Even though Ike is "only" a category two hurricane, it sounds like it has every opportunity to be very destructive, primarily due to the insane size of this storm.
The NHC warns of a significant and very dangerous storm surge of up to 20 feet could occur near and to the east of where Ike's center of circulation makes landfall. A surge of 25 feet could occur at the heads of the bays.[...]
Along with the surge comes powerful, damaging winds. Hurricane-force winds extend 120 miles from the center while tropical storm-force winds extend and astounding 275 miles from the center.
Because of this massive size, it is very important to emphasize that tropical storm and hurricane conditions will be felt well before Ike's center of circulation makes landfall. Conditions will deteriorate along the Texas coast and the southwestern Louisiana coast by this afternoon.
Preparations to protect life and property should be completed by this point but there is still some time to evacuate.
