"Stormwatchers" are Chronicle's eyes and ears

If -- no, let's face it -- when Hampton Roads next finds itself in the bead of a powerful hurricane we can look The Houston Chronicle's innovative online coverage of Hurricane Rita for ideas and inspiration. The Chronicle has assembled a cadre of citizen "stormwatchers" from throughout its coverage area to post to online Web logs what's going on in their homes and neighborhoods. The result is a street-level look at the feelings and activities of people preparing for imminent disaster. The reports have a fresh, timely, human feel to them.

Yes, all those home computers will go PFFFTTTTTZZZ! when the floodwater gets to them, but until then, the stormwatchers are inviting us to be at their side as they begin this fearful night.