Viewers from around the world have shared the Hurricane Ike story with residents of Southeast Texas through video and pictures from KHOU-TV storytellers and consumers found on KHOU.com, DirecTV, XM Radio and CNN.com.  Here is a sampling of the thousands of e-mails of thanks, prayers and well-wishes from those who’ve watched from afar:

MOSCOW, RUSSIA —“We moved to Moscow Russia a little over a year ago but our son and several friends are still in Houston. Thank goodness for your streaming web coverage of the hurricane, because that’s the only way we were able to find out what was going on. In fact when we finally reached our son yesterday we were able to give him updates of what was going on around his neighborhood based on what we heard from your broadcast, because he didn’t have power.” – Dave & Margarita in Moscow

NYKOPING, SWEDEN —“My wife is originally from Louisville Kentucky. We now live in Sweden. Our thoughts goes out to everyone affected by this terrible Hurricane. We have been following your continuous coverage over the internet.” – Lars & Patti in Nykoping

SOUTH CAROLINA – “We live in South Carolina and have been watching KHOU for 24 plus hrs. trying to stay current with the storm and its after math. with our culture the way it is we are very transitory, and because of this we all have relatives , and friends scattered all over the country.

Our Daughter and Son in Law are catastrophic insurance claims adjusters, they were dispatched to Houston on Tuesday the 9th of Sept. so they would be ready as soon as the storm cleared and the customer calls started to come in. We also have a nephew and his family that live in Prosper TX. Plus the fact that we are after all Americans that makes naturally concerned about our fellow Brothers and Sisters.

We have gotten word that our family concerns ended on the positive they are all out of harms way. The real reason for this email was to praise KHOU for their unselfish dedication to inform all those that need it. We watched you on direct tv.” – Henry & Lillian in Glover, S.C.

POLAND —“I’ve been with you throughout hurricane Ike. I am currently in Poland on holiday but actually live in England.  My parents live in Seabrook and evacuated late Friday to Friendswood to a fiends 2 storey house which I think saved them.  They were not fully aware how serious the situation because their mandatory evacuation only came midday on Thursday.   My mother works in a school there which was kept open and my father works for BP in Texas City and also had to work.  I’m a commercial pilot and have very good knowledge of meteorology so I rang them and urged them to leave quickly which they did.  They waited for the storm to finished and as I write this they are camping in their truck on the 146 because they cannot get to their house.  Thanks to your live coverage which I have been watching closely over the last 3 days I have been able to pass this information by phone directly to them.  They are asking me if I can see any damage to their street which I nearly got from the Air 11 chopper as it covered the storm damage over Seabrook and Kemah but it just missed Aspen Lane, their street, but I think from the aerial pictures it is clear to see there is not much left.  My mum said when she was evacuating, after much persuasion, that there was 2 single mums and their children still sitting on their porch I only hope the left just after them or took good shelter.

My thoughts go out to everybody who has lost their home or are unable to contact relatives, let’s hope some good comes of this situation and that we can be even better prepared if this happens again.” – Dean from England, in Poland

ST. AUGUSTINE, FLORIDA –“Thank you so much from a daughter in FL. I watched non-stop online and was able to make sure my mom was okay. My dad passed away in July so our entire extended family was worried sick about her. Thankfully, you brought, not just the weather but the LOCAL information and I was able to email my family so they could take heart knowing that my mom was doing okay in Cypress.

I also gave them your website so they can see you live-streaming as well. You have brought us much comfort, thank you. You spoke of a mom that was worried sick about her daughter but we daughters worry about our moms too!  THANK YOU! Our entire family is grateful for your dedication.” – Lou Ann in St. Augustine
 
CANADA –“I am a Mom from London Ontario Canada.  My daughter lives in Houston attending the University of Houston.  I have been glued to your KHOU live video stream on line for the last two days.  I cannot thank you enough for the ongoing coverage you have been providing.  It had been a nightmare being so far away and unaware of any details.  I was watching CNN on TV but found your coverage of IKE online much more informative with so much compassion and warmth.  Honestly, your staff has been unbelievable and have provided the best possible coverage.  I spoke briefly to my daughter today, she is fine thank God.  My heart goes out to all those that have been touched by this horrific storm.  May God Bless you all. Once again, thank you soooooooo much.” – Leanne in London, Ontario

