Bolivar Peninsula lies directly in the path of Hurricane Ike’s fierce march towards Houston and mainland Texas. The peninsula acts as a breakwall protecting Galveston Bay and considering the flooding expected around Galveston Bay, Bolivar Peninsula is in serious trouble.
The peninsula, home to many beach side houses and neighborhoods, was included in the mandatory evacuation issued to protect residents from dangerous storm surges. Those flood waters are expected to reach over 15 feet.
The Coast Guard already rescued 50 people via helicopter airlift, as the flood waters are rising even hours before the storm officially hits land. Roads and highways are impassible and soon, the winds will be too strong for helicopter rescues. Officials hope that residents heeded the mandatory evacuation warning and won’t need rescuing.
Sources: Storm Chaser Blog, Post Chronicle
Here is another recent GroundReport story about Hurricane Ike.