Ike-tastic

The projections keep getting a little better, then a little worse, then a little better, then a little worse for Houston. Whee. It’s definitely making everyone tense. A friend in Galveston just sent around pictures of his boarded-up house – he’s about to leave – which is smart. In Galveston. 

Here’s a fun site that shows you the forecast maximum winds for each local ZIP code, along with information on the highest winds ever recorded in that ZIP code. For my ZIP the maximum forecast winds for Ike (for now, at least) are under 50 mph. The winds during Hurricane Alicia were 75 mph. And the highest ever recorded here were 108 mph in 1900 (and I would not like to have experienced that here. Or anywhere.)

(Thanks for Polimom for the link.) 

Mostly it is annoying. At work we got an email telling us that the current plan was to be open for business. Then my boss came around and said, “Feel free to leave if you need to, you have a laptop.” Then someone else in my group sent this around:

Office Procedures Concerning Storm and Office Closings 

As we watch the progress of the storm, the following are the ?firm’s guidelines based upon the hurricane’s intensity: 

Hurricane Category #1 

No excuse for being late. Leave earlier to give extra time to avoid fallen trees and limbs.

Hurricane Category #2 

Due to the horizontal rain, you may wear jeans.

Hurricane Category #3 

Whereas most of the area will be flooded we suggest you avoid wearing open toe sandals when coming to work. Canoes will be provided to get to the building safely without getting wet. 

Hurricane Category #4 

More than likely there will be no electricity. Given that, we will have manual typewriters available to all staff members. Please take extra caution and wear water-proof make-up if Category 4 or above.

Hurricane Category #5

Velcro will be provided to keep you attached to your chairs when the windows blow out. For those that survive, we will have chocolate cake at 3:00 pm in the cafeteria.

Mmm. Chocolate cake.