aggie92 Posted September 11, 2008 Share Posted September 11, 2008 you could hammer it in from the inside and get some contents protection but window itself could be damaged.Made me think of a picture that made its way around to anybody that was an Aggie during Rita....http://www.snopes.com/katrina/photos/aggie.asp Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tmariar Posted September 11, 2008 Share Posted September 11, 2008 (edited) Mayor White's doing a press conference at 7am.***Update***Updating as I watch...MayorEmployers recommended to not require non-essential employees to go to work on Friday, and to take into account recommended and mandatory evacuations (which the County Judge will speak to). Non-essential city employees will be off on Friday.All school districts recommended to close Friday.County JudgeSpecial needs evacuations beginning this morning. If you are in an evacuation zone, have special needs, but have not registered, call 3-1-1.Mandatory evacuations of Zones A&B (zip codes ending in 058, 059, 062, 520, 546, 571, 586, 598) starting at noon today. Please wait until noon to evacuate and let Galveston get out.Others - Unless you're in an unsafe structure (e.g., a mobile home), hunker down. If the power goes out later, you can leave then. Let those who need to get out now for their safety evacuate now.Contraflow lanes not being opened now - it sounds like they are going to reevaluate the need for the contraflow lanes later today (sounded like during or after evening rush hour is the earliest they'd reevaluate). Edited September 11, 2008 by tmariar Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
OkieEric Posted September 11, 2008 Share Posted September 11, 2008 (edited) Houston has required 110 mph wind rated residential building for upwards of 25 years. Additionally, all homes built in the last 5-7 years have to be built to withstand 120 mph winds. However, up until around 2001, when the 120mph standards went into effect, it was hit or miss whether code inspectors really demanded wind rated construction. Anything built in the last 5 or 6 years has been closely inspected for wind rating, and is probably a good structure.I have no idea what Pearland requires, or how well the standards are enforced. If your house is new, it is probably wind rated to get home insurance, but only you can verify that. If it has hurricane straps on the studs and rafters, and plywood on the walls, you are in good shape. Go into your attic and look around for the metal straps around your rafters and at the spots where the roof joists meet the walls. Hopefully you can see them.This is what you are looking for....I don't have those things, from what I can tell. I live in a 1984, heavily-bricked townhouse in Montrose - basically a big box, with 6 southern facing windows. Any clue as to whether this should be able to take 110 mph winds? We'd be facing just short bursts of those kinds of winds in the city, right?Edit: Crap, and I just remembered that they are building a couple of new townhouses across the street. Projectile city! Edited September 11, 2008 by OkieEric Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
editor Posted September 11, 2008 Share Posted September 11, 2008 tmariar got it first, but here's the official version: ----------------- HARRIS COUNTY EVACUATIONS FOR ZONES A & B (Harris County, TX) - Due to changes in the track of Hurricane Ike and the expected storm surge of up to 15 ft. in some areas, Harris County and City of Houston officials are calling for the evacuation of citizens residing in Zones A & B of the evacuation plan. A mandatory evacuation has been called for noon today for residents living in zip codes 77586 (Zone A), 77058, 77059, 77062, 77520, 77546, 77571, 77598 (Zone . Harris County will begin evacuating citizens with special needs that registered with 2-1-1 as soon as possible. Those not registered should call 3-1-1 immediately if they need help evacuating. The routes identified for emergency evacuation by the state are Interstate 10 West to San Antonio, Interstate 45 North to Dallas, Interstate 59 North to Nacogdoches and Highway 290 West to Austin or Waco. The Texas Department of Public Safety will stage contraflow in coordination with local plans when needed. Refueling stations will be placed along the routes. In order to minimize traffic of highways, emergency officials recommend that major employees allow non-essential personnel to not report to work on Friday. However, service providers such as grocery stores, restaurants and service stations are encouraged to remain open to serve the public. Those who have registered already with the state's 2-1-1 system can expect to be picked up and transported to one of the transportation staging areas for evacuation. Any other special needs persons who need help evacuating need to call 3-1-1. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RedScare Posted September 11, 2008 Share Posted September 11, 2008 I don't have those things, from what I can tell. I live in a 1984, heavily-bricked townhouse in Montrose - basically a big box, with 6 southern facing windows. Any clue as to whether this should be able to take 110 mph winds? We'd be facing just short bursts of those kinds of winds in the city, right?Edit: Crap, and I just remembered that they are building a couple of new townhouses across the street. Projectile city!You should be alright. Like Judge Emmett said in his press conference, the wind will howl, you'll probably be nervous or even scared, but in all likelihood, you'll come out fine. Even if you lose shingles and stuff, the structure will likely hold. And, most importantly, it will probably not hit 110 mph in the Montrose. Alicia barely hit the mid 70s. This one might hit 90 in Houston. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
houstonmacbro Posted September 11, 2008 Share Posted September 11, 2008 (edited) I just saw the mayor (on television) when I was at the Honda dealership dropping off my car for service (hey, I want to be ready in case I flee to Dallas).Anyhow, one thing you gotta give Mayor White is that he is steady-as-she-blows. He is not prone to sensationalism and is really kinda plain, boring and reassuring to listen to in times like this. Edited September 11, 2008 by houstonmacbro Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
