Reply #20: The Evacuation Plan was meant for people in Storm Surge areas... [View All]

[Bridget Burke]

But many from safer parts of the city decided to leave. (I stayed at home & didn't even lose power.)

The gas crunch just made it worse. The State said they were sending gas tankers--which did not materialize in time.

Our Mayor & the County Judge have said they will look at plans for Next Time. They are fairly smart guys & will probably come up with better ideas. Perhaps they can get the State to implement contra-flow lanes earlier.

Edited to add: Here's an article about the evacuation. The State of Texas Department of Transportation needs to look at more timely use of contraflow lanes. (This is NOT something local authorities can do.) And "staged" evacuations might be needed--following the saying "run from the water, hide from the wind." Storm surge is the killer & those at risk don't know if they are the target until too late. Others may wish to avoid a scary night at home--but will probably be safe. Perhaps they should evacuate later.


www.chron.com/cs/CDA/ssistory.mpl/special/05/rita/3369453