- - the Bahamas - -

- Hurricane Jeanne, NOT Welcome in The Bahamas!!

From: "Bridget Hogg" <adelphi AT batelnet.bs>
Date: Thu, 23 Sep 2004 22:16:28 -0400

Sure, we say " Welcome to the Bahamas" but that doesn't mean storms!! Lady
Jeanne, the "Turn-Back Hurricane" is on the way back. In New Providence,
there is a cool, moderate breeze dancing in the air. At the Yamacraw Beach
area,the Go-Slow Bend and at Arawak Cay, the white capped waves crash
against the shore . Passing motorists are sprayed with seawater, and even
small rocks tossed up by the waves.
   A check of some hardware stores revealed that hurricane supplies were
still moving quickly off the shelves. I was unable to find C cell batteries,
slide bolts, shingles in several stores. People in Nassau are still making
repairs from Frances. Some, unable to get materials or workpersons, have
made temporary repairs with sheets of plywood, plastic, tarps etc. Shutters
remain installed on several buildings. In my area, homeowners removed some
shutters but have them nearby for quick installation. Piles of  post
hurricane debris lay in yards and along the roadsides awaiting removal.
    Residents that I have spoken to indicate that they have been at
semi-alert status since Frances. They learned from all the stress that came
from getting prepared for Frances. Water, canned goods, and other
preparations remain secure .
     I also spoke with some persons with friends/relatives in Grand Bahama.
Water, food, hygiene products, roofing materials etc. are still in short
supply. Various service groups and  corporate citizens in several islands
have started hurricane relief drives to assist those most affected by
Frances.
      Let us continue to  pray for those already affected during this storm
season, and for those yet to be touched.

- Eleuthera

From: Jonna Riley <jonnariley AT yahoo.com>
Date: Thu, 23 Sep 2004 17:09:32 -0700 (PDT)

Well here we go again! I am back in my cave! Eleutherans are prepared once again for a little "Blow". In fact it's beginning to get pretty windy outside, the sea's have been choppy and higher then normal for a couple of days now as we await Jeanne's arrival. Actually most never removed their storm shutters, and the ones that did had left the close by for quick replacement. It seems that this is an exceptional season, some speculate due to global warming.... (you tink?).

I have had enough for one month! Hurricane anxiety for sure!, first Frances gets us moving,( she moved me, literally, I never knew glass could bend like that!), then Ivan kept us on our toes, (and in our caves), then Jeanne did a drive by, decided she wasn't ready, Karl kept his distance and Lisa still can't make up her mind!

This will be my 2nd hurricane, funny how I am already ready! New shingles, new sheet rock, most everything important still packed up, go figure.... My digital camera was a casualty of Frances, but I got the good old SLR for back up, film, batteries, water jugs full. gas tank full, picking up the rum in the morning! Enough already!

I realize that hurricanes are no laughing matter, they are deadly and destructive. I was quite scared during the hight of Frances. The sound of the wind was like standing next to a speeding freight train. And why did she have to come at night... Impending doom, like swimming in the cloudy sea, you know the shark is there, somewhere...

I weathered my first hurricane with my good friend McGyver in the bomb shelter, we were the best survivors! This time McGyver is flying the coop for a few weeks, so I am solo, but being through basic training already I will be a brave trooper!

I believe that Eleuthera, as much damage as she sustained from Frances, overall, was quite lucky. No loss of life! Shingles and sheet-rock can always be replaced.

I pray for all who meet Jeanne's wrath, stay safe, high and dry!

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- Hurricane Jeanne

From: Sandra Pitt <romperpitt AT yahoo.com>
Date: Thu, 23 Sep 2004 15:12:01 -0700 (PDT)

Well this is a report from San salvador Bahamas, I believe we will be spared this one but have had really high surfs for 3 days now, so wish the people in it's path good luck, is this season ever going to end have not seen storms like it, good luck to all Sandra Pitt.

