URGENT PRAYER ALERT: Ike Blows through Eastern Texas, Leaving Destruction, Flooding and Millions without Power
(UPDATED: 14:31 ET - 9/13)As Ike weakens over Eastern Texas, and is downgraded to a tropical storm, the damage left in its wake is widespread. Millions are left without power, as those who stayed behind await rescue crews.
Meanwhile, President Bush has declared Texas a disaster area; freeing Federal funds to aid in the rescue, cleanup and supply efforts. Louisiana was also hit hard with widespread flooding likened to that of Hurricane Rita years ago.
(UPDATED: 04:30 ET - 9/13)"A massive Hurricane Ike ravaged southeast Texas early Saturday, battering the coast with driving rain and ferocious wind gusts as residents who decided too late they should have heeded calls to evacuate made futile calls for rescue," said a report by FOXNews.
Homes flooded were estimated in the thousands at first landfall and millions are without power. But officials lamented the fact that some chose not to evacuate, putting themselves?and the rescue crews who would have to go in later?at risk. (Graphic: Accuweather.com)
According to the report, Hurricane Ike hit Texas as a Category 2 storm at 3:30 AM ET, with sustained winds of about 110 MPH.
(UPDATED: 16:50 PT)According to the latest news report, some Texas residents have already been trapped on their roof from rising flood waters due to the storm surge from the encroaching Hurricane Ike. The National Weather Service has warned that to stay behind in the Galveston area would mean "certain death."
The size of Ike is massive--and has also caused flooding and power outages in Louisiana, although the hurricane has not even made landfall yet. It is reportedly the enormous storm surge that is even more dangerous than its Category 2 winds. Hurricane Ike is expected to make landfall overnight.
Track the storm by clicking on THIS LINK.
(8:30am PT)"The National Weather Service warned residents of smaller structures on Galveston they could "face certain death" if they ignored an order to evacuate?" ?FoxNews.com
As Hurricane Ike strengthens in the Gulf as it churns toward the coast of Texas, mandatory evacuations have increased. But, even with dramatic warnings from the weather service and officials, some residents have elected to stay in their homes. A curfew has been invoked in Galveston for those refusing to evacuate. (Photo: NOAA)
The island of Galveston has already seen widespread flooding from the storm surge, although the hurricane is not expected to make landfall until early Saturday morning. Residents are hoping the 17' sea wall will hold back the rising sea and waves, but the weather service has predicted a surge of over 20 feet.
The American Red Cross is reportedly in urgent need of funds to aid in imminent disaster. To help, CLICK HERE.
This page will be updated as new reports come in, check back and refresh the page for the latest information.
