In Lubbock, we put out 1,000 cots in our old coliseum and civic center for coastal evacuees (we hosted Katrina and Rita guests, got a Cajun restaurant from some who didn't return). All to no avail, nobody will be evacuated to Lubbock. We had our own little weather situation.

Lubbock received 7.46" rain yesterday, beating the previous single-day record by more than 2 inches. And that's the official amount measured at the airport, some areas of the city received about 9". Some areas of town have received an additional 3" since midnight. All schools are closed, state of emergency declared, lots of street closures. Has absolutely nothing to do with the hurricane. BTW, Lubbock averages about 18" a year.

Back OT - Ike appears to be set for landfall about midnight or 1 AM just west of Galveston, and will pass directly through Houston, if current track continues. Surges will be high. Thankfully, Galveston rebuilt itself about 18' higher than in 1900 and has a very good seawall (surely NOLA could learn something here). Still, expect much damage. Although 1 million have evacuated, about 3 million will still remain within 30 miles of the coast within the projected path.