$31B project aimed at protecting coastal regions like Galveston against storm surges, up for Bidenโs approval
Weโve seen the damage that catastrophic storms like Hurricane Ike can do to coastal areas like Galveston, now a major protection project thatโs been talked about for years is closer to coming to fruition.
After over a decade out of service, historic rail trolleys will soon return to downtown Galveston
Electric trolleys first made their debut in Galveston back in 1891 and remained in service until 1938. Fifty years later in 1988, a heritage streetcar system, the Galveston Island Trolley, was opened and continued to operate downtown until September 13, 2008, when Hurricane Ike severely damaged all four of the vintage trolley cars.
โYou donโt forget these stormsโ: 13 years after Hurricane Ike devastated the Gulf Coast, locals share what they remember most
Ike made landfall over Galveston Island as a Category 2 Hurricane at 2:10 a.m. on Saturday, September 13, 2008. The storm devastated the regions, killing dozens and causing billions in damage. The Houston-area locals that lived through shared what they remember most about Ike.
15 years later, you still wonโt believe these photos and stats from Hurricane Ike
With estimated maximum sustained winds of nearly 110 mph, Ike made landfall over Galveston Island as a Category 2 Hurricane at 2:10 a.m. on Saturday, Sept. 13, 2008. The storm killed dozens of people and caused $29.5 billion in damages, becoming one of the most devastating hurricanes in U.S. history.
Biggest unknown with Beta is how much rain it will bring
HOUSTON โ As Tropical Storm Beta neared the Texas coast Monday, the biggest unknown was how much rainfall it could produce in areas that have already seen their share of damaging weather during a busy hurricane season. Rain from Beta was already coming down Monday in the Houston area. Earlier predictions of up to 20 inches (51 centimeters) in some areas were downgraded Monday to up to 15 inches (38 centimeters). Forecasters and officials reassured residents Beta was not expected to be another Hurricane Harvey or Tropical Storm Imelda. Harvey in 2017 dumped more than 50 inches (127 centimeters) of rain on Houston, causing $125 billion in damage in Texas.
Tropical Storm Beta churns slowly toward Texas and Louisiana
Forecasters said Beta was not expected to bring the same amount of rainfall that Texas experienced during either Hurricane Harvey in 2017 or Tropical Storm Imelda last year. The first rain bands from Beta reached the Texas coast on Sunday, but the heaviest rain wasn't expected to arrive until Monday into Tuesday. If the system makes landfall in Texas, it would be the ninth named storm to make landfall in the continental U.S. in 2020. A tropical storm warning was in effect for Bermuda. Wilfred, which had been a tropical storm, weakened to a tropical depression earlier Sunday.
The Galveston Fishing Pier is open to anglers 24 hours a day. Hereโs what it looks like this year
One hot spot is the Galveston Fishing Pier, located at 9001 Seawall Blvd. However, the pier did suffer extensive damage caused by Hurricane Ike in 2008 and was shut down for a time. Itโs open 24 hours a day which makes it an ideal place to fish. You donโt have to be an experienced fisherman either, those new to fishing are welcome, including kids. Recently, KPRC 2 photojournalists Alex Radow and Allen Reid spent a day the pier to capture some of the sights and sounds.
Castles you can see in and around the Greater Houston Area
Shown is the Bishop's Palace, a home that survived killer storm of 1900, in the aftermath of Hurricane Ike, in Galveston, Texas, Thursday, Sept. 18, 2008. Ranging from private residences to to renovated jails, there are several castle-inspired structures you can see here in and around the Greater Houston Area. The Galveston Historical Foundation bought the mansion in 2013. AdConsidered one of the countryโs finest examples of Victorian architecture, Bishopโs Palace is listed by the U. S. Department of the Interior as a National Historic Landmark. Originally from Denmar, Trube was active in local merchandising and real estate, according to the Texas State Historical Association.
Why Hurricane Lauraโs storm surge will be devastating
Southwestern Louisiana went through Hurricane Rita in 2005 with similar results and now, in what looks to be almost the same spot, they will suffer through Hurricane Laura tonight. There are many reasons this will be so devastating, but the surge is poised to be some of the most decimating. Hereโs why:WindWinds drive surge and right now winds are being reported (7 am) as 115 mph. The new 0Z European model below shows a landfalling hurricane with 136 mph winds! UPDATE: NHC is calling for 145 mph winds at landfall!
This is how county officials say they'll stop next year's Jeep Weekend from getting out of control
GALVESTON COUNTY, Texas โ An event-filled, hectic weekend on the Bolivar Peninsula has left many residents disgruntled and with unanswered questions. What happened this yearA historic event: The unofficially planned "Go Topless" Jeep Weekend has been a decadeslong tradition on the Peninsula, according to Galveston County officials. About the event: The event brings thousands to the beach. But this year's event ended with more than 600 calls for service and 305 people booked into the Galveston County Jail, with 120 of those arrests coming from Bolivar Peninsula alone, according to the Galveston County Sheriff's Office. A promise: โYour Galveston County commissioners are on top of the problem and will make sure it runs smoother," Apffel said.
10 years later: Remnants of Ike leave lessons learned from survivors
LEAGUE CITY, Texas โ Hurricane Ike roared ashore in Galveston shortly after 2 a.m., on Sept. 13, 2008, pushing a 22-foot storm surge that flooded 80 percent of the buildings in the city. โI learned that I'm really resilient and that it's OK to not have it together and to need help," she said. Hurricane Ike caused $27 billion in damage. A bitter political fight over replacing 569 public housing units destroyed by Ike has stalled reconstruction. But Matlock said she learned from Ike that heart and family make a home, not the house.
Tropical disturbance in the Caribbean
HOUSTON โ Over the weekend, a tropical disturbance developed in the central Caribbean. The disturbance is moving slowly northwest, and if it holds together, could enter the Gulf of Mexico late Thursday or Friday. Right now, conditions look rather unfavorable for significant development. These strong winds and dry air should inhibit significant development over the weekend. The cold front moving through on Saturday should prevent any impact from 97L on our area.