By Ricky Gillicake Copyright 2008 Houston Chronacle

Pearland - This afternoon Pearland resident Neal Stevens was detained after a 30 minute chase through his upscale subdivision, naked but for a scuba mask and snorkle running and splashing in ankle deep water screaming phrases such as "Batton down the hatches!" and "Emergency Blow!".
Police and EMS responders were quoted as saying that the stress of the impending hurricane was too much strain for the unfortunate man who among other things is a researcher of submarine history. They also reported that family had been notified and would be available to ease the troubled man's mind. County officials are unsure how to categorize this casualty of the storm.

[vois2]

sonar732 wrote ...

Unfortunately, that is not the case...

CNN Coverage (http://www.cnn.com/2008/US/weather/09/12/hurricane.ike.texas/index.html)

Galveston had ordered evacuation of the island, but LeBlanc said about 40 percent of the city's 57,523 residents chose to stay. "It's unfortunate that the warnings that we sent out were not heeded," he said.

Fox Coverage (http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,421742,00.html)

The emergency management coordinator for Galveston County estimates that 80 percent of the residents evacuated. That leaves more than 11,000 residents in the county that is expected to take a direct hit from Ike's massive storm surge.

Thanks for the links. Geez, I don't know what to say about the folks who actually live on the island and who chose to stay. I believe they have been lured by an "extremely false" sense of security. Their homes and businesses and structures are going to fill up from the bottom up like a bathtub. I sure hope this doesn't turn out to leave a couple of hundred ... or thousand ... drowning victims.

[Onkel Neal]

Pearland Resident Cracks Under Weight of Hurricane Ike
By Ricky Gillicake Copyright 2008 Houston Chronacle

Pearland - This afternoon Pearland resident Neal Stevens was detained after a 30 minute chase through his upscale subdivision, naked but for a scuba mask and snorkle running and splashing in ankle deep water screaming phrases such as "Batton down the hatches!" and "Emergency Blow!".
Police and EMS responders were quoted as saying that the stress of the impending hurricane was too much strain for the unfortunate man who among other things is a researcher of submarine history. They also reported that family had been notified and would be available to ease the troubled man's mind. County officials are unsure how to categorize this casualty of the storm.

Not true. My subdivison is not upscale, more like the ghetto:ping:

[sonar732]

103 knot winds at flight level from the Hurricane Hunter aircraft so far and it's not at the eye yet.

[Sailor Steve]

food is still holding out pretty well but I'm eating non-stop now. Something about hurricanes makes me hungry. So far, things are peachy here.
This just in: SubSim owner missing after hurricane. Police find 400-pound stranger occupying his house. Claims he is the same person, but authorities suspicious. Children adamant - "That's not my dad!"

Film at eleven.

[Onkel Neal]

0145: we now have hurricane force winds. There is a steady roar outside. One of my trees, the corner pine, has been toppled. Not sure if it has been uprooted, but I can see that at least half of it is horizontal. The wind blast is pretty constant and you can hear very ominous sounds (booms, cracks, and occasionally ripping sounds) outside the house. Very dark. With my powerful flashlight I can see the trees whipping around like grass, and the limbs as big as your arm falling like autumn leave. Very exciting stuff, wish it was daytime so I could see better.

[Onkel Neal]

According to the radio, the eye of the storm is now crossing Galveston. It should pass very close if not exactly over Pearland in about an hour.

[Onkel Neal]

We've been getting power blips for the last 90 minutes now. Power goes off for 30 seconds and then comes back on. Warhawk, where's that generator you promised ! :arrgh!:

[vois2]

Thanks for the updates, Neal. I'm highly surprised you still have both power and internet services. God help those folks at the lower terrain levels, although by now the damage is already at max out at Galveston as far as flooding goes. Thanks again!

[Onkel Neal]

Man, with hurricanes, there's always something crashing into the side of the house. What it is, who knows? You can't see much and you cannot step outside to look.

[Onkel Neal]

I'm highly surprised you still have both power and internet services.

Yeah, me too. I have to log in after each power surge, and I hope the power stays on at least until 2:30, the I win the blackout pool with Richard and Brenda.

[vois2]

...You can't see much and you cannot step outside to look.

Kinda like being in a submarine, then.
Where's the house periscope when you need one?!

[nikimcbee]

I wonder how the Cavalla is doing? and the USS Texas?

[Koondawg]

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/26637482?GT1=43001

1 hour ago this was the status...looks to me like the path will take it up through Dallas...gotta put in a call to Dad, prob drop a crapload of rain on its way

[Jimbuna]

Here is the latest from the BBC:

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/americas/7613598.stm

Sure hope everyone is okay when the emergency services commence their work at daybreak.

@Neal...It's about 5am Texan time right now (10am GMT), fingers crossed your safe and throwing out the zeds mate after a long night :up:

[STEED]

So your still here? Hurr, getting worked up over nothing as usual, try living here in the UK we got leaves that can stop a train you know! :roll: :p :rolleyes: :lol:

[Koondawg]

latest pics


http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/26682185/displaymode/1176/rstry/26637482/

[AVGWarhawk]

We've been getting power blips for the last 90 minutes now. Power goes off for 30 seconds and then comes back on. Warhawk, where's that generator you promised ! :arrgh!:

These do not go out until the storm passes. My trucks are parked inside the Relient Center so they do not blow away. This is were my generators are. These are for hospitals and other buildings that are part of the relief effort. It is a mess down there and looks like weeks of clean up. The coast is completely trashed. US&R to deploy this morning for those that did not want to leave Galveston. Helicopters are standing by. I fear US&R will not find many survivors in Galveston. But the attempt needs to be made. Now the chit hits the fan as the storm passes. I start work at 0900 this morning and will work until 0900 Sunday morning...or die in the process. My co-worker has been up since 0600 yesterday moving FEMA relief. I relieve him this morning.

[Dowly]

Take it easy and stay safe! :up:

[TarJak]

http://edition.cnn.com/2008/US/weather/09/13/hurricane.ike.texas/index.html

Looks like the generators are going to be needed!

