125 MPH Wind, Model Shows 30-Foot Storm Surge

UPDATE: A sustained wind of 124 mph has been recorded at NDBC Station 42361, which is a Shell Oil station in the Gulf (they don't measure gusts). It's hard to say what the significance of this is because the anemometer is at 122 meters in height, compared to the normal 10 meters (30 feet). Of course, there are plenty of hotels taller than that in Galveston! The new 11 AM advisory from NHC is in; Tropical Storm Force winds extend 275 miles from the center; there is no change in the Category 2 sttus or max sustained winds estimated at 105.

UPDATE: Thanks Drew for this link of live local news feeds. Folks, I'm really worried about the situation in Texas, with the video that I'm seeing on-air this morning (see "J's Breaking Weather News" at right). I mean, we're seeing the water level near the top of the sea-walls and piers being destroyed already, and the storm's 230 miles away -- it's not even cloudy on the coast yet! It's an eerie and foreboding situation.

ORIGINAL POST:

Here's a look at an "after and before" shot of the SLOSH model being run for Hurricane Ike, which (remember it's only a model) is predicting over 30-foot storm surge in northeast Texas. Look how much land is under water! You can get current versions of these DETAILED ANIMATED IKE "SLOSH" SURGE MAPS from NOAA (click on the GIFs).

Again, it's important to remember that 1.) This is a model and 2.) A slight deviation in the track will make a huge difference in these numbers. The good news, if there is any, is that Galveston Island itself only has a 16-foot storm surge.

Here are some other helpful storm surge graphics from the NWS, including historical Category equivalent maps, and probability of 5-foot surge with Ike (keep clicking to zoom in).