Hurricane Rita

Is now Cat-4 and headed for the Houston/Galveston area. It may also touch New Orleans. At least this time they have arranged busses to evacuate people for Galveston.

At one time, Galveston was thought to be hurricane proof. They didn't think there was any way a hurricane could get in there. Until a hurricane struck, about 100 years ago. It had been the deadliest natural disaster in US history. I don't know yet if it has been surpassed by Katrina.

Up until that point, Galveston was growing rapidly. It was an up and coming "it" city. After the hurricane, that honor went to Houston. It became the major port where all the businesses located. Galveston was more or less abandoned, becoming only good for vacationing.