Hope Neal and all the Houston/Galveston area members are all OK and hunkered down good.

[sonar732]

We've been getting power blips for the last 90 minutes now. Power goes off for 30 seconds and then comes back on. Warhawk, where's that generator you promised ! :arrgh!:
These do not go out until the storm passes. My trucks are parked inside the Relient Center so they do not blow away. This is were my generators are. These are for hospitals and other buildings that are part of the relief effort. It is a mess down there and looks like weeks of clean up. The coast is completely trashed. US&R to deploy this morning for those that did not want to leave Galveston. Helicopters are standing by. I fear US&R will not find many survivors in Galveston. But the attempt needs to be made. Now the chit hits the fan as the storm passes. I start work at 0900 this morning and will work until 0900 Sunday morning...or die in the process. My co-worker has been up since 0600 yesterday moving FEMA relief. I relieve him this morning.

AVG...please be carefull and keep us updated on the situation in Galveston!

[geetrue]

10am cst with no post from Neal since 2am ... :o

Hope he's just sleeping ... see if FEMA can spare a trailer or two Warhawk along with that generator. Give em back after the subsim meeting of course :yep:

thanks for all the links sonar ... feels like going through the straits, uh?

[STEED]

Still on line I see. :yep:

All this panic for no good reason I don't know.

[geetrue]

This is an hour old, but answers why Neal is having comunication problems:
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/09/13/AR2008091300454.html?hpid=artslot

An official from CenterPoint Energy said that about 90 percent of its roughly 2 million customers were without power, the Houston Chronicle reported on its Web site. Full restoration could take several weeks, said CenterPoint spokesman Floyd LeBlanc.

[Platapus]

one percent of the total population of the entire United States is without electric power.

My sympathies with everyone affected by this storm. :yep:

I don't think I would want to live in the gulf coastal areas. :nope:

[McBeck]

Another update from Neal please?!

Im getting a bit worried here in Denmark seeing the news and the devastation this hurricane causes.:cry:

Neal, Maj-Britt is worried about you too, please let us know you are OK :cry:

[Task Force]

He is probaly ok.:lost: :gulp:

[Torp III]

Hmmm, I wonder if Neal won his power outage pool?:hmm:

[BlueBeard]

I received a text message from him at 15:49 GMT+1 saying that they are all ok and that the house is still standing :)

[STEED]

I received a text message from him at 15:49 GMT+1 saying that they are all ok and that the house is still standing :)

Well that is bland, I must say. Neal needs some beer in him to beef up his text messages. :cool:

[Koondawg]

Well that is bland, I must say. Neal needs some beer in him to beef up his text messages
Granted the beer is plentifull...but warm.


wait a dayam minute...wrong thread...Steed you baited me dagumit.

[STEED]

Well that is bland, I must say. Neal needs some beer in him to beef up his text messages
Granted the beer is plentifull...but warm.


wait a dayam minute...wrong thread...Steed you baited me dagumit.

WHO ME! :roll: :rotfl: :rotfl: :rotfl:

[Jimbuna]

Just talking to Privateer on TS and he informs me over 3 million people in the area are without power....so I reckon/hope that is the reason for Neal not being logged on.

[geetrue]

I received a text message from him at 15:49 GMT+1 saying that they are all ok and that the house is still standing :)

world time clock: http://www.timeanddate.com/worldclock/fixedtime.html?month=12&day=11&year=2007&hour=16&min=45&sec=43&p1=0

Which works out to GMT -7 8:49 am CST Houston, Texas time, I think :hmm:

[McBeck]

I hope he is OK....

[STEED]

I feel a tremble in the force. :huh:

No wait it was the beans I had. :lol:

[AVGWarhawk]

We've been getting power blips for the last 90 minutes now. Power goes off for 30 seconds and then comes back on. Warhawk, where's that generator you promised ! :arrgh!:
These do not go out until the storm passes. My trucks are parked inside the Relient Center so they do not blow away. This is were my generators are. These are for hospitals and other buildings that are part of the relief effort. It is a mess down there and looks like weeks of clean up. The coast is completely trashed. US&R to deploy this morning for those that did not want to leave Galveston. Helicopters are standing by. I fear US&R will not find many survivors in Galveston. But the attempt needs to be made. Now the chit hits the fan as the storm passes. I start work at 0900 this morning and will work until 0900 Sunday morning...or die in the process. My co-worker has been up since 0600 yesterday moving FEMA relief. I relieve him this morning.

AVG...please be carefull and keep us updated on the situation in Galveston!

I'm up in Maryland. Our crisis for the day is hoping the beer is cold. I get updates from my drivers and my representatives on the ground that direct my trucks on what to do. I handle the direct contact with FEMA here in Washington. Washington calls the shots. It has been quiet with new tasks/missions for FEMA. Once the damage is assessed, folks are rescued and the water spills back into the sea, I then will have my trucks move in as FEMA directs. Today was 45 loads of tarps dropping at Ft Sam Houston. I just finished those up. Need the tarps to cover homes that the roofs can be found 4 counties over:o The Army Corp of Engineers are handling truck loads of water today. It is a major operation and will be for weeks to come. My sister is ok. She did leave Houston and is staying at a friends house. No internet, no electricity...just a cell phone. Off to the races for me!

[geetrue]

I didn't know you were out of Maryland ... I use to attend the Annapolis Boat show every year when I was in the boat business. Simply beautiful as all of Chesapeke Bay is.

Well your doing a great job. Glad we got to know you better.

Thanks for the updates ... better than no news. CNN gets old fast.

[Bill Nichols]

AVG said, "I'm up in Maryland. Our crisis for the day is hoping the beer is cold."

I'm in Maryland, too... AVG must have forgotten already how much bruhaha was made here when Hanna blew by...

