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September 2005 Archives


Twenty-one counties cleared as disaster areas

5:20 PM Fri, Sep 30, 2005 |

Friday afternoon FEMA added a few local counties to their list of counties eligible for financial assistance.

...



Mayor says evac traffic level 'unacceptable'

4:27 PM Fri, Sep 30, 2005 |

At Friday's news conference announcing a task force to study evacuation plans, Mayor Bill White said, "There was an unacceptable level of traffic in the traffic jams on the freeways ..."

...



Chambers County relief update

3:51 PM Fri, Sep 30, 2005 |

Electricity:
All residents need to treat downed power lines like they are hot and avoid contact. Entergy reports that work is progressing in bringing electricity back to Anahuac and Winnie possibly as soon as early next week. However, full service to the entire county may not return for three to five weeks.

...



Friendswood storm debris to be picked up Saturday

3:09 PM Fri, Sep 30, 2005 |

City Public Works crews will pick up storm debris only on Saturday, Oct. 1.

...



Mayor names task force to research evacuation procedures

2:59 PM Fri, Sep 30, 2005 |

In the wake of Hurricane Rita, Mayor Bill White announced the members of the newly created Task Force on Evacuation, Transportation and Logistics.

The mayor is also soliciting input from the public. Comments can be filed online at http://www.houstontx.gov/rita/.

...



Mayor White to discuss city's evac plan

1:25 PM Fri, Sep 30, 2005 |

Mayor Bill White will hold a 2 p.m. news conference to answers questions regarding the city's evacuation, transportation and logistic procedures in the wake of Hurricane Rita.

...



Port Arthur residents can return

1:16 PM Fri, Sep 30, 2005 |

Port Arthur joined several other Jefferson County municipalities Friday by allowing residents to return home, gather belongings and assess damage to their property.

...



Man rides out storm in Sabine Pass

11:33 AM Fri, Sep 30, 2005 |

AP -- Amos Dondee thanked God for sparing
his life and searched for his Social Security card Thursday among
the sopping wet debris in his bedroom.

...



State could bring generators to East Texas

11:26 AM Fri, Sep 30, 2005 |

Gov. Rick Perry said Thursday the state may bring generators to residents of East Texas' most rural, heavily wooded areas where electricity may be out for weeks or months.

...



Questions over $236 million cruise ship deal

11:23 AM Fri, Sep 30, 2005 |

Remember when FEMA struck the deal to rent cruise ships for Hurricane Katrina victims? Well, now that deal is making waves on Capitol Hill.


...



Katrina victims to receive rent, not cash

11:13 AM Fri, Sep 30, 2005 |

FEMA is changing one of the ways it handles assistance for Katrina survivors.

...



9 counties eligible for FEMA cash assistance

11:09 AM Fri, Sep 30, 2005 |

FEMA has authorized cash assistance payments up to $2,000 per family to Rita survivors along the Gulf Coast.

...



FEMA Houston recovery center closed for the day

10:59 AM Fri, Sep 30, 2005 |

The lines were long again at the FEMA's Houston recovery center Friday, but this time they were shut off around 8:45 a.m. Approximately 3,000 people were inside the facility when the lines were closed down.

...



East Texas parks damaged by Rita

10:36 AM Fri, Sep 30, 2005 |

LUFKIN, Texas -- About 20 state parks in East Texas suffered
damage from Hurricane Rita, and many parks may remain closed for
months to make repairs.

...



Beaumont, Port Neches, Groves, Nederland to reopen

6:07 PM Thu, Sep 29, 2005 |

The Beaumont Enterprise reports that the mayors of Beaumont, Port Neches, Groves and Nederland will open to residents on Friday.

...



New power outage numbers

5:21 PM Thu, Sep 29, 2005 |

Local energy companies are still working to get the power back on in the aftermath of Hurricane Rita.

...



Rita death toll tops 100

5:00 PM Thu, Sep 29, 2005 |

The Houston Chronicle reports at least 107 people were killed by last week's hurricane or died in accidents or from health problems related to the largest evacuation in U.S. history.

...



Pasadena housing Entergy workers

3:19 PM Thu, Sep 29, 2005 |

The city of Pasadena, along with the Pasadena school district and San Jacinto College, is housing nearly 1,200 Entergy employees working in East Texas.

...



Damage photos from Silsbee

3:07 PM Thu, Sep 29, 2005 |

11 News reporter Jason Whitely filed these photos from Silsbee, Hardin County.

...



FEMA line shut down for Thursday

2:47 PM Thu, Sep 29, 2005 |

The line for the recovery center was shut down at 1:30 p.m. Thursday.
FEMA officials said about 3,046 households were either being processed or had been.

...



Boil-water notice lifted for more communities

2:38 PM Thu, Sep 29, 2005 |

The boil-water notice has been lifted for the following water systems: Twin Oaks, Oak Hill Estates, Walraven, Green Gate Acres and North Belt Forest Water System. Trinity Bay Conservation District in Chambers County has also lifted the water notice for all customers.

...



Bolivar Peninsula lifts boil-water notice

1:22 PM Thu, Sep 29, 2005 |

The boil-water notice was lifted Thursday for the Bolivar Peninsula.

...



FEMA center has around 2,200 people inside

1:09 PM Thu, Sep 29, 2005 |

At 1:04 p.m. FEMA spokesman Mike Casella said they would likely shut the line down soon and not let anyone else inside.
They want to make sure they can accomodate everyone who is already in the line without going past 7 p.m closing time.

...



Department of Veterans Affairs deploys mobile health clinics

11:35 AM Thu, Sep 29, 2005 |

The Department of Veterans Affairs is deploying two mobile health clinics Thursday to help Texas veterans who were hit hard by Hurricane Rita.

...



230,000 Entergy customers remain without power

11:25 AM Thu, Sep 29, 2005 |

Entergy reports it still had 230,000 customers without electricity as of Thursday morning.

...



Centerpoint down to 10,000 without power

11:24 AM Thu, Sep 29, 2005 |

By early Thursday Centerpoint Engergy reported that the number of customers without power was down to 10,000.

...



Report: Santa Fe water supply safe

10:51 AM Thu, Sep 29, 2005 |

"The Daily News" reports that Santa Fe's City Emergency Management Coordinator Barry Cook said the city’s water supply is safe and in no danger of contamination.

...



20,000 Centerpoint customers still without power

10:46 AM Thu, Sep 29, 2005 |

As of 8 p.m. Wednesday, 20,000 Centerpoint Energy customers remained without power as a result of Hurricane Rita.

...



No Rita Red Cross money just yet

5:32 PM Wed, Sep 28, 2005 |

Victims of Hurricane Rita looking for financial help from the Red Cross will have to wait a little longer.

...



Primetime programs from last week aired overnight

5:31 PM Wed, Sep 28, 2005 |

KHOU-TV Channel 11's primetime programming from last week to be aired early Thursday and Friday morning.

...



Entergy power outages, rolling blackouts

5:24 PM Wed, Sep 28, 2005 |

Entergy still has about 250,000 customers without power due to Hurricane Rita. In fact, it's made very little progress in restoring power to customers.

...



Popeye's Chicken has paychecks for Beaumont area workers

4:29 PM Wed, Sep 28, 2005 |

Popeyes Chicken is asking that employees from the Beaumont, Vidor, Orange, Nederland and Port Arthur areas to contact the Lafayette, La. office at 337-289-6780 x-2000 or call 800-POPEYES.

...



Centerpoint Energy power outage down to 30,000

4:25 PM Wed, Sep 28, 2005 |

Wednesday afternoon, Centerpoint Energy reported the power outages have dropped from a peak of 700,000 to approximately 30,000.

...



Help needed in Woodville, Tyler County

4:07 PM Wed, Sep 28, 2005 |

11 News reporter Jason Whitely visited the small town of Woodville in Tyler County Wednesday which was hard hit by Hurricane Rita. There he found people in desperate need of some of life's simplest needs.

>> Continue reading: Help needed in Woodville, Tyler County



Red Cross shelters not to capacity

3:25 PM Wed, Sep 28, 2005 |

At a Wednesday afternoon press conference, the Houston-area Red Cross CEO said the shelters are not to capacity and they have space.

...



Boil water notices for 15 East Texas counties

2:22 PM Wed, Sep 28, 2005 |

Private well owners should take the same procautions, especially if their well house was flooded.

...



Heat taking its toll on FEMA center line

12:29 PM Wed, Sep 28, 2005 |

FEMA officials urge people not already in line to not come to the center any more Wednesday, because they cannot handle those kinds of numbers by closing time, which is 7 p.m.

...



Patton Village in desperate need of supplies

12:19 PM Wed, Sep 28, 2005 |

Patton Village in east Montgomery County is in desperate need of supplies.

...



Montgomery County offering daytime cooling shelters

10:47 AM Wed, Sep 28, 2005 |

The Montgomery County Office of Emergency Management is offering daytime cooling shelters.

