Hurricane Ike to Make Landfall in Texas

The National Hurricane Center warns Texas residents to brace for Ike to make landfall sometime early Saturday morning as a Category 3, but possibly a Category 4 storm on the Saffir-Simpson Scale. Forecasters are predicting at minimum a 10 - 15 foot storm surge.

What should Texas boaters do to protect their boats? Be prepared with a hurricane boat preparation plan and purchase the necessary items for a boat hurricane kit as you shop for regular supplies. You will want to do this now, before evacuations are ordered and the storm's wind reaches the coast.

If possible, haul your boat out of the water and drive it as far inland as possible. If it isn't feasible to drive the boat inland, haul the boat out of the water and secure it to the ground. Complete the necessary steps for trailerable boats to prepare it to weather the storm.

If you decided to leave your boat moored, be sure to tie it securely to pilings in "spiderweb" fashion, using as many lines as necessary. Be aware that most marine surveyors do not recommend this option, since a Category 3 or 4 storm will likely decimate marinas. And, even if you secure your boat properly, you neighbor may not.