I cannot believe how many people along the Texas coast decided to stay in their homes during the storm. I've heard estimates of around 40% didn't leave, out of those directly in Ike's path.

Now millions are being spent pulling them out of their homes, where they can't stay anyway because of no water or electricity & very unhealthy conditions. I think they thought it would be like riding out a thunderstorm, where after the storm is over, things quickly return to normal.

The equation is simple ... if you are living along the coast and a major hurricane is headed directly at you, then go inland. It is still going to be dangerous and a hardship, but it is far safer.

That said, as noted by others, the destructive path is wide and long. Some hurricanes have caused devastating floods as they roll inland. The Appalachians have suffered floods from many hurricanes, and those mountain valleys can get very dangerous as the waters funnel into them. A lot of people have been impacted by Ike and I hope anyone in need is able to obtain help.