Hurricane Ike is making landfall near Galveston, Texas as a very strong catagory two Hurricane. 2.9 people are without power or reliable communications according to major news outlets.
There have been several rescues of people stranded, but there will be more time before the full impact of Ike is recognized. Some 24,000 people elected to remain on Galveston Island and our hopes and prayers go out to them as it will be 36 hours or more, before damage data can be processed.
Houston and areas well inland can expect hurricane force winds, tornadic activity, and torrential downpours.
As the eye of the storm passes over the Galveston area, the storm surge will continue to rise for a number of hours. Certain media personalities have attempted to make a mockery of this storm, and we are not impressed. Ike remains a credible threat for a number of hours along the western gulf coast, and especially Texas.
As data filters in, we will publish final damage reports from Hurricane Ike over the next few days.