Ike blowing toward Galveston

At 10:30 a.m. as forecast, torrential tropical rains hit western and northwestern Oklahoma last night with up to nine inches of rain.  Flash flooding is underway and this may lead to river flooding.

Ike is still moving toward the Galveston-Houston area.  The storm is very significant and is a serious threat to life and property along the upper Texas coast.  In Galveston Bay and other locations the storm surge may reach 25 feet.  Houston along with all other areas in that region may well have a very significant flood as well as significant wind damage.

Highest chances for rain in Oklahoma today will be the northwest sections of the state.  Rain will develop across Oklahoma tomorrow, including the Metro and Stillwater, and gradually become heavier.  Ike will increase rainfall along and east of Interstate 35 by 6 p.m. Saturday and heavy, flooding rains will continue in that area into early Sunday morning, then shift quickly out of the state by Noon Sunday.  

 Also, winds will increase late Saturday northeast 30 mph with gusts to 50 mph across central and eastern sections.  The strong winds will continue Sunday morning decreasing late Sunday.