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- From Abaco

From: "Anita Rolle" <anitarolle AT hotmail.com>
Date: Thu, 23 Sep 2004 12:25:48 -0400

ABACO FIRST FRANCES...NOW JEANNE

Here in abaco we're bracing ourselves for another one. Most residents have not recuperated from hurricane Frances, but are none the less preparing as best they can for Jeanne. Major problem here after Frances was leaking roofs, water damage, and yes, despite some of the reports you've heard, there are a few people who lost just about everything - resulting from collapsed houses.

As we prepare ourselves for Jeanne, pray with us. I'm located in Central Abaco where the brunt of the business sector of the island is located. As i speak, foodstores are busy, hardware stores as well. There are some in despair because they haven't been able to even begin repairs from the last hurricane...therefore...prepaing themselves for even more dammage to the existing now weaker structures.

Thank God no lives were lost on the island! We're praying we can say the same thing after Jeanne passes. Will keep u posted.

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- Bahamas on alert for Hurricane Jeanne

From: Kimberly King-Burns <kkingburns AT convergenz.com>
Date: Thu, 23 Sep 2004 07:02:14 -0700

Posted on Thu, Sep. 23, 2004
237fc7a.jpg

Miami Herald
Florida, the Bahamas placed on alert for Hurricane Jeanne

By MARTIN MERZER
<mailto:mmerzer@herald.com>mmerzer@herald.com

Forecasters issued a tropical storm watch for the central Bahamas and
alerted residents of South and Central Florida this morning as Hurricane
Jeanne edged closer to the area. They predicted landfall somewhere in
Florida -- possibly South Florida -- by Sunday.

If so, Jeanne would become the fourth hurricane to strike the state during
this deadly, destructive and freakish hurricane season.

''It would be no surprise to see Jeanne reach major hurricane status in 48
to 72 hours . . .,'' said forecasters Jack Beven of the National Hurricane
Center in West Miami-Dade County. ``Given the forecast of the steering
currents, Florida should pay close attention to the evolution of Jeanne.''

He said the storm, already responsible for more than 1,000 deaths, mostly
in Haiti, was expected to begin a steady approach toward the Bahamas and
Florida.

This morning's official forecast showed the core of a Category 2 hurricane,
with 110 mph winds, coming dangerously close to the area between Palm Beach
and Vero Beach -- the same region struck by Hurricane Frances early this
month -- veering north and making landfall around Cape Canaveral.

Forecasters emphasized, however, that such forecasts constantly change,
that Florida's entire East Coast was in danger of a direct hit, and that
Jeanne's outlying effects were likely to reach much of the state.

The local forecast for South Florida called for increasingly cloudiness and
rain Friday night, with heavy rain and wind Saturday and Saturday night.

High surf and riptides already are sweeping South Florida's coastline,
mostly in Palm Beach and Broward counties, and beach erosion has been reported.

At 5 a.m EDT, a tropical storm watch was issued for the central Bahamas,
including Cat Island, the Exumas, Long Island, Rum Cay and San Salvador. A
tropical storm watch means that tropical storm conditions are possible in
the watch area within 36 hours. Forecasters said a hurricane watch could be
required for the northwestern Bahamas later today.

Meanwhile, Ivan returned -- call it Ivan2.

A resilient piece of Hurricane Ivan, the storm that viciously assaulted the
Gulf Coast last week, looped over the Atlantic, passed over Florida,
returned to the Gulf of Mexico, redeveloped into a tropical storm Wednesday
and was punching the Louisiana and upper Texas Gulf Coasts with rain and
wind this morning.

The center of reborn Tropical Storm Ivan was expected to make landfall near
the Texas-Louisiana border tonight.

- After Frances Update

From: Gert van Dijken <gert AT vandijken.com>
Date: Wed, 22 Sep 2004 00:01:48 -0400 (EDT)

Date: Tue, 21 Sep 2004 21:03:38 -0400
From: Gaye Albury <sgaye_AT_batelnet.bs>

I will try to be specific on each inquiry that I have read on the site.

