Hurricane Ike could be `catastrophe`

Hurricane Ike could be `catastrophe`	13.09.2008
Related Links Diehards: 14,500 stay put Texas: 1.2 million flee Pictures: Hurricane Ike Today`s Top Picks 9/11 remembered AMERICANS gathered to mark the seventh anniversary of the terror attacks that shook the world. Liberal turmoil: Nelson set to face leadership spill Principal: Sex assault `was childhood experiment` Report: Hospital overcrowding killing hundreds Font size: +- Send this article:Print Email Search for more stories on this topic on Newstext, our news archive service. Click here Most Popular Blogs More Most Popular 1. School abuse `sex club` for six-year-olds 2. Ten things your boss hates about you 3. Brimble accused now living it up in Dubai 4. School abuse `sex club` for six-year-olds 5. Delicate natives are Poms` new designer toy 6. Dingo takes a bite out of Sandilands on air 7. Brimble accused now living it up in Dubai 8. Australian`s massacre game causes uproar 9. Outback bones may be Aussie T-rex 10. Thousands defy Hurricane Ike Also in News Los Angeles: Up to 15 dead in train smash Schools: School abuse `sex club` for six-year-olds Aged: Struggling seniors demand pension rise Anger: Delicate natives are Poms` new designer toy Little Rose: Flowers for dead girl found in murky river Fresh life: Brimble accused now living it up in Dubai Lost hope: Noxious mud volcano `cannot be stopped` Rentals: Tax deal creates rush for low-cost housing Video Watch this Video NOW! Week in review TAKE a look back at the stories that made the headlines this week. Latest videos ARIA nominations announced Leaps and bounds The ultimate men`s runway Chalk Urban Art Festival More Video Blogroll The Nerve Are TV shows like House increasing our fear of illness? Ask Bossy: Boyfriend`s World of Warcraft addiction Blogocracy: Response to water problems Splat!: Is there Facebook `fury` over new design? Squanderlust: Spendaholic finishes her mission Jack Marx Live:Ike took Hanna by the hand Money Stuff:Paying the price for advice MacChat: Apple sets the Chrome standard Advertisement Tools Receive our news feed What is RSS? Receive our email newsletter Send us your news photos Send us your story tips News on your mobile Help\| Contact Us\| Advertise with Us\| Job Opportunities\| Terms & Conditions\| Privacy Policy\| Accessibility\| Sitemap\| News Headlines from Our Partners Copyright 2008 News Limited. All times AEST (GMT +10). Hurricane Ike could leave 13 million without power Expected to be almost as bad as Hurricane Katrina In pictures: Hurricane Ike approaches Texas HURRICANE Ike is bearing down on the coast of Texas, driving a wall of water into seaside communities and threatening catastrophic damage all the way up to Houston. In what may be the worst storm to hit Texas in nearly 50 years, Ike`s centre was within hours of overwhelming low-lying areas near Houston with a possible 20-foot (6-metre) storm surge. High winds and rain lashed the coast, sending huge waves crashing against a 17-foot (5-metre) sea wall built to protect the port of Galveston after a hurricane in 1900 killed at least 8000 people in the deadliest weather disaster in US history. Stormpulse: Track Hurricane Ike Wikipedia: About Hurricane Ike In pictures: Storms batter Haiti In pictures: Here comes Gustav In pictures: New Orleans evacuated The National Weather Service warned that people in coastal areas could "face the possibility of death" and officials said Ike could flood as many as 100,000 homes and send a storm wave across 100 miles (180 km) of US coastline. "Our nation is facing what is by any means a potentially catastrophic hurricane," said US Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff, warning that the storm surge could present the gravest danger. "This certainly falls in the category of pretty much a worst case scenario," he said. Crude oil markets nervously watched to see if Ike would swamp low-lying coastal refineries in its path that collectively process 20 percent of U.S. fuel supplies. Ike`s ferocity surprised many just 11 days after Hurricane Gustav forced 2 million people to flee the Louisiana coast, but largely spared New Orleans. Some 600,000 people left low lying Texas counties under mandatory evacuation orders, but some who thought they would stick it out made a last-minute exit from Galveston. "When I woke up, my bed was floating in the house," said David Daubuisson, a handyman who narrowly escaped from his home in Bayou Vista. "I just took what I could and got out." Ike was a Category 2 storm with 110 mph (175 kph) winds as it moved on a course to pass directly over Houston - the fourth-largest city in the United States. The storm is expected to come ashore this afternoon, possibly as a dangerous Category 3 hurricane on the five-step intensity scale with winds of more than 111 