I remember watching all of the Houston stations three years ago on my computer while I was still in Atlanta. There was wall-to-wall coverage of approaching Hurricane Rita and the ensuing chaos that broke out after the evacuation order. I couldn't believe it every time I saw a shot of the freeways clogged with cars trying to get anywhere, but not moving much at all.

As we've been preparing segments for our upcoming Hurricane Special that airs this Saturday at 7 pm (hint, hint, shameless plug), we interviewed quite a few people who said they wouldn't leave the next time. This is particularly the sentiment of residents North of I-10. And in fact this might be the right attitude - run from the water, shelter from the wind. Those who live closest to the coast face the greatest danger and while hurricane conditions can be felt up to 100 miles inland, they won't likely be as strong as where the storm makes landfall.

So the state now has a better plan to direct people in the event a storm is heading this way. First, they will order an evacuation by zip code zones. And they're expecting you to follow that order. Let folks in Galveston, League City, Clear Lake, etc. hit the roads first. Second, they've worked out a system for contra-flow lanes on the major highways to allow for more traffic. Finally, they have a better way to get fuel to those motorists. Last summer, when Dean was moving into the Gulf, the state deployed trucks in a stand-by mode.

Starting this Sunday, you can get your FREE hurricane tracking chart with the zip code evacuation zones and other important information to get you ready for this season. They're brought to us by CenterPoint Energy and available at all Randalls, Carpet Giant, and Keller-Williams Realty.

2 Comments

Roy Allen said:

On your show the other night you featured a window covering product that was a plastic screen for covering windows in lieu of plywood. It appeared to be lighter and easier to install. I've been unable to find out anything about it on the website. Could you please provide some information about where to find it? Thanks.

Roy Allen

June 1, 2008 1:28 PM

amanda said:

Please help. I am looking to relocate to the HOUSTON/ WEBSTER area, I am having second thoughts because of the tropical storms, I am from MICHIGAN and as you know we don't have weather like that. I guess what I am asking is will I spend the portion of my TEXAS LIVING RUNNING FROM WATER? please help. is it as bad as we here in the north think it is?

June 8, 2008 10:53 AM

Leave a comment

Name:

Email:

URL:  

Remember personal info?

Captcha:

Type the characters you see in the picture above.