...



FEMA registration number

10:20 AM Wed, Sep 28, 2005 |

If you have not yet registered with FEMA and you want to receive assistance, please call 1-800-621-3362 or go online at www.fema.gov.

Registering before going to the shelter will expedite the process.

...



Nursing home residents return to Brighton Gardens

8:49 AM Wed, Sep 28, 2005 |

Survivors of last week's tragic bus explosion near Dallas have returned to Brighton Gardens, their assisted living center in Bellaire.

...



Houston SPCA leads Rita animal rescues

8:44 AM Wed, Sep 28, 2005 |

The Houston SPCA will take the lead in animal rescue and relief efforts as a result of Hurricane Rita. They'll perform rescues in Chambers, Liberty, Jefferson, Hardin, Orange and Newton counties. If you left an animal behind, call 713-802-0555.

...



Houston Food Bank needs volunteers

8:37 AM Wed, Sep 28, 2005 |

The Houston Food Bank needs volunteers to help victims of Hurricane Rita. You can work in shifts from 8 a.m. until noon, and from 1 p.m. until 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.

...



Schools open again Wednesday

8:27 AM Wed, Sep 28, 2005 |

The Houston, Spring Branch, Cypress-Fairbanks, Katy, Alief, Fort Bend, Humble, Galena Park and Aldine districts will reopen this morning after being closed due to Hurricane Rita .

...



Ten arrested for looting in Galveston

8:01 AM Wed, Sep 28, 2005 |

Authorities have charged 10 people with looting from evacuated homes and businesses in Galveston County before, during and after Hurricane Rita.

...



92,000 Centerpoint customers still without power

5:12 PM Tue, Sep 27, 2005 |

CenterPoint Energy reports 92,000 customers still without power. If your neighbor has power and you don't call 713-207-2222.

...



Phone number to find shelter

1:55 PM Tue, Sep 27, 2005 |

Evacuees still needing a place to stay may call the Red Cross at (713) 313-5480.

...



Entergy contact numbers

1:19 PM Tue, Sep 27, 2005 |

To report an emergency, call: 1-800-368-3749.
To report power outages, call: 1-800-968-8243.

...



1:07 PM Tue, Sep 27, 2005 |

Mayor Bill White thanked Harris County Judge Robert Eckels and CenterPoint official Tom Standish for their efforts in getting the Lynchburg Resevoir's pumps working.

...



FEMA opens Houston recovery center

12:00 PM Tue, Sep 27, 2005 |

FEMA will open a recovery center at 8 a.m. Wednesday morning to offer assistance to hurricane evacuees. You must be registered with FEMA before you can receive help.

...



Burglary/looting arrests

11:24 AM Tue, Sep 27, 2005 |

Houston police report 40 arrests for burglary

...



HFD volunteers

11:10 AM Tue, Sep 27, 2005 |

Several Houston firefighters are going to Port Arthur

...



New phone number for reclaiming vehicles

11:03 AM Tue, Sep 27, 2005 |

If your vehicle was left on the side of the road during the evacuation last week, it was probably towed.

...



Conroe opens 'cooling center'

11:01 AM Tue, Sep 27, 2005 |

The city of Conroe has opened a cooling center for Conroe residents only.

...



Boil water notice expanded

10:49 AM Tue, Sep 27, 2005 |

Health workers say that Bolivar Peninsula residents should boil their water before drinking it to avoid getting sick. The water notice includes people in High Island, Port Bolivar and Crystal Beach, Jamaica Beach, San Leon and the west end of Galveston Island.

...



60,000 evacuees in Houston

10:40 AM Tue, Sep 27, 2005 |

According to city officials approximately 60,000 evacuees displaced by Hurricane Rita have taken shelter in Houston.

...



Courts resume operations

9:02 AM Tue, Sep 27, 2005 |

All Houston municipal courts resume operations Tuesday.

...



Rolling blackouts continue for north Houston communities

7:09 AM Tue, Sep 27, 2005 |

Entergy said Tuesday rolling blackouts will continue for neighborhoods north of Houston, such as The Woodlands and Conroe.

...



President Bush to visit Southeast Texas on Tuesday

6:47 PM Mon, Sep 26, 2005 |

President Bush plans to visit the Beaumont-Port
Arthur area Tuesday.

...



Centerpoint: 145,000 remain without power

3:47 PM Mon, Sep 26, 2005 |

As of 3:45 p.m. Monday, Centerpoint said only 145,000 of its customers were still without power.

...



Memorial Hermann resumes normal operations

3:29 PM Mon, Sep 26, 2005 |

All Memorial Hermann system hospitals resumed normal operations at 7 a.m. Monday, including Memorial Hermann Fort Bend and Memorial Hermann Southeast, which had been evacuated and closed prior to Hurricane Rita.

...



Some Gulf waterways reopened

3:24 PM Mon, Sep 26, 2005 |

The Coast Guard Captain of the Port on Monday reopened waterways in and around Texas, Louisiana and the Gulf of Mexico with some restrictions.

...



Red Cross opening 6 new shelters

2:22 PM Mon, Sep 26, 2005 |

The Red Cross is opening six new shelters specifically for Beaumont, Port Arthur and Orange County Hurricane Rita evacuees.

...



Galveston Ferry open for limited use

1:34 PM Mon, Sep 26, 2005 |

The Galveston-Port Bolivar Ferry will operate throughout the evening and all night Monday.

...



Ellington Field gearing up to help patients

1:25 PM Mon, Sep 26, 2005 |

The 147th Fighter Wing is ramping up to support the evacuation of non-critical patients from Harris County hospitals that have become overburdened in the wake of Hurricane Rita.

...



All Polk County residents without power, water

1:03 PM Mon, Sep 26, 2005 |

All 50,000 residents are without power and water in Polk County according to emergency management coordinator Ken Hambrick.

...



Chambers County may not have power for 3, 4 weeks

12:50 PM Mon, Sep 26, 2005 |

Chambers County officials are encouraging people not to come back yet because they could be without power for three to four weeks.

...



Texas attorney general wants reports of price gouging

12:08 PM Mon, Sep 26, 2005 |

Texas Attorney General Greg Abbott on Monday warned about the continued threat of price gouging as his office received hundreds of reports over the weekend about businesses that tried to exploit displaced Texans who fled coastal areas.

...



Galveston Island slowly returning to normal

11:59 AM Mon, Sep 26, 2005 |

Of the near 3,400 residents who were evacuated in buses, most of them are back.

...



Death toll climbs to seven

11:26 AM Mon, Sep 26, 2005 |

The death toll from Hurricane Rita has climbed to seven.

...



Toll roads free until Wednesday

11:23 AM Mon, Sep 26, 2005 |

The tollways will remain free until Wednesday, when normal operations will resume.

...



Bolivar Peninsula area residents: Boil water before drinking

11:02 AM Mon, Sep 26, 2005 |

Health workers say that Bolivar Peninsula residents should boil their water before drinking it to avoid getting sick. The water notice includes people in High Island, Port Bolivar and Crystal Beach, Jamaica Beach, San Leon and the west end of Galveston Island.

...



Power companies continute to deal with outages

8:08 AM Mon, Sep 26, 2005 |

As of Sunday evening, more than 535,000 homes and businesses
in storm-affected parts of the state were without power. The companies include Entergy, CenterPoint, TXU and Texas-New Mexico Power Co.

...



US 59 open again after barge damage to bridge

7:42 AM Mon, Sep 26, 2005 |

Hwy. 59 just south of the Goodrich Bridge has been reopened. The bridge is back in use Monday after a barge broke loose on the Trinity River and damaged the bridge1.


...



Time Warner Cable outage

12:49 AM Mon, Sep 26, 2005 |

Time Warner Cable suffered a power outage from 7 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. Sunday when the company's emergency generator failed. The outage caused cable and internet service interuptions throughout the Houston area.

...



Galveston County Daily News back in print after evacuation

8:13 PM Sun, Sep 25, 2005 |

The Galveston County Daily News will have its first printed edition of the newspaper since mandatory evacuation of the county took place last week in advance of Hurricane Rita.

...



Solid Waste resumes pick-up Monday

8:10 PM Sun, Sep 25, 2005 |

The City of Houston Solid Waste Department will resume regular garbage
pick-up on Monday.

...



Jasper Fire Department desperately needs refrigerated trucks

7:25 PM Sun, Sep 25, 2005 |

Jasper Fire Department is in desperate need of refrigerated trucks to handle the many donations.

...



City of Houston OEM: Online damage assessment form

6:01 PM Sun, Sep 25, 2005 |

The City of Houston Office of Emergency Management provides an online form that will make it easier for you to record any damages you may have experienced as a result of Hurricane Rita.

...



Centerpoint expects to restore all power by Friday

4:58 PM Sun, Sep 25, 2005 |

Sunday, Centerpoint Engergy said it expects to restore all power by Friday.

