The rain had not stopped all evening and I had the apartment lights flicked on and off , but I did not lose total power. At 0330 this morning I was woken with flashes of lightening and huge rumbles of thunder. The storm had appeared to renew its vigor. I opened the blinds and lay in bed watching the display. The rain was coming down the window like a fireman was standing pointing his fire hose at it. The storm lingered over head until about 0445 ,when I eventually managed to get back to sleep.
In the morning I got up, a little reluctantly having missed a good hour of sleep, and looked out of the window. It was not really raining and the street outside was clear. As I left the car park, I did wonder why so many cars were coming the other way, but drove on. As I went my normal route, I decided for the first time since arriving to put the car radio on (I have been concentrating too hard to stay on the right side of the road to listen to music!). The announcement started - Sam Houston Tollway closed due to flooding, Katy Freeway open, but a number of slips deep in water .... I didn't go anywhere near any of those roads, however, I went through a set of lights with a couple of trucks (remember my car has regular, low, ground clearance), and just saw a lake further down the street. I stopped at its 'shore' to contemplate what to do next. I could see similar cars to me stranded, whilst the trucks ploughed on. I needed to turn around, however, I was passed the nearest spot to do a u-turn - so what to do? I started reversing up the road praying that no one was going to come up behind and the cops were not around. I managed it! I then spent the next hour trying alternate routes and turning around when the flood waters got too deep. I saw houses totally submerged in at least foot or two of water. More people standing at bus stops than I have seen in Houston the whole time I have been here. Trucks and cars abandoned in deep pools of water. At least now, I have got an idea of the low roads and the high roads (and where not to live!). I was actually one of the first to arrive at work for 9am .... the Scot soldiers on!
1) If it rains lots check the weather report before leaving home
2) Wait an hour or two after the rain has stopped and the streets will rapidly clear
3) Never go near an underpass, especially on the freeway, they are always flooded
4) Don't drive over the grassy central reservation, as it is likely to be saturated and your car will sink
5) Always buy/rent a house higher than the road
6) Wear flip flops
After the mornings excitement, I achieved one significant item on my list - getting a bank account - now at least I can get paid :)
Tonight, I decided I needed to go out for a walk, so I took my camera and walked along the Bayou. I took some photos to show the flooding as it is, but I can assure you, the water level has dropped at least 4-5 feet since this morning. The bayou's are designed to take all the flood water away quickly. For the geologist out there, this was probably a significant flood to leave its mark in the geological record in the Gulf! There is a fantastic path along the edge and people walk, run, cycle or roller blade. I also saw my first snake - Broad Banded Water snake. It is non-venomous and this particular one is a baby I think.
I must close and head for some beauty sleep - good night x
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