Hurricane Rita: Cat 5!

"Hold on to your butts!" Looks like good 'ol Tejas is about to get pounded by a monster of a storm. As of this morning, it was the 3rd largest hurricane in history with wind speeds of 175 mph! CNN reported that they are expecting a storm surge of up to 50 feet! Even though Dallas is over 300 miles from the coast, I have to admit I am very nervous. I have my grandparents, and aunt, uncle and cousins in the Houston area. The latest reports have it as a Category 3-4 as it passes over Houston, and a Category 1-2 as it passes Dallas. Usually once its inland, it weakens to a Tropical Storm. We have been instructed to secure all outdoor items so they dont become "projectiles" and to expect Tornado force winds. PLEASE keep my grandparents in your prayers, I am just very nervous for them. I am going to call them again today and see if they would like to come stay with us for the weekend (as of yesterday they were just going to ride it out, but it was only a Cat 4 at that time).