Hurricane Harvey

[Latestarter]

They are now reporting that several reservoirs are just now starting to dump water... My question is, since the forecast was for 4 feet of water, why didn't they start dumping well in advance to make room for what was coming? Dumping now seems like adding insult to injury. I understand they have no choice at this point or lose dams and such, but again, why didn't they start before the flooding started?

 

[frustratedearthmother]

Just got a text from my brother in Baytown. They are about to get water in their house. My 89 yo father and 86 yo mother live next door and are in the same situation. I talked to my brother and for the first time in his life - he doesn't know how to fix this or what to do. I convinced him to let the rescuers come and get them and get them to a shelter. It's going to be so hard on them... Just talked to my mom and she is at maximum anxiety level - who wouldn't be? Such a helpless feeling not to be able to help.

 

[Hens and Roos]

 

[Alaskan]

They are now reporting that several reservoirs are just now starting to dump water... My question is, since the forecast was for 4 feet of water, why didn't they start dumping well in advance to make room for what was coming? Dumping now seems like adding insult to injury. I understand they have no choice at this point or lose dams and such, but again, why didn't they start before the flooding started?

I completely agree... I don't get why they don't start draining them down as soon as hurricane season starts...at least a little... and why they don't really drop the amounts when such a bad storm is predicted... I don't follow at all.

My parents in mid Houston are still dry and fine... my mom DROVE TO HER EXERCISE CLASS THIS MORNING! I wanted to scream!

I guess mostly because if something happens, I am too far away to help. My dad is pretty infirm... so ...well.... it could get bad fast.

I don't know how those with loved ones that are actually wet and loosing stuff are managing the stress.

 

[goatgurl]

been catching up to see how everyone is doing. @greybeard I have no words for your loss. I so hope that 6 ft up is high enough and your home will be ok and also hope that your cattle are able to find higher ground somewhere. I wish there were something I could do to help. @frustratedearthmother i'm so thankful that you are still not underwater. please keep yourself and DH safe and so what is you have some unplanned kiddings. just sell 'em. my prayers are with your mom, dad and sister and brother. my heart just hurts for all of the devastation in your part of the world. i'm so sorry you feel so helpless but in reality you are. your family knows beyond a shadow of a doubt you would be there if you could. i'll continue to pray for all of the folks suffering thru this 'event'.

 

[CntryBoy777]

It really is difficult sitting here in comfort, while so many are hurting and losing.....my physical abilities are a hindrance, but my mind and heart sure wishes I could be there to help others out in their time of need....I sure hope GB made it out okay in the boat...I know he had a plan, but sometimes they don't always work out as planned. The water hinders any to get in to help and I'm sure as in most disasters it is simply chaos, but it doesn't subside the desire to any degree. GB did say that the water would have to get 6' higher to get to his cattle and house, so hopefully they will remain untouched, but the landscape will never be the same again. Sooo thankful FEM is still fine and I know it is very scarey thinking of the family being in a shelter, but just hold to the fact that they are Safe, certainly not comfortable and being out of routine is difficult on the aged, heck I don't like it either, but it certainly is surviveable. Really glad Kate is okay too and hope it remains that way, there is still a ways to go tho...so continue to be watchful. Bay....I really hope your family stays safe and can recover thru the aftermath....and then Moves. Sorry for the long post, but somethings just build inside and ya have to let them out.....I really am much more than a "Good Time Charley", but very few know that.

 

[Mini Horses]

I am so concerned and upset with the TX flooding!! Hopefully GB & wife got out and to a safer place. While I know he refers to them as "livestock" he DOES care for that cattle herd & their well being. It is breaking his heart to leave them, I am sure!!! It is hurting me and they are not mine. I feel so badly for everyone there having to make these life altering decisions.

Times like these push beyond any reasonable decisions. The impact of these losses will emotionally last forever. I feel helpless.

 

[Poka_Doodle]

I'm really not sure what to say, I've read some of this and am beyond words. Going to be praying for everyone tonight.

 

[Baymule]

@frustratedearthmother I am so sorry for your brother and parents. At least if they evacuate, you will know they are safe. They may be stressed beyond what they can bear, but they will be safe. When the water goes down, take it from there.

My sister and BIL were evacuated last night and are now at their daughter in law's house in Willis. They very well will lose everything they have, but they are safe. Praise God, they are safe.

Early this morning Fox News was showing early morning boat rescues. In one boat, packed with people was a man without a stitch of clothing on. He was totally naked, there wasn't even a blanket to toss on him. And no, there wasn't a shot of him in his all together birthday suit, I had to do a double take to realize he had absolutely nothing on. He didn't even get out with the proverbial "shirt on his back" but he got out with his life.

 

[Baymule]

@Latestarter that is the million dollar question. No matter what, no matter why, in the face of a looming flood rolling down river, they never open the gates on any dam for early water release. My BIL has called on this and previous floods begging for early release to lessen the impact of flood waters and never, has the San Jancinto river authority ever, released water early. Lake Livingston dam is the same. They wait until the lake is full, then start releasing water. In 1994, there was a horrendous flood along the Trinity river. Lake Livingston dam released more than 85,000 cubic feet per minute of water. It devastated everything downstream all the way to the Gulf. The operators at the dam got death threats. The other option is to let the dam break and kill thousands of people. There is no easy answer, it will flood, but you'd think the river authority would release water early to maybe, just maybe, help it not be so bad.