SOUTHPORT, ENGLAND —“Thank you ever so much for all your coverage. We live in Southport, England and have been watching your coverage almost 24/7 on your live feed over the internet. My husband is from Oak Forest, and we moved over here about 5 years ago. We still have a large number of family members in the TC Jester area. They have been without power or access to news broadcasts and we have been able to keep them informed via cell phone during the height of the storm. Without your excellent coverage we wouldn’t have been able to do it. Well done guys!” – Kirstie & William in Southport

NEW ENGLAND – “With KHOU being broadcast here in New England & nationwide on DirecTV, It has been a real pleasure seeing Dr. Neil Frank again and watching his great work explaining things throughout Hurricane Ike. He is the last John Hope, and I only wish we could see him on The Weather Channel every week. Hoping for all the best for everyone in the Galveston Houston area.”  -- a New England viewer

CALIFORNIA —“Thanks for keeping me updated on my hometown and old fishing holes in Galveston. It is wild seeing pictures of the roof peeled off the Motel

8 not even 5 minutes from where I grew up in Jersey Village. My prayers are with my family, and all of the folks in the Houston Galveston area.”— Ryan, a displaced Texan in California

SINGAPORE —“I just wanted to tell you all Thank You so very very much for all of your work covering the hit by Hurricane Ike.  I am living in Singapore now but I used to live in Houston and my sister is still living in Houston.  As you know, it is difficult to know that your loved ones are in danger, and your telecast helped me to get through this time.  I was able to contact my sister and they are OK but I did want to tell you Thank You for all that you have done!” – Sara in Singapore

LOMPOC, CALIFORNIA – “This transplanted Texan is watching your Ike coverage on channel 361 and I thank you. I recently moved to Vandenberg Village in Lompoc, CA and almost everyone I know and love is in the Houston/Lake Jackson/Freeport/Baytown area and this is the first hurricane I have missed in my 77 years. This one reminded me very much of Carla—the 1961 horror. The KHOU coverage is a taste of home and very comforting.  I’m reading the blogs, etc. and it has made me feel lots better. Thanks again.” Dede in Lompoc

YORK, PENNSYLVANIA – “I live in York, PA, and I am a weather enthusiast and was tracking the hurricane.  I noticed that Direct TV was carrying your station’s local coverage.  I have been watching your station from before the hurricane hit, and I am still watching it as long as they will carry it.  First of all, my thoughts and prayers go out to you and all your families at the station and all the people affected by the hurricane.  I am so glad that old gentleman who decided to stay on the island was okay.  Second, you guys are one HELL of a TV Station...your coverage has been spot on, top notch all the way..very professional, and I could tell all of you really care about these people you talk to.  I am very impressed and humbled over your station’s dedication to your viewers.  God bless all of you, and God bless all the people in Galveston, Houston, and all area affected by the Hurricane.  Thanks for all your hard work!” – Bernie in York

TEXAS HILL COUNTRY — “Thank you for the amazing coverage you all have provided throughout this entire storm.  I am now a Channel 11 convert and won’t watch anything else going forward.  The tireless effort, the utmost professionalism, the compassion and concern each of your broadcasters and expert meteorologists showed for our community throughout this entire ordeal should be commended forevermore!  My 78-yr.old mother is in ill health and from Beaumont and I evacuated her (and her two dogs) to Houston (where we live) and then we evacuated to my in-laws in Temple, Tx.  Here in Central Texas we were so thankful to find the Texas Channel broadcasting your feed.  The information, the website, the forums, etc. have been absolutely invaluable.  YOUR TEAM MADE AN UNBEARABLE SITUATION JUST A LITTLE BEARABLE!  Thank you again, from the bottom of our hearts.  Please thank Dr. Frank for coming back to handle this - we are all so appreciative indeed.” – a viewer in Central Texas

CLEVELAND, TEXAS — Just wanted to say that your crew has done a great job covering Ike. We left Cleveland due to the trees in our area and have been watching the news via satellite (channel 361). Because of your coverage we have been able to get information to friends and family who are in the dark. Some of them are without power and others are in places where they arent seeing good information out of the Houston area. KHOU has provided the best information. No other stations are informing people the way you have.” – Brian from Cleveland

