Meanwhile, hundreds of families watched their homes fill with water overnight and are at this very moment emptying their lives out onto their yards to dry. Mimi needs to start making peanut butter sandwiches to deliver to Meyerland. This article pretty much sums up most of our storms, it is the South.
Please donate to local relief efforts -
https://houston.secure-fedweb.jewishfederations.org/page/contribute/hous...
http://www.youcaring.com/members-affected-by-the-houstonflood2015-360587
Please donate to local relief efforts -
https://houston.secure-fedweb.jewishfederations.org/page/contribute/hous...
http://www.youcaring.com/members-affected-by-the-houstonflood2015-360587
7
Yes, getting trapped in the rain is a horrible experience. Having to work on a holiday instead of being "blissfully free of obligations" is also horrible. How many people had to toil away Memorial Day because Ms. Swartz could not find time to shop on Tuesday? Cooks, wait staff, managers, checkout clerks.... all would have be happy to relax with their families that day or just ensure they were all safe. Sometimes the details of a story tell you more about the author than they realize.
4
So do snarky comments by instantly judging people.
21
Ms. Swartz sounded pretty sane til the last sentence. It's people who think they have safer vehicles who make dumber decisions and end up floating away. PBS NewsHour showed an SUV caught in a torrent which then rolled over. I think the SUV's occupants may have not survived. Better safe than sorry.
4
When you hear the sound of hooves, think horses, not zebras. A lot of people are working themselves up on this forum about global warming as a root cause of this flooding, but that's supposition. Houston's a very flat place, overdeveloped, kind of like a huge swamp. Flooding there makes for good TV, but is not all that special.
I'd compare the attitude here to that of Bangladeshis who insist that global warming is the cause of their decades-old flooding of seaside towns, despite all scientific evidence indicating there is no increase in sea level rise. Subsidence and natural events are much more likely culprits.
This isn't to say climate change doesn't exist, but it's the flavor of the day, and pointing fingers at it as the cause of everything bad dealing with weather is not only unscientific, it's borderline nonsense at this point.
I'd compare the attitude here to that of Bangladeshis who insist that global warming is the cause of their decades-old flooding of seaside towns, despite all scientific evidence indicating there is no increase in sea level rise. Subsidence and natural events are much more likely culprits.
This isn't to say climate change doesn't exist, but it's the flavor of the day, and pointing fingers at it as the cause of everything bad dealing with weather is not only unscientific, it's borderline nonsense at this point.
2
But this is a part of the country where global warming ain't happening.
4
I hope the SUV comment was a joke. Driving thru flood waters kills.
12
Don't bother with the SUV. The 'utility' has been designed out of most of them so that they can still have the same comforts as cars. Most SUVs don't actually have great off-road (or in-water) capabilities.
You could get the biggest of the big SUVS, like a Chevy Tahoe or Ford Expedition, and the stock vehicles only have 4 or 5 more inches of ground clearance than a Honda Civic. Neither one is going to get you through several feet of water so, again, why bother?
Leaving aside the foolishness of buying a vehicle for the 1 in 1000 trip rather then your typical everyday use; the SUV just won't do what you think it will.
You could get the biggest of the big SUVS, like a Chevy Tahoe or Ford Expedition, and the stock vehicles only have 4 or 5 more inches of ground clearance than a Honda Civic. Neither one is going to get you through several feet of water so, again, why bother?
Leaving aside the foolishness of buying a vehicle for the 1 in 1000 trip rather then your typical everyday use; the SUV just won't do what you think it will.
8
The Toyota FJ Cruiser (I think it has been discontinued as a new model) was specifically designed with higher air intake ports to give it through water capability. This design, or something like it, is probably available on certain Range Rovers, too, especially the old, classic trucks found across the savannas in Africa. Nothing is going to save someone, however, from high rushing water if they are dumb enough to try to drive through it.
8
I moved to Houston 5 years ago and am pretty far to the left, but I strongly disagree with many of the sentiments expressed here.
Houston has clay rather than sand or soil, so it takes a very long time for water absorption. Florida, by comparison, has primarily sandy soil and extra rainfall can quickly filter down into the aquifer. Regardless of how much surface area is unpaved, floods will happen in Houston because the water just sits on top of the clay.
While many TX politicians have a well-deserved reputation for being idiots, Houston is pretty progressive and doesn't deserve so much of the scorn directed at climate-deniers and other right-wing nuts. This is the largest American city with an LGBT mayor and it's a place with taxes 2-3 times as high as my home state. It has many flaws but it's not the cultural backwater that much of the state can be.
Houston has clay rather than sand or soil, so it takes a very long time for water absorption. Florida, by comparison, has primarily sandy soil and extra rainfall can quickly filter down into the aquifer. Regardless of how much surface area is unpaved, floods will happen in Houston because the water just sits on top of the clay.
While many TX politicians have a well-deserved reputation for being idiots, Houston is pretty progressive and doesn't deserve so much of the scorn directed at climate-deniers and other right-wing nuts. This is the largest American city with an LGBT mayor and it's a place with taxes 2-3 times as high as my home state. It has many flaws but it's not the cultural backwater that much of the state can be.
32
You must be pretty far to the left to think that having taxes 2-3 times higher than your home state is laudable! But I'm glad you're happy in Houston!
1
Love how all caring "liberal" folks are jumping on the bandwagon to lecture Houston and Texas. For those who don't know, this is a very diverse city of 3M+ which actually happens to be very blue in the city core. Many who have moved here are the ones who couldn't afford the quality of life (or did not want to pay for) that some (most?) of the commentators here probably have on the coasts. They are also impacted by this. So are gays, PETA folks, libertarians and southern baptists.
Do you fly on a plane ? Do you use plastics ? Do you heat your homes ? Do you live in a home where vegetation was cleared to make your home ? Do you eat meat ? Do you feed your precious pets processed meat ?You are all complicit in global warming. This may or may not be a result of global warming but the rush to judgement is terrible. This is as bad as the wingnuts on Drudge and Fox. The schadenfreude here is depressing !
Do you fly on a plane ? Do you use plastics ? Do you heat your homes ? Do you live in a home where vegetation was cleared to make your home ? Do you eat meat ? Do you feed your precious pets processed meat ?You are all complicit in global warming. This may or may not be a result of global warming but the rush to judgement is terrible. This is as bad as the wingnuts on Drudge and Fox. The schadenfreude here is depressing !
19
Of all the stories the Times could have posted about this horrific rainstorm/tragedy, how could the Time choose this one? Of course we love Mimi Swartz and commend her for taking care of her father, but this vignette comes nowhere near being worthy as a recount of the storm and the personal stories Houstonians have. People died. People lost everything. A little gravitas would have been appropriate, not a light-hearted rom-com version of the storm experience.
55
Please, people. Neither Mimi, nor I nor any of the other millions of Texans who drive small, efficient cars and the deplore the personal tanks that threaten us daily are actually going to trade. The SUV comment was a joke we all make after a high water event, recognizing that's the only thing they're good for.
14
You know, people can try to second guess politicians' reasons for endorsing one type of infrastructure vs. another type, but, the bottom line is that flash flooding is a dangerous & sometimes deadly phenomenon. Living on LI, one would never think that one would have to concern oneself with flash flood warning/watches... if there's no hurricane along for the ride! However, in 2013, after five plus hours of constant hard rain, my daughter was one block from our home & frantically called me a that neighborhood stream had breached & water was rising & entering her car. Within five minutes, her mid-sized car was filling with water & neighbors were screaming for her to leave her car. She swam out of the driver's side window & thankfully was able to reach higher ground. Snarky comments don't help people rebuild their homes or replace loved ones lost.
7
SUVs as a solution to biblical floods coinciding with consequences of emissions coming to haunt us. Wow!
20
An exercise in creative writing filled with embellishment waiting for this harrowing tale to end with the purchase of an SUV? This is NYTimes worthy? I think not.
12
I have a dear friend who died while driving her car one night in a flash flood in Austin several years ago. In hearing about the flooding in Houston, I am thinking often of this wonderful woman, mother, artist, giver. I hope that her tragic death is a reminder to people like yourself, Mimi, not to risk it and when the rains are predicted, just to stay put.
8
That darn Obama is at it again! They caught him trying to invade and take God fearing Texan's guns. So what did he do? He unleashed the government's newest secret weapon: climate controlled thunderstorms!
His next step is to employ illegal immigrant children to clean up the mess in a cynical political ploy for sympathy. Don't fall for it sheeple! You rights are being trampled.
His next step is to employ illegal immigrant children to clean up the mess in a cynical political ploy for sympathy. Don't fall for it sheeple! You rights are being trampled.
17
Another preventive measure that would have done the trick: Boycotting shopping on Memorial Day, so that someday, maybe, store employees can enjoy their holiday, too.
12
So Ms. Swartz camped out for a night, returned home to dine on flank steak, and is now contemplating the purchase of an SUV? So, this is the tale of woe and suffering from Houston that the NY Times chooses to go with as a first-person account? Really?
31
Instead of the usual knee-jerk criticism of Texas and rednecks of all sorts, how about we have a sober assessment of the situation?
1. Global Warming/Climate Change: Manmade or not, it is happening, pretty much everyone agrees on that. So the natural phenomena are not going to let up because we humans want to live and live well, so we have to make adjustments to cope with this change and come out of it successfully. What do we need to do?
2. Seychelles will drown in 2050: The usual alarms of sinking islands and Florida coasts in 2050 or 2120 are fine for cheesy movies. But no one cares.
3. Farming: The real problem is droughts and flooding - both will be more extreme. There will be unexpected snowfall in northern climes, killing newly planted crops. There will be unexpected cold blasts which will kill crops just before harvest time. Droughts will make normally profitable farms teeter and break their business model. Floods will make pleasant suburbs as risky as beachfront property and insurance premiums will be unrealistic. Government to the rescue? How much, how long?