...



Houston, Harris County, Metro join to bring home evacuated citizens

4:26 PM Sun, Sep 25, 2005 |

Officials from the City of Houston, Harris County and Metropolitan Transit Authority (METRO) will transport home thousands of area residents evacuated before the arrival of Hurricane Rita.

...



Conditions in Orange County - 100 percent without power

4:21 PM Sun, Sep 25, 2005 |

According to Chuck Frazier, Orange Co. OEM:

...



Damages assessment - tens of millions of dollars just for Harris County

3:39 PM Sun, Sep 25, 2005 |

According to Tax Assessor-Collector Paul Bettencourt, damage assessment range of structures only is in the tens of millions of dollars just for Harris County. Every county as you go east will be exponentially greater.

...



Courts open Monday, no jury duty until Wednesday

2:58 PM Sun, Sep 25, 2005 |

There will not be jury duty on Monday or Tuesday, but county and state district courts will be open with essential personnel Monday.

...



Toll road to remain free through Tuesday

2:56 PM Sun, Sep 25, 2005 |

Harris County Judge Robert Eckels said the Toll Road Authority will not resume charging drivers until Wednesday.

...



Mayor asks employees to return if job essential to recovery

2:51 PM Sun, Sep 25, 2005 |

Sunday, Mayor Bill White and Harris County Judge Robert Eckels requested that employees of airlines, gas stations, grocery stores and other business essential to getting the city back on track return to work as soon as possible.

...



Metro offers limited bus schedule on Sunday

7:57 AM Sun, Sep 25, 2005 |

Metro will run a limited bus schedule on Sunday.

...



Black Hawk helicopters transport patients to Memorial Hermann Southeast Hospital

11:37 PM Sat, Sep 24, 2005 |

Late Saturday evening, seven Black Hawk helicopters transported 17 patients from a storm-ravaged area to Memorial Hermann Southeast.


...



Local healthcare workers tired but still dedicated

11:25 PM Sat, Sep 24, 2005 |

Dr. David Purse, Director of Houston's Emergency Services, says Houstonians should be proud of the area's healthcare workers who jumped in to help during Hurricane Katrina and then Hurricane Rita. They helped evacuate patients in a large area near the coast and moved them closer in.

...



325,000 CenterPoint customers now have power

9:58 PM Sat, Sep 24, 2005 |

CenterPoint Energy reports that it had restored service to 325,000 customers, or approximately 46 percent of the 700,000 customers who lost power as a result of Hurricane Rita.

...



Bush declares eight Texas counties disaster areas

9:52 PM Sat, Sep 24, 2005 |

President Bush declared eight counties in Texas as disaster areas, making residents eligible for federal funding to
complement local and state relief funds.

...



Toll-free number to locate hospital, nursing home evacuees

9:31 PM Sat, Sep 24, 2005 |

The Texas Department of Health has set up a toll-free number for people who are seeking information on evacuees from hospitals and nursing homes. The number is 877-623-6274 and you must have the name, DOB and gender of the person.

...



Friendswood residents encouraged to return

9:27 PM Sat, Sep 24, 2005 |

City of Friendswood Mayor Brizendine continues to encourage residents to return to the city at their discretion.

...



Gulf Coast Regional Blood Center to remain closed

9:13 PM Sat, Sep 24, 2005 |

Gulf Coast Regional Blood Center announces that all of its locations will remain closed until at least Wednesday, Sept. 28.

...



Liberty residents on Trinity River banks must evacuate

8:41 PM Sat, Sep 24, 2005 |

The Liberty City Manager says that 100-500 residents who live along the banks of the Trinity River need to evacuate their homes due to the release of water from Lake Livingston.

...



Fuel tankers escorted by police into Houston

8:20 PM Sat, Sep 24, 2005 |

Police have been escorting tanker trucks loaded with gasoline into the Houston area, where gas is a scarce commodity.

...



All exits from I-10 to Beaumont closed

7:53 PM Sat, Sep 24, 2005 |

State troopers from around the state have been called in to block all exits from I-10 to Beaumont. No one will be allowed to exit the highway, even with proof of residency.

...



Beaumont: No water, no sewer, no power, looting

7:33 PM Sat, Sep 24, 2005 |

Beaumont Mayor Guy Goodson says there is no water and no power and that residents will have to boil water for perhaps the next 48 hours.
There has also been looting in the area.

The mayor asks that residents not return until the infrastructure is in place.

...



H-E-B opens some stores Saturday

7:09 PM Sat, Sep 24, 2005 |

H-E-B has opened a total of 15 stores in the Houston area as of Saturday evening. They hope to have an additional 10 stores in surrounding counties open by 9 a.m. Sunday.

...



Houston municipal courts closed Monday, Tuesday

7:02 PM Sat, Sep 24, 2005 |

All locations of the Houston Municipal courts will remain closed for business on Monday and Tuesday, September 26 and September 27. However, court employees are asked to report to work on Monday, September 26.

...



Postal Service to resume delivery in some areas

6:56 PM Sat, Sep 24, 2005 |

The Postal Service is resuming delivery and retail operations to the extent possible in ZIP Code areas 770 and 772 (Houston), 773, 774, and 775. Plans are being made to re-establish service in ZIP Code areas 776, 777 and 778, which include the more seriously impacted Beaumont and Port Arthur areas.

...



Galveston residents can return Sunday morning

6:51 PM Sat, Sep 24, 2005 |

Galveston Mayor Lyda Ann Thomas says that Galveston residents can return to the island beginning at 6 a.m. Sunday. There may be no power, so residents should keep that in mind when deciding whether to return.

...



Jury duty canceled for Monday

5:40 PM Sat, Sep 24, 2005 |

At a 5:30 p.m. press conference Saturday, Harris County Judge Robert Eckels said there would be no jury duty Monday.

...



Extended school closings

3:06 PM Sat, Sep 24, 2005 |

The following is a running list of schools and school districts that have extended closure due to the hurricane. The dates listed are through what day the closing runs.

...



Top wind speeds during the hurricane

3:02 PM Sat, Sep 24, 2005 |

The following is a list of reports of wind during Hurricane Rita early Saturday morning.

...



Audio Report: Surveying Surfside damage

2:47 PM Sat, Sep 24, 2005 |

Carolyn Campbell describes what she saw in the beach town.


MP3 File

...



Damage to HISD schools minimal so far

1:45 PM Sat, Sep 24, 2005 |

HISD officials have checked half of the schools in the district and have found minimal damage.

...



Houston SPCA offering limited services

1:39 PM Sat, Sep 24, 2005 |

The Houston SPCA announced Saturday that they are OK and offering limited services as a result of Hurricane Rita’s landfall along the Texas and Louisiana Gulf Coast.

...



Mayor White urges Houstonians to stay put

12:53 PM Sat, Sep 24, 2005 |

Mayor Bill White said Houstonians and others in the surrounding areas who evacuated should stay wherever they are until further notice.

...



Airports report no significant damage

12:23 PM Sat, Sep 24, 2005 |

All three of the Houston Airport System's (HAS) airports - George Bush Intercontinental (IAH), William P. Hobby (HOU) and Ellington Field (EFD) - suffered no significant damage due to Hurricane Rita.

...



Gas stations in Montgomery County

11:39 AM Sat, Sep 24, 2005 |

A few gas stations in The Woodlands have gasoline available.

...



Beaumont Civic Center hosting medical facilities

11:17 AM Sat, Sep 24, 2005 |
People seeking emergency treatment after Hurricane Rita should not go to Memorial Hermann Baptist Beaumont or Memorial Hermann Baptist Orange Hospitals. ...



CenterPoint Energy assessing damage

10:59 AM Sat, Sep 24, 2005 |

Winds have subsided, and CenterPoint employees are assessing the damage and beginning restoration.

...



Call to Clear Lake St. John's employees

10:54 AM Sat, Sep 24, 2005 |

Officials are asking Christus St. John's employees to try and return to work as soon as possible, if it is safe.

...



Beaumont St. Elizabeth's evacuating to St. Joseph's

10:04 AM Sat, Sep 24, 2005 |

Because of damage to Christus St. Elizabeth's in Beaumont, Christus St. Joseph's in Houston will take on patients.

...



Galveston re-entry plan for northern residents

10:04 AM Sat, Sep 24, 2005 |

Galveston County Office of Emergency management announced that residents in Friendswood, Leage City, Dickinson, Clear Lake Shores, Kemah, LaMarque, Texas City, Santa Fe and Hitchcock can return at their own risk.

...



Glass everywhere in 700 block of Travis

9:45 AM Sat, Sep 24, 2005 |

Several windows were blown out of the Chase Bank building downtown, littering the block of 700 Travis with glass. Some of the streets in that area are closed.

...



Baytown officials: Conserve water

9:23 AM Sat, Sep 24, 2005 |

Due to problems at the water plant, Baytown officials are urging residents to conserve water as much as possible.

