http://www.heraldsun.news.com.au/common/story_page/0,5478,16700019%255E663,00.html
Texans trapped as Rita looms

"Hundreds of thousands of evacuees faced a new crisis -- petrol shortages -- on Texan highways as they tried to flee the deadly winds.

Many abandoned their cars and hitched a ride while others chose to wait in the hope petrol tankers would arrive. The abandoned cars and queues at the few remaining petrol stations caused a 160km traffic jam heading north of Houston, the fourth-largest US city.

Stranded motorists listened to radios helplessly as Houston mayor Bill White declared that "being on the highway is a death-trap"."

"Environmentalists warned of the possibility of a toxic spill from the 87 chemical plants and petroleum installations that represent more than a quarter of US refining capacity."

"The evacuation was a traffic nightmare with red brake lights streaming out of Houston and its low-lying suburbs.
"This is the worst planning I've ever seen," said Judie Anderson, who covered just 72km in 12 hours."