Hurricane Rita Moves Onshore as Category 3

     Rita moved onshore near Sabine Pass as a dangerous Category 3 hurricane and at 5:00 a.m. Saturday was located near Port Arthur, Texas. The storm is expected to weaken as the center moves farther inland and slow in forward motion over the next 24 hours. This may cause rainfall accumulations of 10 to 15 inches over Eastern Texas and Western Louisiana.

• A HURRICANE WARNING is in effect from Sargent, Texas to Morgan City, Louisiana.
• A TROPICAL STORM WARNING is in effect for the Southeatern Coast of Louisiana east of Morgan City to the mouth of the Pearl River, including Metropolitan New Orleans and Lake Pontchartrain and from south of Sargent, Texas to Port O'Connor, Texas.
  

     If you are tracking Hurricane Rita, at 5:00 a.m. Saturday morning, the National Hurricane Center advisory reported the storm's location near Latitude 29.9 North and Longitude 93.9 West or near Port Arthur, Texas. The storm is moving toward the northwest near 12 mph. A gradual turn toward the north and a decrease in forward motion is expected during the next 24 hours. Sustained winds are near 120 mph, with higher gusts making Rita a dangerous Category 3 hurricane. Little change in strength is expected prior to landfall. Hurricane force winds extend outward up to 85 miles from the center of the storm and tropical storm force winds extend outward up to 205 miles. Rita should weaken today as the center moves farther inland.

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Tropical Storm Rita

Friday, September 23, 11:00 p.m.
Ready or Not... Here Comes Rita!
     It's been a long week of preparation, evacuations and the kind of anticipation a person reserves for a trip to the dentist. Whether the Gulf Coast can say its ready or not, Hurricane Rita is set to make landfall along the Southwest Louisiana and upper Texas coasts near daybreak Saturday.
     Just about the only good news coming from the Gulf Coast region Friday was that Hurricane Rita had weakened. Although still a dangerous Category 3 hurricane, with the potential to produce record rainfall and coastal storm surge, forecasters know it is far better than a Category 4 or 5.
     Conditions gradually deteriorated throughout the day until this evening it is evident that Rita is coming to call on the Louisiana/Texas border. Hopefully, the thousands of evacuees that were stranded along highways won their race with Rita and have made it to safety. Some evacuees didn't make it to their safe haven early Friday morning as the bus that was transporting them caught fire and exploded, killing at least two dozen elderly nursing home patients from Houston.
     And, then there was the news that some feared most. New Orleans was taking on water again. At least one repaired levee either failed or was overtopped, flooding at least one neighborhood again, and further dampening spirits of displaced residents.
     Hurricane preparations to protect life and property should have already been completed. Those in the warning areas should monitor local news for further information on this dangerous storm.

• A HURRICANE WARNING is in effect from Sargent, Texas to Morgan City, Louisiana. A hurricane warning means that hurricane conditions are expected within the warning area within the next 24 hours.
• A TROPICAL STORM WARNING is in effect for the Southeatern Coast of Louisiana east of Morgan City to the mouth of the Pearl River, including Metropolitan New Orleans and Lake Pontchartrain and from south of Sargent, Texas to Port Aransas, Texas. A tropical storm warning means that tropical storm conditions are expected within the warning area within the next 24 hours.
  

     If you are tracking Hurricane Rita, at 11:00 p.m. Friday evening, the National Hurricane Center advisory reported the storm's location near Latitude 29.1 North and Longitude 93.2 West or about 55 miles southeast of Sabine Pass along the coast at the border between Texas and Louisiana. The storm is moving toward the northwest near 12 mph, with a gradual turn toward the north-northwest expected on Saturday. Sustained winds are near 120 mph, with higher gusts making Rita a dangerous Category 3 hurricane. Little change in strength is expected prior to landfall. Hurricane force winds extend outward up to 85 miles from the center of the storm and tropical storm force winds extend outward up to 205 miles. Hurricane force winds are expected to spread inland as far as 100 miles near its path.

Friday, September 23, 7:00 p.m.
Ready or Not... Here Comes Rita!
     It's been a long week of preparation, evacuations and dreaded anticipation. Whether the Gulf Coast can say its ready or not, Hurricane Rita is set to make landfall along the Southwest Louisiana and upper Texas coasts near daybreak Saturday.
     The only good news coming from the Gulf Coast region Friday was that Hurricane Rita had weakened. Although still a dangerous Category 3 hurricane, with the potential to produce record rainfall and coastal storm surge, forecasters seemed to see it as a silver lining to the otherwise dark clouds of a day filled with grim news.
     Conditions deteriorated throughout the day along the coast with some early flooding reported. Seemingly in a losing race with Rita, thousands of evacuees crept along highways watching their gas gauges slip toward empty while filling with frustration. It may have been the stop and go traffic that contributed to a tragic bus accident that killed at least two dozen elderly evacuees near Dallas. Then the news that everyone dreaded came... New Orleans was flooding... again.
     Hurricane preparations to protect life and property should have already been completed. Those in the warning areas should monitor local news for further information on this dangerous storm.

• A HURRICANE WARNING is in effect from Sargent, Texas to Morgan City, Louisiana. A hurricane warning means that hurricane conditions are expected within the warning area within the next 24 hours.
• A TROPICAL STORM WARNING is in effect for the Southeatern Coast of Louisiana east of Morgan City to the mouth of the Pearl River, including Metropolitan New Orleans and Lake Pontchartrain and from south of Sargent, Texas to Port Aransas, Texas. A tropical storm warning means that tropical storm conditions are expected within the warning area within the next 24 hours.
  

     If you are tracking Hurricane Rita, at 7:00 p.m. Friday evening, the National Hurricane Center advisory reported the storm's location near Latitude 28.5 North and Longitude 92.9 West or about 100 miles southeast of Sabine Pass along the coast at the border between Texas and Louisiana. The storm has picked up speed and is moving toward the northwest near 13 mph, with a gradual turn toward the north-northwest expected during the next 24 hours. Sustained winds are holding near 125 mph, with higher gusts making Rita a strong Category 3 hurricane. Some fluctuations in intensity are possible before landfall. Hurricane force winds extend outward up to 85 miles from the center of the storm and tropical storm force winds extend outward up to 205 miles. Hurricane force winds are expected to spread inland as far as 100 miles near its path.

