Severe Weather Check-in!

[Bèsame*]

I'm back sitting on the bathtub with the cats. I received an alert via my phone to take cover. I'm lined up for some heavy bands of rain. If you see the Map, I'm under the "H" on Houston and a smidgen to the left.

I'm not going to get caught in the dark again. I already lit a candle...so there Harvey. .lol

[*Anya*]

I read this on VICE News. It would have never occurred to me but I live in Cali.

Even if everyone else is aware, I thought I would post it anyway.

Take care everyone, sending good thoughts for your safety:

Rainfall and flooding aren’t all Texans have to worry about this weekend as Hurricane Harvey makes landfall — there will also be gators.

As storm surges rise water levels up a predicted 12 feet, the state’s alligators — displaced from where they naturally lurk — will likely end up finding their way to neighborhood driveways, under parked cars, and on top of doorsteps.

Gators and flooding advice via @txgatorsquad: Expect them to be displaced. Simply looking for higher ground. Leave alone until water recedes pic.twitter.com/nN1B5jvMyV

— FBCSO Texas (@FBCSO) August 24, 2017

[Lyte]

Please keep us posted on how you're doing. This one looks like a nasty one!

My bro text me... kinda worried. I sent him a pic of Texas... I'm like 500 miles north. Iol Thoughtful though!

Originally Posted by Bèsame*

I'm back sitting on the bathtub with the cats. I received an alert via my phone to take cover. I'm lined up for some heavy bands of rain. If you see the Map, I'm under the "H" on Houston and a smidgen to the left.

I'm not going to get caught in the dark again. I already lit a candle...so there Harvey. .lol

[JDeere]

Laying in bed with major headache, tornado fell on the other side of my subdivision earlier, lots of rain right now.

[Lyte]

Oy... with ya there... headaches.

Glad it hear it missed ya!

[JDeere]

Originally Posted by Lyte

Oy... with ya there... headaches.

Glad it hear it missed ya!

I'm not worried about much really. It's going to REALLY flood in Houston and surrounding areas. I only am worried about 4 people at this moment and they ain't family.

[VintageFemme]

Text RedCross to 90999 to donate $10 to disaster relief.

And, from this website http://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/...b0821444c37515


1. Donate Money Or Volunteer

A plethora of organizations are appealing for donations to help them as they send volunteers and supplies to the hardest-hit areas.

These include the American Red Cross, The Salvation Army, Samaritan’s Purse, Save The Children, the Southern Baptist Disaster Relief and Heart to Heart International.

The local Texas Diaper Bank is also putting together disaster relief kits for families with young children. You can donate here.

Crowdfunding site GlobalGiving has launched a hurricane relief fund aimed at gathering funds for local nonprofits in the storm-stricken region.

Animal shelters and rescue groups are taking in numerous pets displaced by the storm ― whether the animals got lost in the chaos, got left behind, or simply need temporary housing while their owners stay in evacuation shelters. Those groups include the SPCA of Texas, Austin Pets Alive!, Dallas Animal Services and the San Antonio Humane Society.


2. Donate Blood

Blood centers expect a supply shortage because of the closure of some blood banks along the coast and the likely demand stemming from injuries sustained in the storm. Centers have put out calls for extra donors to help deal with the aftermath.

You can find donation centers or blood drives for the South Texas Blood & Tissue Center here or for Texas organization Carter BloodCare here.

And even if you’re not in Texas, you can search online for blood drives local to you or book an appointment via the Red Cross website.


3. Provide Accommodation For Evacuees

Airbnb has launched a portal so that the people who have been displaced by the hurricane can find a place to stay. It’s also waiving fees for people affected by the disaster. More details are available on the Airbnb website here.

[JDeere]

Wish I could go back to sleep but I'm very restless. My ex texted me at 3 am, it's really bad where she is and it hurts that I can't get to her. All I can do is pray and wait till this is over, then help with clean up. I wish I had my own place and a huge truck to get her and the kids to dry land. My heart is broken.

[justkim]

JDeere, be kind to yourself. So many are affected by Harvey. Been up since three here in the PNW. For the last two hours been trying to get help to a lady in one of the groups I belong to. Her husband is currently at home under the care of hospice. Her house has over 10 inches of water. Every number has been called and now we wait for someone to get to her and her husband soon. I think people underestimated this storms power and impacts. Praying help arrives for those needing it.