:roll:

[BlueBeard]

I received a text message from him at 15:49 GMT+1 saying that they are all ok and that the house is still standing :)

world time clock: http://www.timeanddate.com/worldclock/fixedtime.html?month=12&day=11&year=2007&hour=16&min=45&sec=43&p1=0

Which works out to GMT -7 8:49 am CST Houston, Texas time, I think :hmm:

Yeah it's about 7 hours time difference.

[Dowly]

The surge seemed to be pretty big on the Galveston area from what I could tell from the vid I saw on Fox26 just now. Tons of boats on dry land and roughly 2feet of water in some houses. :dead: Atleast the running water is back up, pressure still low but better than nothing.

[snakeyez]

Here in Mississippi on I-20 there is a steady (and I mean STEADY) stream of utility trucks, power poles, transformers, huge generators, and truckloads of workers all going west as fast as they can roll.

I will never forget that it was Georgia Power workers who restored electricity to my neighborhood after Hurricane Katrina. It makes you emotional to know that after days and days of no electricity or water or phone that someone from another state helped you out like that.

Just keep the shotgun nearby Neal and everything will be fine.

[AVGWarhawk]

AVG said, "I'm up in Maryland. Our crisis for the day is hoping the beer is cold."

I'm in Maryland, too... AVG must have forgotten already how much bruhaha was made here when Hanna blew by...

:roll:

Yep. In Glen Burnie. Not by choice. Wife:shifty: . I sit on Marley Creek. I remember Hanna and Isabell. Still go the darn stump in my front yard from the tree she knocked down. Got a lull with FEMA for the minute...shift change. I running stuff out of Winchester VA now. Won't be long before I'm at NASA Moffett Field for more generators...Forest Park (Fort Gillem)is running thin. Getting tired. Been up since 0530. Coffee...dump it in me or over me...I do not care.

[1480]

My prayers are with everyone that are affected.

[TarJak]

Looks like the damage was considerable...

http://edition.cnn.com/2008/US/weather/09/13/hurricane.ike.texas/index.html

Rancho subsim looks to have survived though:

http://i2.cdn.turner.com/cnn/2008/US/weather/09/14/hurricane.ike/art.house.water.gi.jpg :D

[Jimbuna]

Rgr that TJ :up:

80% of Houston still without power!!

Galveston arial view: :nope:

http://img178.imageshack.us/img178/9417/galvestondp2.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

I'm wondering if this form of transport will be more appropriate when we arrive: :o

http://img228.imageshack.us/img228/9198/jetskilq2.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

[Platapus]

http://img228.imageshack.us/img228/9198/jetskilq2.jpg (http://imageshack.us)


I don't think so. With all the small debris in the water, I would not give a jetski much of a life in those waters. :nope:

Much better off with a canoe.

[TarJak]

Wonder what these kids charge for a ride?

http://images.ctv.ca/archives/CTVNews/img2/20080913/450_ap_ike_kayak_080913.jpg

[Jimbuna]

This guy appears to have room, but I don't fancy the environment.

I can't help thinking of the cost to those poor folk who have worked hard to purchase their boats and property.

This must be absolutely soul destroying. :nope:

Can't get Neal out of my thoughts either....praying he's well but without power only.

http://img150.imageshack.us/img150/3687/canoeay2.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

[dean_acheson]

that would be pretty close to me, last night, at 4am.

Lots of things to pick up in the yard today.

Like a homing pigeon Ike is zooming in on Texas:


http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/storm_graphics/AT09/refresh/AL0908W5_sm2+gif/211731W_sm.gif

[Dowly]

Watching the Fox26, it seems the situation should be starting to improve in the Houston area, tons of trucks just arrived to the area with water, food and whatelse.

[graffen]

that would be pretty close to me, last night, at 4am.

Lots of things to pick up in the yard today.


http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/storm_graphics/AT09/refresh/AL0908W5_sm2+gif/211731W_sm.gif

dean_acheson---
Whereabouts are you? I'm in St. Louis. Ike really gave us a good punch this morning here. Was a bit stronger than I had expected for the distance it had traveled and weakened.

[Oberon]

Get the Cavalla out and take her to the Ranch, I'm sure Neal won't mind ;)
Hope he's alright though, sounds as though he may have just got away from the worst of it.

[Dowly]

I'm interested on knowing how Cavalla managed. Looking at the damage to the houses, I hope she's still there. :o

[Jimbuna]

I'm hearing the USS Texas was more at risk, considering the Cavalla is situated on land.

[Dowly]

I'm hearing the USS Texas was more at risk, considering the Cavalla is situated on land.

True that. :yep:

There's going to be some aerial video of Galveston shortly on Fox26 if I heard correctly. :hmm:
http://www.myfoxhoustonlive.com/

[Jimbuna]

I'm hearing the USS Texas was more at risk, considering the Cavalla is situated on land.

True that. :yep:

There's going to be some aerial video of Galveston shortly on Fox26 if I heard correctly. :hmm:
http://www.myfoxhoustonlive.com/

Nice link :up:

[dean_acheson]

SW MO

that would be pretty close to me, last night, at 4am.

Lots of things to pick up in the yard today.


http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/storm_graphics/AT09/refresh/AL0908W5_sm2+gif/211731W_sm.gif

dean_acheson---
Whereabouts are you? I'm in St. Louis. Ike really gave us a good punch this morning here. Was a bit stronger than I had expected for the distance it had traveled and weakened.

[Pioneer]

It gets worst for Neal....

He's clearly without power...and the Raiders get a win at Arrowhead.:rotfl:

Ya missed a good game Neal, hope all is well.

[longam]

I'm in the Ohio valley and were getting slammed with 75 mph winds and power is out almost everywhere. The city is chaos with everyone looking for a place to get gas. My laptop batt will probably only last another 10 mins.

Tress are coming down everywhere, its a hurricane without the surge!

Edit: the one gas station I found open was packed and the power was going on and off. I think I got free gas because they said it didn't show what I pumped. Police and fire trucks are everywhere. I'm know this isnt as bad as Texas but It gives me a feel for what they must be going threw. Hang in there Neal.