Friday, September 23, 5:00 p.m.
Rita Weakens, but Still a Very Dangerous Hurricane
     Bad news continues to stream out of the Gulf Coast region Friday. As Hurricane Rita continues her relentless pursuit of the Gulf Coast, she is beginning to churn up the surf along the coastline of Texas and Louisiana. Conditions have deteriorated throughout the day, with some coastal flooding already occurring.
     New Orleans began to feel the wet reality of Rita Thursday night as rain fell there intermittently during the evening. The rain dampened spirits and brought new fears of more flooding and misery to the area. Those fears have become a reality this morning as either overflow, new breeches or leaks in old breeches have brought water back into areas that were just beginning to dry out.
     And, while traffic was stop and go along a Texas highway this morning, it is thought that action caused the brakes on a bus to overheat. The ensuing fire and subsequent explosion of oxygen canisters killed nearly half of the elderly evacuees onboard.
     All this and Rita is still hours from landfall. Even though she has lost some strength, the potential for extensive damage is still very real. The news from forecasters that the storm may stall over Eastern Texas and Western Louisiana dumping rainfall accumulations in excess of 25 inches can only add to the grim reality... the worst is yet to come.
     Hurricane preparations should be rushed to completion and those in the warning areas should monitor local news for further information on this dangerous storm.

• A HURRICANE WARNING is in effect from ort O'Connor, Texas to Morgan City, Louisiana. A hurricane warning means that hurricane conditions are expected within the warning area within the next 24 hours. Preparations to protect life and property should be rushed to completion.
• A TROPICAL STORM WARNING is in effect for the Southeatern Coast of Louisiana east of Morgan City to the mouth of the Pearl River, including Metropolitan New Orleans and Lake Pontchartrain and from south of Port O'Connor to Port Mansfield, Texas. A tropical storm warning means that tropical storm conditions are expected within the warning area within the next 24 hours.
  

     If you are tracking Hurricane Rita, at 5:00 p.m. Friday afternoon, the National Hurricane Center advisory reported the storm's location near Latitude 28.2 North and Longitude 92.6 West or about 155 miles east-southeast of Galveston, Texas or about 140 miles southeast of of Port Arthur, Texas. The storm has picked up speed and is moving toward the northwest near 12 mph. On this track, the core of Hurricane Rita should make landfall along the Southwest Louisiana and upper Texas coasts near daybreak Saturday. Sustained winds have decreased further to near 125 mph, with higher gusts making Rita a strong Category 3 hurricane. Hurricane force winds extend outward up to 85 miles from the center of the storm and tropical storm force winds extend outward up to 205 miles. Hurricane force winds are expected to spread inland as far as 100 miles near its path.

Friday, September 23, 11:00 a.m.
Rita Weakens, but Still a Very Dangerous Hurricane
     Bad news continues to stream out of the Gulf Coast region Friday. As Hurricane Rita continues her relentless pursuit of the Gulf Coast, she is beginning to churn up the surf along the coastline of Texas and Louisiana. Conditions have deteriorated throughout the morning, with some coastal flooding already occurring.
     New Orleans began to feel the wet reality of Rita Thursday night as rain fell there intermittently during the evening. The rain dampened spirits and brought new fears of more flooding and misery to the area. Those fears have become a reality this morning as either overflow, new breeches or leaks in old breeches have brought water back into areas that were just beginning to dry out.
     And, while traffic was stop and go along a Texas highway this morning, it is thought that action caused the brakes on a bus to overheat. The ensuing fire and subsequent explosion of oxygen canisters killed nearly half of the elderly evacuees onboard.
     All this and Rita is still several hours from landfall. Even though she has lost some strength, the potential for extensive damage is still very real. The news from forecasters that the storm may stall over Eastern Texas and Western Louisiana dumping rainfall accumulations in excess of 25 inches can only add to the grim reality... the worst is yet to come.
     Hurricane preparations should be rushed to completion and those in the warning areas should monitor local news for further information on this dangerous storm.

• A HURRICANE WARNING is in effect from Port O'Connor, Texas to Morgan City, Louisiana. A hurricane warning means that hurricane conditions are expected within the warning area within the next 24 hours. Preparations to protect life and property should be rushed to completion.
• A TROPICAL STORM WARNING is in effect for the Southeatern Coast of Louisiana east of Morgan City to the mouth of the Pearl River, including Metropolitan New Orleans and Lake Pontchartrain and from south of Port O'Connor to Port Mansfield, Texas. A tropical storm warning means that tropical storm conditions are expected within the warning area within the next 24 hours.
  

     If you are tracking Hurricane Rita, at 11:00 a.m. Friday morning, the National Hurricane Center advisory reported the storm's location near Latitude 27.4 North and Longitude 91.9 West or about 220 miles southeast of Galveston, Texas or about 210 miles southeast of of Port Arthur, Texas. The storm is moving toward the northwest near 10 mph, with this motion is expected to continue for the next 24 hours bringing the core of Rita near the Southwest Louisiana and Upper Texas coasts early Satruday. Sustained winds have decreased to near 135 mph, with higher gusts. Hurricane force winds extend outward up to 85 miles from the center of the storm and tropical storm force winds extend outward up to 205 miles. Rita is still a major Category 3 hurricane. A slight weakening is possible before landfall, but Rita is still expected to come ashore as a major hurricane.