OkieEric Posted September 11, 2008 Share Posted September 11, 2008 You should be alright. Like Judge Emmett said in his press conference, the wind will howl, you'll probably be nervous or even scared, but in all likelihood, you'll come out fine. Even if you lose shingles and stuff, the structure will likely hold. And, most importantly, it will probably not hit 110 mph in the Montrose. Alicia barely hit the mid 70s. This one might hit 90 in Houston.OK, good...they keep bringing up the whole 100 - 110 mph in downtown, which can be a little disconcerting. I would imagine these skyscrapers will get hit with some pretty good winds a few floors up. I'm going to be ticked if those builders don't put away their scraps today. That'll show 'em, lol Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
editor Posted September 11, 2008 Share Posted September 11, 2008 Galveston County's web site is starting to slow down. In case it stops, here's the ZIP Code evacuation map and routes.ZipZone_EvacuationMap.pdf Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jm1fd Posted September 11, 2008 Share Posted September 11, 2008 I just found this posted by a guy over on the KHOU forums. This is supposedly a table of wind speeds for areas inside the loop. EEEEK! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sarahiki Posted September 11, 2008 Share Posted September 11, 2008 I, too, am in total oh ____ ____ ____ freak out mode.If you're referring to the Urban Lofts town homes, they are most certainly not metal structures. Only the siding and roof covering is metal. I know because I'm sitting in one right now. In fact, I'm about to climb up into the attic to check for roof braces.I meant in terms of attaching plywood--the window frame is metal, and the exterior of the house is metal. I didn't mean the whole house was metal. by the way, did you find any braces up there? I've never noticed any.you could hammer it in from the inside and get some contents protection but window itself could be damaged.I think that's the best idea. I'm not going to do it this time, but if we're still here next hurricane season I'll prepare better. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
westguy Posted September 11, 2008 Share Posted September 11, 2008 The computer models are still pretty clustered. Don't expect much of a track shift from the NHC's next update. It's looking more like the eye will pass over Houston on Friday/Saturday, so hopefully if it strengthens it also weakens before landfall. There will probably be hurricane conditions over a couple hundred miles of the coast. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bayou City Posted September 11, 2008 Share Posted September 11, 2008 (edited) All of Galveston is now under a mandatory evacuation starting at 12:00 noon. Edited September 11, 2008 by Bayou City Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
westguy Posted September 11, 2008 Share Posted September 11, 2008 No track change, though they have issued a hurricane warning for the area. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
editor Posted September 11, 2008 Share Posted September 11, 2008 I just got a big chunk of information from Harris County OEM about what evacuating people should do about their animals.There's a lot of info there, including a list of places with phone numbers that will take dogs, cats, even horses.Since there's a lot of information and probably a lot of interest that will yield discussion, I've split it into its own thread here: Hurricane Ike: Animal Evacuation Information Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stilettoninja Posted September 11, 2008 Share Posted September 11, 2008 My boss took heed of the mayor's recommendation and closed the office tomorrow. My coworker said that in the 10 years she's worked here, this is the first time they've closed up shop because of inclement weather. We were also instructed by the VP of operations to cover up our monitors and phones with trash bags before we leave the office today. Working in downtown with tunnel level offices, 4-story high windows and a 100+ foot atrium, our office is especially susceptible to wind & water damage. It's kind of amusing looking across the office and seeing a sea of black bags. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
editor Posted September 11, 2008 Share Posted September 11, 2008 I have split the messages on prayer during the hurricane into its own thread. Please keep this thread on topic. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
westguy Posted September 11, 2008 Share Posted September 11, 2008 I forgot to mention - Morgan City, LA is under hurricane warning. They're expecting a big impact. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Daniepwils Posted September 11, 2008 Share Posted September 11, 2008 (edited) We were also instructed by the VP of operations to cover up our monitors and phones with trash bags before we leave the office today. Working in downtown with tunnel level offices, 4-story high windows and a 100+ foot atrium, our office is especially susceptible to wind & water damage. It's kind of amusing looking across the office and seeing a sea of black bagsLOLI am in 5 Houston (which is the last building in downtown on the east end) and the windows in my office face east (I can see the ship channel) and south. Our building management has advised us to lower our blinds to protect our offices. I am not a rocket scientist, but I am pretty sure miniblinds aren't going to protect our offices from flying debris and glass when the windows shatter.I am jokingly telling people it would be funny if a cow ended up in our offices, alive and well of course (you know like in the movie Twister, when you see the cow go by mooing, LOL) Edited September 11, 2008 by Daniepwils Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sheeats Posted September 11, 2008 Share Posted September 11, 2008 Speaking of winds, I haven't seen this posted on here yet:http://houstonhidefromthewind.org/Interesting map by ZIP code of forecasted maximum sustained winds based on current hurricane data from the NHC. