Saturday Morning Weather Service Hurricane Ike North Texas Update

I wasn't sure in the previous blogging if it was the outskirts of Ike I was seeing and feeling this morning while swimming. but the latest update, below, from the National Weather Service, confirms we are already experiencing Hurricane Ike here in the D/FW Metroplex.

A Hurricane wind warning is in effect along and east of a line from Athens to Hearne. A tropical storm wind warning is in effect along and east of a line from Jacksboro...to Stephenville...to Gatesville. A flash flood watch is in effect east of I-35. At 9 AM...the center of ike was just northeast of Huntsville. Heavy rain has begun to impact Robertson and Leon counties...and the rain will increase in intensity and areal coverage as ike moves north at around 20 mph. Rainfall rates may exceed 3 inches per hour. The center of ike is expected to be near the southeastern corner of Anderson County around noon. Outer rain bands have already reached the I-35 corridor...from Dallas/Fort Worth to Waco. These and additional rain bands will affect much of north Texas throughout the day...with intermittent rain and wind. Residents are urged to be aware of the potential for flooding even in areas outside the flash flood watch. Northerly winds of 20 to 30 mph have enveloped central and east Texas...and will continue to....