...



Audio Report: Port Arthur's devestation

8:51 AM Sat, Sep 24, 2005 |

Jason Whitely drives into Port Arthur and surveys the situation


MP3 File

...



Some areas lift evacuation orders

8:33 AM Sat, Sep 24, 2005 |

Matagorda County lifts evacuation order.

...



HISD to inspect schools starting Friday

8:29 AM Sat, Sep 24, 2005 |

A statement from HISD: HISD will begin damage assessments at its 305 schools as soon as possible Saturday morning

...



List of roads with blockage

8:11 AM Sat, Sep 24, 2005 |

The following is a list of road blockages as of 6:10 a.m. from officials.

...



Audio Report: Serious damage in Jefferson County

7:55 AM Sat, Sep 24, 2005 |

Jason Whitely reports seeing destroyed mobile homes, torn roofs


MP3 File

...



Audio Report: Some water pools around I-10 E

7:09 AM Sat, Sep 24, 2005 |

Jason Whitely reports seeing some water around I-10 and Highway 146, lines down over the road


MP3 File

...



Audio Report: On the way out to Baytown

6:54 AM Sat, Sep 24, 2005 |

Billboards stand against an eerie dawn, says Jason Whitely


MP3 File

...



Nearly 675,000 without power in Houston area

6:42 AM Sat, Sep 24, 2005 |

An official with Centerpoint energy says nearly 675,000 people in the Houston area are without power.

...



Audio Report: Little damage seen downtown

6:41 AM Sat, Sep 24, 2005 |

Jason Whitely drives along I-10 on the east side of Houston and sees trees down, but lights on


MP3 File

...



'Extreme damage' in Jasper, TX

6:08 AM Sat, Sep 24, 2005 |

Jasper Fire Chief James Gunter reports that Jasper has had winds in excess of 100 mph and that the weather service has warned them that winds could reach 120 mph. The entire city is without power.

...



Galveston Daily News ceiling partially caves in

5:45 AM Sat, Sep 24, 2005 |

Galveston Mayor Pro Tem Joe Jaworski said part of the ceiling of the Galveston Daily News building collapsed and that the newspaper has lost power.

...



Firefighters abandon house fire in Spring

5:16 AM Sat, Sep 24, 2005 |

Unable to fight a house fire due to high winds, the Spring Volunteer Fire Department has pulled out of the effort. A tree fell through the roof of the house in the 4400 block of Algernon, which apparently contributed to the fire.

...



Wind leaves Cleveland powerless, trees down, fires

5:05 AM Sat, Sep 24, 2005 |

Cleveland Mayor Monique Davis says there is no power and a transformer is on fire. Emergency crews are sheltered due to the strong winds and are unable to take action.

...



List of known counties without power

4:56 AM Sat, Sep 24, 2005 |

Some or all areas of the following counties are without power:
BRAZORIA

CHAMBERS

HARRIS

FORT BEND

GALVESTON

LIBERTY

MONTGOMERY

ORANGE

...



Downtown Houston feeling Rita's power

4:48 AM Sat, Sep 24, 2005 |

Windows in some buildings in downtown Houston are breaking either as a result of the wind or debris flying through the air. Houston police officers have been told to take shelter from falling debris.

...



Beaumont hit hard by Rita

4:28 AM Sat, Sep 24, 2005 |

11 News reporter Mark Greenblatt was at the Hotel Elegante in Beaumont, where he said the wind was gusting at what he estimated to be in excess of 100 mph at times. Windows were being blown out and debris was floating in the virtual river that was flowing through the lobby.

...



Pasadena building has collapsed roof, fire

4:12 AM Sat, Sep 24, 2005 |

Flames shot out of a roof that had collapsed above the Family Dollar Store and Auto Zone on Red Bluff in Pasadena. It is not known how the fire started, but the Pasadena Fire Department was on the scene to combat it Saturday morning.

...



Freeport loses water, residents not allowed back in

4:08 AM Sat, Sep 24, 2005 |

Freeport has lost water and is not allowing residents to return yet.

...



Pasadena has downed power lines, power outage

4:06 AM Sat, Sep 24, 2005 |

The city of Pasadena reports that there are power outages and downed power lines and cautions residents to stay away from them.

...



530,000 CenterPoint customers without power

4:01 AM Sat, Sep 24, 2005 |

In addition to Galveston, Brazoria and Chambers, Harris and Ft. Bend counties, parts of Tomball, Kingwood, and Humble have lost power, as well. This includes Jersey Village, Missouri City and Baytown,
Atascosita, Pasadena, Livingston and Splendora.

...



Entergy has 55,000 customers without power

3:07 AM Sat, Sep 24, 2005 |

Entergy reported that 55,000 of its customers were without power.

...



Winds whip flames at apartment fire in southeast Houston

2:26 AM Sat, Sep 24, 2005 |

A fire at what is believed to be an apartment complex in southeast Houston was being fed by strong winds early Saturday morning. Several pieces of equipment numerous firefighters worked to get the fire in the 200 block of Eldorado under control.

...



FEMA crews head east with aid

2:17 AM Sat, Sep 24, 2005 |

Some FEMA crews staged at Reliant Center left early Saturday morning to go to locations east of Houston where more severe effects of Hurricane Rita were felt.

...



Huge container ship adrift on Lake Charles

1:54 AM Sat, Sep 24, 2005 |

A loaded container ship apparently brokeloose on in the Port of Lake Charles in Lake Charles, LA in Calcasieu Parish during Hurricane early Saturday morning. Police fear it may hit the Interstate 10 bridge.

...



210,000 CenterPoint customers without power

12:56 AM Sat, Sep 24, 2005 |

The number of CenterPoint customers without power has risen to 210,000 in Harris, Chambers, Brazoria and Galveston counties. Some in Ft. Bend are also affected.

...



Audio Report: Everyone gathered in the "bunker"

12:51 AM Sat, Sep 24, 2005 |

Nancy Holland and the rest of the media called into the "bunker" at the San Luis Hotel after windows blown out at the condo next door.


MP3 File

...



HFD sends help to Galveston, concern about crossing causeway

12:25 AM Sat, Sep 24, 2005 |

The Houston Fire Department was sending a support team to Galveston to fight the fire on The Strand Friday night, but first they had to see if the fire engines and ambulances could handle the crosswinds on the bridge.

...



160,000 without power in Harris, Galveston, Chambers and Ft. Bend counties

11:52 PM Fri, Sep 23, 2005 |

According to CenterPoint spokesman Floyd LeBlanc, there are 160,000 CenterPoint customers without power. That includes Harris County and about 30,000 in Galveston County, 15,000 in Brazoria County and some in Ft. Bend County.

...



City says "Don't worry, don't hurry" to evacuees

10:50 PM Fri, Sep 23, 2005 |

Councilmember Michael Berry said the city would like to get evacuees not to return to the city immediately after Hurricane Rita. There will not have been enough time for retail services, such as gas stations and grocery stores, to restock their supplies. He asks that evacuees remain an extra day or so.

...



Woman badly burned in Galveston art gallery fire

10:18 PM Fri, Sep 23, 2005 |

A woman who was badly burned was taken to UTMB after being rescued from a wind-fanned fire Friday night. The building she was in is now an art gallery on Post Office at 20th streets and has been destroyed by the fire that also engulfed two other buildings, including a Victorian home.

...



Red Cross has 100 shelters ready

9:44 PM Fri, Sep 23, 2005 |

American Red Cross spokesperson Peter Teahan said they opened 100 shelters Friday, averaging one every 30 minutes.

...



Eye of Rita to hit Port Arthur near 3 a.m. to 4 a.m.

9:37 PM Fri, Sep 23, 2005 |

The eye of Hurricane Rita is projected to cross over Port Arthur at around 3 a.m. to 4 a.m.

...



Bush going to Austin, San Antonio Saturday

9:28 PM Fri, Sep 23, 2005 |

President Bush will stop in Austin to visit the state operations center for a hurricane update Saturday.

...



Looters caught in Freeport, Amsterdam

9:24 PM Fri, Sep 23, 2005 |

Brazoria County Judge John Willy said that looters had been caught in Freeport and Amsterdam and were currently in a detention center.

...



Surfside, Rosharon power out

9:22 PM Fri, Sep 23, 2005 |

According to Judge John Willy, power is out in Surfside and Rosharon.

...



Audio Report: Pasadena

9:19 PM Fri, Sep 23, 2005 |

Dave Fehling reports from Pasadena where officials are keeping their eyes on the refineries.


MP3 File

...



FEMA Disaster Preparedness Team heads to Reliant Center

8:44 PM Fri, Sep 23, 2005 |

FEMA blew into Houston tonight with a long convoy of large trucks. They are headed to Reliant Center, where they will be staging for Hurricane Rita.

...



