Here's a quick rundown of some news from Houston:

-- Both major airports (Intercontinental and Hobby) are now closed.

-- The freeways are pretty much back up to speed, but many motorists are out of gas and stranded on the side of the road. Officials are sending helicopters up to locate stranded motorists, and sending tanker trucks.

-- Officials are recommending to people who may be stuck on the road to just go to the nearest shelter instead of trying to continue to leave town.

-- METRO bus service on standby to evacuate people, take them to shelters, move around rescue workers, etc.

-- Gas stations along the freeways are slowly being refilled.

-- Galveston should expect hurricane force winds just after dark, and continuing for about 12 hours.

-- About 5,000 people stayed on Galveston Island... one lady interviewed said she stayed because she was worried about looting... There is a "shelter of last resort" that is going to stay open on Galveston.

On a personal note, my elderly grandparents made it out of Beaumont -- they were on the road for 14 hours yesterday and only made it as far as Lufkin (normally a 2 hour drive). My aunt drove down from Dallas, picked them up, and took them back to Dallas with her.