4. Insurance: More property lost - houses, cars, computers, yada yada as the middle class is being weakened and global competition for labor rockets. Who can afford the costs of living anymore? House prices inflated by low interest Chinese money, same with cars, cannot protect from floodwaters or hurricanes can they?
So drop the ideological warfare and think solutions. Seriously. Cheers.
1. Global Warming/Climate Change: Manmade or not, it is happening, pretty much everyone agrees on that. So the natural phenomena are not going to let up because we humans want to live and live well, so we have to make adjustments to cope with this change and come out of it successfully. What do we need to do?
2. Seychelles will drown in 2050: The usual alarms of sinking islands and Florida coasts in 2050 or 2120 are fine for cheesy movies. But no one cares.
3. Farming: The real problem is droughts and flooding - both will be more extreme. There will be unexpected snowfall in northern climes, killing newly planted crops. There will be unexpected cold blasts which will kill crops just before harvest time. Droughts will make normally profitable farms teeter and break their business model. Floods will make pleasant suburbs as risky as beachfront property and insurance premiums will be unrealistic. Government to the rescue? How much, how long?
4. Insurance: More property lost - houses, cars, computers, yada yada as the middle class is being weakened and global competition for labor rockets. Who can afford the costs of living anymore? House prices inflated by low interest Chinese money, same with cars, cannot protect from floodwaters or hurricanes can they?
So drop the ideological warfare and think solutions. Seriously. Cheers.
14
Yes, get another massive carbon generating device, because you just haven't wrecked the planet enough yet, have you? Get three more F-150's and a Hummer and have five kids while you're at it. Hey, kids are our future, right? Given that your "future" is extinction by your own hand, you're absolutely right on that one. Thanks, Mimi, for this little tale explicitly demonstrating WHY the Human Race is not worthy or capable of survival, much less expansion out into the Universe. Have another flank steak on me...
15
Too easy to judge in this case. Come try it on for size from $$$ville, and please calm down.
8
People do judge when they see so many cars on the road (or floating above it) during torrential rains. What were all those folks thinking, we mumble, to go out in such weather? But the only criticism I felt for the writer, as I read this piece, was for her purchase of cut-up squash and pre-marinated steak. So maybe fifteen minutes of kitchen prep time is saved? I don't understand the motivation. Grocery stores tend to fob off their old meat and tired produce by packaging them that way. Those groceries were scarier, to me, than the rain.
5
This is a family where both spouses work and which provides shelter to an elderly parent. Leisure time is minimal and shorcuts need be taken.Lighten up!
4
What was the point of this opinion piece? To let us know that people in Texas who have continually voted for Republican climate change deniers will just continue their stupidity and continue to buy gas guzzling SUVs?
Look at the bozo politicians coming out of Texas who are running for president. The fact they are all from Texas is no accident. The fact that Bush jr. who had the worst failed presidency in modern history was also Governor from Texas and did nothing about global warming in his 2 terms as president.
This article just reinforces the worst negative stereotype about the ignorance of the people from Texas. Really- going to buy an SUV after so many have just died tragically from an historic flood? This was really one of the most pathetic, self centered pieces I have seen in a while. I am disappointed in the NYT. I would rather have seen someone from Texas write a piece about how this flooding would perhaps become a tipping point for Texans' voting patterns in future and a wake up call for climate change deniers.
Look at the bozo politicians coming out of Texas who are running for president. The fact they are all from Texas is no accident. The fact that Bush jr. who had the worst failed presidency in modern history was also Governor from Texas and did nothing about global warming in his 2 terms as president.
This article just reinforces the worst negative stereotype about the ignorance of the people from Texas. Really- going to buy an SUV after so many have just died tragically from an historic flood? This was really one of the most pathetic, self centered pieces I have seen in a while. I am disappointed in the NYT. I would rather have seen someone from Texas write a piece about how this flooding would perhaps become a tipping point for Texans' voting patterns in future and a wake up call for climate change deniers.
15
Goodness commenters, why do some of you find it so easy to chide others for lacking insight when you have the benefit of hindsight?
While I understand Mimi Swartz's impulse to "upgrade" to an SUV, if climate change is a reason for these more frequent calamitous weather events, this seems a futile strategy for the simple reason that low gas mileage vehicles emit more C02.
Very interesting information from Tim in NY about the vehicles the Natl. Guard uses for navigating flooding. It seems to me that we cannot expect technology and machines to save us and we may have to do a little thinking about how to "get back to nature" and live with natural hazards. Not building cities on floodplains would be the first strategy I suggest. Zero-population growth would be the next as the Earth's land surface is limited (and shrinking, perhaps.). But, I completely understand if it is easier for us humans to carry on as usual and periodically criticize those who fall victim to natural disaster for not accurately predicting the future..
While I understand Mimi Swartz's impulse to "upgrade" to an SUV, if climate change is a reason for these more frequent calamitous weather events, this seems a futile strategy for the simple reason that low gas mileage vehicles emit more C02.
Very interesting information from Tim in NY about the vehicles the Natl. Guard uses for navigating flooding. It seems to me that we cannot expect technology and machines to save us and we may have to do a little thinking about how to "get back to nature" and live with natural hazards. Not building cities on floodplains would be the first strategy I suggest. Zero-population growth would be the next as the Earth's land surface is limited (and shrinking, perhaps.). But, I completely understand if it is easier for us humans to carry on as usual and periodically criticize those who fall victim to natural disaster for not accurately predicting the future..
8
Sorry, the time to defend climate-changing behavior has long since passed. There is no proof that what hit Houston can in fact be tied directly to the build-up of atmospheric CO2. But what he DO know is that it's exactly the sort of thing that will happen with much greater frequency as a result of that. Glad you can accept this all with such equanimity.
Possibly the worst decision was to cook up the unrefrigerated flank steak.
10
A little taken back by the arrogance displayed towards Houston in this comment section. Instead of bashing Houston by incorrectly grouping it in with the rest of Texas, how about some constructive criticism, such as talking about: 1) The failure of the city to invest in its infrastructure, particularly inside the 610 loop—hello potholes!, and 2) How unprepared the city is to deal with a Category 4/5 hurricane, including establishing proper evacuation routes (during the last Houston hurricane, we moved about 10 miles in 5 hours before deciding to turn around).
10
My thought about Houston is this: why do the underpasses that were flooded exist instead of overpasses? Houston at best is just 50 feet above sea level so why not use an overpass instead of an underpass? Where do the authorities think that water will go? Water still runs downhill, no matter what opinion is on disaster planning and global climate change.
8
The underpasses are under the overpasses! People need to exit to their destinations somewhere! Most of the time, this is not a problem. When you get a foot of rain in a few hours, it becomes a problem.
5
The roads are built like that intentionally to divert water from people's homes. believe it or not, Houston planners actually know what they're doing. Let's try not to blame everything on "climate change denial".
5
50 feet...I don't think so. Try 5. This was a rainstorm though, not rising sea water. Houston is roughly 50 miles inland from the Gulf of Mexico but connected by Galveston Bay, bayous and a ship channel. The inevitable combination of a hurricane caused tidal surge and rainfall deluge will flood all of Houston some day. Too bad, great city that votes democrat, but is alas headquarters to the world's fossil fuel industry.
4
Houston is like a billiard table. The highest point is just several feet above sea level. There is very poor drainage ergo when there is a lot of rain there is no where for the water to go....so it sloshes around....There are pretty much no zoning regs in Houston, this being Texas, and very little in the way of civic planning. Houstonians are just fine with this libertarian approach, at least for the most part....it would be a shame if they ask the rest of us to pay for their lack of intelligent planning. Let them raise their own taxes.
25
I notice the lack of Bible-thumpers claiming that the floods are God's wrath for the current session of the Texas legislature. It makes sense to me.
37
Maybe that's because after a lifetime here, they understand it's just part of the normal weather cycle here, instead of prostrating themselves on the floor and crying about "Global Warming".
Stevie Ray Vaughn wrote a song about Texas Floods. Look it up.
Stevie Ray Vaughn wrote a song about Texas Floods. Look it up.
3
We ll see in 20 years ...lets hear the song you will be singing then.
1
Those of us who regularly deal with flooded streets from violent, but generally short downpours understand completely the author's cheery attitude on the most recent of Houston's floods--and applaud her creativity in finding places to wait out what turned out to be a much worse than normal or expected downpour. It is much the same attitude those in northern climes have toward blizzards. After all if we all waited for perfect conditions to go to work or to go shopping many of us would never leave our homes. And something about extreme weather stirs up our pioneer ancestry also.
Certainly this could have been a piece which highlighted the tragic deaths of those who also ignored actual conditions or warnings or the difficulties experienced by minimum wage workers keeping the stores and multiplexes open. This wasn't a news article and some wry comments do help us deal with somber events. The author does not deserve most of the critical comments on her decision-making.
I do agree with so many who advise against the author looking at SUVs in the hope she can drive through high water. The science of what makes cars float works for SUVs too. And no, they are not immune to the effects of ice, either!
I hope the connection between Texas Monthly and the NYT is explained at some point. While I have enjoyed the articles, I wonder why this publication has been selected for on-going contributions. Perhaps the Public Editor will explain.
Certainly this could have been a piece which highlighted the tragic deaths of those who also ignored actual conditions or warnings or the difficulties experienced by minimum wage workers keeping the stores and multiplexes open. This wasn't a news article and some wry comments do help us deal with somber events. The author does not deserve most of the critical comments on her decision-making.
I do agree with so many who advise against the author looking at SUVs in the hope she can drive through high water. The science of what makes cars float works for SUVs too. And no, they are not immune to the effects of ice, either!