95,000 people without power systemwide

8:36 PM Fri, Sep 23, 2005 |

CenterPoint says there are 95,000 customers without power within their system. Half of those are in Galveston and Brazoria counties.

...



Power out at San Luis hotel in Galveston

8:01 PM Fri, Sep 23, 2005 |

Power is out at the San Luis in Galveston, where many city and emergency officials and media are stationed.

...



Webster issues curfew

7:56 PM Fri, Sep 23, 2005 |

Webster Mayor Donna Rogers has issued a 6:00 p.m. to 6:00a.m. citywide curfew effective tonight. The curfew will be in effect for all of Webster until further notice.

...



Curfew in effect in Missouri City

7:54 PM Fri, Sep 23, 2005 |

Missouri City Mayor Allen Owen has issued a City Order to implement a curfew ordinance from dark until dawn effective immediately and until further notice.

Missouri City's elevated patrol continues to be in effect throughout the day and night.

...



Galveston County curfew in effect in some areas

7:51 PM Fri, Sep 23, 2005 |

City of La Marque has instituted a dusk-to-dawn curfew, effective
immediately and continuing until further notice.

Texas City, Galveston, League City and Friendswood. The county of Galveston also has a curfew in effect for the unincorporated areas.

...



60,000 CenterPoint customers without power

7:42 PM Fri, Sep 23, 2005 |

According to a CenterPoint spokesperson, there are 60,000 customers without power.

...



Audio Report: Conditions not too bad in Baytown

7:41 PM Fri, Sep 23, 2005 |

Jason Whitley describes scene outside the San Jacinto Mall in Baytown.


MP3 File

...



Power outage sporadic in Galveston

7:38 PM Fri, Sep 23, 2005 |

Power outages are sporadic early into Rita's movement toward the coastline. On the north side, between Stewart and 80th, power is out in most areas. 11 News reporters are experiencing wind gusts of 60 to 70 mph with sustained winds of about 45 mph.

...



50,000 CenterPoint customers without power

7:05 PM Fri, Sep 23, 2005 |

A spokesman from CenterPoint Energy says that out of 1.9 million customers, 50,000 have lost power.

...



Pasadena concludes last-minute evacuations

6:53 PM Fri, Sep 23, 2005 |

As long as weather permits, citizens needing assistance should proceed immediately to Pasadena Memorial High School, 4410 Crenshaw at Preston. Evacuees may bring pets in approved containers.

...



Friendswood lifts mandatory evacuation

5:57 PM Fri, Sep 23, 2005 |

City officials are urging residents who have not evacuated to shelter in place.

...



Gov. Rick Perry creates disaster relief fund

5:08 PM Fri, Sep 23, 2005 |

Gov. Perry announced the establishment of the Texas Disaster Relief Fund to help provide immediate assistance to citizens in need.

...



Reporter Doug Miller describes deserted city

3:28 PM Fri, Sep 23, 2005 |

Driving around Houston during the hours before Hurricane Rita feels like speeding into an apocalyptic science fiction movie. Yes, the buildings still stand, but the people have evacuated. And the city is strangely unpopulated.

...



Rita already responsible for multiple deaths

3:10 PM Fri, Sep 23, 2005 |

The hurricane has yet to reach the Texas coast, but it's already killing the people fleeing from it.

...



Audio Report: Holding down the fort in Anahuac

2:49 PM Fri, Sep 23, 2005 |

Jason Whitely talks about the officials standing by in Chambers County


MP3 File

...



Audio Report: Southeast Houston prepares

2:15 PM Fri, Sep 23, 2005 |

Doug Miller visits a neighborhood near the Texas Southern University Campus.


MP3 File

...



Audio Report: Headed to Anahuac

1:18 PM Fri, Sep 23, 2005 |

Photographer Keith Tomshe prepares for another monster storm


MP3 File

...



Audio Report: A sight to behold, freeways all but empty

1:14 PM Fri, Sep 23, 2005 |

Reporter Doug Miller describes an eerie scene for a city known for its traffic


MP3 File

...



Audio report: Desolate downtown

1:11 PM Fri, Sep 23, 2005 |

Doug Miller: Downtown Houston nearly empty


MP3 File

...



Audio report: Still busing in Baytown

1:06 PM Fri, Sep 23, 2005 |

Jason Whitely in Baytown as the city continues busing evacuees out.


MP3 File

...



Metro offering assistance

12:44 PM Fri, Sep 23, 2005 |

Metro is on standby to rescue people when they are not putting their drivers in danger.
They are providing on-demand assistance to anyone who calls 311 with special needs.
Metro said they will operate as long as it is safe to do so.

Yellow Cab service is also evacuating people.

...



Conroe evacuees desperately need help

12:14 PM Fri, Sep 23, 2005 |

A hotel in Conroe, off the Frazier Street exit, opened its doors to evacuees who had nowhere to go. Now they have run out of food and water.

...



Calling volunteer medical workers

12:13 PM Fri, Sep 23, 2005 |

The call is going out for medical workers to volunteer to help care for Hurricane Rita evacuees in Texas.

...



Dr. Neil Frank estimates wind landfall

12:08 PM Fri, Sep 23, 2005 |

Dr. Neil Frank estimated that tropical storm winds will reach Galveston by 2 p.m. or 3 p.m. Friday.
Hurricane force winds will get there around midnight.

...



Galveston opens refuge

11:52 AM Fri, Sep 23, 2005 |

The city of Galveston has opened a refuge at the Alamo School.

...



Chambers County opens 2 shelters

11:35 AM Fri, Sep 23, 2005 |

Mount Belleville and Anahuac Middle Schools are both open for those seeking shelter. Bring clothing and bedding.

...



Gov. Rick Perry addresses the situation

10:18 AM Fri, Sep 23, 2005 |

At a Friday morning press conference, Gov. Perry said that somewhere between 2.5 million to 2.7 million people had evacuated in 24 hours.

...



Contact numbers for Brighton Gardens

9:29 AM Fri, Sep 23, 2005 |

KHOU has received a statement from the nursing home that chartered the bus: Brighton Gardens of Bellaire.

...



Beaumont Memorial-Hermann evacuating

8:10 AM Fri, Sep 23, 2005 |

The hospital is only accepting critical care patients.

...



Bus with evacuees explodes near Dallas

7:41 AM Fri, Sep 23, 2005 |

A bus from the Bellaire exploded on I-45 near Dallas in Wilmer.

...



Mayor White thanks citizens

7:37 AM Fri, Sep 23, 2005 |

At an early Friday morning press conference, the mayor thanked citizens for heeding the call to evacuate in a timely manner.

...



TxDOT fueling stranded, opens 11 fuel locations

5:19 AM Fri, Sep 23, 2005 |

TxDOT is providing fuel for evacuee vehicles headed away from Hurricane Rita. With the mobilization of fuel trailers statewide, TxDOT has begun providing gasoline in evacuation areas to motorists whose vehicles are low on fuel. TxDOT has numerous trucks along main evacuation routes to give each motorist enough fuel to get out of harm’s way.

...



Salvation Army, local officials work to provide relief to stranded evacuees

1:29 AM Fri, Sep 23, 2005 |

Army’s relief assistance for Rita begins early as residents begin fleeing the Gulf Coast.

...



All but one shelter reported full by 12:30 a.m. Friday

12:39 AM Fri, Sep 23, 2005 |

According to the Red Cross all shelters that were set up Thursday night are already full. Although one of them actually had room for about 100 more evacuees.

...



Gas lines in Dallas

10:51 PM Thu, Sep 22, 2005 |

Beginning to look like Houston at some gas stations in Dallas because of Rita evacuees. Fears they will run out of gas.

...



Audio Report

10:05 PM Thu, Sep 22, 2005 |

Jeremy Desel reports of several break-ins in Galveston


MP3 File

...



Red Cross to open 10 shelters along 45, 59 and 290

9:33 PM Thu, Sep 22, 2005 |

Red Cross announced they will be opening 10 shelters along I-45, Highway 59 and Highway 290. The locations have not been released.

For available Red Cross shelter locations call 713-313-5480

...



Volunteers on Metro buses bring water to motorists

9:31 PM Thu, Sep 22, 2005 |

Salvation Army donated 38,000 units of water to help motorists trying to evacuate the Houston area.

...



Gas en route for motorists on major evacuation routes

8:53 PM Thu, Sep 22, 2005 |

Texas Army National Guard trucks, escorted by DPS, are headed to Houston from Fort Hood. They are working with TxDOT to directly provide motorists with gas on the major evacuation routes. Trucks will be in position to begin fueling motorists between 9:00pm and 10:00pm tonight.

...



Some businesses to be open Friday (hardware, etc.)

7:39 PM Thu, Sep 22, 2005 |

Several hardware stores, other businesses to be open Friday

...



Audio Report

7:22 PM Thu, Sep 22, 2005 |

Dave Fehling on the effects of a hurricane on the petrochemical industry


MP3 File

...