Friday, September 23, 5:00 a.m.
Ruthless Rita Refuses to Back Down
Still a Dangerous Category 4 Hurricane
     None of the news is good. Hurricane Rita continues her relentless pursuit of the Gulf Coast. She is beginning to churn up the surf along the coastline of Texas and Louisiana, and conditions are expected to deteriorate by mid-day Friday.
     New Orleans began to feel the wet reality of Rita Thursday night as rain fell there intermittently during the evening. The rain dampened spirits and brought new fears of more flooding and misery to the area. And, while traffic was stalled along Texas highways Thursday, word came that Rita was expected to stall inland. If forecasters are right, rainfall accumulations in excess of 25 inches are possible over the next several days across Eastern Texas and Western Louisiana. If the threat of inland flooding isn't enough, the run off from that deluge could cause additional stress to patched and weakened levees leading to the possibility of flooding the city of New Orleans once again.
     Hurricane preparations should be rushed to completion and those in the warning areas should monitor local news for further information on this dangerous storm.

• A HURRICANE WARNING is in effect from ort O'Connor, Texas to Morgan City, Louisiana. A hurricane warning means that hurricane conditions are expected within the warning area within the next 24 hours. Preparations to protect life and property should be rushed to completion.
• A TROPICAL STORM WARNING is in effect for the Southeatern Coast of Louisiana east of Morgan City to the mouth of the Pearl River, including Metropolitan New Orleans and Lake Pontchartrain and from south of Port O'Connor to Port Mansfield, Texas. A tropical storm warning means that tropical storm conditions are expected within the warning area within the next 24 hours.
  
• A TROPICAL STORM WATCH is discontinued for the Texas coast south of Port Mansfield and for Northeastern Mexico.
  

     If you are tracking Hurricane Rita, at 5:00 a.m. Friday morning, the National Hurricane Center advisory reported the storm's location near Latitude 26.8 North and Longitude 91.0 West or about 290 miles southeast of Galveston, Texas or about 250 miles southeast of of Cameron, Louisiana. The storm is moving toward the northwest near 9 mph, with this general motion expected to continue for the next 24 hours. Sustained winds are near 140 mph, with higher gusts. Hurricane force winds extend outward up to 85 miles from the center of the storm and tropical storm force winds extend outward up to 205 miles. Rita is still a very dangerous Category 4 hurricane. Some fluctuations in intensity are likely during the next 24 hours.

Thursday, September 22, 11:00 p.m.
Hurricane Rita Still Dangerous Storm
     Reports of highways in Texas still being jammed with evacuees trying to flee Hurricane Rita comes along with the news that the storm could begin pounding the Gulf Coast with tropical storm force winds as early as Friday morning. Coastal storm surge flooding of 15 to 20 feet above normal tide levels, along with large, battering waves, can be expected near and to the east of where the center makes landfall. Rita is expected to produce rainfall accumulations of 8 to 12 inches, with isolated maximum amounts of 15 inches over Southeastern Texas and Southwestern Louisiana as it moves inland.
     Perhaps the most surprising news is that Rita is expected to slow down significantly after making landfall and perhaps even stall in Texas causing rainfall accumulations in excess of 25 inches over Eastern Texas and Western Louisiana throughout the weekend and into Monday.
     Those in the current warning and watch areas should monitor local news reports for up-to-date information.

• A HURRICANE WARNING is in effect from ort O'Connor, Texas to Morgan City, Louisiana. A hurricane warning means that hurricane conditions are expected within the warning area within the next 24 hours. Preparations to protect life and property should be rushed to completion.
• A TROPICAL STORM WARNING is in effect for the Southeatern Coast of Louisiana east of Morgan City to the mouth of the Pearl River, including Metropolitan New Orleans and Lake Pontchartrain and from south of Port O'Connor to Port Mansfield, Texas. A tropical storm warning means that tropical storm conditions are expected within the warning area within the next 24 hours.
  
• A TROPICAL STORM WATCH remains in effect from south of Port Mansfield to Brownsville, Texas and for the Northeastern Coast of Mexico from Rio San Fernando northward to the Rio Grande. A tropical storm watch means that tropical storm conditions are possible within the watch area, generally within 36 hours.
  

     If you are tracking Hurricane Rita, at 11:00 p.m. Thursday evening, the National Hurricane Center advisory reported the storm's location near Latitude 26.2 North and Longitude 90.3 West or about 350 miles southeast of Galveston, Texas or about 310 miles southeast of of Cameron, Louisiana. The storm is moving toward the west-northwest near 10 mph, with a gradual turn to the northwest expected during the next 24 hours. Sustained winds have decreased again to near 140 mph, with higher gusts. Hurricane force winds extend outward up to 80 miles from the center of the storm and tropical storm force winds extend outward up to 205 miles. Rita is still a very dangerous Category 4 hurricane. Some fluctuations in intensity are likely during the next 24 hours.

Thursday, September 22, 5:00 p.m.
I Am Rita, Hear Me Roar
     Silly things often fill the mind when it becomes to painful to think about reality. Today I can't get the Helen Reddy song, I Am Woman out of my mind. I've substituted lyrics though that go like this:

I am Rita, hear me roar
I'm a number to big to ignore
And you don't know what I'm gonna do next.

Silly? Probably. Sometimes that's what it takes to clear your mind of the really serious stuff for a few minutes. Serious stuff like watching helplessly as thousand jam the roads in Texas, fleeing the second major hurricane to threaten the Gulf Coast in less than a month. My heart goes out to the thousands seemingly gridlocked along the highway for hours as their fuel gauge get lower and lower and their frustration level higher and higher. When I'm not singing, all I can think of is there has GOT to be a better way.
     Those in the current warning and watch areas should monitor local news reports for up-to-date information.

• A HURRICANE WARNING is in effect from ort O'Connor, Texas to Morgan City, Louisiana. A hurricane warning means that hurricane conditions are expected within the warning area within the next 24 hours. Preparations to protect life and property should be rushed to completion.
• A TROPICAL STORM WARNING has been issued for north of the mouth of the Mississippi River to the mouth of the Pearl River, including metropolitan New Orleans and Lake Pontchartrain. A tropical storm warning is now in effect for the Southeastern Coast of Louisiana east of Morgan City to the mouth of the Pearl River, including metropolitan New Orleans and Lake Pontchartrain and from south of Port O'Connor to Port Mansfield, Texas. A tropical storm warning means that tropical storm conditions are expected within the warning area within the next 24 hours.
  