I hope the connection between Texas Monthly and the NYT is explained at some point. While I have enjoyed the articles, I wonder why this publication has been selected for on-going contributions. Perhaps the Public Editor will explain.
18
Well, I guess I appreciate it when an author writes a story that doesn't put herself in the best light. It's a perfect example of how we can, with today's tech, have a lot of data and info, but still somehow not be truly informed (and make reasonable decisions based on this info).
I mean, "We checked a weather map on our phones. A bright red swath was hopping around Houston, but I had read on another news alert that the storm was going to miss us." So you ignore the info right in front of you (the "bright red swath") and rely on a previous, general news alert? You don't take 1 minute to see if the "news alerts" have been updated?
It's a lucky break more people weren't killed in these horrendous storms, SUV or not.
I mean, "We checked a weather map on our phones. A bright red swath was hopping around Houston, but I had read on another news alert that the storm was going to miss us." So you ignore the info right in front of you (the "bright red swath") and rely on a previous, general news alert? You don't take 1 minute to see if the "news alerts" have been updated?
It's a lucky break more people weren't killed in these horrendous storms, SUV or not.
10
Not one penny of federal money to government-hating Texas! Learn to be 'self-reliant' like the rest of us.
37
All of us in New York are self-reliant, Betti?
6
Texans as a whole should not be blamed for Perry, Abbott, etc., just as all Americans should not be blamed for W.
I recall watching the NE close down over a Hurricane Sandy, which would have been a non-event in FL or TX. I also recall that the nation was generally pretty sympathetic to those affected even though it was only a Category 1 storm and everyone had a few days notice. Perhaps we should extend each other a bit more grace instead of reminding each other to be more self reliant.
I recall watching the NE close down over a Hurricane Sandy, which would have been a non-event in FL or TX. I also recall that the nation was generally pretty sympathetic to those affected even though it was only a Category 1 storm and everyone had a few days notice. Perhaps we should extend each other a bit more grace instead of reminding each other to be more self reliant.
2
Metropolitan Houston is 10,000 square miles, and is larger than the state of New Jersey. Google a NASA satellite view of Houston. It's sprawl on steroids, and sprawl means 25%-30% of the land is covered in asphalt. Streets, highways, & an assault of empty parking lots. It's long buried land, dead as the face of the moon. Rainwater shoots off asphalt and has no place to go. Our cities flood BY DESIGN.
Climate change has arrived. We've already ordered a few hundred years of disturbance. The more fossil fuel we burn now, the more disturbance we send our kids, and it will ramp up quickly. But just like the author, many, many people have their warning gear turned "off". Last week I noticed top headlines on an international online news source. One was about Johnny Depp's dogs in trouble in Australia. The second was that the Larsen C Antarctic ice shelf will melt away in just a few years. http://www.washingtonpost.com/news/energy-environment/wp/2015/05/12/this...
It's beginning to look like ostriches are smarter. Birds have thrived on Earth for 150 million years. But it's only taken 100,000 years for humans to trash it and remain indifferent, while searching for news on their favorite celebrity. Hey, what's Kim up to today??
Climate change has arrived. We've already ordered a few hundred years of disturbance. The more fossil fuel we burn now, the more disturbance we send our kids, and it will ramp up quickly. But just like the author, many, many people have their warning gear turned "off". Last week I noticed top headlines on an international online news source. One was about Johnny Depp's dogs in trouble in Australia. The second was that the Larsen C Antarctic ice shelf will melt away in just a few years. http://www.washingtonpost.com/news/energy-environment/wp/2015/05/12/this...
It's beginning to look like ostriches are smarter. Birds have thrived on Earth for 150 million years. But it's only taken 100,000 years for humans to trash it and remain indifferent, while searching for news on their favorite celebrity. Hey, what's Kim up to today??
55
Exactly. Houston was warned decades ago of the perils of paving over wetlands but, no "bureaucrat" or scientist or land use expert was going to tell these "It's my land and I'll do with it what I want" indivdualists what do to. So now they pay the price. This was all predicted, and thus is no surprise. Nature's sponge was eradicated.
1
What did they blame Texas floods on before Global Warming Moonieism? Maybe...nature?
1
The lesson here came early in the author's essay. You absolutely have to pay attention to weather warnings and not be oblivious to what's going on above, around and below you. We had similar conditions here in Norman, Oklahoma and spent most of several days going nowhere. That's just the way it was. Marinated flank steak is not worth risking your life for.
8
"I’m heading out now to look at S.U.V.s." Why? Ms. Swartz reports that the SUVs on the flooded roads were turning around. The photos show a whole lot of them abandoned on embankments. They apparently give some people a false sense of security or power to conquer nature.
40
I had the same thought. Just like some people in the Northeast have a false sense of security when driving their SUVs through the snow.
8
If you lived here, you'd want an SUV.
I would never buy an SUV, but then, I care about the planet.
2
Forget the SUV.
The National Guard uses LMTV vehicles, which weigh about 8 tons and have a cab about six feet off the ground.
These trucks are rated at fording water up to about 3 feet deep, so even with an LMTV you would need to avoid crossing any rapidly moving streams.
Cost is about $185,000 for a base vehicle.
You could also just stay home, but that would require a level of intelligence and common sense you apparently don't posess.
The National Guard uses LMTV vehicles, which weigh about 8 tons and have a cab about six feet off the ground.
These trucks are rated at fording water up to about 3 feet deep, so even with an LMTV you would need to avoid crossing any rapidly moving streams.
Cost is about $185,000 for a base vehicle.
You could also just stay home, but that would require a level of intelligence and common sense you apparently don't posess.
34
So...all of your decisions have been perfect, always?
11
Most of these comments are condescending towards Texas whose residents endure any number of environmental and climate calamities so that those in other states can enjoy the convenience of automobile travel, heated homes, etc. Also, while the climate change crowd wags their fingers, know that Biblical floods are nothing new down there. I lived through a few when I lived there in the 90's.
9
Well stated. Texans, and Houstonians in particular, know that there's nothing special about this flooding event, it wasn't the first and won't be the last. Global Warming Finger wagers are in their self righteous glory, as usual.
2
Takes one to know one. The "self-righteous" ignoramous always seem to carry a chip on their shoulders. Presuming to know best but can not muster any scientific evidence besides their usual trope: flooding always have ocurred before. Be rational and think logically.
Really. And what does Texas do for anyone except produce planet-destroying types of fuel and particularly brainless politicians.
2
Too many people, discover to their dismay, how powerful running water can be.
Just a few inches flowing across a flood roadway can be enough to lift tires off the road and send the car drifting sideways and before the driver knows it...big trouble.
Best rule of thumb....if the road ahead is covered with water.....even what looks like a small bit of it, and it is flowing to any degree....turn around. It is not worth the risk to life and property. An inconvenience yes, but not an emergency rescue.
Just a few inches flowing across a flood roadway can be enough to lift tires off the road and send the car drifting sideways and before the driver knows it...big trouble.
Best rule of thumb....if the road ahead is covered with water.....even what looks like a small bit of it, and it is flowing to any degree....turn around. It is not worth the risk to life and property. An inconvenience yes, but not an emergency rescue.
15
Some easy rules for survival:
1. Anytime you enter a building, always locate the exits and remember where they are in relation to your position.
2. When driving, glance both ways before proceeding through any intersection. Always be ready to brake or take evasive actions if you don't like what you see.
3. Be aware of all the potential natural disasters that may strike where you live and be prepared for the worst of them at all times.
4. The very last thing you do before leaving the house or going to sleep it to check the weather. If severe weather is forecast, don't go out or don't go to sleep.
5. Physics always wins. F=MA, and your F, M and A are always significantly less than what nature has to offer.
1. Anytime you enter a building, always locate the exits and remember where they are in relation to your position.
2. When driving, glance both ways before proceeding through any intersection. Always be ready to brake or take evasive actions if you don't like what you see.
3. Be aware of all the potential natural disasters that may strike where you live and be prepared for the worst of them at all times.
4. The very last thing you do before leaving the house or going to sleep it to check the weather. If severe weather is forecast, don't go out or don't go to sleep.
5. Physics always wins. F=MA, and your F, M and A are always significantly less than what nature has to offer.
9
Contrary to many who have posted here, it is easy to get caught out in flooding, especially in a place like Houston. Charleston, SC, is another place that floods easily because the land is so level it takes time for it to run off into the ocean. We who live in the east should know quite well how easy it is to be caught out in a snow storm and the anxiety that comes from trying to creep back home, or wherever you have to go, along with thousands of others in cars.
You don't need a big fat SUV. If the water is high enough, you are stuck in an SUV, too. What you need to do pay attention and be aware of where it is you happen to dwell. I often complain that reporters and others on television forget the difference between a forecast of weather, like a hurricane, and the actual event. This doesn't mean forecasts should be ignored. They should be used to establish the parameters for planning and for what you do or don't do when a storm is moving in. Be smart, act smart.
I don't want to jump to judgement about the decisions of the op-ed writer, but the important thing is simple: PAY ATTENTION to the warnings. (Driving a Honda Civic under any circumstances is a questionable decision, too.) A forecast that a storm will "miss the Metro area" doesn't mean that it will. A prediction of 120 MPH winds in a storm doesn't mean they can't be 150. Weather forecasting has improved dramatically, but weather happens when it gets here, not when it is 200 miles away.
You don't need a big fat SUV. If the water is high enough, you are stuck in an SUV, too. What you need to do pay attention and be aware of where it is you happen to dwell. I often complain that reporters and others on television forget the difference between a forecast of weather, like a hurricane, and the actual event. This doesn't mean forecasts should be ignored. They should be used to establish the parameters for planning and for what you do or don't do when a storm is moving in. Be smart, act smart.
