Ike Strengthens, May become Major Hurricane

Ike strengthens and may become a Category 3 Hurricane just prior to landfall.

Landfall is predicted at around 1-3:00 PM local time, and expected to hit Galveston, TX.

Storm surge expected to be 15-20 feet high,and may reach 25 feet in some spots depending on where the storm hits. Mandatory evacuations are under way.

Geographically the storm is also larger in size than Katrina.

Currently a freighter has become stranded in high winds and 50ft seas. The Coast Guard is in constant contact with the crew as of this writing.

Here are some Webcams located in Galveston.

Official Galveston website.

Video of weather report talking of catastrophic event.

Source 1
Source 2
Source 3