Winds And Seas Increasing On Coast As Ike Approaches

NEWS ALERT: Due to current conditions, Galveston County can no longer facilitate general evacuations. Individuals who can still safely evacuate should do so immediately. Otherwise, shelter in place. Galveston County Emergency Ops: 888-384-2000.

Report from Newsradio 740 KRTH:

The landfall location will probably be very close to the southwest end of Galveston Island. A strike in this portion of the Texas coast will provide dangerous, perhaps life-threatening impacts.

Forecasters say because of Ike's size and the shallow Texas coastal waters, it could produce a wall of water 20 feet high, and waves of perhaps 50 feet. The inundation may be locally catastrophic.

Ike is a category 2 hurricane, and some strengthening is forecast during the hours ahead. Ike could become a major hurricane before reaching the coast. Ike is expected to produce rainfall of 5 to 10 inches with isolated amounts of 15 inches possible. Isolated tornadoes are also possible tonight over portions of southeastern Texas.

Hurricane-force winds extend outward up to 120 miles from the center, and tropical storm-force winds extend outward up to 275 miles.

MANDATORY EVACUATION ZIP CODES: 77058, 77059, 77062, 77520, 77546, 77571, 77586, 77598

For the very latest information, see The Weather Channel Update and listen to continuing coverage on NewsRadio 740 KTRH.