I don't want to jump to judgement about the decisions of the op-ed writer, but the important thing is simple: PAY ATTENTION to the warnings. (Driving a Honda Civic under any circumstances is a questionable decision, too.) A forecast that a storm will "miss the Metro area" doesn't mean that it will. A prediction of 120 MPH winds in a storm doesn't mean they can't be 150. Weather forecasting has improved dramatically, but weather happens when it gets here, not when it is 200 miles away.
2
Maybe instead of an SUV the author should invest in one of those amphibious vehicles. She and her husband have each already lost a car and looking into the purchase of an SUV seems to be further denial of the science behind the storms.
At least she recognizes the dilapidated state of Houston's infrastructure. That's true all across the country, not just Texas and Oklahoma. The thing is that you cannot fix the infrastructure without recognizing that the upgrades need to take the science into consideration, something the legislators in Texas refuse to do.
At least she recognizes the dilapidated state of Houston's infrastructure. That's true all across the country, not just Texas and Oklahoma. The thing is that you cannot fix the infrastructure without recognizing that the upgrades need to take the science into consideration, something the legislators in Texas refuse to do.
33
I've been to Houston exactly once in 1980. The plane landed and the doors opened. In came a rush of hot and humid air the likes of which I had never experienced. It was crushing. I caught a puddle hopper to Galveston. The plane never got higher than 4000 feet as it is a short hop. We landed and the door opened. I felt like I was in hot soup. Sweltering and wet. I checked into the Hotel Galvez on the strand and watched people swimming in the warm waters of the Gulf amidst the huge floating balls of oil washed up from the Ixtoc oil spill somewhere out in the gulf. Casual obliviousness seemed to be the reigning emotion of the day. Oh my....that was quite enough of Texas for me.
104
I see you are from Portland, Oregon. I suppose where one lives is a personal decision that does not deserve ridicule. I have lived in Houston for 13 years and found it a wonderful place for our family (yes, in spite of our wacko state government). Ten years ago I hired a young accountant whose family had immigrated to Portland (not their choice, it was where the relocation service placed them) from Vietnam. Apparently, she and her extended family found the Portland climate absolutely unbearable and moved the entire clan (15+ people) to Houston and have lived here happily ever since. How about live and let live?
Mistakes often start out as good ideas, however more than the subject matter of the essay, I'm struck by all the comments from people who either never experienced a lapse in good judgement, or more likely, refused to admit it when they did. The internet is a terrific place to be holier than thou.
22
After a long drought which Texas has experienced, people often don't expect deluges of rain. They were praying for rain just last year. I enjoyed reading this personal account. And really wish Texans well in this catastrophe
10
Many other commenters here have said exactly what I thought. I'm leaning toward not believing that this article is on the level.
The author's tendency to fail to learn from past mistakes seems deeply ingrained and almost clownish. No, delete the "almost." She and her husband have faced this situation before, but ignore the warnings. She mentions several times that she sees SUV's turning around to escape flood waters, yet she decides that's her best choice. And, since it seems that in Texas believing that 97% of all climate scientists are wrong is the law, she doesn't connect the convenience factor (precut squash, pre-marinated steak, SUV to bully one's way through) with the result: severe climate events.
She also doesn't mention how her father and the caregiver got on without her there. It must have been terrifying for them.
I, too, must conclude that no one can be this dense; what we have here is the unreliable narrator. Or flat-out satire.
The author's tendency to fail to learn from past mistakes seems deeply ingrained and almost clownish. No, delete the "almost." She and her husband have faced this situation before, but ignore the warnings. She mentions several times that she sees SUV's turning around to escape flood waters, yet she decides that's her best choice. And, since it seems that in Texas believing that 97% of all climate scientists are wrong is the law, she doesn't connect the convenience factor (precut squash, pre-marinated steak, SUV to bully one's way through) with the result: severe climate events.
She also doesn't mention how her father and the caregiver got on without her there. It must have been terrifying for them.
I, too, must conclude that no one can be this dense; what we have here is the unreliable narrator. Or flat-out satire.
32
You seem a little critical...
2
You are talking about an excellent journalist. And you are not a well informed skeptic.
3
Maybe she was exaggerating a little bit for humor and effect? Maybe she is self-deprecating and a more objective observer would have described her conduct a bit more charitably? Maybe she is trying to be the "everywoman" and explain how so many cars ended up in those flooded roadways despite the warnings from the weather folks?
2
Yes, get an SUV, maybe just like the one on the news that was being washed away upside-down during the storms, with the driver still inside.
Thinking an SUV will make you safer in flooding is stupid.
Staying home and heeding flood warnings is smart.
Thinking an SUV will make you safer in flooding is stupid.
Staying home and heeding flood warnings is smart.
17
It's striking how little interaction there is in this whole escapade. We never learn anyone's name except her husband. Even as the flooding starts and it's clear that Houston has a problem, we never learn about anyone else's struggles. The anonymous caregiver, for example, is simply told to go it alone. Does he or she have a family that he or she is worried about? The author visits supermarkets, restaurants and movie theaters but never bothers to tell us what becomes of the people who were working there or, even, whether they seemed affected. The author never talks to anyone about the flood -- information is gathered only by looking at other peoples' cell phones, or by watching what other vehicles do on the streets. It's everything I don't like about modern society, and I'm an introvert.
17
I live in Houston, too -- in a neighborhood that fortunately doesn't flood. I keep informed about the weather, and I buy supplies in advance. During the dramatic storms that Ms Swartz writes about, I was comfortably at home, and my power didn't go out. It might have been a better story to tell about how Houston -- especially the huge Texas Medical Center -- has improved its infrastructure since Hurricane Allison so that basements full of critical equipment and information don't flood.
16
Do the water rescue people a favor and don't buy the SUV. At least without it you're not stupid enough to try to drive through high water. An SUV won't save you.
27
Its not all climate change and I get tired of every bad storm getting blamed on it.
Know your history!
http://usatoday30.usatoday.com/weather/hurricane/history/whtexas.htm
Hurricanes have been hitting that area of Texas since before recorded history. If anything, the areas that were flooded in the piece should have been better planned to deal with flooding.
If you look at New Orleans and any hurricane, WHAT DO YOU EXPECT WHEN YOU HAVE A CITY SITTING ON THE GULF OF MEXICO THAT IS BELOW SEALEVEL!!!
As for flooding in the Mississippi river, a lot of that has been blamed on the artificial walls and levees installed by the Army Corps of Engineers over time in an attempt to control that river.
As for wildfires, if natural fires were allowed to burn, there wouldnt be buildups of dry wood (tinder) and if the regions werent so overpopulated by people trying to live in the woods, there wouldnt be so much property damage of lives lost.
As for drought in California, the state is overpopulated and held in thrall by the 0.1 to 1% with their need for well irrigated lawns and overfilled swimming pools AS reported in the in The New York Times.
Its not the climate change, stupid, its ourselves.
Know your history!
http://usatoday30.usatoday.com/weather/hurricane/history/whtexas.htm
Hurricanes have been hitting that area of Texas since before recorded history. If anything, the areas that were flooded in the piece should have been better planned to deal with flooding.
If you look at New Orleans and any hurricane, WHAT DO YOU EXPECT WHEN YOU HAVE A CITY SITTING ON THE GULF OF MEXICO THAT IS BELOW SEALEVEL!!!
As for flooding in the Mississippi river, a lot of that has been blamed on the artificial walls and levees installed by the Army Corps of Engineers over time in an attempt to control that river.
As for wildfires, if natural fires were allowed to burn, there wouldnt be buildups of dry wood (tinder) and if the regions werent so overpopulated by people trying to live in the woods, there wouldnt be so much property damage of lives lost.
As for drought in California, the state is overpopulated and held in thrall by the 0.1 to 1% with their need for well irrigated lawns and overfilled swimming pools AS reported in the in The New York Times.
Its not the climate change, stupid, its ourselves.
6
"As for drought in California, the state is overpopulated and held in thrall by the 0.1 to 1% with their need for well irrigated lawns and overfilled swimming pools"
Actually it's the 85% of California water used by agriculture to provide fresh fruits and vegetables to the rest of the U.S. and alfalfa and nuts to the world. Lawns, while a waste of water, are literally a drop in the bucket.
Actually it's the 85% of California water used by agriculture to provide fresh fruits and vegetables to the rest of the U.S. and alfalfa and nuts to the world. Lawns, while a waste of water, are literally a drop in the bucket.
12
" the Larsen C Antarctic ice shelf will melt away in just a few years."
Must be those Eskimos and their fondness for frozen margaritas. Climate change? What Climate change?
Must be those Eskimos and their fondness for frozen margaritas. Climate change? What Climate change?
Oh, my. Several encounters with floods and the writer still doesn't get it. They are not funny, they are not adventures, they are not going to be conquered by an SUV. They kill people and destroy whole buildings. Don't buy or build in a floodplain and when rain is severe, don't go out. There is no other sensible choice.
14
Instead of investing in an SUV, you might want to live in a city that is planned and zoned to limit development in floodplains. Nature Messes with Texas, and wins (again!)
10
...Says the guy that lives in Orlando, Florida
Or, Texas Messes with Nature and loses.
Geography 101: the issue in this case is not global warming, it's over-development. Man paves over roads, landscapes, removes natural runoff channels, creates dams. It concentrates water and that creates flooding.