HERMITAGE, TENNESSEE – “I found your station on my DirectTv by chance yesterday.  KHOU and your entire team have done a remarkable job getting information out to the citizens of Texas.  I’m setting in Tennessee and through your broadcast I have felt like I am with you.  Your tireless, unwavering energy has amazed me.  Thank you to everyone at KHOU for your dedication to your community.” – Karen in Hermintage

HOUSTON – “You are the best TV station.  We are lucky enough to live just across the bayou from KHOU (but closer to the police station) and have power.  We are so grateful for your coverage and information for the past two days.  In addition, we have relatives in other parts of the US and also in China.  They have been keeping up via satellite stations and internet. Thanks again for helping us through this event.” – DeAnna in Houston

DAYTON, OHIO – “Hello, Houston.  We want to send our heartfelt thoughts and prayers for you all out there.  We know it is horrible what you are going through.  Ohio can relate somewhat since we have gone through flooding and tornadoes here at times, also.  May God be with you all and help you recover.” --  Marian in Dayton

FLORIDA – “FABULOUS post-storm coverage!!!!!!!!!!!!!   Your anchors are above reproach and your field reporters are simply amazing.  No hype, no hysteria, very professional.  A native Floridian, at age 63 I’m a veteran of many hurricanes including Andrew and the ‘04 storms and know firsthand that many times less-than-cool heads prevail.  You all are to be commended!  (I’m watching you on MSNBC.)  Our hearts go out to you.  Keep up the good work and be safe.” – Patty in Florida

TEXAS HILL COUNTRY – “Thanks to ALL of the staff for the excellent, continuing coverage of Ike.  With my family in The Woodlands, Pasadena and north of Huntsville, your info has been invaluable.  Such dedication of KHOU.  Kudos to all of you.” – Mary in  Leander

EASTON, PENNSYLVANIA —“Our prayers are with you. We used to live in Houston on the southwest side. We also enjoyed going to Galveston Island for a nice lunch overlooking the gulf.” – Stella and Oliver in Easton
 
INDIANAPOLIS – “I live in Indianapolis, Indiana and have been watching your coverage via Direct TV.  I am extremely impressed with your level coverage as compared to the national media outlets.  Your coverage is excellent!  I know you all are very tired, yet you keep on churning out more and more information, video, updates, etc.  I also applaud all of you for staying on your game, despite the fact that you may not know what you will encounter with your own homes and families when you do get to go home.  I pray you all will find things just as you left them prior to the storm!  You have a great amount of work ahead of you for many weeks to come.  As a former television reporter in the midwest, I applaud you all for an exemplary job of covering Hurricane Ike and wish you well as you continue to bring the Direct TV audience up to date!  Job Well Done!  Just wanted to say thank you and let you know to keep up the great work!” – Dan in Indiana

LONDON –“Thanks for your great coverage.  I am currently in London, England and have been glued to my computer most of the day watching your coverage of the hurricane.  I have a home in the Champions/1960 area.   I am scheduled to return Wednesday... hopefully I won’t come home to major damage.” – Catherine in England 

CHANTILLY, VIRGINIA —“I want to commend your news station for providing the best and most thorough, informative, human interest coverage of Hurricane Ike!  Thank you for staying online throughout this terrible storm!  I have been watching since 7amET, and have not found any other networks providing as much in depth coverage as KHOU - Great dedication to the people of Houston and to viewers outside of the area.  My thoughts and prayers are with the entire Houston/Galveston area, and for a smooth and speedy recovery. Best thoughts to KHOU and all of Houston!” Mary in Virginia

HUNTSVILLE, TEXAS – “Please, Please give my best to Gene Norman, Neil Frank, David Paul, reporters and cameramen in the storm and all others behind the scenes for the GREAT coverage of Hurricane IKE. 

