Parts of Houston are being evacuated along with Galveston in anticipation of Hurricane Rita. [from Houston Metblogs] In contrast to the Katrina scenario (and apparently violating the laws of time and space), Rick Perry has declared Texas a disaster area before a drop of rain from Rita touches the state.

In light of the traffic we might see coming up 290 and 71, is it a bit premature to close the convention center shelter this Friday?