11
It should be pointed out that Ms Swarz's story takes place in a part of Houston that has been on real-estate steroids in terms of high-rise construction for the last 6 years. During this period, just as people choose this location-location-location to be closer to life inside the loop - companies strained by skyrocketing rents have been moving further and further away. This dynamic forces more cars (SUVs, Trucks and Civics, etc.) to the crammed freeways, leads to more road construction (Memorial Park/Allen Parkway was recently redone with finishing touches awaiting a dry work-week that never happened), and removes more land from drainage potential. For years, the plan to implement public transportation down Richmond (blocks from Hotel Derek in the story) was stalled by opposition. This is the story that Ms. Swarz and her Texas Monthly colleagues should write about. This is the truth of the Booming Economy that is Houston, 2015.
70
I've been photographing the changes in my inner Loop neighborhood where small houses on large, grassy lots are being replaced by 6 or more huge 3 or 4 story town homes. And, of course, flooding is getting worse.
It's not a gas guzzling SUV she seeks so much as a high clearance vehicle - Toyota needs to come up with a Houston Prius - able to drive through swamped intersections without wrecking your transport or your environment. This is the second time in two months we've been wading through high water here. There are a lot of problems intersecting in Texas weather patterns, including the legislature's lack of investment in flood control. How about if all the Texans currently living in NYC come back to their home counties and vote progressive!
11
In 2001 I was visiting friends in Houston when TS Allison dumped 30" of rain in less than 24 hours. I'll never forget the images of the submerged Allen Parkway and the parallel bayou looking more like a huge river and numerous sections of freeways filled with water and abandoned vehicles.
The home I was staying in had water up to the front porch, but not inside until the giant pickups and SUVS driving quickly down the street created wakes two feet high, rushing in to the house, ruining the floors, baseboards and furniture.
Many homes were damaged this way by thoughtless, careless drivers sitting high and dry in their gas guzzlers.
The home I was staying in had water up to the front porch, but not inside until the giant pickups and SUVS driving quickly down the street created wakes two feet high, rushing in to the house, ruining the floors, baseboards and furniture.
Many homes were damaged this way by thoughtless, careless drivers sitting high and dry in their gas guzzlers.
18
At 8:30 they had already finished dinner?
1
Been in a flash flood in Texas while living there and lost the car and almost got sucked into one of those large Texas-style storm drains--in a Honda Civic, no less! Just glad that Mimi Swartz made it home safe and sound. There's an expression about Texas: "If you don't like the weather, wait 10 minutes." Very true and frightening and sometimes life-threatening; you never forget it when it happens to you.
2
I enjoyed "your" story. Thanks for sharing your perspective and I admire your maintaining your date night routine!
"and I admire you maintaining your date night routine!"
The moral of this story is "buy an SUV," really!? Wow!
The road to worsening climate change disasters is paved with gas guzzling SUVs.
Also, Houston is no Calcutta (I say that as a compliment to Calcutta).
The road to worsening climate change disasters is paved with gas guzzling SUVs.
Also, Houston is no Calcutta (I say that as a compliment to Calcutta).
20
Why buy an SUV? Weren't they turning around along with her Honda Civic at every high-water mark?
17
It still gives you more time since they're higher. The only time I was stranded because my car (Nissan Sentra) couldn't handle the water, a guy came out with his big old pickup truck. Hooked it to my car and asked where I need to go. He got me there with no problem.
1
Pampered pursuit of self-actualization mixed with willful ignorance of the dangers of global warming. The author almost glories in her lack of preparation, though she insists her meat be marinated ahead of time. And then she goes to see "Mad Max." How exactly does she imagine the characters in that film came to be in the predicament in which they find themselves?
60
maybe, after buying the big SUV, it will be a good idea to try and get those people that deny climate change out of office. I find it ironic that the states that are suffering the most damage form the extreme weather becoming the norm rather than the exception, keep electing people that are denying what is going on to keep the Koch brothers happy.
61
Except this has been going on since I arrived in Houston in 1980.
1
Really?
Flooding. Yes. Cars floating away. Yes. Ours did, right near the Astrodome in 1978. People dying by the dozens in the water? I think not.
Flooding. Yes. Cars floating away. Yes. Ours did, right near the Astrodome in 1978. People dying by the dozens in the water? I think not.
1
Big mistake? Lady, you live in HOUSTON!!!
(I've heard that Texans regard this city as their very own "Cleveland.")
(I've heard that Texans regard this city as their very own "Cleveland.")
5
As a Katrina survivor, the best advice I can give you is:
Buy the SUV from a dealership in a really high hill. Far from Houston.
Buy the SUV from a dealership in a really high hill. Far from Houston.
5
Neighbor - so sorry you were stuck at the theater. I checked Nextdoor about an hour before the rain started. Someone helpfully offered an interpretation of the radar, saying we shouldn't worry, the storm would pass to the northwest of us. I thought to myself 1) this person doesn't realize that White Oak comes into our 'hood from the northwest, so even a storm "missing" us could still be a problem, and 2) anyone looking at the sky and smelling the air ought to know that what's coming won't be a miss. It's been a tough week as the extent of damages are becoming known.
8
What a fantastic handle you have!
Trying to be smart and cutesy in a neurotic kind of way by saying you are going to get an SUV is gross but perhaps very Texan. An SUV isn't going to save you from rising flood waters, it only gives you a false sense of security. You wanna be prepared for a flood then get a boat and maybe don't ignore your alerts on your phone.
38
Get that SUV Mimi, and do your part to continuing to contribute to climate change.
39
Two hurricanes and good bye Houston. I moved inland to the city of Austin. It's a better, but recent floods stir my empathy with the author, and my agreement with those speaking of Global Warming.
I think a SUV is a security blanket, and that's all. Those annoying alerts is as good as it gets.
I think a SUV is a security blanket, and that's all. Those annoying alerts is as good as it gets.
21
I was born at Hermann Hospital in 1958 and lived in Meyerland til I was 23. When I was a kid crossing back and forth over Braes Bayou to get to Albert Sidney Johnston Junior High School, I often wondered if the Bayou would ever overflow its banks. That, my junior high self thought, would be cool. I asked my dad one day. "Oh, maybe when the Astros win the World Series."
My heart sank. By then, I knew, as all Astros fans know, that the hapless boys in orange will never win the World Series.
I later caught mountain fever and moved west, but have never forgotten Braes Bayou. The pictures from Monday were clear and unmistakable- the banks, the roads . . . everything was covered with water. Braes Bayou had overflowed its banks.
I haven't forgotten baseball, either. Perhaps this year, the Astros will win the World Series.
Go Astros!
My heart sank. By then, I knew, as all Astros fans know, that the hapless boys in orange will never win the World Series.
I later caught mountain fever and moved west, but have never forgotten Braes Bayou. The pictures from Monday were clear and unmistakable- the banks, the roads . . . everything was covered with water. Braes Bayou had overflowed its banks.
I haven't forgotten baseball, either. Perhaps this year, the Astros will win the World Series.
Go Astros!
17
So sad for the 23 dead and more are missing. so sad that Texas let so many build on flood plains. so sad that Texas sends climate denying legislators to make our laws. So sad that others have to pay for Texas Government recklessness.
182
So sad that California allows people to live in earthquake zones. Not to mention tsunamis, and volcanoes, and great white sharks. They don't call the northern CA coast the Red Triangle for nothing...
9
If liberals could find a way they would call earthquakes "manmade tectonic plate shifting” and blame Republicans.
1
I just returned from Austin a few weeks ago and I do wonder about whether people have been allowed to build in very dangerous places. They aren't flood plains, however. (Unless you consider all of Houston a flood plain. it is clearly flood prone.) They are river banks and, unfortunately, we now know all too well that the high water warning lines, if there were any, were too close to the river (whether this was known through historic data, I don't know and I suspect few others know who don't live in the area of the flash floods).
There has also been a of dam building to create lakes on the Colorado river that flows pass Austin (the very worst flash floods, from all reports, were on the Blanco river). Whether these dams played a role in preventing further flooding, or aiding it, I don't know. The local newspaper in Austin, the American-Statesman, doesn't seem to go in much for the hand wringing, self examination kind of reporting.
I suspect that the "do whatever you want" ethos in Texas might have contributed to the amount of destruction and death in the Austin area, but I wouldn't jump to that conclusion. There have been plenty of floods in Austin historically and at least 13 people died in one in 1981, not so ancient history. Anyone who builds right on a river after this event would have to be very foolish. The water comes fast out of the Hill Country and it doesn't wait for anyone to get out of the way.
There has also been a of dam building to create lakes on the Colorado river that flows pass Austin (the very worst flash floods, from all reports, were on the Blanco river). Whether these dams played a role in preventing further flooding, or aiding it, I don't know. The local newspaper in Austin, the American-Statesman, doesn't seem to go in much for the hand wringing, self examination kind of reporting.
I suspect that the "do whatever you want" ethos in Texas might have contributed to the amount of destruction and death in the Austin area, but I wouldn't jump to that conclusion. There have been plenty of floods in Austin historically and at least 13 people died in one in 1981, not so ancient history. Anyone who builds right on a river after this event would have to be very foolish. The water comes fast out of the Hill Country and it doesn't wait for anyone to get out of the way.
1
Is this a 'untrustworthy narrator"? I find several points she makes unbelievable - first, her theory on why Houstonians have SUV's. Everyone in America has SUV's dear, it's more to do with image and loan prices being offered for these silly gas guzzlers our country uses to get to the mall. Second, she AND her husband have lost cars in high water and they forget the experience? That is only explicable to me if this author is being drugged with some kind of anti-psychotic medication. Thirdly, this author makes NO connection between driving gas-guzzlers and global warming and extreme floods? She is going out to buy an SUV is her answer? Where does she live, on the moon? Oh, I forget, it's Houston. Nuff said.
205
I find her believable. We get more blizzards than floods where I live and I've lost cars to snowbanks on more than one occasion, as have most of my relatives. Yet we all continue to drive in storms. I don't "forget" the experience but hope springs eternal that this storm is not so bad or that this time will be different.