Abaco received minimal structural damage to buildings, mostly loss of
shingles and plenty water damage to homes and businesses. Little Harbour
is o.k. saw some of the residents and they are all fine. I believe Pete
is away at this time.
Hope Town/Elbow Cay received a lot of sand blasting the area near White
Sound was almost cut in two again. Fortunately there were no deaths or
serious injuries.

Nassau had minimal damage as the strong side of the hurricane was north
of it. Grand Bahama and especially Freeport and West End was devastated.
I am told that there were no more than three homes standing in West End.
Things are beginning to come together for Freeport, essential services
are being slowly restored.

The islands south of us fared much better than Abaco and Grand Bahama as
Frances stalled over us for 30 plus hours and we had 25-30 inches of
rain.

If you want more specific answers I will try to get them for you.

Jack

- Hurricane Frances

From: "ghpsafari" <ghpsafari AT batelnet.bs>
Date: Mon, 20 Sep 2004 09:42:38 -0400

Hurricane Frances.jpg

- Hurricane Frances

From: "ghpsafari" <ghpsafari AT batelnet.bs>
Date: Mon, 20 Sep 2004 09:29:52 -0400

Freeport

Grand Bahama Island

20 September 2004

Attached is a picture of the approach of Hurricane Frances taken from my Cessna 310 as we evacuatedFreeport.

We are breathing a tentative sigh of relief as TS Jeanne hovers to the east of us.

Every day Grand Bahama gets power and telephones to more areas. Commercial flights have resumed during daylight hours only (VFR operation). The Tower Operators are doing a great job operating from their van on the ramp. Their call sign is now 'Freeport Advisory', the frequency still 118.5 as before, and they have an operating range of 20 - 30 miles.

The recovery continues.

Capt. John Roberts

- On the path of Jeanne, Karl [Nassau Guardian - 17 Sep 2004]

From: Kimberly King-Burns <kkingburns AT convergenz.com>
Date: Fri, 17 Sep 2004 12:53:19 -0700

Friday, September 17, 2004

<http://www.thenassauguardian.com/national_local//national_local/281470675418218.php>Hurricane

<http://www.thenassauguardian.com/national_local//national_local/281470675418218.php>Jeanne

Southeast Islands prepare
By TAMARA McKENZIE, Guardian Staff Reporter

Given only two weeks to revive from the blow dealt by Hurricane Frances,
residents in the South-East Bahamas are somewhat baffled that a third
hurricane is on the verge of hitting The Bahamas, They, however, are taking
the necessary precautions to ensure safety of life and property.

A hurricane warning remained in effect on Thursday for the Turks and Caicos
Islands and islands in the South-East Bahamas. These islands include: Great
Inagua, Mayaguana, Acklins, Crooked Island, Ragged Island and the Semana
Cays. A hurricane watch was issued for the Central Bahamas, which includes
Long Island, San Salvador, Rum Cay, Exuma, the Exuma Cays, Cat Island,
South Eleuthera and South Andros, while a hurricane alert was issued for
the remaining islands in the North West Bahamas. These include: New
Providence, North Eleuthera, North Andros, the Berry Islands, Bimini, Grand
Bahama and Abaco.

Hurricane alerts are issued in stages of: Alert, Watch, and Warning. An
Alert lets residents know that storm conditions could be affecting parts of
The Bahamas within 60 hours. A Watch is carried out when a storm is less
than 36 hours away and a Warning is when a storm is less than 24 hours away.

As of 5:00 p.m. Thursday, Jeanne, the tenth named storm for the 2004
Hurricane season, was downgraded to a tropical storm with highest winds
near 70 miles per hour with gusts that could increase to hurricane force.
Director of Meteorology, Arthur Rolle, said Jeanne had the potential to
intensify once it moved over waters into the South-East Bahamas. Like
Frances, forecasters are predicting that Jeanne would follow the same path
as Hurricane Frances, which touched every island in The Bahamas.