We are on vacation but live in Huntsville and have our elderly mother and her aide staying by themselves there and could not get back to help them.  Thank goodness for great neighbors in the Green Rich Shores subdivision who are caring for them. We were up all night worried and stressed, and were very suprised to find our favorite Houston channel broadcasting on DirectV  and XM radio and are so thankful for full coverage!!  God bless you all and stay safe!” Kathleen from Huntsville

NORTH CAROLINA –“Hello from North Carolina, I have watched your broadcast on Direct TV channel 361 all night long. Although I live in North Carolina, East Texas is my home. My dad lives near the Livingston area and lost power around 10:00 pm last night and had no way of knowing what to expect as the weather turned bad. I was able to watch you and keep my dad informed all the way from North Carolina, excellent job to all of you at KHOU! Thank you for the familiar faces as I watched through the night , worried about my family there!” – Donna in North Carolina 

EDNA, TEXAS – “I just want to thank you for having such wonderful coverage of the storm.  No theatrics and no glamorization of this storm; just honest reporting with the best interests of your viewers as your goal.  I’ve sent your website to all my family and friends so they could know what is happening.” – Cecelia in Edna 

WILMINGTON, NORTH CAROLINA –“I’m in Wilmington NC.  I’ve been watching your network since late last evening.  I am in phone contact with a number of friends in wilmington and I am giving them updates over the phone that are provided by your show.  I’m praying for all of you in Houston.  Thanks for keeping me and my Houston friends updated.” – Ruth in Wilmington

VENICE FLORIDA —“Direct TV has been providing a feed of your channel since yesterday.  We want to tell you how much we appreciate your coverage.  We think that the videos being shown are much better than what CNN is showing.  Besides, we don’t have to suffer though all the hype that CNN is doling out.  Please know that our prayers continue to be with all of you as you recover from the storm.” – Charlene and Dave in Venice

LOS ANGELES – “I have been watching your Live coverage via the Web from Los Angeles starting last night and again this morning and want to thank you for providing your newscast online for people all of the country to stay informed. We care.” – Pam in California

HOUSTON -- “I just wanted to say a GREAt thank you to your crew- After receiving information regarding a few church members that were stuck in Crystal Beach, Your crew called me and my mother back to let us know the people were ok and were hunkering down in a church in Crystal Beach-

We are not sure if they made it through the storm as only time will tell until the helicopters can reach them, but that one phone call gave all of us  hope as we continued praying for them” – Racheal and Pastor Robin

DEATH VALLEY, CALIFORNIA – “Howdy, just want to say that your coverage was as good or better than CNN and FOX.  I live close to Death Valley, CA and got to watch your coverage for hours and hours on Directv.” – Chuck in Death Valley

FRANCE - "I’m French and I’m watching from home the LIVE coverage on your internet site. I think it’s the first time that we can directly feel the amazing strength of a hurricane. The KHOU team is making an incredible job! I don't know how to help, but just tell the people that we think of them in these very difficult times. Good luck to everybody ..."  - Vincent from France

CHICAGO - "Thanks so much for your coverage! We are in Chicago, Illinois area and are receiving your reports via the Web. We have now brought up the LIVE video and we are so impressed with the quality of your reporting in spite of the lack of power in so many communities. We can assure you that the coverage for those who are without visuals has been truly exceptional – keep it up!" – C.B. from Chicago

BELGIUM - "Thank you so much for keeping us updated here in Belgium. We (Juhanna Robberts and co.) used to live in Houston and wish all our friends luck and we’re thinking of you! We’re very glad that we can keep up with what is going on and are very grateful because it’s frustrating to be so far away when a hurricane is coming to hit and not knowing what is happening to friends! We're thinking of your guys!!" – Robberts Family

AMSTERDAM - "Our thoughts are with the reporters in the storm as we are viewing this from home in Amsterdam, Holland. I am with you guys for a few good hours now.."  - Freddy and Arieke

NETHERLANDS - "We are watching the live stream from the Netherlands and we are also worried about the people and Texas. My husband and I both work for American companies and have a lot of partners working and living in Texas. Our thoughts go to all and to the people of my husbands work at UPS. Hope everyone will be OK" –Nicole from Holland

HONDURAS - ‘I just wanted to let you know that I am a LaPorte homeowner that is living and working in Honduras. My wife and daughter are safe and sound with friends in Lake Charles. News here in Honduras is limited but thanks to the internet and your web steam at KHOU.com, I’m getting it all and feel right at home. Y’all are doing a fantastic job! Tell Doc the weather here in Honduras is always warm and I have an extra hammock.’ – Tom Cross in Honduras