[vois2]

I'm in the Ohio valley and were getting slammed with 75 mph winds

Longam,
Are you along the Evansville-Louisville-Cincinnati-Columbus line? Where are ya exactly?
Thanks

[snakeyez]

I tried to make a before and after shot of the USS Cavalla and USS Stewart at Seawolf Park:

http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc198/lancedean/SubPics/cavallabeforeafter.jpg

Read this a minute ago:

FLASH-01: CASREP ON SEAWOLF PARK IN GALVESTON
Submitted by: Pat Householder Nat Cdr on 9/14/2008
---------------------------------------------------------
The force of Hurricane Ike did major damage at Seawolf Park.

From aerial shots, we can see the fence around the park is gone, the grounds flooded, the multi-ton Tautog Sail was moved (pivoted) about 40% if you consider the fulcrum point to be the fwd point of the sail, and the USS Stewart (DE) was undermined on the starboard side and is listing to starboard.

The entry and storage buildings are also missing and the USS CARP barrel (alongside the Stewart) is askew.

Click the video link below, then advance it to approx the 3 min mark to see the video over views of Seawolf Park. The announcer describes the Stewart as having washed ashore, but in fact it was planted in the soil as is Cavalla.

I sure hope they have good storm insurance, ‘cuz they are going to need it.

John McMichael and the Cavalla Assn may need to put a call out for help, both financial and/or physical. I hope and expect that all subvets who are capable of doing so will answer that call, if it comes.


http://abclocal.go.com/ktrk/video?id=6391229

[X15]

Uhhh, Stewart was undermined on, and is listing to, starboard, not port.

[snakeyez]

Uhhh, Stewart was undermined on, and is listing to, starboard, not port.
I agree. Just reposting what I was sent. :) I guess I should edit that.

[Onkel Neal]

I'm back! Power went off at 2:30 Sat morning, just as Richard predicted. Lots to tell later, pictures, and all. Power just came on this Sunday evening.

cheers
Neal

[snakeyez]

I'm back! Power went off at 2:30 Sat morning, just as Richard predicted. Lots to tell later, pictures, and all. Power just came on this Sunday evening.

cheers
Neal

Glad to hear it Neal. I know you've surely had it rough the past few days even on top of the storm. I'm sure you're aware of Warshot's passing by now? What a true hero he was!

[U-104]

welcome back Neal.:up:

[Chad]

Good to hear from you Neal :D As I'm sure you've seen, or will see, Pioneer has created a thread of volunteers willing to help out where needed, repairing (or in some cases destroying) parts of your home or community, or the park where the Cavalla is located, I'm volunteering myself to come down and help.

I'm sure once it clears up down there, and things get going on again, if you could let the park know if they're looking for volunteers, I gladly will help where and if I can.

[McBeck]

Glad your OK Neal...more important, how are your bikes? ;)

[Jimbuna]

Good to see your alive and kicking you......Tough Texan you :lol:

Looks like the sleepover on Cavalla and Stewart is decidedly iffy :hmm:

I know it's early days yet and you must have a multitude of priorities to attend to, but PM's and emails are crossing the electronic ether like crazy.

When your able, an update on the SS Meet would be appreciated from many here I'm sure.

As stated earlier, great to see your okay. :rock:

Remember, material things can be repaired and replaced, the human kind is often more difficult. :up:

[HunterICX]

Good to hear you're OK Neal :up:

HunterICX

[Rhodes]

Ah! No hurricane can stop Neal Stevens:D Welcome back:up:

[Mush Martin]

Nice to see you made it all.:yep:

[TarJak]

Neal! Great to hear that you and yours are safe and well. Nice to see that you've got power back too.:sunny:

[Digital_Trucker]

:up:Welcome back to the land of the electronically enabled:sunny:and, of course, the land of cold beer.

[elanaiba]

Glad to see you safe and sane, Neal :D

Did you save any damsels in distress?

[Jimbuna]

Glad to see you safe and sane, Neal :D

Did you save any damsels in distress?

He had that much time on his hands I'm sure he managed to distress a few :lol:

[Oberon]

Good to have you back Neal! :up:

Looking at Seawolf Park, erk, the Stewart doesn't look pretty good. Wish I was in the area to lend a hand, but I'm on the wrong side of the pond :damn:

[Tchocky]

What you guys need is an old style fixing-things-up montage!

EDIT - About Eisenhower, glad to hear etc, you and yours, etc, safe etc, boil water for 5 minutes etc :P

[geetrue]

Neal is probably at work today ... I think he works at a refinery on the ship channel, so it might be a while before we get those pictures.

Looking forward to seeing them though :yep:

Texas and a large part of the nation is still digging out of hurricane Ike: http://www.nytimes.com/2008/09/16/us/16Ike.html?ref=us


HOUSTON — State officials continued the largest rescue operation in Texas history on Monday, taking thousands of people by boat and helicopter out of flood-ravaged towns on the coast in the aftermath of Hurricane Ike. At the same time, millions of others coped without electricity and faced shortages of food, water and gasoline.

So far, the colossal storm has been blamed for at least 30 deaths in eight states across the United States, including seven in Texas, six in Louisiana and one in Arkansas, The Associated Press reported. Many of the deaths occurred in states far from the Gulf Coast, as Ike, now a tropical depression, cut a path through the Midwest, knocking down trees, flooding streets, and destroying homes.

[Dowly]

I'm back! Power went off at 2:30 Sat morning, just as Richard predicted. Lots to tell later, pictures, and all. Power just came on this Sunday evening.

cheers
Neal

Good to see you back, mate! :up:

[nikimcbee]

Anybody heard anything on the USS Texas? she's located in La Porte.

[geetrue]

Funny I thought it was Deer Park instead of La Porte ... I use to live on the edge of La Porte and drive by it on the way to Houston to see my mom.

But your right it's La Porte, which always floods due to the Bay Town tunnel they built many years ago, so ships can travel overhead.


9/14/08 - This Park is currently closed until further notice, due to Hurricane Ike. Contact the park for the latest information.