2
The author is correct - many a spouse in Houston has justified the purchase of a tricked-out jeep as a precaution in case of flood.
2
h,
Unless you live in Houston or Texas or someplace like it then you may not be aware of how many people here drive SUV's or pick up trucks. I'm pretty sure its higher than the national average. I'm not sure that people drive them because of the possibilities of high water, but I know that having one helps in the situation the author describes. As far as forgetting the experience of losing a car in high water, I think you underestimate the power of wanting to get home so you can feel safe and know that your loved ones are safe. And, it is difficult to convince oneself that in just a few minutes it is possible for enough rain to fall to prevent you from making a five minute drive to your home. For what its worth the author did not lose her car or take any foolish risks. In the end, she did the right thing. Finally, SUV's may have contributed to global warming and the screwed weather, but that doesnt mean they dont come in handy when dealing with the consequences.
Unless you live in Houston or Texas or someplace like it then you may not be aware of how many people here drive SUV's or pick up trucks. I'm pretty sure its higher than the national average. I'm not sure that people drive them because of the possibilities of high water, but I know that having one helps in the situation the author describes. As far as forgetting the experience of losing a car in high water, I think you underestimate the power of wanting to get home so you can feel safe and know that your loved ones are safe. And, it is difficult to convince oneself that in just a few minutes it is possible for enough rain to fall to prevent you from making a five minute drive to your home. For what its worth the author did not lose her car or take any foolish risks. In the end, she did the right thing. Finally, SUV's may have contributed to global warming and the screwed weather, but that doesnt mean they dont come in handy when dealing with the consequences.
1
Never heard of climate change? The SUV generation is what got us into this problem in the first place. It's time to buy plug-in electric cars, install solar panels and then pay attention to weather alerts so you don't get caught in a flood.
Climate change = more extreme weather. Get used to it.
Climate change = more extreme weather. Get used to it.
105
It's difficult to link any particular weather (not climate) event to climate change. Just as there are climage change deniers, there are also those who see climate change at work in every weather event.
Both are unsupportable positions.
Both are unsupportable positions.
You ate the steak after it had not been refrigerated all night?? That might have been your second dubious choice during this saga. Food poisoning is no fun.
25
Cook it to the proper inside temperature and there is no problem.
1
The last line -- "I'm going out to look at S.U.V.s" -- summarizes what's wrong with infrastructure spending in this country. We could tax ourselves, and spend the money building water management systems so rain would not shut a city down. And we'd each probably spend less than the cost of an S.U.V. doing it. But we'd rather spend the money on ourselves.
149
Ms Swartz is displaying the attitude that has killed many people and put first responders at risk. I think she is trying to make light of situation that killed twenty Texans, at last count. Warnings and watches are issued for a reason. I hope the flank steak and squash tasted good.
91
We feel for you all here in Vermont where Tropical Storm Irene, showed us all too clearly the devastating power of tremendous rain and rushing water. We must all realize that more such events are in our future and that climate change must be dealt with as much power and force and intellect and planning and innovation as we can muster. These tragic storms of all sorts are coming at a regular clip and will continue to; let us stop being surprised and plan for them as best we can (more than buying SUVs please). And people, check the weather and be alert! Do not ignore local alerts and do not ignore planetary alerts. Some wise Vermont politicians are working to make things better, I wish more politicians, and voters, would follow their lead.
88
Maybe instead of heading out to shop for an SUV, you should just pay attention to storm warnings. Money can buy you a new vehicle, but it can't buy you common sense.
126
Maybe she -- and other climate deniers -- should also pay attention to global warming, and how that SUV she's going to buy will only add to the problem.
Common sense indeed!
Common sense indeed!
1
Perfect. Buy a gas-guzzling SUV that will only hasten climate change, making these kind of weird weather events all the more frequent. Nice job. If you're not part of the solution, you're part of the problem.
76
The folly of man! Instead of shopping for an SUV, I suggest Ms Swartz learn to respect the weather instead. Such hubris!
68
The folly of man indeed. I wonder if Ms Swartz has seen the ad depicting an SUV climbing a 90-degree cliff and believes (or perhaps has succumbed subliminally) to the idea that an SUV makes her invincible on the road. A chapter in the book _High and Mighty: SUVs--the world's most dangerous vehicles..._ by Keith Bradsher, formerly of the Detroit Free Press, describes the mentality and how marketers have taken advantage of it.
My father, who grew up on a ranch near Lubbock, survived the Depression and Dustbowl during his teens and twenties, and flew the Hump in WWII, would have advised: "Stay home until the storm passes."
My father, who grew up on a ranch near Lubbock, survived the Depression and Dustbowl during his teens and twenties, and flew the Hump in WWII, would have advised: "Stay home until the storm passes."
5
Don't bother with the SUV. Check out the video of one rolling down the Guadalupe River in Boerne. Or think about the fact that most bad weather accidents in Colorado involve SUVs. People in Civics do the smart thing and get off the roads; folks in SUVs think they are invincible.
163
When we moved to New Mexico some years back, wise people referred to them as "Sports Futility Vehicles" for that very reason - people who drive them do stupid things (especially on icy roads), thinking themselves invincible.
1
Boy is that the truth. Ten years ago, we had a surprise snow storm in Prescott. It wasn't bad or dangerous, so we decided to continue our trip to a city to the west to visit family. Well to our surprise, highway 40 was covered with ice. Almost all the autos that had slid off the highway were SUV's. Our little Ford Focus did us proud. We drove very slowly but got to our destination all in one piece.
1
Glad that things turned out so well for the writer, but most people who die in storms are out and about instead of at home. When you live anywhere known for natural disasters - pretty much everywhere - you should always have two weeks' supply of non-perishable provisions. Come on, that only means picking up one or two emergency items each time you go to the store. Keep a good supply of food and water, prescription meds, and always keep the gas tank filled up and you can weather most calamities, at home, safely.
11
It is saddening to read a piece by someone who, when faced with a life threatening situation, takes refuge in shopping, a romantic hotel, and an escapist movie? And the answer to her problems is ... sigh ... buy an SUV?
145
While I agree with the criticism of the urge to buy and SUV, I think it is a bit unfair to criticize the decision to go to a hotel or a movie. The scope of the problem certainly wasn't apparent when they decided to get a hotel.
Glad that Ms. Swartz experienced the Houston flood as an extended romantic vacation. Many others have not been so fortunate. As of today, seven confirmed dead and over 4000 homes damaged or destroyed. Neither Ms. Swartz' position with Texas Monthly, nor her sometimes contributions to the NYT make her self-absorbed observations particularly enlightening.
99
Agreed. Such a trivial and clueless article on a real disaster with a loss of many lives. I hope the author volunteers to help the disaster victims, as so many of us did after Sandy, and writes about that experience instead of this glorified honeymoon.
And please, look at hybrid and electric cars!
And please, look at hybrid and electric cars!
Human hubris. I recall many climatologists warning us of severe draughts and severe floods. Go and buy your SUV, pretend you are safe in your air conditioned chariot. Then by all means vote for your socially conservative, science denying republicans. I hope you all are not going to accept federal disaster funds, that would not be Texas style.
176
Oh, but Harry, the Texas governor and/or Senator have already requested federal funds!
I guess gubmn't help is only good when YOU need it!
I guess gubmn't help is only good when YOU need it!
25
You mean like New York and New Jersey for Sandy? We all got to subsidize folks who built swankiendas on the beach but couldn't be bothered to pay for their own insurance?
Since the federal government will be invading Texas shortly (a possibility being actively monitored by the governor), it should be easy to get federal support.
Boots on the ground...
Boots on the ground...
2
Would have helped if you'd mentioned up front that the car you drive was NOT an SUV...
"I failed to note the weather alerts interrupting the peace from other people’s cellphones. (We had turned ours off the last time a missing-elderly alert shot us out of bed at 5 a.m.)"
Weather alerts should have their own "on/off" button on a cell phone's notifications screen. One could then decline to receive "missing person" alerts separately.
Weather alerts should have their own "on/off" button on a cell phone's notifications screen. One could then decline to receive "missing person" alerts separately.
6
I'm glad it ended well for Mimi and her family. I expect that this kind of flood will become more and more common for parts of the planet, even in the U.S. that believes big pickups, SUVs and money make them "above it all."
Ironically, it's these very gas-guzzling vehicles that have helped create the situation Mimi is buying one as a response to.
Anybody heard of a vicious cycle? Or maybe, a downward spiral?
Humans are evidently much better at rashly getting into situations that are "if not illegal, at least ill-conceived" than we are at getting out of them. Policy changes, as well as individual behavior changes, are needed. Sadly, what we instead get are, in the main, individual behaviors that make it even worse in the long run.
Ironically, it's these very gas-guzzling vehicles that have helped create the situation Mimi is buying one as a response to.
Anybody heard of a vicious cycle? Or maybe, a downward spiral?
Humans are evidently much better at rashly getting into situations that are "if not illegal, at least ill-conceived" than we are at getting out of them. Policy changes, as well as individual behavior changes, are needed. Sadly, what we instead get are, in the main, individual behaviors that make it even worse in the long run.
20
My family has lived in Houston, or what passes now for the Houston metroplex, since the 1830s. After Ike, we had enough and moved northwest to Austin, and last year brought my 87 year old father up here with us. One the one hand, we were able to weather the storms because we are a mile away and 200 feet above Lake Austin. My brother, downtown with my Dad, had the chance to watch Shoal Creek turn Lamar into a kayak run. My Dad has always insisted on living on high ground, even in Houston, and that has served us well. Glad you are safe, and had the sense not to drive!
