Hurricane Rita

I found out that my parents, who I thought had safely evacuated Texas City from the approaching hurricane last night, are still there.  They left yesterday for Lufkin to stay with my brother's family.  After driving for 10 hours with 3 dogs and a cat and having only traveled 40 miles, they turned around and went home.  Texas City is a ghost town now and my parents aren't even sure where they can get gas.  They heard from a cop that there was some in the next town, so I hope they can fill up again.  They are going to rest for a few hours and attempt to leave again.  My mom said to me, "I don't want us to die here."  I've pretty much been bawling ever since.

I have a brother that lives in Houston and he attempted to leave early this morning but had to turn around because he was feverish and sick.  One of my closest friends works for the Galveston Daily News and they put her up in a hotel in downtown Houston.  Her deadline is this afternoon but she isn't sure if she'll be able to get out in time either because of the gridlocked traffic.  All of my loved ones that are in the hurricane's path are still stuck there and there isn't anything I can do about it.

Rita is currently a category 5 hurricane (Katrina was a 4 when it hit land) but forecasters are predicting it will lose strength before it hits.  God, I hope it does.  Texas City is right on the coast and Houston isn't far off.  I hope my parents at least get to Houston.  TC is probably going to get hit very hard.

It'll probably be hours from now before I get any more news.  I'm not doing anyone any good by sitting here crying and worrying like crazy.  I think I'll watch a movie or something and escape reality for a while.  My fully-charged cell phone is right next to me and I'll be checking hurricane updates every 30 minutes or so.  I just wish my boyfriend was here so I could at least have someone next to me.  Now is not a good time to be alone.          

Comments

[Bob]

Good Luck. Hope everything turns out OK for your family.

[DCI74]

I hope everything works out ok for your family.

[Lily]

After Katrina, I think all of the country is praying for the people in Rita's path. Keep blogging and let us all know when your family is safe.

[bethanyblog.blogspot]

you dont know me, but i feel your pain all the same. my family and friends are evacuating, and i'm too far away (in greece) to offer help. i'm just sick with worry. i hope your people come through okay.

[Anu]

I hope everything goes well with your love ones. God bless them all.Love from Finland, Europe.

[Keith Cole]

Maybe its better that they stay put, some people have evacuated only to now be headed right into the path of Rita, and with so many people on the roads many of them will be sitting ducks.

[Keith Cole]

Have they thought of taking back roads to Victoria? Since Rita is headed more north now.

[Heidi]

Hi...I 'Oh so' feel for you. I can't think of a worse situation to be in than not being able to help the people you love the most. I was there once with my mom when she was ill. Dr.'s had given up all hope and then so did I. She is alive and well today and I believe your folks will be o.k. also.
Thinking of you
Heidi

[Si]

Good luck - even though we're in the UK and its like itsa a million miles from you guys right now we are aware of whats happening and our thoughts are very much with you!

sorry theres nothing more we can do of a practical use but we are thinking of you!

hope it turns out as best as can be

stay safe

Si