Go to the "Emergency Notice: Hurricane Ike" page for more information about affected parks (http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/site/emergency/).

[nikimcbee]

Funny I thought it was Deer Park instead of La Porte ... I use to live on the edge of La Porte and drive by it on the way to Houston to see my mom.

But your right it's La Porte, which always floods due to the Bay Town tunnel they built many years ago, so ships can travel overhead.


9/14/08 - This Park is currently closed until further notice, due to Hurricane Ike. Contact the park for the latest information.

Go to the "Emergency Notice: Hurricane Ike" page for more information about affected parks (http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/site/emergency/).


Parks closed:
San Jacinto Battleground / Monument (USS Texas):cry: i hope the damage isn't too bad...

[Jimbuna]

Let's hope the old girl is okay :up:

[nikimcbee]

Let's hope the old girl is okay :up:

She's a majestic one.
http://img130.imageshack.us/img130/8460/bdaytexas011jw0.jpg (http://www.subsim.com/radioroom/)

[Task Force]

Good to hear from you neal glad your ok.;) We have been good.Now wheres are cookies.:lol: Now all we have to do is hear from Stealth Hunter.

[geetrue]

These pictures were taken 1pm saturday after the hurricane passed she looks okay on the surface: http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/newsmedia/news_images/?g=hurricane_ike

[nikimcbee]

These pictures were taken 1pm saturday after the hurricane passed she looks okay on the surface: http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/newsmedia/news_images/?g=hurricane_ike

Yeah, she looks okay, I think.

[Jimbuna]

These pictures were taken 1pm saturday after the hurricane passed she looks okay on the surface: http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/newsmedia/news_images/?g=hurricane_ike

Yeah, she looks okay, I think.

At least she's floating :lol:

[Linton]

Anybody heard from Neal yet/has anybody tried to sms him if you have his mobile number>

[Jimbuna]

Anybody heard from Neal yet/has anybody tried to sms him if you have his mobile number>

I have his cell phone number but there is no need he got his power back up and posted earlier.

[X15]

Seems the media now thinks that not only did the Stewart wash ashore, but so did the Cavalla:

At Seawolf Park, a maritime museum, one ship was thrown completely out of the water by the storm. It was listing on a massive pile of debris from a smashed pier. A U.S. Navy submarine was moved onto land, half of its body covered in mud.

http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/nation/la-na-ike16-2008sep16,0,6854926.story

[Sailor Steve]

:rotfl:

That is too good to be true! What happens when 'reporters' report what they see or hear, but don't do their research!
:rotfl:

[nikimcbee]

Seems the media now thinks that not only did the Stewart wash ashore, but so did the Cavalla:

At Seawolf Park, a maritime museum, one ship was thrown completely out of the water by the storm. It was listing on a massive pile of debris from a smashed pier. A U.S. Navy submarine was moved onto land, half of its body covered in mud.

http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/nation/la-na-ike16-2008sep16,0,6854926.story

...not only did it wash on shore, it also has plants/trees neatly growing around it. Who knew?:rotfl:

[Dowly]

Seems the media now thinks that not only did the Stewart wash ashore, but so did the Cavalla:

At Seawolf Park, a maritime museum, one ship was thrown completely out of the water by the storm. It was listing on a massive pile of debris from a smashed pier. A U.S. Navy submarine was moved onto land, half of its body covered in mud.
http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/nation/la-na-ike16-2008sep16,0,6854926.story
...not only did it wash on shore, it also has plants/trees neatly growing around it. Who knew?:rotfl:

:rotfl::rotfl:

[Sailor Steve]

I suddenly found myself, without any concsious planning, going to the LA Times's 'feedback' section and sending them a quick e-mail. Was I the only one?

[nikimcbee]

:rotfl:

That is too good to be true! What happens when 'reporters' report what they see or hear, but don't do their research!
:rotfl:

In the local ABC video, they said they Stewart had washed on shore.:roll: I guess they've never visited he park.

[Onkel Neal]

Seems the media now thinks that not only did the Stewart wash ashore, but so did the
Cavalla:

At Seawolf Park, a maritime museum, one ship was thrown completely out of the water by the storm. It
was listing on a massive pile of debris from a smashed pier. A U.S. Navy submarine was moved onto land, half of its body
covered in mud.

http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/nation/la-na-ike16-2008sep16,0,6854926.story

...not only did it wash on shore, it also has plants/trees neatly growing around it. Who knew?

hahha! That made me laugh!

Thanks for the notes of concern, guys, I made out fine.I didn't post this to make people worry but I thought it would be
interesting to report on the martime aspects of this event.

Well, Ike was no powderpuff but for anyone other than folks living within 5 miles of the Gulf or Galveston bay, it wasn't
terribly bad. Strong Cat 2 hurricane, first to land on Galveston Island in 25 years (since Alica, a strong Cat 3, in 1983). It's a
hurricane, we know how to handle them. If you live along the coast, within the surge tide zone, you pack up and get out. If
you live more inland (Pearland is 17 miles from Galveston Bay), you stock up on supplies, board the right windows, and
ride it out. Sure, something extraordinary and bad can possibly happen, but that's life. More people die from stupid during
a hurricane than the hurricane itself.

Of course, for houses along the shoreline, the damage was much worse, much more extensive. But, that's a given..... I'm only reporting on areas inland.

As I last reported, the power was going off and on frequently. My last few posts were done in a hurry, and I was watching
the clock, hoping to win the blackout pool. The power has to go off and stay off for at least 1 minute, to qualify as a
blackout. Brenda has chosen 2am, Richard 2:30am and me, 2:45am. We wrote the times down on slips of paper with our
names at 5PM the previous evening (so no one would select some time such as 1:30 and the other person 1:31... playing the
odds. No one knew the other persons time until we all wrote them down and turned the slips over). Ok, so naturally, when
the first 20 second power blips occured at 10pm, Richard and I were sweating, thinking Brenda was going to coast to an
easy victory. But the powe came back each time and Richard and I traded high fives :) Man, it was hours before 2:00 am
came and went.