• A TROPICAL STORM WATCH remains in effect from south of Port Mansfield to Brownsville, Texas and for the Northeastern Coast of Mexico from Rio San Fernando northward to the Rio Grande. A tropical storm watch means that tropical storm conditions are possible within the watch area, generally within 36 hours.
  

     If you are tracking Hurricane Rita, at 5:00 p.m. Thursday afternoon, the National Hurricane Center advisory reported the storm's location near Latitude 25.8 North and Longitude 89.5 West or about 405 miles southeast of Galveston, Texas or about 390 miles southeast of Port Aruthur, Texas. The storm is moving toward the west-northwest near 9 mph, with a gradual turn to the northwest expected during the next 24 hours. Sustained winds have decreased again to near 145 mph, with higher gusts. Hurricane force winds extend outward up to 60 miles from the center of the storm and tropical storm force winds extend outward up to 205 miles. Rita is a very dangerous Category 4 hurricane. Some fluctuations in intensity are likely during the next 24 hours.

Thursday, September 22, 11:00 am.
Despite Slight Weakening, Hurricane Rita is Dangerous Storm
     Thousands of Gulf Coast residents continue to flee in the most massive coastal evacuation ever undertaken in the United States and more may take to the road as the projected path of Rita shifted eastward overnight. Still we all know that hurricanes are unpredictable, and so Rita's path is uncertain.
     Heavy rains associated with Rita are forecast to begin affecting the western and central Gulf of Mexico coastal areas Thursday night into Friday. Rita could produce total rainfall accumulations of 8 to 12 inches with isolated maximum amounts of 15 inches over the central to upper Texas coast. Rainfall amounts of 2 to 4 inches will be possible elsewhere across Southern Louisiana, including the New Orleans metropolitan area. After Rita moves inland, total rain accumulations of 5 to 10 inches will be possible over Eastern Texas as well as Central and Eastern Oklahoma during Saturday and Sunday.
     Current warnings & watches:

• A HURRICANE WARNING has been issued from Port O'Connor, Texas to Morgan City, Louisiana. A hurricane warning means that hurricane conditions are expected within the warning area within the next 24 hours. Preparations to protect life and property should be rushed to completion.
• A tropical storm warning has been issued from south of Port O'Connor to Port Mansfield, Texas.
• A tropical storm warning remains in effect for the Southeastern Coast of Louisiana east of Morgan City to the mouth of the Mississippi River. A tropical storm warning means that tropical storm conditions are expected within the warning area within the next 24 hours.
• A tropical storm watch has been issued from north of the mouth of the Mississippi River to the mouth of the Pearl River, including metropolitan New Orleans and Lake Pontchartrain.
• A tropical storm watch remains in effect from south of Port Mansfield to Brownsville, Texas. A tropical storm watch means that tropical storm conditions are possible within the watch area, generally within 36 hours.

     If you are tracking Hurricane Rita, at 11:00 a.m. Thursday morning, the National Hurricane Center advisory reported the storm's location near Latitude 25.4 North and Longitude 88.7 West or about 460 miles southeast of Galveston, Texas or about 445 miles southeast of Port Aruthur, Texas. The storm is moving toward the west-northwest near 9 mph, with a gradual turn to the northwest expected during the next 24 to 36 hours. Sustained winds have decreased to near 165 mph, with higher gusts. Hurricane force winds extend outward up to 85 miles from the center of the storm and tropical storm force winds extend outward up to 185 miles. Rita is still a potentially catastrophic Category 5 hurricane. Some slight weakening is forecast during the next 24 hours, but Rita is expected to remain an extremely dangerous storm.

Thursday, September 22, 5:00 a.m.
Potentially Catastrophic Cat 5 Rita Causes Massive Evacuations
     Thousands of Gulf Coast residents continue to flee in the most massive coastal evacuation ever undertaken in the United States and more may take to the road as the projected path of Rita shifted eastward overnight. What may be better news for Galveston and Houston, might leave Louisiana, particularly hard hit metropolitan New Orleans, in worse shape than originally thought.
     Heavy rains associated with Rita are forecast to begin affecting the western and central Gulf of Mexico coastal areas Thursday night into Friday. Rita could produce total rainfall accumulations of 8 to 12 inches with isolated maximum amounts of 15 inches over the central to upper Texas coast. Rainfall amounts of 2 to 4 inches will be possible elsewhere across Southern Louisiana, including the New Orleans metropolitan area. After Rita moves inland, total rain accumulations of 5 to 10 inches will be possible over Eastern Texas as well as Central and Eastern Oklahoma during Saturday and Sunday.
     Current warnings & watches:

• A hurricane watch is now in effect for the Gulf of Mexico coast from Port Mansfield, Texas to Intracoastal City, Louisiana.
• A tropical storm warning is in effect for the Southeastern Coast of Louisiana east of Morgan City to the mouth of the Mississippi River. A tropical storm watch remains in effect on either side of the hurricane watch area, from east of Intracoastal City to Morgan City, Louisiana and from south of Port Mansfield to Brownsville, Texas.

     If you are tracking Hurricane Rita, at 5:00 a.m. Thursday morning, the National Hurricane Center advisory reported the storm's location near Latitude 24.9 North and Longitude 88.0 West or about 515 miles southeast of Galveston, Texas or about 615 miles east-southeast of Corpus Christi, Texas. The storm is moving toward the west-northwest near 9 mph, with this motion expected to continue over the next 24 hours. Sustained winds remain near 175 mph, with higher gusts. Hurricane force winds extend outward up to 70 miles from the center of the storm and tropical storm force winds extend outward up to 185 miles. Rita is an extremely dangerous and potentially catastrophic Category 5 hurricane. Some fluctuations in intensity are likely during the next 24 hours.

