Hurricane Ike – Katy, TX updates 5:20 p.m. 9/12/08

Lake view in Katy, TX taken at 5:20 p.m. 9/12/08

Yes, the wind is picking up but not as quickly as I had anticipated. In looking at the photos of the “lake” (okay, it is really a retention pond but we call them lakes in Katy) outside of my home, you can see the chop is minimal. I will most likely update more frequently as the conditions deteriorate. For now, gusty breeze and intermittent clouds are all we have at the moment.

Christi Borden, a Katy resident

Sun still shining in Katy, TX 5:20 p.m. 9/12/08

Hurricane Ike – Katy Tx Update at 3:45 p.m. 9/12/08

Street scene in Katy, TX at 3:40 p.m. 9/12/08

All is still fairly calm here in Katy, TX – a large suburb located about 20 miles west of Houston city center. We have experienced a few gusts that shook the trees but nothing yet that hints at the fury that Ike will most likely bring to our area.

Several of my neighbors are trying to decide who will have the Hurricane Party. Meanwhile, I have cleared out the large closet under my spiral stairway as our safe room should we need to get away from breaking glass and other dangers.

It was very interesting getting my kids involved in clearing out the luggage, out-of-season clothing and Christmas decorations to make room for our family of five (myself, hubby, two kids and pet). The boys (twin 17 year olds and scientific minded) could not quite grasp the necessity of having to go into this cramped space for safety, much less having to stock it with food, water, blankets, pillows in the event we get trapped there for a pro-longed period of time.

In retrospect, growing up in the Panhandle area of Texas, we were instructed by our schools on what to do in the event of a tornado. And again, when I moved to the Mississippi Gulf Coast and to New Orleans, I received further instruction on what to do in the event of a hurricane. I do not think my kids (having grown up in Dubai, UAE and Katy, TX) have been given the slightest hint at how to survive a natural disaster. This is something we parents should act on – but not today.

At this time, I feel we are as prepared as we can be. My safe room is ready and I hope that after the storm, my kids can look at me and say, “I told you so, Mom!”. Nothing would give me greater pleasure. But as a former Cub Scouts Den Leader, I am always prepared.

More photos to come as the weather changes. For now, sun is peeking in and out of clouds, light breeze with occasional gusts and a little sprinkle now and then . Otherwise, things are pretty darned calm in Katy, TX.

Christi Borden – Katy resident

Hurricane Ike – Katy, TX update at 1:40 p.m. 9/12/08

Updated photo taken from Katy, TX at 1:40 p.m. 9/12/08

Still waiting for Ike to make his appearance in the West Houston region of coastal Texas. As you will see from the two photos, the skies are darker but all is still calm. We are receiving the occasional breeze but otherwise, business as usual in the area for this time of year.

I will keep posting comments and photos as the storm reach our area and Ike makes landfall. I anticipate we will lose power and possibly internect connectivity but will continue to keep you posted as long as I can.

Katy street at 1:40 p.m. 9/12/08

Take care, say a prayer and be safe.

Christi Borden – Katy, TX resident