GALVESTON.COMmunity

Back on the weather roller-coaster?

Stan Blazyk — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 15:49:00 GMT

After a period of rapidly changing weather, with conditions swinging rapidly from rainy and warm to sunny and cool, Galveston experienced a week of near ideal weather. Unfortunately, this spell finally ended as a cold front pushed through the area on Monday, bringing a brief round of showers followed by some of the coolest weather of the season so far....(read more)

A mild weekend, but a chilly start to the coming week

Stan Blazyk — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 15:21:00 GMT

Certainly it would be difficult to find someone to complain about the ideal weather we have had lately. It doesn't get better than this! While this spell of mild weather should linger through this weekend, you might want to keep a sweater or jacket handy for next week. The coolest weather so far this season is likely to move in by late Monday. ...(read more)

Ideas for Thanksgiving Weekend in Galveston

Christine Hopkins — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 19:32:00 GMT

Well we all know that everyone enjoys spending time with family on Thanksgiving Day but afterward everyone needs a break and a litte getaway. So if you are looking for some free and fun things to do on Thanksgiving weekend - let me make some recommendations......(read more)

Why Ida is weakening

Stan Blazyk — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 15:17:00 GMT

The two fundamental elements that any tropical system needs to flourish is an abundance of warm water above 80 degrees and calm upper-level winds (absence of wind shear)....(read more)

El Gusto indeed!

Dining Diva — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 13:52:00 GMT

We occasioned by El Gusto del Pueblo the other night. It had been a while since we'd dined at El Gusto, and because it was late evening we ordered fajita nachos. They were really tasty, nachos like they should be made, with fresh ingredients and prepared carefully, not just everything poured over the tostadas like in some places. I was impressed and plan to go back soon for a meal. The owner was there that evening and poured us all some very interesting "Los Cabos" agave wine which...(read more)

A coastal low and Hurricane Ida help to stir up coastal waters

Stan Blazyk — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 15:56:00 GMT

A complex weather pattern, involving a coastal low and Hurricane Ida should keep local surfers happy. Higher than normal tides and rather decent breakers will undoubtedly attract the more adventurous to the beach today and tomorrow. A surface low in the western Gulf of Mexico, an approaching upper-level trough moving into Texas from the west, and high pressure to our east is likely to produce brisk winds and elevated tides along the upper-Texas coast....(read more)

Great Dinner at Gaido's--as usual!

Dining Diva — Sat, 07 Nov 2009 19:15:00 GMT

We had a fabulous dinner at Gaido’s last week. They have consistently fresh fish and prepare it so well. Plus there’s the shrimp bisque (yummm!), great salads and sides, excellent steaks, delicious desserts, and on and on. I’m looking forward to January, when I always have my oyster platter. This time I had a steak which was delicious and almost fork-tender. I don't think you can get snapper better than their charcoal grilled. They do take reservations now, which we forgot....(read more)

Will Hurricane Ida and disturbed weather in the Bay of Campeche impact us?

Stan Blazyk — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 16:07:00 GMT

I've had a number of people ask me these questions over the past couple of days, especially after they have listened to some of the more sensationlistic reports that have surfaced since Ida first developed into a tropical depression....(read more)

Tropical Depression #9 unlikely to impact the U.S.

Stan Blazyk — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 14:40:00 GMT

A well-organized low in the southwest Caribbean, east of Costa Rica is likely to develop into tropical depression #9 or Tropical Storm Ida today. Satellite images and surface reports indicate that the system may already have intensified and reconnaissance aircraft will investigate the area today, though satellite images and surface reports indicate that the system may have intensified already....(read more)

HIGH ROLLERS, HIGH DOLLARS

Galveston Island Gal — Sat, 31 Oct 2009 16:00:00 GMT

HIGH ROLLERS, HIGH DOLLARS AND THE GALVESTON THAT WAS In 1901, the Lucas gusher blew in at Spindletop, near Beaumont (about 100 miles northeast of Galveston), producing the first major Texas oil field. That same year, the Maceo family arrived in America from Palermo, Sicily. By 1914, brothers Sam and Rose had moved to Galveston Island. With money they had made from bootlegging during prohibition, they expanded into the nightclub business and built a gambling empire. In the years that followed, Texas...(read more)

THE FREE STATE OF GALVESTON

Galveston Island Gal — Sat, 31 Oct 2009 15:55:00 GMT

THE FREE STATE OF GALVESTON: A TOUR GUIDE’S TALE While Galveston recovered from the devastation of the 1900 Storm, two things happened to take business away from the Island’s economy. Oil was discovered at Spindletop in1901and the Houston oil industry was born; then, in 1915, their ship channel opened. The once-decadent city of Galveston had to find other means of economic development if it were to survive financially. Prior to World War I, two brothers from Sicily moved to the island...(read more)