Wednesday, September 21, 11:00 p.m.
Extremely Dangerous Hurricane Rita
Sets Sights On Texas Gulf Coast
     Although it has only been just over three weeks since Hurricane Katrina slammed into the Gulf Coast, it seems like a lifetime. Images of the widespread destruction are etched into our minds. Surely it is those images that are motivating the residents of coastal Texas to heed evacuation orders and willingly leave their homes and businesses to seek shelter inland.
     Heavy rains associated with Rita are forecast to begin affecting the western and central Gulf of Mexico coastal areas Thursday night into Friday. Rita could produce total rainfall accumulations of 8 to 12 inches with isolated maximum amounts of 15 inches over the central to upper Texas coast. After Rita moves inland, total rain accumulations of 5 to 10 inches will be possible over Eastern Texas, as well as Central and Eastern Oklahoma during Saturday and Sunday.
     Louisiana residents are also on edge as just a brush from this tremendously large storm could cause more problems for the area recently pounded by Hurricane Katrina. Rainfall amounts of 2 to 4 inches will be possible across southern Louisiana, including the New Orleans metropolitan area. Forecasters warn of increased tides of 3 to 4 feet and large waves over the next 24 hours that could cause some coastal flooding along the Louisiana coastline.
     Current warnings & watches:

• A hurricane watch remains in effect for the Gulf of Mexico coastline from Port Mansfield, Texas to Cameron, Louisiana.
• A tropical storm watch remains in effect for east of Cameron to Grand Isle, Louisiana and from south of Port Mansfield to Brownsville, Texas.

     If you are tracking Hurricane Rita, at 11:00 p.m. Wednesday evening, the National Hurricane Center advisory reported the storm's location near Latitude 24.6 North and Longitude 87.2 West or about 570 miles east-southeast of Galveston, Texas or about 670 miles east-southeast of Corpus Christi, Texas. The storm is moving toward the west near 9 mph, with this motion at a slightly faster forward speed is expected to continue over the next 24 hours. Sustained winds have increased to near 175 mph, with higher gusts. Hurricane force winds extend outward up to 70 miles from the center of the storm and tropical storm force winds extend outward up to 185 miles. Rita is an extremely dangerous Category 5 hurricane. Some fluctuations in intensity are likely during the next 24 hours.

Wednesday, September 21, 5:00 p.m.
     Current warnings & watches:

• A hurricane watch has been issued for the Gulf of Mexico coastline from Port Mansfield, Texas to Cameron, Louisiana.
• A tropical storm watch has been issued for east of Cameron to Grand Isle, Louisiana and from south of Port Mansfield to Brownsville, Texas.

     If you are tracking Hurricane Rita, at 5:00 p.m. Wednesday afternoon, the National Hurricane Center advisory reported the storm's location near Latitude 24.4 North and Longitude 86.8 West or about 600 miles east-southeast of Galveston, Texas or about 700 miles east-southeast of Corpus Christi, Texas. The storm is moving toward the west near 13 mph, with this motion expected to continue over the next 24 hours. Sustained winds have increased to near 165 mph, with higher gusts. Hurricane force winds extend outward up to 70 miles from the center of the storm and tropical storm force winds extend outward up to 175 miles. Rita is an extremely dangerous Category 5 hurricane. Some fluctuations in intensity are likely during the next 24 hours.

Wednesday, September 21, 11:00 a.m.
     The Florida Keys were battered most of Wednesday by a Category II Hurricane Rita, but it seems the islands escaped without major damage. U.S. Hwy 1 was left impassable in several areas as water and debris covered the roadway, but whether this will impede the return of evacuees anxious to get back to their homes and businesses remains to be seen. Right now, the nation's attention is turned toward a more pressing question. Where will Rita go next?
     It has been just over three weeks since Hurricane Katrina slammed into the Gulf Coast. As the area continues to struggle for its very existence, Hurricane Rita threatens to disrupt the slow recovery and again throw the region into a chaos of preparations and evacuations. Forecasters are now saying Rita most likely will be another catastrophic storm as it makes landfall along the Gulf Coast. Is it possible that if the collective breath that everyone is holding were let out it could blow Rita in another direction?
     Current warnings & watches:

• The torpical storm warning for the Florida Keys from the Marquesas Keys westward to the Dry Tortugas has been discontinued.
• A hurricane watch will likely be issued for portions of the northwest Gulf of Mexico coast later Wednesday or early Thursday.

     If you are tracking Hurricane Rita, at 11:00 a.m. Wednesday morning, the National Hurricane Center advisory reported the storm's location near Latitude 24.3 North and Longitude 85.9 West or about 260 miles west of Key West, Florida or about 755 miles east-southeast of Corpus Christi, Texas. The storm is moving toward the west near 13 mph, with this motion expected to continue over the next 12 to 24 hours. Sustained winds have increased to near 140 mph, with higher gusts. Hurricane force winds extend outward up to 45 miles from the center of the storm and tropical storm force winds extend outward up to 140 miles. Rita is a dangerous Category IV hurricane. Additional strengthening is forecast during the next 24 hours and Rita could reach Category V intensity in the Central Gulf of Mexico.

Wednesday, September 21, 8:00 a.m.
     Current warnings & watches:

• The tropical storm warning remains in effect for the Florida Keys from the Marquesas Keys westward to the Dry Tortugas.

     If you are tracking Hurricane Rita, at 8:00 a.m. Wednesday morning, the National Hurricane Center advisory reported the storm's location near Latitude 24.4 North and Longitude 85.3 West or about 195 miles west of Key West, Florida. The storm is moving toward the west near 14 mph, with this motion expected to continue over the next 24 hours. Sustained winds have increased to near 135 mph, with higher gusts. Rita is a Category IV hurricane. Additional strengthening is forecast during the next 24 hours with the possibility of Rita becoming a Category V hurricane.