Gas stations with at least a little gas left - 7 p.m. Thursday

7:12 PM Thu, Sep 22, 2005 |

The following gas stations confirmed they had at least a little gas left: (NO GUARANTEES -- going fast)

...



Number for roadside assistance

6:53 PM Thu, Sep 22, 2005 |

If you need roadside assistance do not call 911. Instead call 1-800-525-5555.

...



11 News simulcasted on radio stations

6:28 PM Thu, Sep 22, 2005 |

11 News coverage will be simulcasted on the following radio stations:

...



Red Cross: No shelter list; Go to "hubs" for directions

6:11 PM Thu, Sep 22, 2005 |

According to the Red Cross there is no list of shelters. Instead there are "hubs" where people go to be directed to shelters.

...



Last flights out noon Friday

5:57 PM Thu, Sep 22, 2005 |

The FAA announced that the last flights from Bush Intercontinental and Hobby Airport will be noon Friday.

...



All shelters in Lufkin are full

5:39 PM Thu, Sep 22, 2005 |

All shelters in Lufkin are full

...



Both Houston airports ceasing all flights by noon Friday

5:28 PM Thu, Sep 22, 2005 |

Both Houston airports ceasing all flights by noon Friday

...



Greyhound bus station will close at 8 p.m.

5:27 PM Thu, Sep 22, 2005 |

Greyhound bus station will close at 8 p.m. Thursday. Until then, buses are only going to San Antonio and Dallas.

...



All patients evacuated from UTMB

4:45 PM Thu, Sep 22, 2005 |

All patients have been evacuated from the University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston hospitals.

...



Some airlines still flying, others stopped service

4:20 PM Thu, Sep 22, 2005 |

Some airlines still flying, others stopped service.

...



Hobby Airport parking full; almost full at Bush

3:59 PM Thu, Sep 22, 2005 |

On and off-airport parking at Hobby Airport is full; at Bush Intercontinental Airport it is almost full

...



Audio Report

3:48 PM Thu, Sep 22, 2005 |

Jeremy Rogalski describes desperation with as fuel supply runs dry.



MP3 File

...



Continental to cease operations at noon Friday

3:36 PM Thu, Sep 22, 2005 |

Continental expects to be able to operate only a reduced Houston schedule on Friday morning, and will cease flight operations at Houston at noon.

...



Contraflow implemented for I-45, I-10

3:29 PM Thu, Sep 22, 2005 |

I-10 contraflow lanes implemented from Hwy. 6 to Hwy. 123 at Seguin. I-45 Contraflow lanes now in effect from FM 1488 to the town of Buffalo; No contraflow lanes will be implemented for Hwy. 290 or Hwy. 59

...



Ellis County to implement contraflow

1:54 PM Thu, Sep 22, 2005 |

Ellis County, just south of Dallas, has agreed to implement the contraflow of I-45.

...



Airport delays: TSA employee no-shows

1:49 PM Thu, Sep 22, 2005 |

Mayor Bill White said that a lack of TSA employees is partially to blame for the extended delays at Bush Intercontinental and Hobby airports.

...



Audio Report

1:38 PM Thu, Sep 22, 2005 |

Reporter Jeremy Rogalski describes the scene en route to Liberty County.


11 News coverage of Hurricane Rita


MP3 File

...



San Jacinto County evacuation

1:25 PM Thu, Sep 22, 2005 |

San Jacinto County has called for a voluntary evacuation of those in low-lying areas, in mobile homes or people with special needs.

...



Curfews in Rosenberg and Richmond

1:16 PM Thu, Sep 22, 2005 |

The mayors of Rosenberg and Richmond announced Thursday that a curfew will go into affect for the cities of Richmond and Rosenberg starting Friday. Hours of curfew will be from 7 p.m. to 7 a.m. each day until further notice.

...



Home Depot getting more supplies

12:27 PM Thu, Sep 22, 2005 |

Hundreds of resupply trucks are enroute to all the Home Depot stores from Corpus Christi north along the Texas coast to Beaumont/Port Arthur -- including the Houston/Galveston area - in preparation for Hurricane Rita.

...



FEMA presence in Texas prepares for Rita response

11:53 AM Thu, Sep 22, 2005 |

Hundreds of federal officials have arrived in Texas with truckloads of water, food, ice and medical supplies destined for the coast once Hurricane Rita makes landfall.

...



Frustrated evacuees starting their own contraflow lanes

11:40 AM Thu, Sep 22, 2005 |

11 News has learned from an HPD officer that some frustrated drivers are making their own contraflow lanes on I-45 well before the TxDOT lanes that will open at FM 1488. Evacuees are asked not to try to go north on southbound lanes inside the city, as dangerous accidents could occur.

...



Maryland firefighters sent to Texas in advance of Rita

11:34 AM Thu, Sep 22, 2005 |

At least 80 Maryland firefighters and physicians have been sent to Texas to help with urban search and rescue that may be needed once Hurricane Rita strikes.

...



Memorial Hermann Fort Bend Hospital being evacuated

11:22 AM Thu, Sep 22, 2005 |

Memorial Hermann is discharging patients who are well enough to leave. It will allow them to free up hospital beds for those who may need them during and after the storm.

...



Long lines, long wait at airports

11:18 AM Thu, Sep 22, 2005 |

People who have confirmed flights late into the evening Thursday are already lined up at the airports waiting for their flights. Officials say that if you have a flight today, no matter how late, you should get to the airport as soon as possible. And you should be prepared for a long wait.

...



Fuel trucks to aid out-of-gas evacuees

11:06 AM Thu, Sep 22, 2005 |

Governor Rick Perry says fuel trucks are being
dispatched along Texas evacuation routes to help motorists who are
fleeing Hurricane Rita.

...



Mandatory evacuations include airlifts from Houston, Beaumont

10:59 AM Thu, Sep 22, 2005 |

Texas authorities will begin airlifting on Thursday at least 9,000 people from Beaumont and Houston, including nursing home residents, those without transportation and the homeless, to inland Texas cities as part of the massive coastal evacuations ahead of Hurricane Rita.

...



911 service reminder

10:29 AM Thu, Sep 22, 2005 |

City officials remind those who do not evacuate that 911 services may not be operating during the height of the storm due to power outages and other hurricane damage.

...



State parks host Rita evacuees, game wardens prep for rescue work

10:19 AM Thu, Sep 22, 2005 |

The entire field force of 495 Texas game wardens with approximately 500 boats is on standby for search and rescue operations as needed. Boats, fuel, manpower and all available resources are ready, with staging locations along the coast identified.

...



Rita moves slightly eastward toward Jefferson County

10:13 AM Thu, Sep 22, 2005 |

Hurricane Rita's track has moved it slightly east into southern Jefferson County. 11 News Meteorologist David Paul says it's not a huge change, but it is a trend.

...



Deer Park orders mandatory evacuation

9:57 AM Thu, Sep 22, 2005 |

Deer Park has issued a mandatory evacuation order.

...



Refineries closing as Rita approaches

9:51 AM Thu, Sep 22, 2005 |

Oil companies on Wednesday began closing refineries, including
two of the largest around Houston, and several more seemed likely
to be shuttered as early as Thursday.
Four Louisiana refineries are still out of operation from last
month's Hurricane Katrina. Those plants accounted for about 5
percent of the nation's refining capacity, and the Texas shutdowns
are likely to be even larger.

...



Only confirmed passengers should go to airports

9:23 AM Thu, Sep 22, 2005 |

People without confirmed reservations should not go to Houston's airports with the expectation of catching a flight out of Houston. The airports are seeing an unusually high amount of traffic and flights are already reaching capacity or full. Those desiring to fly through Bush Intercontinental or Hobby airports should already have a confirmed reservation before driving to the airport.

...



Liberty County orders mandatory evacuation

8:56 AM Thu, Sep 22, 2005 |

Liberty County has ordered mandatory evacuation for residents.

...



Mandatory evacuation in Jefferson, Orange Counties

8:01 AM Thu, Sep 22, 2005 |

Jefferson County and Orange County have ordered a mandatory evacuation for residents including Beaumont, Port Arthur, Nederland and Port Neches.

...



TxDOT to open contraflow lanes outbound

7:25 AM Thu, Sep 22, 2005 |

TxDOT spokeswoman Janel Gbur said Thursday morning that plans were being implemented to use southbound lanes on I-45 the North Fwy. for travel in the northbound direction.

...



TXDOT discussing ways to ease traffic congestion

5:53 AM Thu, Sep 22, 2005 |

Gloria Roemer, spokesman for Harris County Judge Robert Eckles says officials are in a meeting with with TXDOT to discuss ways to ease congestion on evacuation routes.

...



Significant change in track, bullseye on Galveston Bay

5:37 AM Thu, Sep 22, 2005 |

"This is a big shift, the center of the cone is pointed right at Galveston Bay," says 11 News meteorologist David Paul.