2
I have always loved a hard Houston rainfall, but I guess this is different. I live in a boring place that has bad, but not extreme, weather.
1
I enjoyed this story. Well written and different from the usual tone of the NYT. It is a nice change.
3
Buy a boat, not an SUV.
20
I'd like to understand more about the topography of Houston. Is the city actually built on a bayou?
1
Houston, at least that part south of downtown, is mostly reclaimed swamp. At best, we are 50 feet above sea level. And we are built along several bayous and the Houston Ship Channel. Water pools very quickly in a rain, and floods along roads are something every Houstonian learns about sooner or later.
1
Yes, several. With a ship channel to the south and a large recreational lake / reservoir to the northeast.
Houston is basically a big swamp. It was never intended to be developed upon. But here it is: the 4th largest city in the US. It is HUGE, around 50 miles diameter. Maybe larger. One big suburban blur.
It is flat, and importantly: most of the land is clay. So it does not absorb or let pass water; it reflects it. That's why you have these huge floods. The bayous were never designed for this level of rain, or this level of development.
It is flat, and importantly: most of the land is clay. So it does not absorb or let pass water; it reflects it. That's why you have these huge floods. The bayous were never designed for this level of rain, or this level of development.
10
I live in Detroit, Michigan; truly a flatland, but when I hear of the weather epics where you guys in the southland live, I say to myself, "self I'll take a snowstorm any day".
7
The correlation between global warming and American car size would hopefully give you pause before you head out to buy that SUV.
48
I lived in Texas only two years, and north Texas at that. But I learned to respect the weather, whether wind or rain; tornados or flash floods. Thankfully I'm back safely in Michigan where I have to contend with an occasional snowstorm, but not a blizzard.
I know the tone of the article is a bit self deprecating, but shouldn't the lesson be to listen to weather reports and take necessary precautions rather than go out an buy an SUV?
14
As a former long-time resident of Houston, I experienced many flooding events, including Tropical Storm Allison, and Hurricane Ike. For those of us who drove VW beetles back in the 70's, getting stuck and waiting for the water to recede was fairly common.
However, last weekend's rain was no ordinary storm. Rainfall totals exceeded over 10 inches in parts of southwest Houston. Even though drainage systems in the city have improved , storms are intensifying according to John Nielsen-Gammon, Texas state climatologist.
" We have observed an increase of heavy rain events, at least in the South-Central United States, including Texas. And it's consistent with what we would expect from climate change."
Climate change is the elephant in the room no one mentions in all the dramatic news reports of our recent flooding. Even as evidence of climate change mounts, Texas Republicans persist in their denial of science. The chances of our state legislature addressing climate change are equal to the amount of warming Ted Cruz thinks the earth has seen- zero.
However, last weekend's rain was no ordinary storm. Rainfall totals exceeded over 10 inches in parts of southwest Houston. Even though drainage systems in the city have improved , storms are intensifying according to John Nielsen-Gammon, Texas state climatologist.
" We have observed an increase of heavy rain events, at least in the South-Central United States, including Texas. And it's consistent with what we would expect from climate change."
Climate change is the elephant in the room no one mentions in all the dramatic news reports of our recent flooding. Even as evidence of climate change mounts, Texas Republicans persist in their denial of science. The chances of our state legislature addressing climate change are equal to the amount of warming Ted Cruz thinks the earth has seen- zero.
194
We now live in a world of weather extremes and sadly it may only get worse with the impacts of Climate Change. Where did Ted Cruz ride out the storm? denying the over 10 inches of rain that fell out of this storm alone! Here in Boston last winter we received a 108.6 inches of snow, officially making the 2014-2015 season the all time snowiest season for the city. In the last 21 years!!!! No ordinary events now put those together with the climate impacts reported from around the world in the last year! These stories will only become more regular going forward. British journalist Mark Lynas in his book 6 Degrees approaches climate change through the method of describing the negative effects on our planet of six degrees of temperature rise. Each new chapter is a rise of one degree. By the time you reach six degrees which we are on the path too, well, ...............
1
Get a Suburu instead of a huge SUV so you won't be stuck with a gas guzzler but it will still be higher up from the ground then your Civic. I also own a Civic.
3
Both of our family cars got flooded; we're waiting for an insurance adjuster to come in and assess their state (we could not start the cars). Insurance companies are all badly backlogged so it's anyone's guess how soon they will get to us. But our apartment is OK, so we should be counting our blessings. Now in the hindsight, I wonder if we could have all received more of a notice about these floods. The phones started buzzing with flood warning as the rain was already in process. People did not have time to prepare or make any arrangements.
2
Better to remember not to foray in bad weather than to contribute to bad weather by purchasing a bigger car (let alone giving others the idea by writing about it).
9
I am hard pressed to fathom how anyone would find that their "Memories fade" when it comes to what can happen in a flash flood, when they can say that they have lost multiple cars to such events.
14
Great piece. We sometimes forget, with our cars and shopping malls and cell phones and all the other artificial trappings of modern convenience, that primitive forces like hard weather, in a matter of minutes, can still wreak deadly havoc in our lives.
2
"I’m heading out now to look at S.U.V.s."
How's that climate-change denial thing working out in Houston? I have never visited a city that was more a poster-child for everything that is wrong with right-wing, libertarian thinking. No SUV is going to save you when a Cat-5 hurricane comes up that shipping channel.
I'd move. Houston is doomed.
How's that climate-change denial thing working out in Houston? I have never visited a city that was more a poster-child for everything that is wrong with right-wing, libertarian thinking. No SUV is going to save you when a Cat-5 hurricane comes up that shipping channel.
I'd move. Houston is doomed.
47
And since when is Richmond, VA known as a stalwart blue city?
The readers here may want to educate themselves on modern Texas politics. There was an article a while back in NYT, I believe, saying that all big cities in TX (including Houston) have over the past decade or so been voting increasingly Democrat in national elections. San Antonio and Austin are other examples. It's people like Rick Perry and Ted Cruz that give TX a bad name.
Lastly, may I remind you that Houston's mayor is Annise Parker, an openly lesbian Democrat.
The readers here may want to educate themselves on modern Texas politics. There was an article a while back in NYT, I believe, saying that all big cities in TX (including Houston) have over the past decade or so been voting increasingly Democrat in national elections. San Antonio and Austin are other examples. It's people like Rick Perry and Ted Cruz that give TX a bad name.
Lastly, may I remind you that Houston's mayor is Annise Parker, an openly lesbian Democrat.
2
Here is the article I was talking about:
"The gap is so stark that some of America's bluest cities are located in its reddest states. Every one of Texas' major cities -- Austin, Dallas, Houston, and San Antonio -- voted Democratic in 2012, the second consecutive presidential election in which they've done so."
Source: http://www.theatlantic.com/politics/archive/2012/11/red-state-blue-city-...
"The gap is so stark that some of America's bluest cities are located in its reddest states. Every one of Texas' major cities -- Austin, Dallas, Houston, and San Antonio -- voted Democratic in 2012, the second consecutive presidential election in which they've done so."
Source: http://www.theatlantic.com/politics/archive/2012/11/red-state-blue-city-...
Duly noted. Richmond is blue, in a sea of red bumpkins. Has your Democratic Mayor put into place any zoning regulations? Taken any steps to end car dependency?
1
I think it is important to point out that having an SUV is not a safe way to travel in extreme flash floods. Having spent much time in the west, I have seen the devastation of flooding and the loss of life and property when SUV or Jeep driving daredevils plunge into raging water thinking they will make it, only to get stuck, get swept away and take a deeper dive into the water, which has carved out the roadbed underneath. Not only can the roadbed condition not be seen, but underwater obstructions are also hidden from view in most floodwater situations. No matter what vehicle one owns, the only safe way to avoid the danger of flash floods is to stay home or in another safe place until the water subsides.
131
Thank you telling the rest of the country about how we deal with living in the Houston Area. Each part of our country has something that is imperfect.
3
You did do something wrong and you placed yourself at very high risk. You didn't pay attention to the flash flood warnings. You didn't want to be bothered. You wanted your precious evening instead. All you had to do was turn on the TV. When the tornado sirens go off here, everyone turns on the TV to see what is going on. We just had flash flood warnings in Kansas City. The local media was all over it, all day long. Flash floods kill more people than any weather event.
Your behavior was incredibly foolish and irresponsible. You could have easily been killed. Some people just can't make decisions. You are apparently one of them. Then you finish up your expose of how you tried to kill yourself with a line that is a public disservice and further reveals your ignorance of the practical aspects of staying alive. You want to buy an SUV. An SUV would not have saved you. One foot of water will float a passenger vehicle and carry it away. People die in big trucks in flash floods because like you, they are completely ignorant of how boancy works. The power of the water cannot be defeated.
I have met people like you before and I have always wondered how they live past age 25. You need constant supervision.
Your behavior was incredibly foolish and irresponsible. You could have easily been killed. Some people just can't make decisions. You are apparently one of them. Then you finish up your expose of how you tried to kill yourself with a line that is a public disservice and further reveals your ignorance of the practical aspects of staying alive. You want to buy an SUV. An SUV would not have saved you. One foot of water will float a passenger vehicle and carry it away. People die in big trucks in flash floods because like you, they are completely ignorant of how boancy works. The power of the water cannot be defeated.
I have met people like you before and I have always wondered how they live past age 25. You need constant supervision.
26
I sure hope you feel better about yourself after such a litany of smug, judgmental superiority!
5
I am an engineer. I have spent my entire life designing systems and things intended to protect the public. It is ridiculous to excuse the behavior of a mature woman that intentionally ignores these systems just so she can have a romantic evening. I lowered the boom on her and she deserved it. Are parents smug when they correct a child? Do they suffer from judgemental superiority? She behaved like an eight year old child and I responded accordingly. No, I don't feel better about myself for trouncing her. But I do feel MUCH better about myself for pointing out her serious mistakes and errors in hopes that in doing so, I might have saved someone else's life. If that offends you, that's your problem.
