MyFoxDFW

Hurricanes are huge, destructive storms. And they have been occurring on our earth for centuries. There is no way to get above the storm, because the wind will cut you down. There is no way to get under the storm because the surge will drown you. The only way to avoid the storm is to move because they storm will come no matter what you do.

One of the first reported and most destructive storm occurred in 1900. Galveston at the time was an economic boomtown. The wealthy neighborhoods features elaborate Victorian style stone houses. But the other people, the newcomers hoping to latch onto prosperity lived in wood boarding houses and homes-some hastily thrown together to accommodate the rising numbers. One of the first weather forecasters had gotten word of the storm from transmissions from shipping lanes. The lack of transportation for entire populations was a problem then as it would be nearly 100 years later for the inner city poor of New Orleans. Like the current storm in the Gulf, the Galveston Storm was a category 4. While much has been made of the rapid attack and slow death of New Orleans, there are countless others who were similarly affected in Mississippi, the upper Louisiana coast and Texas.

As a child, we lived for awhile in Metarie, a suburb of New Orleans near the Lake Pontchitrain levee. It wasn't uncommon for me to ride my bike two blocks to the top of the levee. The first hurricane we experienced was Hilda, a category 2. My parents moved us to the Fountainbleu on Airport Freeway. From our fourth floor window, we filmed the French Quarter as countless tornadoes spun themselves out over the area. And that was just a Category 2. The next year, we went through Betsy. Hurricane Betsy in 1965 should have signalled to the various self-serving political groups of southern Louisiana that it was time to stop lining their own pockets. The Vieux Carre-The French Quarter-recieved a wall of flood waters from the Mississippi. We sheltered with another family because we waited too long to move to more solid ground. Any child who has gone through such an event will carry it with them for life. No electricity, roaring wind, exploding transformers. It was like living through a war against nature itself. I remember my Dad taking me out to the porch during the Eye and showing me how the clouds swirlled and the rain changed direction as it flew parallel to the ground. Back at our neighborhood, damage ranged from mild-our house was barely touched, to serious destruction. Our neighbor's house caught fire every time the power was turned on. The school, Bissonet Plaza Elementary, was closed for two weeks due to leaks in the roof and lack of power. Police patrolled with guns drawn because looting had occurred. The storm was bad enough, but the aftermath and the breakdown of humanity was worse.

I guess I am posting this because on one hand, I understand the fear and respect that these storms command. I understand that people can and should leave early, plan better and take control of their lives. But I also understand that there are people who because of their circumstances or because of the way they were raised, will never move out of the position of victim unless someone makes it imperative that they do so. I welcome those who are in need to our state. I will donate and help solicit donations. I will help you until you can help yourself. But I also expect that to be sooner rather than later.
Galveston Photos here.
Hurricane Betsy Photos here.
More Betsy Photos here
Katrina Mississippi Photos

TexasTruBlu's Fortress of Solitude

The Truth About Hurricianes

TexasTruBlu

Inside Fox:
About Us People Good Day TV Listings Contact Us

Write your comment below: Email me when a new comment is added to this entry