Rita Aftermath: Gridlock feared in rush home
Lynn J. Cook, David Ivanovich and R.G. Ratcliffe write in The Houston Chronicle:
Hoping to avoid a repeat of the highway gridlock and fuel shortages that frustrated and stranded Houston residents fleeing from Hurricane Rita, Texas' governor is calling for evacuees to stay put while authorities come up with a plan to stagger their return.
Because of the need to bring rescue crews and supplies into the region, outbound lanes of the highways will not be opened to returning traffic.
"Stay patient. Stay put," Gov. Rick Perry said this morning. "I can't say in strong enough terms to those who evacuated the coastal region they should not begin to return for the time being. We are not through assessing the damage. We cannot assure you at this time that your community is safe to return to.''
State and city officials -- along with Houston-area schools that must decide when to start classes -- will attempt to coordinate residents' return home. Time is needed to restock fuel supplies along the return route. Oil companies are gearing up to replenish drained gas stations that were sucked dry after the masses motored for higher ground.
posted by Fergie @ 9/24/2005 09:32:00 AM
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