But first, before the clock hit 2:16 and put Brenda out of the race, we heard a horrendous RIPPPPP like a string of
cannons--one of my back yard trees came up by the roots (the one with the treehouse ). If you've ever heard a large tree
being ripped out of the ground by 110+ mph winds, you know how that can get your attention. And remember, it's pitch
black outside, we cannot see much by the flashlights through the windows. It's also raining like hell.

Back to the blackout pool: the clock ticked to 2:28. I only need the power to last until 2:38 and then I win, because it is
closer to 2:45 and even if the power lasts until 4am or longer, I win.

The power goes off, but comes on several more times....

Then, at 2:30 on the dot, the power goes off. I hear Richard counting in the dark, VERY confident: "1, 2, 3, 4..... with nothing
but the howling wind and tree branches banging against the boarded windows as accompaniment ....

Richard gets to 45,46,47,48,49... then begins a countdown from 10, 9, 8.... Damn! Is this it?? 4,3,2,1.... OMG, he called it to
the minute


Well, after congratulating him, we resumed the grim business of staying alive (phrasing hyped up CNN style ). The wind
had knocked out the power and my satellite dish. No Internet. We tuned in the battery operated radio and tracked the
storm. The eye passed within 10 miles but did not cross us.


After 3 more hours, the wind had dropped to ~40 mph and there was some light, so I geared up and did a quick check of
the house. My neighbor's tree cracked open and was laying on Richard's car (ha!... but, there was no damage. Whew!). The
street was flooded with ~ 3 feet of water. My dish was hanging by the wire. There were 3 million three branches
everywhere and a few shingles (Not mine, thank god). I went to the back yard and got a shock--not one but two of my beloved trees were down :(

I waded into the flooded street and felt around for the storm drain, and began pulling the tree branches free. Richard and a neighbor helped and we cleared the drains and the water began dropping in the street.

The rain slowed down a couple hours later and soon you could hear chainsaws all over, as people began clearing their streets (government, we don't need no stinkin' government!) :D By afternoon Sat, most of the streets were clear and we surveyed the city. There were a lot of signs, utility poles, and fences down, and quite a few houses missing patches of shingles, but no catastrophic damage. If Ike has been a Cat 4 or 5, it would have been a much different scene.



Today with Hanne's help I cleaned my house and yard, except for my two mortally wounded trees, they will need professional removal. (Hmmm... can trees be winched back into place, doped up with tree grow fertilizer, and saved??:hmm: ) My power came back on Sun evening, I was very fortunate. With so many lines down, even working like heroes non-stop around the clock, the power company will need days, maybe weeks to get everyone's power on.

And I got a pleasant surprise today. Kpt. Lehmann is an EMT, he saves peoples lives. His company sent him and his crew to Houston Friday to help out. After two long and exhaustive days helping people in dire need, they said he could go home. He called me and took time to come by and say "howdy" before heading back to Dallas. Man, those Texans are really great.... :yep:

So, that's my hurricane report. I will be going to Galveston to check on Cavalla. Hopefully no one left any hatches unsecured... Here are some pics. I'm not Horsa so pardon the sloppy photog work ;)

The height of the storm
http://www.subsim.com/ike/1_1_ac1.jpg


The morning after, trees down across the road
http://www.subsim.com/ike/1_1_ac3.jpg


Common sight, minor shingle damage
http://www.subsim.com/ike/1_1_ac4.jpg


Derelict house #1, still standing
http://www.subsim.com/ike/1_1_ac5.jpg

as well as derelict #2 (Richard says they don't build pieces of crap shack like they used to) lol
http://www.subsim.com/ike/1_1_ac6.jpg

These people have problems
http://www.subsim.com/ike/1_1_ac7.jpg

[nikimcbee]

so, what you're saying is that we won't be sleeping in the tree house? glad to hear your house is okay. maybe where the trees were, you could build an RC submarine test pond? Or plant new trees.:up:

[Onkel Neal]

A very common sight, downed lines, lights, all kinds of stuff to watch out for.
http://www.subsim.com/ike/1_1_ac8.jpg


in the distance, a set of transformers down. This happens all over the area, and this takes time to fix. People get angry when they don't get their power turned on right away but this stuff takes time to fix. And downed lines means no electricity, and that means no stores are open, no stations can pump gas, and refrigerators are down. People soon discover how pampered every day life makes them.
http://www.subsim.com/ike/1_1_ac9.jpg


The little cinema takes a hit: Gone with the Wind!
http://www.subsim.com/ike/1_1_ac10.jpg



Another street blocked by trees
http://www.subsim.com/ike/1_1_ac11.jpg


Trees snapped...
http://www.subsim.com/ike/1_1_ac12.jpg


Rancho Subsim, still standing. Neighbor's tree, not so lucky (All motorcycles, alive and accounted for. Thanks Jonathan ;))
http://www.subsim.com/ike/1_1_ac13.jpg

[JHuschke]

Glad you are alright N!

[Onkel Neal]

:dead: Nooooo!
My favorite tree, and treehouse. I built that with my own two hands :cry:
http://www.subsim.com/ike/1_1_ac15.jpg

And the right flank tree... down. My back yard is going to be a lot sunnier :down:
http://www.subsim.com/ike/1_1_ac14.jpg


Even my other neighbor's tree was slaughtered.
http://www.subsim.com/ike/1_1_ac16.jpg


Wow, my neighbor three houses down just came by to borrow some butter, they DON'T have power. I'm really lucky!

Neal

[Dowly]

Wow, I cant believe those two abandoned houses stood all that. :rotfl:

[nikimcbee]

The tree roots don't look too deep. How old were the trees and what kind were they?

[Onkel Neal]

:rotfl:

That is too good to be true! What happens when 'reporters' report what they see or hear, but don't do their research!
:rotfl:

I contacted the author of the piece:


Hi,

I'm handing this off to my editors to address. My apologies, but I'm in Galveston right now and that was the info given to me by the coast guard and several long-term natives. If it's inaccurate, again, I apologize and we'll run a correction asap.