Wednesday, September 21, 5:00 a.m.
     Current warnings & watches:

• The tropical storm warning for portions of the Florida Keys is discontinued east of the Marquesas Keys, including Key West.
• A tropical storm warning remains in effect for the Florida Keys from the Marquesas Keys westward to the Dry Tortugas.
• All warnings have been discontinued for the Florida peninsula.

     If you are tracking Hurricane Rita, at 5:00 a.m. Wednesday morning, the National Hurricane Center advisory reported the storm's location near Latitude 24.3 North and Longitude 84.6 West or about 175 miles west of Key West, Florida. The storm is moving toward the west near 14 mph, with this motion expected to continue over the next 24 hours. Sustained winds have increased to near 120 mph, with higher gusts. Rita is a Category III hurricane. Additional strengthening is forecast during the next 24 hours with Rita becoming a Category IV hurricane by later Wednesday.

Tuesday, September 20, 11:00 p.m.
     Current warnings & watches:

• A hurricane warning remains in effect for the Lower Florida Keys from west of the Seven Mile Bridge westward to Key West and Dry Tortugas.
• The hurricane warning for the Middle and Upper Florida Keys has been replaced with a tropical storm warning from the Seven Mile Bridge east and nroth to Ocean Reef, including Florida Bay.
• All warnings have been discontinued for the Florida peninsula.

     If you are tracking Hurricane Rita, at 11:00 p.m. Tuesday evening, the National Hurricane Center advisory reported her location near Latitude 24.1 North and Longitude 83.2 West or about 70 miles south-southwest of Dry Tortugas or about 95 miles west-southwest of Key West, Florida. The storm is moving toward the west near 13 mph, with this motion expected to continue over the next 24 hours. Sustained winds have increased to near 110 mph, with higher gusts. Rita is a strong Category II hurricane. Additional strengthening is forecast during the next 24 hours with Rita becoming a Category III hurricane Wednesday morning and possibly a Category IV by Wednesday evening.

Tuesday, September 20, 5:00 p.m.
Hurricane Rita Rolling South of Key West
     Hurricane Rita riddled the Florida Keys with battering winds, rain and surf most of the day. The center of the storm tracked farther south than expected, so although conditions were bad, they could have been much worse. The most troubling damage thusfar is part of U.S. Hwy 1 at Mile Marker 73.5 that was completely closed to traffic around noon today because of water encroachment. This is problematic because Hwy 1 is the only route for evacuees to return to the area. This as well as scattered power outages and other flooding are keeping officials from giving the all clear for evacuees to be able to return home.
     If these cams don't blow away or loose power, keep an eye on the storm:

• Keys Cams (Power apparently down)
• Biscayne Bay - Miami

     Rita is making her move into the Gulf of Mexico and is expected to strengthen to a Category III hurricane before making a projected landfall somewhere along the Texas Gulf Coast later this week.
     Interests within Florida should monitor storm information specific to your area. Current warnings & watches:

• A hurricane warning remains in effect for all of the Florida Keys and from south of Florida City on Florida's Southeast Coast southward to East Cape Sable, then northward to Chokoloskee on the Southwest Coast. This warning will likely be discontinued later today (Tuesday).
• A tropical storm warning remains in effect along the Florida West Coast north of Chokoloskee to Englewood. The tropical storm warnings north of Florida City and for Lake Okeechobee have been discontinued.

     If you are tracking Hurricane Rita, at 5:00 p.m. Tuesday afternoon, the National Hurricane Center advisory reported her location near Latitude 24.0 North and Longitude 82.2 West or about 50 miles south-southwest of Key West, Florida. The storm is moving toward the west near 15 mph, with this motion expected to continue over the next 24 hours. She is now packing winds of near 100 mph with higher gusts. Hurricane force winds extend outward to 45 miles form the center of the storm and tropical storm force winds extend outward to 140 miles.

Tuesday, September 20, 2:00 p.m.
Hurricane Rita Rattling Florida Keys
2 PM UPDATE: Rita Now Packing 100 mph Winds
     Just a hurricane a few hours, Rita is wasting no time. She has strengthened into a Category II storm that is packing sustained winds of 100 mph. The Florida Keys are being pounded by high winds and driving rain, with flooding reported throughout the islands. Portions of U.S. Hwy 1 in the Florida Keys is awash with storm surge and littered with washed up treasures from the sea. Funnel clouds have been reported, although no tornadoes have been confirmed.
     If these cams don't blow away or loose power, keep an eye on the storm:

• Keys Cams
• Biscayne Bay - Miami

     Rita is expected to emerge into the Gulf of Mexico later Tuesday and strengthen considerably before making a projected landfall somewhere along the Texas Gulf Coast later this week.
     Interests within Florida should monitor storm information specific to your area. Current warnings & watches:

• A hurricane warning remains in effect for all of the Florida Keys and from Golden Beach on the Florida Southeast Coast southward to East Cape Sable, then northward to Chokoloskee on the Southwest Coast.
• A tropical storm warning is still in effect along the Florida West Coast north of Chokoloskee to Englewood. A tropical storm warning remains in effect also along the Florida East Coast from north of Deerfield Beach northward to Jupiter Inlet, as well as for Lake Okeechobee.

     At 2:00 p.m. Tuesday afternoon, the National Hurricane Center advisory reported Hurricane Rita at Latitude 23.9 North and Longitude 81.0 West or about 120 miles southeast of Key West, Florida. The storm has been moving west near 15 mph and is now packing winds of near 100 mph with higher gusts. Hurricane force winds extend outward to 30 miles form the center of the storm and tropical storm force winds extend outward to 120 miles.

