- Former Hillrod - Thursday, Aug 31, 17 @ 9:45 am:
Even Monk’s Mound?
- Give Me A Break - Thursday, Aug 31, 17 @ 9:46 am:
The scale and size of Harvey’s damage when over is going to be mind boggling. First the Houston area now other areas of Texas and western Louisiana. Now the Weather Channel is warning areas like Memphis that flash flooding is likely.
Not reported also is the huge amounts of rainfall recorded on the West Coast of Florida. Sarasota in particular received as much as 20″ over the same 4 day period.
Wow. I was looking around yesterday to see if anyone had done a hydrological study of the Chicago area to try to get a sense of the effect a storm of that magnitude on our already poor drainage here in Northeastern Illinois. While I didn’t find a way of simulating flooding, the statistic cited above suggests it wouldn’t be good….
FPJ–It is highly unlikely due to Illinois’ inland geography that we would ever see “a storm of that magnitude” (hurricane producing winds and rain). However, the recent heavy rains and subsequent flooding of the Fox and DesPlaines Rivers did give some idea of the drainage issues Northeastern Illinois can face. .
wow. especially scary is the oil leakage and the chemical plant fire. it’s sad that the governor, when he was AG, got rid of the mandate that chemical plants had to list what is in them. this was done in the aftermath of the West, Texas fertilizer plant explosion. I get that they want to support industry, but right now a bunch of people are going to the hospital and the water is dangerous, and made more so with chemicals in it.
“Any news on how the Texas secessionist movement is doing?”
These folks are literally fighting for their lives and property, now is not the time to be snarky about politics. I sent in a small donation to aid the suffering, if you are you able I encourage you all join me.
Just in the last few years — Dec. 26-29, 2014 and Aug 12, 2016 — Springfield and Illinois saw almost unprecedented rain and flooding events. Nothing like Houston, but impressive regardless.
Is Illinois ready for the next disaster? The governor’s slow reaction to early summer flooding in the collar counties doesn’t give me confidence we could handle a disaster a fraction of Harvey.
Trumps reversal of an Obama administration program to be proactive and make our infrastructure more resilient to the next disaster takes away needed resources for states to keep the damage to a minimum
Thanks MisterJayEm for those links. Governments need to create a mindset of low water use. We could start by requiring that government buildings and properties be landscaped only with native plants, which take up lots of water and don’t require watering. If it were up to me I would only allow organic lawn fertilizers. Limiting where building happens is kind of key. Capturing rainwater for other use on a grand scale, while encouraging homeowners to do the same, could be monetized. Don’t put concrete on your property, make a permeable patio. and, don’t water your lawn. it’s not necessary. really. save money, don’t contribute to the problem.
Yes, thanks to @MisterJayEm for the links. Here’s an interesting bit: TARP will hold 17.5 billion gallons when completed. Keeping in mind that the covered areas are not equal, the 25 trillion gallons from Harvey would be a inconceivable problem. Even the September 2008 storm dropped 124 billion gallons, according to the Chicago Magazine source.
have not heard much in a while, but understand that the City of Chicago has a large effort to plan for a climate like that of New Orleans to be up here by the end of this century. would be interesting to hear what they are doing. in Des Plaines believe they are moving homeowners from the area that always floods heavily. but even a small bit of water in a home can be so damaging! guarding now in small ways can help. have to start now.
Publius - “is illinois read for the next disaster” Did anyone here make the drive between Carbondale and Chicago for the eclipse? That’ll answer your question.
- Anotheretiree - Thursday, Aug 31, 17 @ 12:14 pm:
==Red==
It probably isn’t the time for snarky politics.This is biblical. It also wasn’t the time after Sandy when the Texas politicians demanded cuts for every dollar of relief. Haven’t heard much about the deficit lately. I would suggest that Texas, with its vibrant economy, should chip in on the massive bill with a state income Tax. Disregard the complaints of your recent Illinois immigrants…
This huricane and the chaos of Trump has made me wondering if Illinois would be prepared to handle a natural disaster or a manmade catastrophe. Weve had our share of tornados and severe weather, and it can always get worse. Would our phone systems, hospitals, first responders, etc be ready?
