Oh Crap, she's a Category 5

[LynneSin]

http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/text/refresh/MIATCPAT3+shtml/220556.shtml?

000
WTNT33 KNHC 220556
TCPAT3
BULLETIN
HURRICANE RITA INTERMEDIATE ADVISORY NUMBER 18A
NWS TPC/NATIONAL HURRICANE CENTER MIAMI FL
1 AM CDT THU SEP 22 2005

...CATEGORY FIVE RITA MAINTAINING STRENGTH OVER THE CENTRAL GULF OF
MEXICO...

A HURRICANE WATCH REMAINS IN EFFECT FOR THE GULF OF MEXICO COAST
FROM PORT MANSFIELD TEXAS TO CAMERON LOUISIANA. A HURRICANE WARNING
MAY BE REQUIRED FOR PORTIONS OF THE HURRICANE WATCH AREA THURSDAY
MORNING.

A TROPICAL STORM WATCH REMAINS IN EFFECT ON EITHER SIDE OF THE
HURRICANE WATCH AREA... FROM EAST OF CAMERON TO GRAND ISLE
LOUISIANA... AND FROM SOUTH OF PORT MANSFIELD TO BROWNSVILLE TEXAS.

A TROPICAL STORM WATCH REMAINS IN EFFECT FOR THE NORTHEASTERN COAST
OF MEXICO FROM RIO SAN FERNANDO NORTHWARD TO THE RIO GRANDE.

http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/storm_graphics/AT18/refresh/AL1805W5_sm2+gif/023809W_sm.gif

[LynneSin]

1. Here's another picture of her

BTW, New Orleans is probably going to get hit some tonight with the edge of Rita

[In_The_Wind]

2. That's awful!

[Scooter24]

3. This is bad :(

I'm in Dallas and we're directly in the upmost path of the storm. I've seen estimates from 10"-30" of rain for this area. Coupled with 35-40mph winds, and the potential for tornados, it's just going to be a crappy Sunday here :(

Houston and Galveston though... :scared:

[LynneSin]

5. We've got a bunch of DUers flying in from texas including

two from Austin. I think VelmaD returns on Monday but GOPisEvil is suppose to be getting back to Austin on Sunday night.

I'm concerned we may have a few folks stuck in DC longer than expected.

[In_The_Wind]

6. question ...

Do I get to keep 'em if they can't fly out ...

[LynneSin]

7. Only if you break them

:P

[In_The_Wind]

9. nah

then they wouldn't be any fun

[Scooter24]

8. Not sure about Austin,

but they are expecting many cancellations and delays at DFW and Love Field Airports throughout Sunday. (for those that might have connecting flights)

Monday might be a little hectic as flights resume and stranded passengers are being put on flights.

Most of the hotels in the DFW area are booked solid.

[Tom Kitten]

4. Be resolute

Our preznut said some people wish they could do what hurricanes do and that is why we must wage the war on terra!