Here we go again!!! (hurricane) - Page 2

ImpulseTaco · 22-09-2005, 11:06 PM

First off, our governor is NOT Jeb Bush. Hes the governor of Florida. Our guy is Rick Perry. 2ndly I haven't heard anything about DJ's in galveston. Its possible it would be on the news, but up here in Lubbock, its a bit hard to get radio reception from galveston. 3rdly I agree that the Feds aren't going to be as stupid or as slow as they were last time.

An update on whats happening.
It sounds like there has been a manditory evacuation of Harris County. Thats a LOT of people to move. I talked to my parents this AM and they were stuck in the worst traffic jam my dad says hes ever seen. He said he'd been on the roads (main interstate, big highway) and it was gridlock as far as he could see in either direction. It took him 2 hours to travel approx. 20 miles. From what he described it sounds like mass chaos, and all the cars stuck in a giant mess, like you see on "end of the world" type movies. Katy (suburb of houston where we're from) has been out of gasoline for a day and a half now. Luckily my dads truck has got 2 large (~25 gallon) tanks so it should last as long as he takes it easy, and doesn't burn it all idling in the gridlock.

As some of you have mentioned, yea, this IS Texas and *thank God* my parents DO own guns, and know how to use them, so I'm not terribly worried about their safety as of yet.

I'll keep posted as I know more.

rodderz · 23-09-2005, 12:34 AM

Hopefully there's no damage to your home or belongings mate, it's certainly looking like it's going to cause significant damage

As a side note was Galveston that town that was hit in the Movie/documentary called Oil Storm (was on TV in Oz 2 weeks ago) that was about a hurricane knocking out most of the US oil supplies causing a huge fuel shortage?

ImpulseTaco · 23-09-2005, 01:31 AM

Damage is likely, hopefully it will be minimized. Everything thats truely important to me is out of the house anyway, and the rest is insured.

I haven't seen Oil Storm, but it wouldn't surprise me if they were talking about Galveston. It is a pretty important place for getting oil into refineries here. So is the Houston ship channel. I hope that comes out alright too.

MITCHAY · 23-09-2005, 01:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ImpulseTaco

Damage is likely, hopefully it will be minimized. Everything thats truely important to me is out of the house anyway, and the rest is insured.

I could only imagine how much the insurance premiums are per year living in that region.

Just stay safe mate. My thoughts are with the people who have/will be affected.

bindi · 23-09-2005, 06:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ImpulseTaco

First off, our governor is NOT Jeb Bush.

You see, PROOF that I am an idiot! Woohoo! And see how little I know about overseas politics but still manage to have an opinion!

I've mentioned to various people that I really am blonde on the inside. I'll shut up about it for now...

:

Quote:

Originally Posted by ImpulseTaco

I'll keep posted as I know more.

Yes please do... the resident ffau idiot redhead is hoping it's NOT like NO for you guys. Take care.

ImpulseTaco · 23-09-2005, 06:46 AM

your not an idiot, everybody gets mistaken. Also, im sure your press is 100% accurate and honest about the things that happen over here. ;) Besides, I don't have a f'n clue who your prime minister is. Heaven forbid anybody further down the chain, so I'm more clueless than you are.

I think we're gonna be okay. We may get alot of wind or water, but Houston isn't a giant fishbowl so we'll be better off, somewhat.

MITCHAY · 23-09-2005, 10:54 AM

How can you not know who John Howard is lol? He's even been to Dubya's ranch over there. Well now you know who the Prime Minister is.

ImpulseTaco · 23-09-2005, 11:04 AM

Well apparently the mass exodus has caused a mass traffic jam. People are sitting there idling, and running their cars out of gas. The drive from Houston to Dallas is taking 24+ hrs. Normally its a 4 hour drive.

There are some good pictures of the gridlock here:

http://www.pirate4x4.com/forum/showt...4&page=2&pp=25

look for posts towards the bottom by Halogrinder

The good news is that it looks like the storm is veering away from a direct hit with Houston, which is a much better outcome. My parents originally planed to leave town, but got caught in the traffic jam, and it became so bad they turned around and went home. I hope its the right thing to do, and that they take the weak side of the storm.