mph (178 kph), the National Hurricane Centre said. 13 million could be without power About 13 million people in 132 counties along the Gulf coast could face hurricane and tropical storm conditions, the US National Census Bureau said. Millions of residents could be left without power, authorities said. A dawn-to-dusk curfew was laid down in evacuated areas around Houston. The Coast Guard had to rescue 65 people from rising waters on the the Bolivar Peninsula, east of Galveston. US crude oil futures rose 31 cents to settle at $US101.18 a barrel after dropping below $US100 for the first time since early April as concerns over US economic weakness outweighed storm disruption fears. Ports were closed and the Coast Guard said a 584-foot (178-metre) freighter with 22 people aboard was stranded without power 90 miles (145 km) southeast of Galveston. Conditions were too treacherous to attempt a rescue. Huge wave of water The storm`s wide reach means that it will pack an unusually strong punch, taking the form of a huge wave of water it is pushing ahead of it. "This is a Category 5 hurricane," said Jeff Masters, co-founder of meteorological Web site The Weather Underground. "I don`t care what the Category 2 rating says," he said. Category 5 storms are the most dangerous. The storm surge could push as far inland as NASA`s Johnson Space Center south of Houston, Mr Masters said. Houston airports were closed and hotels were jammed with those seeking shelter. Ike could be the third-most damaging storm in US history behind Hurricanes Katrina and Andrew in 1992, experts said. Risk Management Solutions pegged the value of insured property in the Houston area at nearly $US1 trillion, including the city`s port - the nation`s second busiest. Katrina devastated New Orleans and other parts of the Gulf Coast in August 2005, killing 1500 people and causing at least $US81 billion in damage. The costliest storm in US history, Katrina also damaged President George W. Bush`s standing and his administration was heavily criticised for its slow response to the disaster. - Additional reporting by Anna Driver, Eileen O`Grady, Erwin Seba and Bruce Nichols Share this article Digg this Post to del.icio.us Post to Newsvine Post to Facebook Add to kwoff RSS What is this? NEWS.com.au is not responsible for the content of external sites. Share stories with friends in a click. Get your favourite NEWS.com.au content on your social networking profile. MySpace widget Facebook application Related Links Diehards: 14,500 stay put Texas: 1.2 million flee Pictures: Hurricane Ike Today`s Top Picks 9/11 remembered AMERICANS gathered to mark the seventh anniversary of the terror attacks that shook the world. Liberal turmoil: Nelson set to face leadership spill Principal: Sex assault `was childhood experiment` Report: Hospital overcrowding killing hundreds Font size: +- Send this article:Print Email Search for more stories on this topic on Newstext, our news archive service. Click here Most Popular Blogs More Most Popular 1. School abuse `sex club` for six-year-olds 2. Ten things your boss hates about you 3. Brimble accused now living it up in Dubai 4. School abuse `sex club` for six-year-olds 5. Delicate natives are Poms` new designer toy 6. Dingo takes a bite out of Sandilands on air 7. Brimble accused now living it up in Dubai 8. Australian`s massacre game causes uproar 9. Outback bones may be Aussie T-rex 10. Thousands defy Hurricane Ike Also in News Los Angeles: Up to 15 dead in train smash Schools: School abuse `sex club` for six-year-olds Aged: Struggling seniors demand pension rise Anger: Delicate natives are Poms` new designer toy Little Rose: Flowers for dead girl found in murky river Fresh life: Brimble accused now living it up in Dubai Lost hope: Noxious mud volcano `cannot be stopped` Rentals: Tax deal creates rush for low-cost housing Video Watch this Video NOW! Week in review TAKE a look back at the stories that made the headlines this week. Latest videos ARIA nominations announced Leaps and bounds The ultimate men`s runway Chalk Urban Art Festival More Video Blogroll The Nerve Are TV shows like House increasing our fear of illness? Ask Bossy: Boyfriend`s World of Warcraft addiction Blogocracy: Response to water problems Splat!: Is there Facebook `fury` over new design? Squanderlust: Spendaholic finishes her mission Jack Marx Live:Ike took Hanna by the hand Money Stuff:Paying the price for advice MacChat: Apple sets the Chrome standard Advertisement Tools Receive our news feed What is RSS? Receive our email newsletter Send us your news photos Send us your story tips News on your mobile Help\| Contact Us\| Advertise with Us\| Job Opportunities\| Terms & Conditions\| Privacy Policy\| Accessibility\| Sitemap\| News Headlines from Our Partners Copyright 2008 News Limited. All times AEST (GMT +10).