Best,

--pj

P.J. Huffstutter
Midwest Bureau Chief
Los Angeles Times
312-467-4670 (work)
312-339-8389 (cell)

From: Subsim.com
To: Huffstutter, P.J.; Zucchino, David
Sent: Mon Sep 15 15:30:00 2008
Subject: In your story Galveston, Houston flounder in wake of Ike; error


In your story Galveston, Houston flounder in wake of Ike http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/nation/la-na-ike16-2008sep16,0,6854926.story

There is a portion that describes the USS Cavalla submarine and Destroyer Escort USS Stewart, the two memorial vessels at Seawolf Park:

At Seawolf Park, a maritime museum, one ship was thrown completely out of the water by the storm. It was listing on a massive pile of debris from a smashed pier. A U.S. Navy submarine was moved onto land, half of its body covered in mud.

You may not be aware but the Cavalla and Stewart have been on land there for many years, Cavalla since 1971. She was brought ashore as a museum and memorial. They were not "moved onto land". I hope this helps with the accuracy of your story, thanks.

Best
Neal Stevens
USS Cavalla website: http://www.cavalla.org/ (http://www.cavalla.org/)



.
http://www.latimes.com/media/photo/2008-09/42369816.jpg

[Pioneer]

Hi,

I'm handing this off to my editors to address. My apologies, but I'm in Galveston right now and that was the info given to me by the coast guard and several long-term natives. If it's inaccurate, again, I apologize and we'll run a correction asap.

Best,

--pj

P.J. Huffstutter
Midwest Bureau Chief
Los Angeles Times
312-467-4670 (work)
312-339-8389 (cell)


I find it highly UNLIKELY that any coast guard or long tern natives would say that. No self respecting serviceman or Texan is going to make an error like that.

Oh wait, this guy is from the LA Times, enough said.

[bookworm_020]

Glad to hear that you camer through the storm OK there Neal!:up: I was thinking that the server may go down for subsim again, like the fire, but I guess I was thinking that the subsim server was a magnet for trouble!

Hope all subsim member who live or were in the area are ok and damage to their homes isn't that great.

[snakeyez]

Today with Hanne's help I cleaned my house and yard, except for my two mortally wounded trees, they will need professional removal. (Hmmm... can trees be winched back into place, doped up with tree grow fertilizer, and saved??:hmm: )
...
Ahh, forestry is my day job. And no, your trees are doomed for firewood. Even if you could stand them back up, the fibrous roots that the tree depends on are gone and the inner structure of the tree will likely be fubar'd. We call it "ring shake" around here. The claim is MOST of the lumber created from a wind-uprooted tree will come to pieces at the growth rings once dried. That's not the kind of tree I'd want to stand back up anywhere near my home.

Nothing lasts forever, time to plant a new tree. Find a nice post oak or water oak or perhaps a live oak. Yards across America have enough darn bradford pear trees!

Over here in Mississippi, the year after Katrina many many trees that looked perfectly fine suddenly turned brown. Their roots and structure had enough damage to kill the tree that long after Katrina.

[Onkel Neal]

Thanks, Snake, that was good info. I guess I have room for that tool shed I always wanted :) and a water oak on the right side.

[Sailor Steve]

Nice pictures. Sorry about the trees, but at least they didn't land on your house. Imagine having the treehouse for a new coffee table.:sunny:

[Overboard]

Welcome home NEAL, Glad to see your safe!! :up:

[Oberon]

http://www.latimes.com/media/photo/2008-09/42369816.jpg

To me, this picture speaks volumes, not just about Texas, but about American spirit as a whole. :up: I just hope that the Cavalla and Stewart are alright :yep:

[Jimbuna]

Great to see your fine and back here amongst the insane Neal :up:

It obviously takes more than a wee hurricane to shake you tough Texans into submission :lol:

I couldn't help but notice the car on your drive....is it by any chance the American equivelant of my vehicle, the Ford Focus :hmm:

http://img233.imageshack.us/img233/6282/focusstprofile400sl8.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

[SS107.9MHz]

Glad your safe Neal, welcome back! Sorry about your trees:down:, it seems this was a tuff one...

[STEED]

STEEDS final report on Hurricane Ike.......

16/9/08

Come on you guys, a good down pour of rain and a spot of wind you guys fall apart! Remember the Alamo. ;)

End Report

[SS107.9MHz]

Great to see your fine and back here amongst the insane Neal :up:

It obviously takes more than a wee hurricane to shake you tough Texans into submission :lol:

I couldn't help but notice the car on your drive....is it by any chance the American equivelant of my vehicle, the Ford Focus :hmm:

http://img233.imageshack.us/img233/6282/focusstprofile400sl8.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

I only saw a blue Prius... Where was the Focus? Do the USAers even have one? Thought the Focus was a Ford Europe exclusive model....
Saw an ST the other day near my door though... What a beast:rock:

[Jimbuna]

Great to see your fine and back here amongst the insane Neal :up:

It obviously takes more than a wee hurricane to shake you tough Texans into submission :lol:

I couldn't help but notice the car on your drive....is it by any chance the American equivelant of my vehicle, the Ford Focus :hmm:

http://img233.imageshack.us/img233/6282/focusstprofile400sl8.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

I only saw a blue Prius... Where was the Focus? Do the USAers even have one? Thought the Focus was a Ford Europe exclusive model....
Saw an ST the other day near my door though... What a beast:rock:

You could be right....but I was under the impression (from KL) that the Focus was available in America. :hmm:

[ReallyDedPoet]

You could be right....but I was under the impression (from KL) that the Focus was available in America. :hmm:

I am sure it is, you can get them here in Canada :yep:


RDP

[Onkel Neal]

Yeah, that was a Prius, my buddy's car. Gets an actual 52 mpg, and not a bad car. My only question is reliability, but so far, with 50K miles, it's all good.

