The National Hurricane Center now says that Rita is currently the third most powerful hurricane on record. This is up from fifth most powerful earlier today.
The NHC has made an RSS feed for Rita available -- it will only include reports on this hurricane.
The latest report, as of posting time:
MAXIMUM SUSTAINED WINDS ARE NEAR 165 MPH...WITH HIGHER GUSTS. RITA IS A POTENTIALLY CATASTROPHIC CATEGORY FIVE HURRICANE ON THE SAFFIR-SIMPSON SCALE. SOME FLUCTUATIONS IN INTENSITY ARE LIKELY DURING THE NEXT 24 HOURS.
It's my understanding that, at this strength, Rita could maintain hurricane status as far inland as Austin, Texas. It undoubtedly does not need to be said, but if you live in the at-risk area (see map to the right), please start making plans now to evacuate.
Comments (4)
Don't start making plans to evacuate. Get outta there.
Check out latest comments on Rita:
'What if...'
&
'Speaking of physics'
@
http://radio.weblogs.com/0109157/
Posted by Gil Friend | September 21, 2005 10:40 PM
Posted on September 21, 2005 22:40
I never thought I'd have a chance of seeing the almost complete economic collapse of the south-east of the US, but there it is.
Posted by Mikhail Capone | September 22, 2005 4:32 AM
Posted on September 22, 2005 04:32
Lets hope that this time they find a way to get the poor people out and don't leave them to fend for themselves...
Posted by Mikhail Capone | September 22, 2005 4:33 AM
Posted on September 22, 2005 04:33
Jamais et al, if you are looking to learn more about the petroleum infrastructure damage that will result from this storm, I would recommend our resources page here:
http://www.theoildrum.com/story/2005/9/20/144722/791
(lots of maps, refineries, damage projections, etc., etc.)
Posted by The Oil Drum (profgoose) | September 22, 2005 10:48 PM
Posted on September 22, 2005 22:48