It also appears that there is NO gasoline ANYWHERE in Houston. Imagine like something out of Mad Max or Road Warrior. NO GAS. This is crazy.

**Polyal** · 23-09-2005, 11:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ImpulseTaco

As some of you have mentioned, yea, this IS Texas and *thank God* my parents DO own guns, and know how to use them, so I'm not terribly worried about their safety as of yet.

Firstly, sad to hear that another storm is coming. But that comment makes me very glad I live here and not there. What kind of society is that when you HAVE to have a gun to feel safe. I know you have a different history etc etc, but damn!

If this was to happen here, im sorry, but we would help each other out. While there would be the usual a-holes, the majority would be civilised.

Good luck with it though.

4.9 EF Futura · 23-09-2005, 11:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ImpulseTaco

It also appears that there is NO gasoline ANYWHERE in Houston. Imagine like something out of Mad Max or Road Warrior. NO GAS. This is crazy.

Lol, good to see our depicitions of post apocalyptic, fuel starved countries are better known than our PM ;)

Yeah was watching the evacuations on fox news last night - ive never seen anything like it. 6 lane highways in absolute gridlock. I heard they were going to close off southbound traffic and provide 12 lanes of nth bnd...

BTW, great pics on that link you posted - good to see they have correct priorities ;)

Sourbastard · 23-09-2005, 11:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Polyal

Firstly, sad to hear that another storm is coming. But that comment makes me very glad I live here and not there. What kind of society is that when you HAVE to have a gun to feel safe. I know you have a different history etc etc, but damn!

If this was to happen here, im sorry, but we would help each other out. While there would be the usual a-holes, the majority would be civilised.

Good luck with it though.

Its a different society dude, different social rules and a very different mindset. Impossible to understand unless you have been there and lived there. And a Holiday doesnt count.

donno · 23-09-2005, 11:46 AM

Good to hear it moving away from the big population areas. I'm sure your parents by the sounds are well prepared, it will keep them safe.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Polyal

Firstly, sad to hear that another storm is coming. But that comment makes me very glad I live here and not there. What kind of society is that when you HAVE to have a gun to feel safe. I know you have a different history etc etc, but damn!

If this was to happen here, im sorry, but we would help each other out. While there would be the usual a-holes, the majority would be civilised.

What on earth does helping each other out got to do with guns? Just because you own a firearm doesn't make you an insociable maniac. I think you'll find people in southern states like texas have a very strong sense of community and bond together in times of need, even moreso then here in Aus. I'm sorry, but generalisations like these just show the plain ignorance of the anti gun lobby.

Sorry for OT, delete if you see fit mods.

**Polyal** · 23-09-2005, 11:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by donno

What on earth does helping each other out got to do with guns? Just because you own a firearm doesn't make you an insociable maniac. I think you'll find people in southern states like texas have a very strong sense of community and bond together in times of need, even moreso then here in Aus. I'm sorry, but generalisations like these just show the plain ignorance of the anti gun lobby.

Sorry for OT, delete if you see fit mods.

WTF...its not a generalisation, he just said it!

"Im glad my parents have guns and know how to use them"...I wouldn't even contemplate (sp?) saying something like that! You have no issue with that qoute?

:

Yes of course they have different values etc etc, but that doesn't make it right.

4.9 EF Futura · 23-09-2005, 12:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Polyal

Yes of course they have different values etc etc, but that doesn't make it right.

Doesnt make it wrong, either. The topic is very similar to smashing your head against a brick wall - you can perform the act for days and weeks at a time and get no where in the process.

We eat our national symbol. Im sure you wouldnt be too impressed if a Texan started giving you grief about eating kangaroo?? They have guns. It's a part of their culture. Get over it.

donno · 23-09-2005, 12:09 PM

"What kind of society is that when you HAVE to have a gun to feel safe. I know you have a different history etc etc, but damn!"

"If this was to happen here, im sorry, but we would help each other out. While there would be the usual a-holes, the majority would be civilised."

I'm sorry, but how is this not a generalisation? How is a person less civilised if they are armed?