Today’s podcast for 1A isn’t posted yet, but there was a great discussion this morning about being involved in recovery efforts outside of just sending money or supplies. Are we prepared in Illinois? Unfortunately many times it’s a reaction and a preparation to crisis. Get involved in your community beforehand. Get training on how to respond in a crisis. Be part of an organization that can train you in how best to be involved to help your self, your family, and others especially during recovery phases. We learn each time with each new crisis what works and what doesn’t. It’s important to apply those lessons in scenarios ahead of time so you can more quickly respond when what you planned to do doesn’t happen and you need to adapt. One woman called in from NW IL and is organizing two semi loads of supplies to send to Houston. One of the guests on the program said that was a great gesture and very commendable, but she hoped the organizer had planned ahead exactly where and with which aid organization the semis would be going to. just showing up at the NRG Center (for instance) and saying, “Here it is,” doesn’t work. We learned a lot from Katrina, and we’ll learn a lot from Harvey, but the next time will be the next time with different variables and issues. Some good training tools: https://training.fema.gov/emiweb/is/icsresource/trainingmaterials.htm
I don’t know if the State of Illinois is ready for a large scale disaster but I do take some comfort in the fact that Illinois has a strong system of Statewide mutual aid networks for areas like fire/ems, law enforcement and public works.
Is Harvey happening because god is mad at Texas, a horribly conservative place? Preachers always claim natural disasters strike at liberal places because they are bad.
- wordslinger - Thursday, Aug 31, 17 @ 9:43 am:
Amazing.
Almost as amazing is the stupidity of some cable yakkers questioning why a metro area of 6.3M can’t be “evacuated” at the drop of a hat.
Apparently, they’ve never experienced rush hour in Harris County under the best of circumstances.
- Precinct Captain - Thursday, Aug 31, 17 @ 9:43 am:
Incredible.
- Former Hillrod - Thursday, Aug 31, 17 @ 9:45 am:
Even Monk’s Mound?
- Give Me A Break - Thursday, Aug 31, 17 @ 9:46 am:
The scale and size of Harvey’s damage when over is going to be mind boggling. First the Houston area now other areas of Texas and western Louisiana. Now the Weather Channel is warning areas like Memphis that flash flooding is likely.
Prayers to everyone impacted.
- DuPage Bard - Thursday, Aug 31, 17 @ 9:53 am:
Absolutely crazy
- Stones - Thursday, Aug 31, 17 @ 10:04 am:
That’s just mind boggling.
Not reported also is the huge amounts of rainfall recorded on the West Coast of Florida. Sarasota in particular received as much as 20″ over the same 4 day period.
- Harvey Wetstone - Thursday, Aug 31, 17 @ 10:15 am:
Any news on how the Texas secessionist movement is doing? Regardless of any animus Texas has towards the USA, helping is the right thing to do.
- FPJ - Thursday, Aug 31, 17 @ 10:23 am:
Wow. I was looking around yesterday to see if anyone had done a hydrological study of the Chicago area to try to get a sense of the effect a storm of that magnitude on our already poor drainage here in Northeastern Illinois. While I didn’t find a way of simulating flooding, the statistic cited above suggests it wouldn’t be good….
- Responsa - Thursday, Aug 31, 17 @ 10:30 am:
FPJ–It is highly unlikely due to Illinois’ inland geography that we would ever see “a storm of that magnitude” (hurricane producing winds and rain). However, the recent heavy rains and subsequent flooding of the Fox and DesPlaines Rivers did give some idea of the drainage issues Northeastern Illinois can face. .
- Amalia - Thursday, Aug 31, 17 @ 10:34 am:
wow. especially scary is the oil leakage and the chemical plant fire. it’s sad that the governor, when he was AG, got rid of the mandate that chemical plants had to list what is in them. this was done in the aftermath of the West, Texas fertilizer plant explosion. I get that they want to support industry, but right now a bunch of people are going to the hospital and the water is dangerous, and made more so with chemicals in it.
- @MisterJayEm - Thursday, Aug 31, 17 @ 10:35 am:
With regard to Illinois flooding, here are a couple of good and smart pieces by a couple of good and smart writers:
Illinois Issues: Urban Flooding
http://nprillinois.org/post/illinois-issues-urban-flooding
What Chicago Is Doing—and Can Do—to Prevent a Disastrous Flood
http://www.chicagomag.com/city-life/August-2017/What-Chicago-Is-Doingand-Can-Doto-Prevent-a-Disastrous-Flood/
– MrJM
- Texas Red - Thursday, Aug 31, 17 @ 10:37 am:
=Harvey Wetstone=
“Any news on how the Texas secessionist movement is doing?”
These folks are literally fighting for their lives and property, now is not the time to be snarky about politics. I sent in a small donation to aid the suffering, if you are you able I encourage you all join me.
- IllinoisBoi - Thursday, Aug 31, 17 @ 10:42 am:
Just in the last few years — Dec. 26-29, 2014 and Aug 12, 2016 — Springfield and Illinois saw almost unprecedented rain and flooding events. Nothing like Houston, but impressive regardless.