Soggy weather will give way to sunshine and cool temperatures this weekend

Stan Blazyk — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 15:58:00 GMT

Heavy rains moved across Galveston Island Thursday night and early Friday, soaking some vendors and early attendees at the Lone Star Biker Rally in Galveston. Rainfall amounts, between 9 pm Thursday evening and 9 am Friday morning ranged from 1.17" at Scholes Field to 2.05" closer to downtown, where the Rally is being staged....(read more)

Heavy rain possible as Flash Flood Watch issued for Thursday

Stan Blazyk — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 15:11:00 GMT

A potent upper-level through, an advancing cool front and an influx of deep Gulf moisture will create a volatile mixture for Thursday here in Galveston. Accordingly, the National Weather Service has issued both a Flash Flood Watch and a Hazardous Weather Outlook for most ot southeast Texas, including Galveston Island....(read more)

Will rain spoil the Lone Star Motorcycle Rally?

Stan Blazyk — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 01:37:00 GMT

Despite the fact that the last two weekends have brought near-perfect weather to the Isle, nobody could blame Galvestonians for feeling like we have had more than our share of wet weather lately. Unfortunately, if current forecasts hold, this coming week is likely to be a wet one as well....(read more)

Sunny cool weather is nice, but will it last?

Stan Blazyk — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 15:36:00 GMT

lveston is on track to have its second consecutive sunny, cool weekend in a row. Those of us who love this kind of fall weather are deligthed, especially after the heavy rains this week....(read more)

Epicurean Evening a Blast

Dining Diva — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 13:13:00 GMT

I hope you got to the recent Epicurean Evening at Moody Gardens. I went with some friends and we had a fabulous time. Dozens of local restaurants were there with samples of their very best items, wine and beer purveyors poured generously, a free photo booth allowed us to clown around and take home a souvenir, and there was even a silent auction. The place was packed but it appeared that the food supply was up to the challenge. I had some favorites, the Killer Chicken Salad from Mosquito, Bread Pudding...(read more)

Watches and Advisories Issued for Galveston

Stan Blazyk — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 12:19:00 GMT

The Houston-Galveston National Weather Service Office has issued a Flash Flood Warning and a Tornado Watch for southeast Texas, including Galveston County. In addition, a Coastal Flood Advisory has been issued for tides running 3 feet or more above normal. Below are links to these alerts:...(read more)

Heavy Rain Threat Prompts Special Weather Statements

Stan Blazyk — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 14:55:00 GMT

The Houston-Galveston National Weather Service Office has issued a Special Weather Statement and a Hazardous Weather Outlook for southeast Texas, including Galveston County....(read more)

Despite probable mid to late week rainfall, next weekend may turn out to be delightful again

Stan Blazyk — Mon, 19 Oct 2009 15:09:00 GMT

An unusual combination of a cold front moving into southeast Texas and high-level moisture moving in from the remnants of Hurricane Rick may bring significant rainfall back to Galveston Island by Wednesday or Thursday....(read more)

Goodbye to the hurricane season?

Stan Blazyk — Thu, 15 Oct 2009 16:05:00 GMT

Friday (October 16) marks the 20th anniversary of the latest hurricane ever to strike the upper-Texas coast and Saturday (October 17) marks the date of the latest tropical storm ever to hit the area. Since reliable record-keeping began in 1837, no tropical storm or hurricane has come close enough to have any real impact on Galveston Island after October 17. So, climatologically speaking, we should be in pretty good shape, tropical weather wise, as we enjoy a mostly sunny, cool weekend....(read more)

Near perfect weather likely for this coming weekend festivities

Stan Blazyk — Mon, 12 Oct 2009 14:57:00 GMT

Downtown Galveston will pay host to Artoberfest and to the Clean Galveston Walk-About this weekend and it appears as though the weather will be about as good as it gets for these festivities....(read more)

Lone Star Bike Rally - Kickoff Party!

Galveston Music Scene — Sun, 11 Oct 2009 19:37:00 GMT

Click for larger image...(read more)

Heavy rains likely, but Saturday's weather may turn out fine for Art-Walk

Stan Blazyk — Fri, 09 Oct 2009 14:53:00 GMT

A strong cool front pushing into humid, unstable air over southeast Texas is likely to bring heavy rainfall to Galveston Count this afternoon and evening. ...(read more)

Tropical Storm Henri no threat, but heavy rain is likely again by Friday

Stan Blazyk — Wed, 07 Oct 2009 16:27:00 GMT

Tropical Storm Henri developed rapidly from a tropical wave last evening as it moved into an area of lower wind shear. At 11 am EDT, today, Tropical Storm Henri was centered near 18.9 N and 57.4 W....(read more)

Summer to return, but real fall weather on the horizon

Stan Blazyk — Mon, 05 Oct 2009 15:53:00 GMT

After a week of rains that brought 2-4 inches of rain to much of Galveston Island, it looks as though summer-like temperatures are making an unwelcome return to the area....(read more)