10
Besides showing stupendous ignorance and hubris on weather and safety related issues, Ms. Swartz draws a very dumb lesson from her story of being trapped by rains in a major American city.
"I am heading out to buy an SUV" does nothing but help ensure that the global climate chaos we are creating will continue to worsen. And while the NYT includes her links to horrific ordeals like children floating on ice chests in flood waters, it provides no analysis about the unprecedented weather so dangerous, that whole families on vacation were swept away in their vacation home elsewhere in Texas! People, this could be any of us anywhere, and until we begin to connect the dots on climate change breeding societal chaos, we will not make the needed changes. Those changes, to renewables and conservation, are actually GREAT for the economy and ordinary Americans, unless of course, you are a Big Oil company or beholden to what we called "petro-dollars" when we wanted to make Arabs look greedy. We need a term for greedy American oil-garchs. Given the havoc they are wreaking, and people dying in weather related events, we call the oil companies and their Congressional enablers what they are, eco-terrorists, motivated by greed and the love of their own power
"I am heading out to buy an SUV" does nothing but help ensure that the global climate chaos we are creating will continue to worsen. And while the NYT includes her links to horrific ordeals like children floating on ice chests in flood waters, it provides no analysis about the unprecedented weather so dangerous, that whole families on vacation were swept away in their vacation home elsewhere in Texas! People, this could be any of us anywhere, and until we begin to connect the dots on climate change breeding societal chaos, we will not make the needed changes. Those changes, to renewables and conservation, are actually GREAT for the economy and ordinary Americans, unless of course, you are a Big Oil company or beholden to what we called "petro-dollars" when we wanted to make Arabs look greedy. We need a term for greedy American oil-garchs. Given the havoc they are wreaking, and people dying in weather related events, we call the oil companies and their Congressional enablers what they are, eco-terrorists, motivated by greed and the love of their own power
26
Flash floods are no joke. Best wishes to you and everyone in Houston for a rapid recovery from the chaos.
2
Interesting to read an essay about Houston's disastrous flooding, written by someone from a seat of privilege, albeit rain-soaked. Yes, people died. Yes, lives were changed irrevocably, in Houston, in other parts of Texas, in Oklahoma, and in Mexico. And yes, special effects experts can really do amazing things with digital technology in movies nowadays.
9
I am confused. The author lives in Texas, has experienced these flash floods before, but chose to ignore this one? Why? This storm has been on the front cover of this newspaper for the last three days - clearly a big enough storm to make national news. And you cooked a raw steak that had spent hours in your a warm car? Even more confusing!
5
No, I would not get an SUV. You did exactly what you should have done. Stay put in a safe place until the storm was over. An SUV would perhaps give you false courage to go into risky situations. When I read about victims of Hurricane Sandy, it seemed that the people who were hurt were the ones who tried to move around during the storm.
23
Is there a 'part 2' to this story where you actually get caught in a flash flood, like the title indicates?
1
Surely the irony of looking for SUVs after an extreme weather event is not lost on the author? I'm not saying that a single massive storm is caused by climate change, but it is certainly part of the pattern of extreme weather that has become more and more apparent over the past five years. Leave the SUV in the lot, Ms. Swartz, and put your efforts into doing more to limit the emission of GHGs into the atmosphere.
4
I'm tremendously sorry for the flooding in Texas and the lost lives, but I can also say, thank you Texas for your contribution to promoting global climate change and assuring its continuance. Oh right, that is all a government myth. And, by the way, the government you don't trust and want to dismantle and defund will no doubt be what you demand help you. Here we are again, we blue states to the rescue.
52
Please don't make blanket assumptions about the people of Texas and I will return the favor by not making blanket assumptions about the people of Maine.
2
Don't assume that SUVs provide safety against fast flowing flood waters.
2
Having lived 35 years in South Florida, mostly the Keys, and never once having evacuated for a storm, two thiings to always consider.
After filling your gas tank plan to keep your car high and dry, away from possible falling trees. Once, in Marathon, in an abundance of caution I put my mint condition Type III VW in a warehouse.
Secondly, stock up on beer. Some counties, obviously communist inspired, ban alcohol sales after a storm. It is a well known fact, just like the fish stop biting when the beer runs out, chainsaws will not start, wood chippers will not run and the (largely) guys who will do that in 90 degree heat will not come, without the promise of a tall, frosty, bottle of beer.
After filling your gas tank plan to keep your car high and dry, away from possible falling trees. Once, in Marathon, in an abundance of caution I put my mint condition Type III VW in a warehouse.
Secondly, stock up on beer. Some counties, obviously communist inspired, ban alcohol sales after a storm. It is a well known fact, just like the fish stop biting when the beer runs out, chainsaws will not start, wood chippers will not run and the (largely) guys who will do that in 90 degree heat will not come, without the promise of a tall, frosty, bottle of beer.
12
Mimi Swartz, editor of the Texas Monthly. (That's the very best magazine in all of Texas.) I expected the worst but all is well that ends well. Great writing.
1
Not to be so inhuman as to appear jocular about a very serious matter, but if the oil industry would abandon the namesake of Manhattan's Houston Street and come home to where they once concentrated, New York City, you wouldn't have water ruining your shoes. There are plenty of cabs here that operate in all weather.
When it comes to flash flooding, Phoenix may be the national champion. The desert has dry river beds (washes) that flow like the Mississippi during flooding. Arizona Revised Statute 28-910, more commonly known as the ‘stupid motorist law,’ provides that any person who drives into a flooded wash and is charged with reckless driving may be liable for his or her own rescue. The law is seldom enforced. But it works. Who wants to make the news for being a "stupid motorist"?
5
Cute piece and a humorous look from the inside of a near disaster. But it completely ignores the big picture, which is that climate change is wreaking havoc. In this the author is not alone. Texas, Florida, Oklahoma - when will it dawn on folks that the heat, drought, floods. hurricanes, etc. are worsening. And it is not a laughing matter. Or one for public "prayer," or political grandstanding, etc. We should have responded meaningfully many years ago. Is it too late now?
95
>completely ignores the big picture, which is that climate change is wreaking havoc
Stacy, you are correct, but yours is a pointless comment. Can't somebody create a personal story without covering every agenda? Does every story have to bring in Climate Change, Obama, Republicans and ISIS to the mix. This is a well-written piece. Don't be a killjoy.
Stacy, you are correct, but yours is a pointless comment. Can't somebody create a personal story without covering every agenda? Does every story have to bring in Climate Change, Obama, Republicans and ISIS to the mix. This is a well-written piece. Don't be a killjoy.
6
I kind of wish I had not been taught about greenhouses gases, global warming and man made climate change 40 years ago at the University of Oregon. I found it hard to believe that humans could impact the vast planet I'd seen.
Right down the line, exactly what those professors predicted, is readily observable to all not on the payroll of Big Carbon.
Nearly every day I see invariably black, giant SUV's and 4X4 pickups, idling, unoccupied, in store parking lots, to keep the a/c running.
I'm surrounded by morons.
Right down the line, exactly what those professors predicted, is readily observable to all not on the payroll of Big Carbon.
Nearly every day I see invariably black, giant SUV's and 4X4 pickups, idling, unoccupied, in store parking lots, to keep the a/c running.
I'm surrounded by morons.
8
An S.U.V. would be better than a Honda but a "Mad Max" pick-up might be the best bet for Houston. Mimi gave a fine account of flash flooding, cell-phone alerts and cool response of a frightening experience.
4
Glad you didn't try to go through the water. I have a 1990 Toyota Land Cruiser with a snorkel, bull bar, winch and three inches of lift.
Wouldn't make a bit of difference, the current would tip over the truck. Much like "Guam" got tipped over by the navy.
Wouldn't make a bit of difference, the current would tip over the truck. Much like "Guam" got tipped over by the navy.
15
Having had my home flooded during Tropical Storm Allison and losing virtually everything, including (permanently, it would seem) my peace of mind, I am a fanatic about checking multiple weather sites whenever there is even a small chance of bad weather. Believe me, going grocery shopping can wait whenever I see a visciously red arc of weather approaching the Houston area.
10
You did the smart thing with your Civic - you avoided flooded streets. If you'd had an SUV, you likely would have done the dumb thing: drive through those flooded streets. Perhaps the sense of vulnerability that your Civic gives you is a good thing.
121
Sadly, the day may never come when slow-moving, heavy rains (especially when coming from the south or east)) are not of concern to Houstonians who are out and about - even those living in the Heights. Lucky for Mimi she could get to a parking garage :)
34
Unlucky for Mimi, she deactivated the alerts on her phone. Unlucky for Mimi, she didn't decide to skip the grocery and head home when the rain started. Unlucky for Mimi, she decided to go to the movie theater instead of heading straight to the hotel she booked.
2
I have seen the behavior of people in SUVs. Suddenly, when there is a storm or snow, they get an urgent need to drive around to use some of the capability they paid $44,000. to get. An SUV is not magic. During a hurricane in southern Virginia, one guy tried to drive up a steep, wet embankment that only a tank could take and he was disappointed he couldn't make it.
Not long ago, I shot video of a guy trying to go through about three ft. of water not far from where I live. He barely made it. In fact, you can see I stopped shooting at one point, because I was certain he was being swept away and I needed to call the fire department (I would have been unable to do anything to help him in the existing conditions.)
Here is a link to that video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-e85a7pXCYM
The Toyota FJ Cruiser is one SUV that was designed to make it through some higher water crossings, but it has limited, actual utility. The brain is more important than the wheels.