- IllinoisBoi - Thursday, Aug 31, 17 @ 10:43 am:
…and this summer in the Chicago suburbs, of course.
- Publius - Thursday, Aug 31, 17 @ 10:56 am:
Is Illinois ready for the next disaster? The governor’s slow reaction to early summer flooding in the collar counties doesn’t give me confidence we could handle a disaster a fraction of Harvey.
Trumps reversal of an Obama administration program to be proactive and make our infrastructure more resilient to the next disaster takes away needed resources for states to keep the damage to a minimum
- Amalia - Thursday, Aug 31, 17 @ 11:07 am:
Thanks MisterJayEm for those links. Governments need to create a mindset of low water use. We could start by requiring that government buildings and properties be landscaped only with native plants, which take up lots of water and don’t require watering. If it were up to me I would only allow organic lawn fertilizers. Limiting where building happens is kind of key. Capturing rainwater for other use on a grand scale, while encouraging homeowners to do the same, could be monetized. Don’t put concrete on your property, make a permeable patio. and, don’t water your lawn. it’s not necessary. really. save money, don’t contribute to the problem.
- FPJ - Thursday, Aug 31, 17 @ 11:23 am:
Yes, thanks to @MisterJayEm for the links. Here’s an interesting bit: TARP will hold 17.5 billion gallons when completed. Keeping in mind that the covered areas are not equal, the 25 trillion gallons from Harvey would be a inconceivable problem. Even the September 2008 storm dropped 124 billion gallons, according to the Chicago Magazine source.
- Amalia - Thursday, Aug 31, 17 @ 11:50 am:
have not heard much in a while, but understand that the City of Chicago has a large effort to plan for a climate like that of New Orleans to be up here by the end of this century. would be interesting to hear what they are doing. in Des Plaines believe they are moving homeowners from the area that always floods heavily. but even a small bit of water in a home can be so damaging! guarding now in small ways can help. have to start now.
- NoGifts - Thursday, Aug 31, 17 @ 12:03 pm:
Publius - “is illinois read for the next disaster” Did anyone here make the drive between Carbondale and Chicago for the eclipse? That’ll answer your question.
- Anotheretiree - Thursday, Aug 31, 17 @ 12:14 pm:
==Red==
It probably isn’t the time for snarky politics.This is biblical. It also wasn’t the time after Sandy when the Texas politicians demanded cuts for every dollar of relief. Haven’t heard much about the deficit lately. I would suggest that Texas, with its vibrant economy, should chip in on the massive bill with a state income Tax. Disregard the complaints of your recent Illinois immigrants…
- Tbd - Thursday, Aug 31, 17 @ 12:34 pm:
This huricane and the chaos of Trump has made me wondering if Illinois would be prepared to handle a natural disaster or a manmade catastrophe. Weve had our share of tornados and severe weather, and it can always get worse. Would our phone systems, hospitals, first responders, etc be ready?
- Anon221 - Thursday, Aug 31, 17 @ 1:11 pm:
Today’s podcast for 1A isn’t posted yet, but there was a great discussion this morning about being involved in recovery efforts outside of just sending money or supplies. Are we prepared in Illinois? Unfortunately many times it’s a reaction and a preparation to crisis. Get involved in your community beforehand. Get training on how to respond in a crisis. Be part of an organization that can train you in how best to be involved to help your self, your family, and others especially during recovery phases. We learn each time with each new crisis what works and what doesn’t. It’s important to apply those lessons in scenarios ahead of time so you can more quickly respond when what you planned to do doesn’t happen and you need to adapt. One woman called in from NW IL and is organizing two semi loads of supplies to send to Houston. One of the guests on the program said that was a great gesture and very commendable, but she hoped the organizer had planned ahead exactly where and with which aid organization the semis would be going to. just showing up at the NRG Center (for instance) and saying, “Here it is,” doesn’t work. We learned a lot from Katrina, and we’ll learn a lot from Harvey, but the next time will be the next time with different variables and issues. Some good training tools: https://training.fema.gov/emiweb/is/icsresource/trainingmaterials.htm
- a drop in - Thursday, Aug 31, 17 @ 2:01 pm:
“is illinois read for the next disaster?”
Disaster preparedness costs money.
- MyTwoCents - Thursday, Aug 31, 17 @ 3:27 pm:
I don’t know if the State of Illinois is ready for a large scale disaster but I do take some comfort in the fact that Illinois has a strong system of Statewide mutual aid networks for areas like fire/ems, law enforcement and public works.
- Ron - Thursday, Aug 31, 17 @ 3:42 pm:
Is Harvey happening because god is mad at Texas, a horribly conservative place? Preachers always claim natural disasters strike at liberal places because they are bad.