...



San Jacinto Methodist Hospital on total diversion

11:42 PM Wed, Sep 21, 2005 |

San Jacinto Methodist Hospital is currently on total diversion. The hospital is not accepting any admissions at this time. The emergency room will close Thursday.

...



Additional buses for Brazoria residents

10:47 PM Wed, Sep 21, 2005 |

Brazoria plans for additional buses to evacuate residents Thursday morning.

...



Mandatory evacuations called for Pasadena

10:25 PM Wed, Sep 21, 2005 |

Pasadena mayor announces mandatory evacuation effective at 6 a.m. Thursday.

...



I-45 North ramps close at major interchanges

10:18 PM Wed, Sep 21, 2005 |

Exit ramps at the major interchanges from I-45 North are closed. The entrance ramps to I-45 North from the major interchanges are also closed. (Beltway, 6-10, 59, I-10)

...



Campground sites, motel rooms available in Livingston

9:03 PM Wed, Sep 21, 2005 |

The Indian campgrounds in Livingston Texas had about 40 sites open at 7:00 p.m. Wednesday. There are about five other campgrounds in this area and about 4 motels that have openings.

...



Message for residents living in areas served by Atascocita Volunteer Fire Department

7:46 PM Wed, Sep 21, 2005 |

All residents living in areas served by Atascocita Volunteer Fire Department need to be aware that if their residence has flooded in the past we are advising to evacuate to higher ground before Hurricane Rita arrives.

...



Concerts postponed at Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion

7:34 PM Wed, Sep 21, 2005 |

Due to Hurricane Rita and circumstances beyond our control, PACE Concerts is postponing all performances scheduled for this weekend at The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion.

...



HCHD urges those seeking routine medical care to avoid emergency rooms

6:15 PM Wed, Sep 21, 2005 |

As it prepares for Hurricane Rita, the Harris County Hospital District is urging people seeking routine medical care to avoid doing so at hospital emergency rooms.

...



Lynchburg Ferry operations stop 10 a.m. Thursday

6:12 PM Wed, Sep 21, 2005 |

Lynchburg Ferry will stop operations Thursday at 10 a.m. One ferry is already in dry dock and the other ferry will go to a safe harbor on the Houston Ship Channel.

...



147th Fighter Wing evacuates Ellington Field

5:55 PM Wed, Sep 21, 2005 |

Members of the 147th Fighter Wing are in the process of preparing Ellington Field to survive the expected arrival of Hurricane Rita in order to prepare the base for recovery operations once the storm passes over.

...



Solid Waste service cancellations, request for garbage cans to be secured

5:36 PM Wed, Sep 21, 2005 |

The City of Houston Solid Waste Management Department (SWMD ) has canceled all solid waste services for Thursday and Friday.

...



Galleria will be closed Thursday and Friday

5:12 PM Wed, Sep 21, 2005 |

In response to the Hurricane Warning posted for this area, The Galleria will be closed Thursday and Friday,September 22-23, 2005.

...



Municipal courts to close

4:33 PM Wed, Sep 21, 2005 |

All locations of the Houston Municipal Courts will remain closed for business on Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Citizens who are cited for any of those days must make arrangements to reschedule.

...



Metro makes changes for HOV lane traffic

4:17 PM Wed, Sep 21, 2005 |

Beginning around 5 p.m. Wednesday the HOV lane on the Gulf Freeway will be for northbound traffic only. Beginning Thursday all HOV lanes in the Houston area will be for traffic heading out of town only.

...



Audio Report: 11 News' Jeremy Desel - "Galveston is a very, very quite place today"

4:07 PM Wed, Sep 21, 2005 |

11 News coverage of Hurricane Rita


MP3 File

...



Agriculture Commissioner urges Texas producers to prepare for Rita

4:00 PM Wed, Sep 21, 2005 |

Agriculture Commissioner Susan Combs today urged Texas farmers and ranchers along the Gulf coast and in the potential path of Hurricane Rita to take the necessary precautions to protect their livestock, other animals and farming equipment from damaging winds and possible flooding.

...



Kelsey-Seybold Clinic locations will be closed

3:50 PM Wed, Sep 21, 2005 |

Kelsey-Seybold Clinic locations will be closed Thursday through Sunday.

...



SPCA prepares for Rita

3:44 PM Wed, Sep 21, 2005 |

The Houston SPCA announced today that they are preparing and planning animal rescue and recovery efforts as a result of Hurricane Rita's anticipated landfall along the Texas Gulf Coast.

...



Continental Airlines maintaining normal operations

3:14 PM Wed, Sep 21, 2005 |

Continental Airlines is maintaining normal operations as it closely monitors Hurricane Rita’s progress.

...



Evacuation sites for horses

2:52 PM Wed, Sep 21, 2005 |

Web sites that have listed Evacuation Sites for horses due to Hurricane Rita

...



Chambers County calls for mandatory evacuations

2:49 PM Wed, Sep 21, 2005 |

Chambers County calls for mandatory evacuation in phases. Phase 1 begins at 10 a.m. Thursday and phase 2 at 3 p.m. Thursday,

...



Dalai Lama lectures cancelled

2:48 PM Wed, Sep 21, 2005 |

The lectures by the Dalai Lama scheduled for Thursday at Rice University have been cancelled.

...



Metro to operate on emergency schedule then suspend service

2:37 PM Wed, Sep 21, 2005 |

Metro to operate on an emergency schedule Thursday and suspend service Friday until it is safe to resume.

...



More lanes of traffic open for evacuees

2:35 PM Wed, Sep 21, 2005 |

HOV lanes to open for evacuees without occupancy restrictions.

...



Houston Ballet cancels performances

2:14 PM Wed, Sep 21, 2005 |

Houston Ballet cancels Mentors & Prodigy performances for Thursday, Saturday and Sunday.

...



Memorial Hermann hurricane preparedness - evacuations under way

2:06 PM Wed, Sep 21, 2005 |

Blood Center closing donor centers

2:05 PM Wed, Sep 21, 2005 |

Gulf Coast Regional Blood Center closing all mobile blood drives and neighborhood donor centers Thursday through Saturday. There is still a good supply on the shelves to stock area hospital shelves with 100 percent of their supply and in some cases as much as 120 percent.

...



Houston Symphony cancels concerts

2:00 PM Wed, Sep 21, 2005 |

Houston Symphony cancels concerts on September 23, 24 and 25

...



Baybrook Mall to close at noon

1:50 PM Wed, Sep 21, 2005 |

Baybrook Mall to close at noon. Reopening date has not been set.

...



Galveston evacuees - expect long time on road

1:36 PM Wed, Sep 21, 2005 |

11 News' traffic reporter Darby Douglas said evacuees from Galveston can expect the drive to Huntsville to take as long as 12 hours.

...



12 HCHD community health centers to close

1:18 PM Wed, Sep 21, 2005 |

The Harris County Hospital District (HCHD) is preparing to meet the community's emergency medical needs should Hurricane Rita affect our area.

The 12 HCHD community health centers that will be closing are:

...



Experts predict 'catastrophic damage'

12:50 PM Wed, Sep 21, 2005 |

The National Weather Service said Wednesday Hurricane Rita could cause "catastrophic damage" in Jackson, Matagorda, Brazoria and parts of Galveston counties.

...



Waste Management halts trash pickup

12:46 PM Wed, Sep 21, 2005 |

Officials with Waste Management said trash pickup for local municipalities it serves will be suspended as of Thursday.

...



One Country benefit concert postponed

12:43 PM Wed, Sep 21, 2005 |

Due to the intensifying threat of Hurricane Rita to Houston and surrounding areas, the co-chairs of the ONE COUNTRY
Hurricane Katrina Benefit Concert, Louis Messina, Carolyn Farb and Paul
Somerville, have regretfully been forced to make the decision to postpone
the event until further notice.

...



Matagorda County: CPS will take kids from parents who don't evacuate

12:01 PM Wed, Sep 21, 2005 |

Officials say parents who stay in the area with their children after the mandatory evacuation goes into effect will have their children taken by CPS and will be prosecuted.

...



Sugar Land Prepares for Hurricane Rita

11:58 AM Wed, Sep 21, 2005 |

The City of Sugar Land will cease normal business operations at noon on Thursday, Sept. 22 to initiate emergency preparation for Hurricane Rita.

...



DPS to evacuate Chambers, Galveston Counties at 6 p.m. Wednesday

11:56 AM Wed, Sep 21, 2005 |

As of 6:00 p.m. today, DPS will be in full evacuation mode for Chambers and Galveston Counties. Highway 146 and 124 will be heavily favored for northbound traffic. I-10 exit ramps will be closed at Highway 146, FM 563, FM 1663, St. Highway 61, FM 565 and FM 3180. Also Highway 73 at Hwy 124 and 1406.