ENGLAND - "The web coverage is excellent – thank you for providing it! I’m from Houston, living in England and of course am keeping tabs on friends and family back home. The LIVE streams are two minutes behind from here, but that’s far more visibility to what’s happening back home than I anticipated. Great, full coverage!" – Jennifer in England

SAUDI ARABIA - "Thank you very much for providing the LIVE feed of your coverage of Hurricane Ike. My wife Kimberley is hunkering down in our family home on Lake Conroe. Watching your LIVE feed allows me to feel connected to what she and our neighbors will soon be experiencing. Please take care." – Bill in Dhahran, Saudi Arabia

ITALY - "Thank you for your continuing coverage. I am a former Houstonian currently living in Pisa, Italy watching the streamed coverage online. My aunt and uncle live in Kemah and decided to stay but hopefully they will change their minds soon. My parents live in Aldine and grandmother and sister and her family live in Conroe. Knowing what is going on there is very important to me and to see how my family is faring this storm. My thoughts and prayers are with everyone affected by this storm and those officials who have done a great job informing the public and the services they provide. God bless you all!" – Sherie in Italy

NETHERLANDS - "I’m living in the Netherlands but I am really worried about some friend in Houston. I’m monitoring the storm all night. The only thing I really need to know is the diameter of the eye of the storm because a friend of mine is living miles away from the predicted route of the storm’s eye. Good luck with the storm!" – P. Lauffer in the Netherlands

CHICAGO -- "I just wanted to thank you for streaming your newscast on the web. I just moved from Houston to Chicago and I have lots of family and friends in the area, and you all are the only source of information I have because the national media is not covering it. Thank you so much for the service you are providing."  - Francis, Chicago, Illinois

GERMANY - "Hello from Germany! I look at Internet Live Stream, your makes a good Job. Thanks for the very good Reporting. Greetings from Germany" –Sascha

NORTH CAROLINA – "On behalf of all of us who have moved to other parts of the country and are trying to monitor the situation that our loved ones still in Houston are in, thank you, thank you , thank you, for your LIVE web steam of your continuous coverage of Hurricane Ike. You are a blessing for those of us to make sure we are on top of this situation!" – Peggy in High Point, NC

VERMONT – "I do not imagine you will have time to read this right now with impending Ike, but I just want to Thank You for your easy and comprehensive website. I am in Vermont for the summer and my husband is near Tomball and your site is SO helpful to “bridge” the distance so I can keep aware of what is going on there without bothering hubby constantly while he tries to prepare and keep up with his job. Thank you." - Sue in Vermont

NEW JERSEY – "Thank you for your REMARKABLE coverage of Hurricane Ike. I live in New Jersey and I am watching you LIVE online at KHOU.com. Your courage and dedication to this storm is something to be proud of, nevertheless, please still be very careful and good luck in the next few hours and days to come. We are there with you all the way, and also great job to all the reporters out in harm’s way." – Christopher in New Jersey

SPAIN –"Watching you from the sunny and warm south of Spain. Thank you for making it so easy to be able to be updated on Ike. We have been watching your broadcast since about 1 pm. This is a major and broad hurricane. We cannot imaging how one feels suffering such a severe weather, because this never happens here, but are extremely worried for all of you. Our prayers and thoughts are with all of you. Please, stay safe." - Tessa, Spain

BELGIUM– "Hi, my name is Debbie White and I have been watching you LIVE in Belgium. My home and two adult children are in Houston and I really appreciate your coverage. Keep up the great work." - Debbie, Belgium

HOLLAND – "I am Dutch and I want to thank you for your video news of Hurricane Ike. It’s very nice that I can watch this in Holland. My best friend, Chris, lives in Dickinson, Texas and I sure hope that he and his family will be safe." -- Lida in Holland

NEW MEXICO – ‘I live in Santa Fe, New Mexico but I have three siblings living in Houston and I want to thank you SO much for your LIVE video stream offered throughout today. It is always difficult to be away from one’s loved ones during a crisis but it is less stressful and so helpful to be able to know exactly what is happening by way of your website. Thanks again for a job well done.’ – Barbara Murphy, Santa Fe, New Mexico