Tuesday, September 20, 11:00 a.m.
Hurricane Rita Rattling Florida Keys
     As reconnaissance aircraft flew into Rita early this morning, they confirmed what the Doppler radar and satellite imaging was indicating — Rita has strengthened to become the ninth hurricane of the season. The Category I hurricane is impacting the Florida Keys with the strong winds associated with the northern eyewall. Total rainfall accumulation of up to 8 inches and storm surge flooding of 4 to 6 feet above normal tide levels are possible for the area. Isolated tornadoes are also possible over South Florida and the Florida Keys throughout Tuesday.
     Keep an eye on the storm:

• Keys Cams
• Biscayne Bay - Miami

     Rita is expected to emerge into the Gulf of Mexico later Tuesday and strengthen considerably before making a projected landfall somewhere in Texas later this week.
     Interests within Florida should monitor storm information specific to your area. Current warnings & watches:

• A hurricane warning remains in effect for all of the Florida Keys and from Golden Beach on the Florida Southeast Coast southward to East Cape Sable, then northward to Chokoloskee on the Southwest Coast.
• A tropical storm warning is still in effect along the Florida West Coast north of Chokoloskee to Englewood. A tropical storm warning remains in effect also along the Florida East Coast from north of Deerfield Beach northward to Jupiter Inlet, as well as for Lake Okeechobee.
• The hurricane watch from Deerfield Beach, Florida southward to north of Golden Beach has been discontinued.

     At 11:00 a.m. Tuesday morning, the National Hurricane Center advisory reported Hurricane Rita at Latitude 23.8 North and Longitude 81.7 West or about 50 miles south of Key West, Florida. The storm has been moving west near 15 mph and is now packing winds of near 85 mph with higher gusts. Hurricane force winds extend outward to 30 miles form the center of the storm and tropical storm force winds extend outward to 120 miles.

Tuesday, September 20, 5:00 a.m.
Rita Expected to Make a Midday Pass at Florida Keys
     Evacuations should be complete in the Florida Keys as Rita is beginning to cause a deterioration of the weather there. Forecasters expect Rita to become a hurricane by the time it passes near the Lower Florida Keys around midday Tuesday with hurricane force winds and rain. Storm surge flooding of 4 to 7 feet above normal tide levels, along with large and dangerous battering waves are possible in the Florida Keys in areas of onshore flow. Also, 6 to 8 inches of rainfall are possible with isolated maximum amounts to 12 inches. >Monroe County Emergency Information
     In South Florida, mandatory evacuations for mobile home residents and voluntary evacuations for Zone A should be complete. Coastal storm surge flooding of 3 to 4 feet is possible along the extreme southeastern Florida coast, along with 3 to 5 inches of rainfall accumulations. >Miami-Dade County Emergency Information
     Interests within Florida should monitor storm information specific to your area. Current warnings & watches:

• A hurricane warning remains in effect for all of the Florida Keys and from Golden Beach on the Florida Southeast Coast southward to East Cape Sable, then northward to Chokoloskee on the Southwest Coast.
• A tropical storm warning and a hurricane watch are in effect from Deerfield Beach, Florida southward to north of Golden Beach and along the Florida West Coast north of Chokoloskee to Englewood. A tropical storm warning remains in effect also along the Florida East Coast from north of Deerfield Beach northward to Jupiter Inlet, as well as for Lake Okeechobee.

     At 5:00 a.m. Tuesday morning, the National Hurricane Center advisory reported Tropical Storm Rita at Latitude 23.7 North and Longitude 79.5 West or about 160 miles east-southeast of Key West, Florida. The storm was moving west-northwest near 15 mph and packing winds of near 70 mph with higher gusts. Tropical storm force winds extend outward to 120 miles from the center of the storm.

Monday, September 19, 11:00 p.m.
Tropical Storm Rita Expected to Become Hurricane Soon
Tuesday May Bring Category II Hurricane to Florida Keys
     Evacuations should be nearing completition in the Florida Keys as Rita is expected to cause a deterioration of the weather there beginning as early as Tuesday morning. Forecasters are now saying that Rita could be a Category II hurricane by the time it reaches the Florida Keys late Tuesday. >Monroe County Emergency Information
     In South Florida, mandatory evacuations for mobile home residents have been called for in Miami-Dade County. Also, voluntary evacuations for Zone A in that county are in effect. >Miami-Dade County Emergency Information
     Interests within Florida should monitor storm information specific to your area. Current warnings & watches:

• The hurricane warning is extended along the Florida West Coast from East Cape Sable to Chokoloskee. A hurricane warning is now in effect for all of the Florida Keys, and from Golden Beach on the Florida Southeast Coast southward to East Cape Sable then northward to Chokoloskee.
• A tropical storm warning and a hurricane watch are in effect from Deerfield Beach southward to north of Golden Beach.
• A tropical storm warning remains in effect along the Florida East Coast from north of Deerfield Beach northward to Jupiter Inlet, as well as for Lake Okeechobee. Also for the Florida West Coat north of Chokoloskee to Englewood.

     At 11:00 p.m. Monday evening, the National Hurricane Center advisory reported Tropical Storm Rita at Latitude 23.3 North and Longitude 77.8 West or about 120 miles south-southwest of Nassau, Bahamas or about 270 miles east-southeast of Key West, Florida. The storm was moving west-northwest near 14 mph and packing winds of near 70 mph with higher gusts. Tropical storm force winds extend outward to 120 miles from the center of the storm with satellite and radar data indicating that Rita is getting better organized. Additional strengthening is forecast during the next 24 hours, with Rita expected to become a hurricane within hours and possibly reaching Category II strength before it approaches the Florida Keys.

Monday, September 19, 5:00 p.m.
Tropical Storm Rita Strengthens
As More Evacuations Are Ordered
     Evacuations are continuing in the Florida Keys with a steady stream of traffic reported northbound. Bridges are in lock-down so that traffic will not be impeded and tolls have been lifted along the Miami-Dade County portion of the Florida Turnpike and Card Sound Road. >Monroe County Emergency Information
     In South Florida, mandatory evacuations for mobile home residents have been called for in Miami-Dade County. Also, voluntary evacuations for Zone A in that county are in effect. >Miami-Dade County Emergency Information
     Interests within Florida should monitor storm information specific to your area. Current warnings & watches:

• A tropical storm warning is issued for Lake Okeechobee in Southern Florida.
• A hurricane warning is in effect for the extreme southern Florida peninsula from Golden Beach southward to Florida City and westward to East Cape Sable. Also, for all of the Florida Keys from Ocean Reef to The Dry Tortugas, including Florida Bay.
• A tropical storm warning and a hurricane watch are in effect from Deerfield Beach, Florida southward to north of Golden Beach, and along the Florida East Coast from north of Deerfield Beach northward to Jupiter Inlet.
• A hurricane watch is in effect for the extreme southwestern Florida peninsula from west of East Cape Sable northward to Chokoloskee.
• A tropical storm watch is in effect for the southwestern Florida coast from North of Chokoloskee to Englewood.