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09/13/2008		Up to 15 dead in train smash
RESCUERS are working to free passengers from the wreckage of one of the worst train crashes in Los Angeles in recent years

09/13/2008		Four dead in LA train smash
AT least four people are dead and dozens seriously injured after a commuter train collided with a freight train in Los Angeles

09/13/2008		Tax deal creates rush for low-cost housing
CORPORATE Australia has flocked to a Rudd government offer of tax breaks in return for construction of low-cost rental accommodation, joining community housing providers in proposing 13,000 new low-rental dwellings in the next year

09/13/2008		Outback in crisis, and open to invasion
REMOTE Australia is a failed state that is becoming a threat to national security and vulnerable to possible invasion because of government inaction and ineptitude, a major report to be released next week has found

Racing fashion do`s and don`ts

How to avoid the equine style police

Pics: Step-by-step style transformation

NOT sure what to wear to Spring Racing Season? Fashion writer and all-round style guru Melissa Hoyer reveals the do`s and don`ts of Spring Racing etiquette and attire so you can enjoy your day to the fullest.

Following Ms Hoyer`s simple style guide should ensure you make it to the track, and back home, looking as good (well, nearly) as you did when you teetered out of the house that morning.

Here Ms Hoyer addresses the hats and hemlines we should - or shouldn’t - be seen wearing.

But the races isn`t all about the ladies. See what the boys should and shouldn`t be wearing in our Men`s Races Guide.

*** RACE DAY DO’S ***

Whether a knee-length wrap style, a floaty silk dress, an empire-line or the maxi length - a trend we’ll be seeing lots of trackside - make sure your dress choice suits your body shape
Choose your outfit/dress first, then match your hat, bag and shoes accordingly
Dress for the season - we are talking spring, so try to bring a small wrap or even a cool looking shawl/pashmina just in case you need it as you head home
Wear your race day shoes a few times at least (even around the house) before the big day to avoid the the tragic shoes-slung-over-your-shoulder look
Make sure you do make some effort and put something on your head, even a cheap embellished headband or large flower will make you feel like you look the part
If you can, take a shoulder bag (much easier to handle when you have champagne and race book in your hands)
Make it a decent size bag ... but not gigantic. All you need are your sunglasses, lippie, money, race book, phone, keys and your usual make-up essentials
Colour, colour, colour is the way to go - vermillion, yellow, purple and orange are hot this season, as well as florals
Race day is the day to get out your hottest new frames too – preferably designer, darling
And remember, one water, one wine, one water, one wine ... then hit the water big time.

*** RACE DAY DON’T`S ***

Don’t go for a dress that is too tight – yes, yes you can still look sexy but do we all of us have to see every bump, roll of fat and hip bone!
Avoid channelling a nightclub look – you are not about to hit the dance floor at the track, so use the day to wear something that is gracious, elegant
If you are of a small stature avoid big, mushroom style hats, as no-one will be able to see the divine face that lies beneath the big brim!
If you hate the tops of your arms, just cover them up! Don’t feel some fashion obligation to wear a strappy dress all because all your mates are following that fashion mantra
Avoid taking your hat off just as you leave the track – yes, fashion can be about pain - but having a really bad case of crunched-up hat hair isn’t a good look
Leading hair guru Joh Bailey advises a messy style hairdo at 10am will look like a disaster zone before the day is over, so go for a sleek chignon or side ponytail that will last right through the day
Make sure your skirt or dress isn’t too disco-short – show a bit of decorum and leave something to our imaginations
Make sure the fake tan you choose to apply is even, not too yellow and for goodness sake, don’t go the tandoori tan. Try Johnson & Johnson’s Holiday gradual moisturising tan a few days earlier or ModelCo’s Tan In A Can, applied just a few minutes before you walk out the door
Oh, and really try to avoid tuning into an ocker, drunken ladette – it ain’t pretty and it’s just plain embarrassing

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