Hurricane Katrina & Hurricane Rita; deadly sisters.

[Jetsgo]

I was watching BBC World Report and they were saying how the Florida Keys have been evacuated due to a level 2 (and rising,
Katrina was at level 1 when she was where Rita is now) making landfall. BBC says that even though Hurricane Rita will most likley hit
Texas, the rising threat of the storm veering towords New Orleans is rising.

"Remember the name Rita....... you will be hearing alot about her in the near future" - a BBC reporter.

[SaVas]

Rita they are saying will be either a level 4 or level 5 hurricane. its been a baaaad year this year in the states. Makes me glad I live in
tornado alley.

[SWAFO]

Let's hope this one doesn't cause near the devestation that Katrina caused. I'm praying for these people!

[Jetsgo]

I havn't heard the latest news *(as of 3:30PM GMT -5.00 September 21st.)* I will check the news. I can't belive how bad it must be
there. Is the otherwise nice Florida weather really worth it? Poor Bahamas too, it's been hit pretty hard. Then there was a pretty big one
this past week, Ohpilia I think it was?, that hit Nova Scotia or something. There's a pretty small chance of tornadoes where I live, and
unless one travels really far from the Gulf of Mexico, I doubt I will ever witness a hurricane at home.

[SWAFO]

Where I live, there's hardly the chance of rain, let alone a hurricane! Florida seems to have it's fair share of nasty weather, although it's a
very nice place to live (from what I hear). I've flown there quite a few times, and have vacationed there with the family on occasion. It's a
nice place, although personally I wouldn't want to live there due to the constant threat of hurricanes/tropical storms.

[Jetsgo]

Evacuees from New Orleans sent to Texas are now being re-evacuated (along with other texans) to another city via airplane. Also,
the names of the hurricanes are soon to go into the greek alphabet, which has never occured in the history of hurricanes. A month ago I
had plans to go to the Southhamptons in Bermuda... not anymore!

[Jetsgo]

Oh my... I'm watching CNN right now... I can't even belive it. New Orleans is now under a tropical storm threat warning, and if I heard
it right, they said that they are urging New Orleans' residents (those that still have their houses) to leave if possible, it's not a manditory
evacuation but they are recommending it. I also heard that 15000 troops will be on the site (5000 now, 10000 for the aftermath). I hope
this storm isn't worse then Katrina.

[DBE]

Just heard that Rita has been downgraded to Force 4..

But then, that's round about what I heard just before Katrina did her job!

My thoughts are with all of you!

[Kstinson]

Also,
the names of the hurricanes are soon to go into the greek alphabet, which has never occured in the history of hurricanes.

So what will they be called? Alpha, Beta, Gamma, etc.?

[AeroJim]

no they use like symbols and they will be like alpha beta, etc. Rita did veer towards New Orleans but the Army Corps. of Engineers used
sheet metal and large beams to reinforce the levies so right now im more worried for Galveston, it is a small peninsula (island one of the
2) city off of Houston, they predict it will be completely under water after Rita strikes.

[Jetsgo]

I'm not really sure of the Greek Symbols. I do know that this has never happened before though, so not many other people know
either I guess.

[Sovek]

you are watching CNN, please do yourself a favor and turn to Fox news, CNN just overexagerates everything. Now they will use Greek letters for future
storms this year.

[SaVas]

Live on the coast, deal with hurricanes.

Live in the north, deal with blizzards and 3+ feet of snow

Live in the Midwest, deal with tornados and very strong thunderstorms or drought (and possibly earthquakes that would make those of
the San Andreas fault look like childsplay).

Live on the west coast, deal with earthquakes and forest fires

Where ever you live you have to be prepared. Looking at the traffic in Houston I dont think those folks were prepared because they waited
until the last minute.

I feel for those in New Atlantis (Orleans), and Galviston/Houston, but I shake my hand at the stupidity of those that dont take mother
nature seriously especially when you take two of the strongest forces on earth - oceans and weather and mix them together.

[Jetsgo]

Hurricane Rita has now been pronounced the 3rd most powerful hurricane in the Atlantic Ocean.

[AeroJim]

It is now a CAT 3 with 125 mph winds, Savas, you forgot the Midwest and huge snow fall and low temps in winter, I think the safest place
to live in the States would probly be like Colorado or somewhere out west but not near the faults.