Ike is "visiting" us here in NW Florida

[82Rigger]

Storm swells from Ike started arriving here early this morning.

The swells are generating 15-20 foot waves on our beaches.

The weather is generally clear, but we have a HUGE surf, and a "high tide" when there should be no tide.

The waves are over-washing portions of our coastal highway (Highway 98).

If everything is quiet and still, I can "feel" the surf pounding through the ground here at my house.

It's kind of eerie knowing that this is what Dr. Isaac Cline, Galveston's meteorlogist, experienced as he stood on the beach at Galveston 108 years ago on the day before the deadly hurricane arrived...the pounding surf with clear skies...the high tide where there should be no tide...all this telling his senses that something is wrong...but not understanding what or why.

Hope the Texans are hunkered down and hangin' on to their butts.

[Gimpy]

in Sarasota, Bradenton, St. Pete, Clearwater, Dunieden, Palm Harbor, Tarpon Springs, Holiday, New Port Richey and Hudson area also Steve.

We've had several coastal communities flooded out pretty bad starting late yesterday through today and scheduled for more at high tide in the morning. Many roads and houses in a couple of feet of high water. Lost about half the beach down at Siesta Key near Sarasota yesterday and more beach erosion expected up our way overnight.

Had one road close to me ( a few hundred feet away) "Baileys Bluff Road" under about a foot of water today until the tide started receding this afternoon. Also had a fishing pier at Key Vista Park about a half-mile away get pretty torn up by high waves today.

That damn Ike is nearly 450 miles away from us and STILL creating havoc...........I really feel for the folks along the Texas coastline, they are gonna get blasted by this one.

They are in our prayers.

Gimp

[Packo]

is watching this with interest. I cannot believe how huge this storm is. It is as big as Texas. I've been watching and have seen the outside bands near both of you....but glad you guys are not in the actual path. I am also very happy that this guy may not get above Cat 2. Looks like it must be hitting around high tide...which is really scary because of it's shear size. Not worried about you guys as usual but real concerned about Texas. Lots will stay cause it's a Cat 2....I think the flooding will be the killer.

Glad you guys are ok and really REALLY happy this bOOger didn't come this way.

Pack

[SuperScout]

Our reservation booking company has been swamped, no pun intended, with folks fleeing the potential flooding on the Texas coast. We've been helping family, friends, and total strangers find housing for themselves and their critters - even got some guy's oat burners out in our pasture. Most of the properties that we represent don't usually allow pets, but we've talked them into letting the refugees bring their dogs and cats.

Those folks down in Galveston better hold on to their hats, and if they have half a brain, will be holding the hats about 400 miles inland!! Thank God most of our Texans are smarter than the people in New Orleans.

[82Rigger]

Very commendable that you've been able to help folks remove themselves and their critters from harm's way. Having been in that circumstance before, my hat is off to you for that noble endeavor.

Also, having lived in East Texas, have to agree that most Texans more level-headed than NOLA folks.

The key word in your statement, however, is "most".

I'm beginning to wonder if those who do not fall under "most" might be concentrated in one place, as I understand that a large percentage of Galveston Island residents have NOT evacuated.

Last time I was in Galveston, the seawall had filled in with sand at the base of the Gulf side at least five feet, meaning only 12 feet of protection instead of 17 feet. If the eyewall crosses the coast West of Galveston, I fear greatly that the seawall will be topped.

THOSE FOLKS NEED TO LEAVE!

[SuperScout]

Hate to admit it, but there are more than 3 idiots that live in Galveston. If they aren't gone by now, then they'll probably be goners. I personally think that people who live in hurricane country should be made to sign an affidavit, attesting to the fact that if they have been warned to evacuate, and fail to do so, any recovery expenses for their living or dead body will be paid by their estate.

[melody1181]

Hoping all stay safe down there.

Never been so glad to live soooo far away from the coast. Though I still get questions if the storm(s) damaged anything here...