Yeah, the reporter for the LA Times replied and tells me Cavalla was lifted from her bed but has resettled largey in place. Stewart has shifted. I am waiting for clearance from Homeland Security to go out there and have a look. The curator is there, not sure what his status is. Cell phones not working, you cannot get connected or hear the other party well.

Oberon, thanks. Yeah, I like that pic too. Texans share the same spirit of can do as our British brothers (http://www.telegraph.co.uk/opinion/main.jhtml?xml=/opinion/2007/07/30/do3001.xml). You would be proud to see it.

[Onkel Neal]

That LA Times story (http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/nation/la-na-ike16-2008sep16,0,6854926.story)has been corrected. Good catch, guys! :up:

Here's a good shot of Cavalla and Stewart from a news helicopter. They show Cavalla about 3 minutes into the video: Ariel (http://abclocal.go.com:80/ktrk/video?id=6391229) view of Seawolf Park/USS Cavalla after hurricane Ike
http://abclocal.go.com/ktrk/video?id=6391229




Of course, this news anchor assumes Stewart was thrown ashore by the storm, too. I guess that's a common assumption unless you know the history of Seawolf Park.

Another video clip (http://www.cnn.com/video/#/video/weather/2008/09/15/vo.tx.ike.naval.ship.damage.ktrk?iref=videosearch)

[DanCanovas]

glad your safe Neal. good luck with getting it all cleared up.

[Dowly]

Here's a good shot of Cavalla and Stewart from a news helicopter. They show Cavalla about 3 minutes into the video: Ariel (http://abclocal.go.com:80/ktrk/video?id=6391229) view of Seawolf Park/USS Cavalla after hurricane Ike

Great view! :rock::rock::rock::rock:








Now... would you like to actually hotlink the vid? :rotfl::rotfl:

[HunterICX]

Here's a good shot of Cavalla and Stewart from a news helicopter. They show Cavalla about 3 minutes into the video: Ariel (http://abclocal.go.com:80/ktrk/video?id=6391229) view of Seawolf Park/USS Cavalla after hurricane Ike

Great view! :rock::rock::rock::rock:








Now... would you like to actually hotlink the vid? :rotfl::rotfl:

it is!
click on Ariel :p
good to see its still intact, but it seems there is earth washed away around her (seeying that there is now water around her) am I correct?


HunterICX

[Dowly]

Here's a good shot of Cavalla and Stewart from a news helicopter. They show Cavalla about 3 minutes into the video: Ariel (http://abclocal.go.com:80/ktrk/video?id=6391229) view of Seawolf Park/USS Cavalla after hurricane Ike
Great view! :rock::rock::rock::rock:








Now... would you like to actually hotlink the vid? :rotfl::rotfl:
it is!
click on Ariel :p
good to see its still intact, but it seems there is earth washed away around her (seeying that there is now water around her) am I correct?


HunterICX

And Dowly is embarrased again.. :shifty:

[Onkel Neal]

Sorry, video now more properly linked
http://abclocal.go.com/ktrk/video?id=6391229

thanks for letting me know it was broeked :yep:

[Skybird]

Neal, nice to know you and all family made it through it unharmed. I can't save you from the extra working shifts your place probably needs, but I wish you solid nerves and patience to get it all done with a stoic mind and a stubborn smile hiding in some godforsaken corner of your mouth. :D

Das habe ich aber fein gesagt!

[jazman]

I was browsing the Houston Chronicle's photo galleries and found this picture of Seawolf park:

http://images.chron.com/photos/2008/09/15/13042690/600xPopupGallery.jpg

The caption (which doesn't appear in this link, but is part of the photo gallery):

"Seawolf Park lies in disarray in the aftermath of Hurricane Ike, in Galveston, Texas."

[geetrue]

nice picture jazman ... still there is a good sign, better than on their side or upside down.

http://images.chron.com/photos/2008/09/15/13042690/600xPopupGallery.jpg

[Jimbuna]

Thanks jazman....just showing it to Kpt Lehmann now over on TS http://www.psionguild.org/forums/images/smilies/wolfsmilies/thumbsup.gif

[nikimcbee]

nice picture jazman ... still there is a good sign, better than on their side or upside down.

http://images.chron.com/photos/2008/09/15/13042690/600xPopupGallery.jpg

Its a good thing the wave didn't hit Seawolf Park directly (I think)? I think the damage would be worse.:o

[UnderseaLcpl]

Its a good thing the wave didn't hit Seawolf Park directly (I think)? I think the damage would be worse.:o

Indeed.
GWX has taught me what a Hurricane can do to a sub, especially if it has rockets:D

[Onkel Neal]

Got word this morning from Billie, sleepover aboard Cavalla and Stewart cancelled until forther notice. I've updated the website. (http://deepdomain.net/phpBB_cav/viewtopic.php?p=753)

In place of a sleepover during the Subsim meeting, let's see if we can lend a hand.

Neal

[McBeck]

Do you have any pics of your backyard Neal? :D

[Onkel Neal]

Do you have any pics of your backyard Neal? :D

Yeah, see previous post here. (http://www.subsim.com/radioroom/showpost.php?p=947378&postcount=215)

Neal, nice to know you and all family made it through it unharmed. I can't save you from the extra working shifts your place probably needs, but I wish you solid nerves and patience to get it all done with a stoic mind and a stubborn smile hiding in some godforsaken corner of your mouth.

Thanks. Yeah, I spent yesterday removing the two trees with a chainsaw and I was pretty sore by the time we finished. My father is 71 and he worked harder than me. Wow, tough guy! My mom stayed in there with us, she's amazing.

[McBeck]

WOW...thats some big trees! :huh:

[StdDev]

WOW...thats some big trees! :huh:

.... and Neal lost the tree house as well!!!
Where will all the subsimmers stay during the meet?

[Jimbuna]

TarJak, Kpt Lehmann and I will be staying at the Hampton Inn, Pearland.

If it's still there :lol: