If Rita hits at night -- will you still chase it?

[MClarkson]

If chasing at night its helpful to find a position that has extensive lights with a generator. Hospitals tend to be good. That way you can see and film.

Dont use a spotlight, it attracts cops. Youll likely be within an evac/curfew zone so keep a low profile, unless you have press passes.

 

[Mike Johnson]

I doubt any hospitals in Galveston will remain open. My guess is that after Katrina, even larger structures will be evacuated. I have not been
in the Galveston area for years -- but I do seem to remember some sturdy structures opposite the Gulf beaches that might survive a Cat-4.
They also have a massive sea wall. It will be very interesting to see how that works!

Mike

 

[Anonymous]

I remember seeing the seawall, but I don't remember it being massive. I was there for a tropical storm a couple of years ago and water was splashing over and hit us as we drove down the road. If anybody chases this in Galveston, please find a parking garage at least 5 stories. The surge could be 30 feet (3 Stories)+waves and you don't want to be on the top floor when the eyewall of this thing comes through.

I would love to chase her, but I wouldn't feel safe in Galveston. Houston would be perfect since they have so many parking garages. Remember to bring plenty of gas, food, water, a generator if possible, a couple of spare tires and be prepared to protect yourself against anarchy for a couple days because there will be looters for at least the first 12 hours after the storm.

I want to go, but I am so broke since Katrina has killed my business for the last few weeks that I don't know if I will be able to afford the extra expenses. I am going to try though.

If the eye hits east of Galveston then there is not a single place you will be safe. There are no sea walls and a lot of swamp.

 

[David Schuttler]

You could try to get in here..doubtful though

Galveston County Emergency Services Facility

This facility is the first in the nation to combine a National Weather Service office with an emergency management department of local government. The 23,500-square-foot building has been designed to withstand a Category 5 hurricane (winds in excess of 155 mph) and will house the Galveston County Office of Emergency Management, the National Weather Service, Galveston County 9-1-1 District and members of the Texas Division of Emergency Management

http://gcoem.org/facility.php

 

[Brandon Clement]

Posted: Wed Sep 21, 2005 8:18 am Post subject:

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

I remember seeing the seawall, but I don't remember it being massive. I was there for a tropical storm a couple of years ago and water was splashing over and hit us as we drove down the road. If anybody chases this in Galveston, please find a parking garage at least 5 stories. The surge could be 30 feet (3 Stories)+waves and you don't want to be on the top floor when the eyewall of this thing comes through.

I would love to chase her, but I wouldn't feel safe in Galveston. Houston would be perfect since they have so many parking garages. Remember to bring plenty of gas, food, water, a generator if possible, a couple of spare tires and be prepared to protect yourself against anarchy for a couple days because there will be looters for at least the first 12 hours after the storm.

I want to go, but I am so broke since Katrina has killed my business for the last few weeks that I don't know if I will be able to afford the extra expenses. I am going to try though.

If the eye hits east of Galveston then there is not a single place you will be safe. There are no sea walls and a lot of swamp.

I forgot to sign in. My bad guys.

 

[Mike Johnson]

Rita now looks very likely to be a nighttime event as of Wednesday evening -- unless a major speed or strike zone change occurs. Looks like the main event will be from about sunset on Friday until Sunrise on Saturday. About the worse timing you could pick as a chaser or as someone trying to rideout the storm.

Mike

 

[Rob_Davis]

Originally posted by David Schuttler
Galveston County Emergency Services Facility

I'm not impressed, unless it is WAY up on an artificial hill. It may not get blown down, but it will still get flooded out. And anybody in there better have a ride home, because I don't see a three story parking garage for their cars.

 

[Anonymous]

The problem with Galveston is that you might be trapped there forever
because I-45 will be gone and there will be no other way out.

Mike