And why is it "not right"? Explain to me why wanting the ability to better protect yourselves, family and property is "not right"?

EDIT: after just reading sourbastards note below, if you care to continue, PM.

Sourbastard · 23-09-2005, 12:11 PM

ok back on topic now guys or thread goes bbye.

**Polyal** · 23-09-2005, 12:12 PM

FFS...Im not anti american, think what you like, but Im glad we dont have it here.

Oh hang on, your from QLD......

And how on gods name can you compare having to have guns to protect yourself in your own country to eating animals....lol

I guess if we want to talk about this further then start a thread.

ImpulseTaco · 23-09-2005, 12:17 PM

Wow I can't believe guns struck a chord with you guys. It wasn't too long ago (1996 I think) guns were somewhat common down there before everyone "turned them in". Of course, I'd be willing to be a good bit of money there are a bunch of unregistered or unauthorized, or whatever, guns down there that are owned and kept hidden by people who are otherwise 100% law abiding.

My point was just that in the WORSE possible case scenario, (i.e. someone trying to do harm to them) my parents are adequately prepared for that situation. It would be the same as going and getting a couple of big drums of gasoline because you have a strong suspicion that there is going to be a shortage soon. Preparedness NEVER EVER hurts.

While I'm on my rant about guns, I don't understand how people can think they are a BAD thing, especially when you get out in the boonies. Correct me if I'm wrong, but damn near every animal in Australia either bites, or is poisonous, super agressive, or dangerous in some other way. I fail to see how a gun is a bad thing for anyone whos out in the boonies.

Casper · 23-09-2005, 12:19 PM

FFS, a heap of innocent people are about to get hammered by a massive hurricane, potentially with loss of life and almost certain loss of property and people are getting pedantic about cultural differences? GET OVER IT!

I just hope those in Texas still in the path are safe, provided for and together. If that means they have weapons for protection against undesirables...good on them, whatever it takes to get through.

ImpulseTaco · 23-09-2005, 12:25 PM

More about the gridlock:

Houston has a population of approx 4 million people. The news was saying that the govt. was estimating 1.something million people were evacuating. (In reality I bet the number is alot higher). Also, that there were something like 2.7 million vehicles in Houston, most of which are trying to get out over 3 (sometimes 6) lane highways. Well not everybody's car was in the best of condition, so you couple break downs with a general panic and you get mass chaos and gridlock like your seeing here.

MO · 23-09-2005, 08:31 PM

Impulse hope your folks make it through ok...as for Polyal well he needs a dose of education in order to understand the world......if your folks are back in their house it will be better than sitting in car on hghwy.

ImpulseTaco · 24-09-2005, 12:02 AM

Well its getting alot closer now.

Heres another shot of the gridlock:

Its weakening slightly, and appears like it may strike just north of Houston, but I'm still worried that it may turn again and hit Houston dead on.

I think the worst part about all this is knowing part of my family is down there waiting for this to happen, and me not being able to be down there with them.

:

MITCHAY · 24-09-2005, 12:14 AM

Damn thats some traffic. A whole 15 or so lanes of it. Lets just hope the hurricane weakens a lot more.

ImpulseTaco · 24-09-2005, 10:57 AM

HERE IT COMES!!!!

My friends and family back home are saying strong wind, and its just starting to rain.

ImpulseTaco · 30-09-2005, 10:42 PM

The Conclusion:
It turns out my parents were fine. The hurricane turned, and went north right up the state line. For all the commotion and craziness, it barely rained, it only sprinkled. There was some light wind, but that was IT. For 2 days afterwords, they were telling me the area was just like Christmas Day. Since there was no gasoline, NO ONE was driving unless it was absolutely important. No businesses were open either because most of the employees had bugged out or were caught in that giant traffic jam I posted pictures of. All in all, we got the best possible outcome that could have happened, at least for our neck of the woods.

bindi · 01-10-2005, 07:02 AM

Wow hey, that's fantastic news for your folks! I bet that's a load off your mind.

ImpulseTaco · 01-10-2005, 07:06 AM

you can say that again