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Ferry operations in Galveston to be suspended 9 p.m. Wednesday

11:38 AM Wed, Sep 21, 2005 |

Galveston ferry operations will be suspended at 9 p.m Wednesday.

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H-E-B GALVESTON AND CLEARLAKE STORES CLOSING TODAY AT 2 P.M. PER MANDATORY EVACUATION

11:35 AM Wed, Sep 21, 2005 |

H-E-B is following the orders of local authorities, as well as preparing the stores for the potential storm of Hurricane Rita.

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Mayor calls for voluntary evacuation of Houston, Harris County residents in vulnerable areas

11:18 AM Wed, Sep 21, 2005 |

Mayor Bill White and County Judge Robert Eckels have called for a voluntary evacuation of Houston and Harris County residents who live in vulnerable areas. The evacuation of all storm surge areas will become mandatory by noon Thursday.

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City of Webster issues voluntary evacuation for all residents

10:48 AM Wed, Sep 21, 2005 |

Webster officials are making preparations to issue a mandatory evacuation for 6 p.m. tonight. Residents will be funneld to Interstate 45 from NASA Road 1 and Bay Area Blvd.

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JSC closing at 1 p.m. Wednesday

10:30 AM Wed, Sep 21, 2005 |

Johnson Space Center will close Wednesday at 1 p.m.

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HISD Schools Closing Thursday, Friday

10:06 AM Wed, Sep 21, 2005 |

Houston Independent School District schools will be closed Thursday and Friday. Wednesday will be a full day of classes.

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Harris County calls for some voluntary evacuations

9:51 AM Wed, Sep 21, 2005 |

In a press conference Wednesday morning, Mayor Bill White encouraged those who live in storm surge areas, the 100-year flood plains and in structures that cannot withstand high winds to at evacuate.

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What damage will a Cat. 4 on this track cause?

6:36 AM Wed, Sep 21, 2005 |

11 News meteorologist David Paul explains that if a Category 4 makes landfall on its current track, "expect hurricane force winds inland with, a storm surge risk that includes a big portion of Harris County" in addition to coastal counties.

"It would not surprise me if it strengthened to Category 5."

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Doc: Cat. 3 tomorrow, possibly Cat. 4

10:25 PM Tue, Sep 20, 2005 |

"The winds continue to increase ... better cloud organization," says 11 News chief meteorologist Dr. Neil Frank.

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Rita even stronger by Wednesday

10:12 PM Tue, Sep 20, 2005 |

Hurricane Rita will likely become a Category 3 on Wednesday.


Hurricane Rita advisory - Tuesday, 7 p.m.

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HISD monitoring the storm

5:52 PM Tue, Sep 20, 2005 |

HISD officials are on alert and closely monitoring Hurricane Rita as the storm enters the Gulf of Mexico.

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Friendswood calls for voluntary evacuation

5:40 PM Tue, Sep 20, 2005 |

At this time, emergency management officials are calling for a voluntary evacuation of the city of Friendswood.

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Highest strike probability: Galveston, Freeport

4:39 PM Tue, Sep 20, 2005 |

According to the National Weather Service, Hurricane Rita will most likely strike Freeport or Galveston


Hurricane Rita advisory - Tuesday, 4 p.m.

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Space Center closing

4:22 PM Tue, Sep 20, 2005 |

Space Center Houston will be temporarily closed to visitors starting Wednesday.

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Huntsville evacuations

3:44 PM Tue, Sep 20, 2005 |

If you are taking I-45 N to evacuate to Huntsville, exit for mile marker 101 and go to a receiving site at that location.

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City request: Major employers - let employees off Thur, Fri

3:34 PM Tue, Sep 20, 2005 |

The city has requested that major employers in the Houston area review employee needs and consider letting employees off Thursday and Friday.

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Brazoria County transportation

3:23 PM Tue, Sep 20, 2005 |

If you need a ride out of Brazoria County, there are three pick-up points at which you can meet.

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School closures

2:45 PM Tue, Sep 20, 2005 |

The following is a list of school closings, which will be updated as KHOU learns of them.

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Earlier landfall for Rita

1:14 PM Tue, Sep 20, 2005 |

According to a confernce call with the National Weather Service and municipalities along the Southeast Texas coast, Rita's landfall is now expected as early as Friday night.

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Brazoria County -- Buses for evacuation, drivers needed

1:00 PM Tue, Sep 20, 2005 |

Brazosport ISD has 85 school buses it plans to use when a mandatory evacuation is called for. But they only have 12 drivers so far so they are asking for volunteers to drive the buses.


Angleton ISD will contributing 20 additional buses in the event of a mandatory evacuation of Brazoria County.

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State Troopers on standby -- 175 to Brazoria Co.

12:55 PM Tue, Sep 20, 2005 |

Approximately 1,000 Texas State Troopers have been put on standby from as far away as El Paso, to Texarkana, to Brownsville.


When a mandatory evacuation is called for 175 state troopers will make their way to Brazoria County to help with evacuation.

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David Paul: 'We're on the bad side of the storm'

12:28 PM Tue, Sep 20, 2005 |

"It's Matagorda County where the bullseye is, but folks we're on the bad side of the storm," says 11 News meteorologist David Paul.

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Finding help for your pets

12:26 PM Tue, Sep 20, 2005 |

Healthy pets need to be sent to the Brazos Valley Animal Shelter.

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Brazoria County will call for voluntary evacuation

11:58 AM Tue, Sep 20, 2005 |

The county will announce the voluntary evacuation at 2 p.m. Tuesday.

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Galveston mayor calls for voluntary evacuation

11:34 AM Tue, Sep 20, 2005 |

Galveston Mayor Lyda Ann Thomas called a voluntary evacuation for the city.

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Texas A&M Galveston to close

10:52 AM Tue, Sep 20, 2005 |

The school will close Tuesday at noon.

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Rita becomes a hurricane

10:09 AM Tue, Sep 20, 2005 |

Hurricane Rita is moving west at about 15 mph, and this general track is expected to continue during the next 24 hours.

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David Paul: Models beginning to cluster

6:54 AM Tue, Sep 20, 2005 |

11 News meteorologist David Paul says, "The computer models are beginning to cluster up, it should make landfall Friday night, early Saturday morning."

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Rita still just below hurricane status

6:27 AM Tue, Sep 20, 2005 |

Latest report from the National Weather Service has Rita's top winds at 70 mph, just below hurricane status.

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Doc's latest update on Rita

10:27 PM Mon, Sep 19, 2005 |

11 News chief meteorologist Dr. Neil Frank says there is still a great deal of uncertainty in a storm track this far out.

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Galveston ISD

7:50 PM Mon, Sep 19, 2005 |

Galveston ISD superintendent to decide whether to close schools by 5 a.m. Tuesday.

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Governor Perry -- National Guard

7:45 PM Mon, Sep 19, 2005 |

Governor Perry orders National Guard back from Louisiana in advance of Rita.

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Mayor White -- Houston not evacuation destination

7:45 PM Mon, Sep 19, 2005 |

Mayor White said Houston is not an evacuation destination and urges Rita evacuees to drive to cities farther inland.

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Off-shore platforms evacuating

7:34 PM Mon, Sep 19, 2005 |

Chevron and Shell begin evacuating off-shore platforms.

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Rita could be Cat. 1 before 10 p.m.

5:14 PM Mon, Sep 19, 2005 |

11 News meteorologist Mario Gomez expects Tropical Storm Rita to increase to a Category 1 storm before 10 p.m.

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Meeting for Citizen Response team volunteers

4:34 PM Mon, Sep 19, 2005 |

In Galveston, the Mayor's Citizen Response Team is calling for volunteers. A meeting has been scheduled for those interested in helping out.

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Help for Spanish speaking or hearing impaired

3:53 PM Mon, Sep 19, 2005 |

There are special phone lines set up to provide evacuation information to those who speak Spanish or are hearing impaired.

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Ayuda de la evacuacion de Galveston en Espanol

3:49 PM Mon, Sep 19, 2005 |

Ayuda de la evacuacion de Galveston en Espanol - 713-881-3100

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Evacuation -- need ambulance to evacuate

3:20 PM Mon, Sep 19, 2005 |

Galveston residents requiring ambulance to evacuate, call 409-938-2424

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Evacuation -- need a ride

3:15 PM Mon, Sep 19, 2005 |

To register to be picked up for transport to the bus evacuation site at 4700 Broadway, call 409-797-3510.

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Evacuation clarification -- pets, belongings

3:05 PM Mon, Sep 19, 2005 |

As previously stated, evacuees will be allowed to carry one suitcase and their pets on the buses, but the pets must be in carriers or crates.

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Galveston mayor calls for voluntary evacs

1:53 PM Mon, Sep 19, 2005 |

Galveston Mayor Lyda Ann Thomas announced a voluntary evacuation of the island beginning Tuesday at 2 p.m. Buses will be provided for Galveston residents who need transportation off the island beginning at 10 a.m. Wednesday.

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