We couldn't get out

[Nixxxed]

We tried our best to evacuate for Hurricane Rita, but we couldn't get out of the area. We left our house in Texas City at 8:00 pm on Wednesday, and by 4:30 pm yesterday we were only 57 miles from home. We had been sitting stationary on a highway in Liberty, TX for 2 hours (in 100-degree heat with no A/C) when we decided we'd rather take our chances, comfortable in our own home, than experience a hurricane in a pickup with our beloved pets only protected by a tarp we set up to keep the sun off them.

After travelling for 20 hours to get 57 miles away, it only took us a little over an hour to get home yesterday night. On our return, we passed approximately 30 miles of bumper-to-bumper traffic sitting perfectly still on the highway.

If you've seen any news coverage of the "evacuation" -- yes, it really was that bad. We all have heat exhaustion - including the pets. I'm also pretty sure we got a good dose of carbon monoxide poisoning. At one point, my Mom's lips had the telltale bluish tinge, while I was feeling light-headed and nauseated. It was HOT yesterday - the high pressure controlling the storm's movement prevented any breeze, and we were left to bake on the blacktop highway, trying to hide from the sun inside the truck cab while breathing all the vehicle exhaust -- much of which was diesel thanks to all the SUVs and mobile homes that were alongside us. To make matters even more interesting, we were travelling up Hwy 146, which has petrochemical refineries on both side of the road the entire distance between TC and Liberty.

The moment we actually decided to head home, we had been looking for a stopping point for a few hours, just to get inside in some A/C for a while to cool down and regroup. None could be found - we only found 3 convenience stores open, and there were so many people inside and going in and out that the A/C was nil. There was no gas, water, ice, substaintial food, or restroom facilities to find anywhere along the route. And from all the news reports we were hearing, the situation was actually worse up the road.

There were several points during the day that we sat still for an hour or more, and got out to talk to our "neighbors". We actually met some really nice people. But cars were breaking down, and we were having to help push them out of the way. Plus, we saw a few fights and road rage incidents as people tried to sneak ahead using the road shoulder.

Since the forecasted hurricane path had moved east, all the towns on the coast and inland to the east had declared mandatory evacuations as well, and those citizens were entering the evacuation route also. Not to mention the people from Houston who were able to get ahead of us because of the freeways (whereas we were on a 2-lane highway).

But I'm back home, getting ready to pop a few Coronas and ride it out. Rocky's on my knee, begging to be petted. He's simply traumatized. Zorro (my lovebird) is flying around, and seems to be doing better today. He fainted and fell to the bottom of his cage a few times on the road yesterday, and each time I thought I'd lost him. My Dad's Rottweiler will not leave his side anywhere he walks in the house. She's been vomiting all day, and has drank at least 2 gallons of water. Dad seems fine now, having worked as a welder in a refinery for 25 years. Mom is putting on a brave face, but it's obvious she doesn't feel well.

I hope this had made sense, and thanks for reading. I'm going through some strange hot/cold cycles from a very severe sunburn on one arm and my head/neck, and I'm still lightheaded and a little spacey (even more so than usual) from breathing exhaust fumes, and trying to fight my ragweed allergy with cheap antihistamines.

It's been a strange, very strange week. But at least now I have the actual hurricane to deal with, rather than the fear of it. And yes, in case you've seen the news reports and are wondering, there ARE still people who are trapped on the roads in east Texas. Please say a little prayer for them when you get a chance.

[strandinthewind]

Did they not have both sides of the freeway going toward Dallas?

[seeker007nmss]

I think you made the right choice in going home. I can't imagine what will happen to the highway and those cars when the storm hits. Stay safe and as long as you have power we will be here at the ledge for you guys in the storm area.

[dissention]

I'm so sorry to hear that, darling.

I'm crossing my fingers that you guys stay safe.

[CreepingDeath]

I'm so sorry all that happend.

I'm keeping you guys (and everyone caught up in this mess) in my thoughts.

[gldstwmn]

Please stay with us and let us know you're okay as long as you can.
I am going to light a candle for you, your family and the pets. I hope all of you remain safe and comfortable.

[Nixxxed]

Originally Posted by strandinthewind

Did they not have both sides of the freeway going toward Dallas?

No - we were East of Houston on 146, and they were only allowing the northbound lanes to be used. The state troopers drove by every hour of so to prevent people from using the southbound lanes. They said something about the fact that the way all the highways merged, it would not be safe to use both lanes. Plus, there weren't enough troopers/police to direct the traffic like that.

Plus, people were very frustrated and getting mad when people *would* use the empty lanes. Serious road rage. Houston did open some contraflow lanes on I-45, I-10, and Hwy 290, but the contraflow didn't start until you were almost 100 miles out of the city. And, they didn't get them running until almost 5:00 pm yesterday. I was still seeing live video of Houston gridlock on TV at 2:00 this morning, when I had cooled down enough to fall asleep.

[sparky]

OMG.

Chuck that is awful. I am glad to hear you and the birds are home safe. Poor little Zorro ! He must be a tough little guy. Give the birds some scratches for me, and yourself a big pat on the back for making it !

[Nixxxed]

Originally Posted by seeker007nmss

I think you made the right choice in going home. I can't imagine what will happen to the highway and those cars when the storm hits. Stay safe and as long as you have power we will be here at the ledge for you guys in the storm area.

Thank you. There really are still people on the freeways, and the winds and rain have now reached the Houston Metro area. It's not bad yet at all, but soon will be.

[strandinthewind]

OMG - that is horrid. I am so sorry you all had to go through that. Interestingly, it would have been better to stay home and then leave this afternoon at around 7:00.

There has to be a way to do these things in a better manner.

Also, stay safe and stay away from the windows, esp. if you have big trees around your house.

I'll be a thinkin about y'all

[Nixxxed]

Originally Posted by dissention

I'm so sorry to hear that, darling.

I'm crossing my fingers that you guys stay safe.

You don't know how badly I wanted to go to Galveston today to meet Anderson Cooper. I could swim there if I tried hard enough.

[strandinthewind]

Originally Posted by Nixxxed

You don't know how badly I wanted to go to Galveston today to meet Anderson Cooper. I could swim there if I tried hard enough.

He is on now and he's wet. Feel better

[gldstwmn]

Originally Posted by Nixxxed

You don't know how badly I wanted to go to Galveston today to meet Anderson Cooper. I could swim there if I tried hard enough.

So could I honey and I'm a few states north of you.

[dissention]

Originally Posted by Nixxxed

You don't know how badly I wanted to go to Galveston today to meet Anderson Cooper. I could swim there if I tried hard enough.

StormWhore!Anderson is going to be on the telly all night, hon, and he's wet in a red slicker, so don't worry. You'll just have to put up with the likes of the deathly dull Aaron Brown to see him.

[seeker007nmss]

Originally Posted by gldstwmn

So could I honey and I'm a few states north of you.

Okay, I must be way out of it. Who is Anderson Cooper and what is the deal with him?