My brother-in-law, who runs a restaurant on Galveston Island, got his wife and 4 kids out of there this afternoon. He was going to board up his restaurant, and then stay to ride things out.

Fortunately, we had the opportunity to speak with him. I don't have much fear in me. In my younger days, I would go thrill seeking. That being said, I draw the line at Cat 3. If there's a Cat 4/5 coming? Get the Hell out! You do NOT ride out a Cat 4/5 - they ride you...

Don't listen to possibilities of weakening prior to landfall. True or false, Rita will be carrying Cat 5 storm surge with her. Remember the 27+ foot (33' in places reported) surge from Katrina? I'm afraid we'll see a new high-water mark set with Rita. If you are within 10 miles of the coast, and less than 30 feet above sea-level, there should be NO debate. Load up, get what you need, and get gone.

YMMV SPSFD