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Vertigo58 Posted September 11, 2008 Share Posted September 11, 2008 Speaking of winds, I haven't seen this posted on here yet:http://houstonhidefromthewind.org/ Interesting map by ZIP code of forecasted maximum sustained winds based on current hurricane data from the NHC. It really get's me how some people bank on the idea that mere TAPE is going to secure their big bay windows of the homes. Not only is flying debris an issue what about the suction or rather the power/energy of wind of a possible twister? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CandW Posted September 11, 2008 Share Posted September 11, 2008 I office in the Galleria are (4 oaks place) and they have instructed us to raise the blinds to cut down on them becoming projectiles...it's bad enough the glass could break, lol. I'm on the 27th floor and all they have said to do is move evertying into interior offices...and from the latest projections, Katy/Sugarland looks like its in the direct path of the eye....If you remember Alicia...Downtown was descimated....multiple buildings with windows blown out...it was a site for my young eyes....god speed to all... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
musicman Posted September 11, 2008 Share Posted September 11, 2008 45 northbound in the vicinity of monroe traffic speed is about 30 mile/hr. definitely more than normal Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Samsoner Posted September 11, 2008 Share Posted September 11, 2008 (edited) So here's a scenario.Brazoria county advises on College Station and Benton TX, N-NW of here for evacuation destinations. But the storm is heading in that direction anyways.So a few residents in a brazoria county town decide to head towards San Antonio via I-10 as early as 6pm today. SA is a distance, but negotiable. How is the route between SA & Houston?How safe is SA itself?OR, would it be just as easy to find a motel/hotel in Northwest Houston???????????? Edited September 11, 2008 by Samsoner Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
editor Posted September 11, 2008 Share Posted September 11, 2008 JUDGE EMMETT DECLARES STATE OF DISASTER IN HARRIS COUNTY DUE TO HURRICANE IKEDeclaration Prevents Price Gouging, Grants Emergency PowersHarris County Judge Ed Emmett declared a "state of disaster" in Harris County this morning, granting him wide-ranging powers to control evacuations, rescue efforts and the closure of county facilities. In addition, the declaration prevents local merchants from taking advantage of Hurricane Ike by charging exorbitant prices for emergency supplies.Harris County Attorney Mike Stafford said the declaration allows his office to file suit against merchants or contractors who charge exorbitant or excessive fees. Stafford's office may also seek penalties up to $20,000 or, if the victim is over 65, up to $250,000. Stafford recommends that consumers who believe they are being overcharged keep all receipts and file complaints with his office after Ike has passed.The state of disaster remains in effect for seven days, unless extended by Commissioners Court. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mark F. Barnes Posted September 11, 2008 Share Posted September 11, 2008 Those surge model slides shown at the Perry's announcement didn't look to promising. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cla Posted September 11, 2008 Share Posted September 11, 2008 I apologize if someone has posted this already, but load this kmz file into google earth - it's the latest track, and at the current time, my house is .42 miles to the east of the track - yikes!! http://hurricane.methaz.org/tracking/data/..._kml_public.kmz Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rsb320 Posted September 11, 2008 Share Posted September 11, 2008 OK, good...they keep bringing up the whole 100 - 110 mph in downtown, which can be a little disconcerting. I would imagine these skyscrapers will get hit with some pretty good winds a few floors up. I'm going to be ticked if those builders don't put away their scraps today. That'll show 'em, lolThe rooftops downtown were full of folks before Edouard picking up, so we should already be in pretty good shape as far as random debris. Let's just hope that they nolonger have rocks on top of the Tenneco (now El Paso) building. That's what wreaked havoc during Alicia. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
OkieEric Posted September 11, 2008 Share Posted September 11, 2008 Looks like a solid eye is finally about to form on the latest satellite images...I'm no wx, but that doesn't seem like a good thing Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
westguy Posted September 11, 2008 Share Posted September 11, 2008 The lowest wind speed project right now is in Cove, TX (81 mph), which is east of Baytown. Everyone in the Houston area is around 90-98 mph, while earlier today they projected the low 80s.That's the jist of it, in case you are having trouble connecting to that website. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rsb320 Posted September 11, 2008 Share Posted September 11, 2008 LOLI am in 5 Houston (which is the last building in downtown on the east end) and the windows in my office face east (I can see the ship channel) and south. Our building management has advised us to lower our blinds to protect our offices. I am not a rocket scientist, but I am pretty sure miniblinds aren't going to protect our offices from flying debris and glass when the windows shatter.I am jokingly telling people it would be funny if a cow ended up in our offices, alive and well of course (you know like in the movie Twister, when you see the cow go by mooing, LOL)Hines told us before Edouard to lower the blinds. This time, it's blinds up. Downed blinds are not going to do jack but give the wind something to grab onto and end up taking flight. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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