I have been to Texas twice. That's how much I know about it. Oddly, though, the second time was 2 months ago as I traveled for work. One of the tours was to Galveston and the surrounding area. I can see how Galveston Island will be devastated by Ike.
I believe that there are alot of us that sit in our living rooms further north, hear this terrible news, and shake our heads in sorrow. What I also think is that there is alot of important facts about the Texas gulf coast that really paint a considerably more detailed picture.
Since we have so many Texans on this forum, and a number of them that are very familiar with ground point zero for Ike, I'm asking for some education. For instance, the topography and elevation of the land, all the way up into Houston. It's flat as a pancake. Tell us about how extreme rainfall affects the surrounding topography. Another one, and this one will affect ALL of us, Texas City. I was in awe when we drove past Texas City. Hokey smokes! Start with this link to Mapquest; it's Texas City. Take a look at where it is located relative to Galveston. Then, go to the aerial and zoom down to the industrial park. It's a small city of a refinery. This entire area is busting loose with oil industry and it's about to be slapped in the face with a hurricane. Heybud is an oil guy. Tell us some factoids about how far this infrastructure reaches. My traveling partner during my tour was born and raised in the Houston area. He said that there are major canals that run ships all the way up to Houston. I assume it's all oil related.
I'm in steel. My customer base is into just about every industry that might use steel. When I go to a region, it's normal to visit 8 guys and get 8 different industries being served. Not in Texas. It's all oil. It's the only thing that's firing on all 8 cylinders right now. Yeah, sure, they might be doing a little of this and a little of that, but they all come back to the mother lode; supplying the oil industry.
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This will of no interest to some, but since I was just there, I'm telling ya....it is very interesting.