Ike evacuees stream back into Galveston

GALVESTON, Texas, Sept. 24 (UPI) -- Hurricane Ike evacuees Wednesday were streaming back to Galveston, Texas, jamming the interstate highway leading into the devastated Gulf Coast city.

As emergency officials reopened the city, thousands of cars driving southbound into Galveston made for slow going on Interstate 45. Texas state troopers patrolled the roadway to keep frustrated motorists from driving onto the shoulders, The Houston Chronicle reported.

"It's not going to be the same Galveston Island it was," City Councilman Danny Weber warned. "It's as safe as we can make it at this time. The rest is up to you as individuals."

Officials cautioned returnees they would largely be on their own and would have to be responsible for bringing their own food, water and gasoline, all the while coping with swarms of mosquitoes and unchecked rats and snakes.

The Chronicle said it appeared most returnees listened to officials' warnings that Galveston Island was too devastated for children -- most of the returning vehicles appeared to have only adult occupants, it said.