NEW ZEALAND – ‘Thanks for the LIVE coverage online on http://www.vuetoo.com. I’ve been glued to my computer monitor since I was alerted to the link. We went through a tropical cyclone with winds up to 104 mph in July – no electricity, no phones, etc. – so out thoughts and prayers are with you folks in the hurricane’s path.’ - Bob Feigel, New Zealand

CALIFORNIA – ‘Watching you online from Northern California, great coverage. You are in our prayers tonight’ – The Beninga Family, California

LONDON –‘I’m a Continental Flight Attendant waiting out the storm in London. We sure appreciate your coverage where we can follow minute-by-minute about what is happening to our family, homes, and friends back in Texas. It’s the best I’ve been able to find on the web.’ - London

PHILIPPINES –‘I am from Houston but am currently in the Philippines right now. Your KHOU.com video on demand is helping me connect to what is going on in Houston with Ike (I hate him!). More power to y’all and God bless Houston.’ – Esther, Philippines

JACKSONVILLE, FL – ‘I have been watching your station on DirecTV all day long and your station has been doing an outstanding job covering the hurricane. I have been through Texas two times to get to Arizona and California. I like the way your station has been keeping your state informed but also the rest of the country through DirecTV. Good luck on the storm and I hope everyone stays safe.’ – William, Jacksonville, Florida

CHICAGO, IL –‘I just wanted to say thanks for doing the internet broadcast. I have loved ones in Spring, Texas and this is how I am tracking how they are doing. Again, thank you for the Internet LIVE stream’. – Tiffany, Chicago, Illinois

UPSTATE, NEW YORK – ‘Everybody’s watching your coverage here at maroonspoon.com. You’re doing an awesome job. Thank you!’ - Rob Freeman, New York

COLORDO SPRINGS – ‘I have been watching you here in Colorado Springs. DirecTV is showing your channel on their Channel 361. Also, XM Radio is playing one of the local radio stations on Channel 247. Good luck to all of you.’  – Jay Landry, Colorado Springs

OSAKA, JAPAN – ‘I have a home in Pearland, Texas.  I was unable to get a return flight because of the closed airports.  I am really concerned about the water and wind damage.  Thanks for your coverage.  I have tried to monitor other channels and I get nothing from them but yours.  Sorry to hear about Brennan’s Restaurant coming down with fire.  After the storm I am making my way back there.’ – Manny Gonzales, Osaka, Japan

BALTIMORE -- "hey me and a few guys were planning to come down to texas for the Houston texans vs Baltimore ravens game but because of the storm that does not look possible. me and the guys hope for the best for you all and you all are in the thoughts and prayers of us all thru this storm. hope for the best for all of you and god bless." -- a fan from Baltimore

OSLO, NORWAY – “Excellent coverage Khou team. I am in Oslo, Norway and your coverage via live video stream of Ike has allowed me to be informed of the situation in the Houston area. My beautiful wife, my daughters, and my dog are holding tight in Katy. Keep up the good work.” -- Luis in Oslo

DALLAS – “Here in Dallas we’re watching your continuing coverage on TXCN. We are humbled by your professionalism and dedication to the people of the Houston area. Despite the friendly rivalry between our two cities, tonight we are all Texans. We stand ready to assist your recovery however we can during the days and weeks ahead. Stay safe.” – Jeff in Dallas

CHENNAI, INDIA – “Thank you Channel 11 for your live coverage online of Hurricane Ike. I’m from Houston, currently in India and my husband and I are keeping close watch of Ike online through your up-to-date coverage. Our family is in North Houston and our prayers are with them and all our fellow Houstonians.” – Faith and Robinson in India

ATHENS, GREECE – “To the people of Texas: Our best wishes and prayers from many of us here in Athens, Greece. Some of us have been watching the live Internet stream of KHOU and wanted to send our wishes that all of you will stay safe … and our prayers are with you and your families.” -- Michael and friends in Greece

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA – “To all the folks in the Houston area … Our thoughts are with you as we watch live the broadcast through KHOU over the Internet. (We have it hooked up to a wide screen TV!) We have family in the El Lago area, who we understand are in a hotel in downtown Houston. Take care, We’re with you in spirit.” – The Sheath family in Melbourne