All of us here in Southeast Texas have been keeping a close eye on the Hurricane Center and on that sultry gal most people know as Rita. The forecasts that NOAA is putting out are very helpful but unless you are a Texas State History teacher, it is hard to tell what cities are going to bear the brunt of Rita. (I always picture a Rita as a red-haired spunky gal with a serious temper...any one else get that mental picture from that name?)

I took the liberty of superimposing a Google Maps screenshot over the top of the latest 5-day forecast (Wednesday, 10am EST) and then sketched in where the major cities are (in red). I also added the location of my domicile in blue (mostly for concerned family members who want to know exactly where we are at).

The projected track continues to move southwest - the storm was projected to hit Galveston bay just two days ago; the latest map shows her coming ashore just north of Matagorda bay.

Sidenote: People trying to evacuate are having a difficult time finding a place to stay. Those displaced by Katrina are occupying much of the temporary housing available in Houston, San Antonio and Dallas. A friend tried last night and with 4 days notice, could not find any vacant hotel rooms in San Antonio or Austin. He is looking farther west now to find a place to evacuate to.

The current plan for my family is to ride things out but a final assessment and decision will be made this evening.

UPDATE: Our plans have changed. We are headed of into a night of evacuation traffic with a destination of one state northward. Be back next week sometime.