     At 5:00 p.m. Monday afternoon, the National Hurricane Center advisory reported Tropical Storm Rita at Latitude 23.3 North and Longitude 76.5 West or about 130 miles south-southeast of Nassau, Bahamas or about 345 miles east-southeast of Key West, Florida. The storm was moving west-northwest near 14 mph and packing winds of near 70 mph with higher gusts. Tropical storm force winds extend outward to 105 miles from the center of the storm. Additional strengthening is forecast during the next 24 hours, with Rita expected to become a hurricane later Monday night.

Monday, September 19, 11:00 a.m.
Tropical Storm Rita Strengthening
New Warnings - Florida Keys Evacuating
     With Katrina fresh on everyone's mind, officials took no chances. Governor Jeb Bush declared a state of emergency for South Florida Sunday. A mandatory evacuation of the Florida Keys from the Seven Mile Bridge south was ordered at noon Sunday and was well on the way by that afternoon and continues today.
     New evacuations are a possibility. For emergency information in your area, monitor Monroe County Emergency Bulletins and Miami-Dade County Emergency Center
     A hurricane warning has been issued for the extreme southern Florida Peninsula from golden Beach southward to Florida City and westward to East Cape Sable. A hurricane warning remains in effect for all of the Florida Keys from Ocean Reef to the Dry Tortugas, including Florida Bay. A tropical storm warning and a hurricane watch are in effect from Deerfield Beach, Florida southward to north of Golden Beach. A tropical storm warning is issued along the Florida East Coast from north of Deerfield Beach northward to Jupiter Inlet. A tropical storm watch is issued for the Southwest Florida Coast from north of Chokoloskee to Englewood.
     At 11:00 a.m. Monday, the National Hurricane Center advisory positioned Tropical Storm Rita at Latitude 23.0 North and Longitude 75.2 West or about 195 miles southeast of Nassau, Bahamas or about 430 miles east-southeast of Key West, Florida. The storm was moving west-northwest at about 12 mph and packing winds of near 65 mph with higher gusts. Tropical storm force winds extend outward to 145 miles from the center of the storm. Additional strengthening is forecast with the possibility of Rita becoming a Category I hurricane later Monday.

Monday, September 19, 5:00 a.m.
Tropical Storm Rita Strengthening
Florida Keys Under Hurricane Warning
     Hurricane warnings are up for the Florida Keys and South Florida is under a hurricane and tropical storm watch as Tropical Storm Rita strengthens in the Caribbean. Forecasters expect the storm to become the season's next hurricane and threaten the southernmost point in the continental U.S. by as early as Tuesday.
     With Katrina fresh on everyone's mind, officials took no chances. Governor Jeb Bush declared a state of emergency for South Florida Sunday. A mandatory evacuation of the Florida Keys from the Seven Mile Bridge south was ordered at noon Sunday for all visitors, non-residents and recreational vehicles. By Sunday afternoon it was clear that everyone was taking that order seriously. The only road leading to the Keys — The Overseas Highway — was packed with vehicles heading north out of the area.
     Monroe County Emergency News:

• Monroe County offices will close at noon Monday.
• Monroe County schools will be closed Monday & Tuesday.
• All municipalities will close at noon Monday, except Key West — it will be closed all day Monday.
• Key West shelters — Key West High School, Sugarloaf, Stanley Switlik and Coral Shores High School — will be opened at noon Monday.

     At 5:00 a.m. Monday, the National Hurricane Center advisory positioned Tropical Storm Rita at Latitude 22.7 North and Longitude 74.3 West or about 250 miles southeast of Nassau, Bahamas or about 490 miles southeast of Key West, Florida. The storm was moving west at about 9 mph and packing winds of near 60 mph with higher gusts. Tropical storm force wnds extend outward to 115 miles from the center of the storm. Additional strengthening is forecast with the possibility of Rita becoming a Category I hurricane within 24 hours.

Sunday, September 18, 11:00 p.m.
Tropical Storm Rita On the Horizon
Florida's Officials Take Action
     A hurricane watch is up for the Florida Keys and South Florida is under a tropical storm watch as Tropical Storm Rita forms in the Caribbean and is expected to become the season's next hurricane. The storm could threaten the southernmost point in the continental U.S. by as early as Tuesday.
     With Katrina fresh on everyone's mind, officials were taking no chances. Governor Jeb Bush has already declared a state of emergency for South Florida and at noon Sunday, a mandatory evacuation of the Florida Keys from the Seven Mile Bridge south was ordered for all visitors, non-residents and recreational vehicles. By afternoon it was clear that everyone was taking that order seriously. The only road leading to the Keys — The Overseas Highway — was packed with vehicles heading north out of the area.
     Monroe County Emergency News:

• Monroe County offices will close at noon Monday.
• Monroe County schools will be closed Monday & Tuesday.
• All municipalities will close at noon Monday, except Key West — it will be closed all day Monday.
• Key West shelters — Key West High School, Sugarloaf, Stanley Switlik and Coral Shores High School — will be opened at noon Monday.

     At 11:00 p.m. Sunday, the National Hurricane Center advisory positioned Tropical Storm Rita at Latitude 22.9 North and Longitude 73.3 West or about 295 miles east-southeast of Nassau, Bahamas. The storm was moving west-northwest at about 10 mph and packing winds of near 50 mph with higher gusts. Additional strengthening is forecast with the possibility of Rita becoming a Category I hurricane by late Monday.