The coordinates as of 5:00 p.m. placed Jeanne near Latitude 19.9 degrees
north and Longitude 69.3 degrees west or 200 miles south east of the Turks
and Caicos Islands, 290 miles, east south east of Inagua and 670 miles
south east of New Providence. Jeanne was moving toward the west, near eight
miles per hour and a turn to the northwest was expected overnight.

Mr Rolle mentioned that Jeanne, a category one hurricane on Wednesday,
moved over mountains of Hispaniola and lost its strength. He added,
however, that the system is back over water and may have regained its
strength last night. Mr Rolle said residents in the South-East Bahamas
should try and minimise whatever losses they can, having recently
experienced the effects of Hurricane Frances. "We do not feel that they
have overcome their ordeal, but we are hoping that they can do whatever
they can to save whatever they can from potential flooding," he said,
adding that Jeanne will bring more rain showers than Frances, therefore
"considerable flooding" is expected in the southeastern islands.

According to the met director, September is the peak month for hurricanes,
and to have several storms repeatedly formed within weeks, is not
unnatural. He informed that as of today, another tropical depression may
have formed, and another unnamed system is moving off the coast of Africa.

Turks and Caicos
On Thursday evening, residents in the Turks and Caicos had already battened
down their homes and were stocking up on bottled water and other shelf
items. According to the Met Office, the island should have experienced some
hurricane force winds last night and early this morning. The Minister
responsible for the Department of Disaster Management, Karen Delancy, said
Hurricane Frances give Turks Islanders a good "exercise call" in terms of
preparation, although the island was not directly hit.

"What we got was some wind and rain, but with Hurricane Jeanne, we are
anticipating rain and lots of water, especially in our low lying areas and
we may see some flooding," she said

Mayaguana
Mayaguana Administrator, Samuel Miller said as of Thursday, preparations
were already in place on the island in anticipation of Jeanne. He said many
of the residents did not remove their hurricane shutters since Hurricane
Frances, therefore there was not much work to do in terms of securing houses.

"We have just completed a tour of the entire island along with NEMA local
representative and the chief councilor to ensure there is full compliance,"
he said, adding that residents are concerned about having to brace
themselves for another hurricane in such a short period of time. He said
residents are waiting for supplies to carry out cosmetic work as a result
of Hurricane Frances, and another hurricane may result in further damage to
some certain structures.

Long Island
Long Island Administrator, Preston Cunningham, also mentioned that
residents had "little to do" in terms of preparation for Hurricane Jeanne,
as shutters remained battened to windows since Hurricane Frances. He also
mentioned that two mailboats arrived at the island on Wednesday, therefore
residents were able to secure basic items to prepare for the storm.

Mr Cunningham said since the passing of Hurricane Frances, Long Islanders
seem to be more alert and are not taking any chances. He said they now
realise that these storms can be "tricky" and can develop strength as they
move. He added, however, that he had already touched base with shelter
managers on the island and they were making sure that all shelters were
ready and available.

Ragged Island
Ragged Island Administrator, Granville Hepburn was attending a meeting to
discuss Hurricane Jeanne at the time he was contacted by The Guardian. He
mentioned that everyone on the island had already battened up and all
shelters were ready to be occupied. "We are just going through the motions
here now and bringing the people together once again to let them know the
seriousness of this situation," he said.

Meanwhile, The Bahamas Government is trying to come to grips with the
devastation left behind by Hurricane Frances, especially on the island of
Grand Bahama where hundreds were left homeless. Parts of the island still
remain without electricity and telephone services, however, the government,
The Bahamas Red Cross and other organisations and businesses have shipped
food items and water to the island.

The government also reactivated the Disaster Relief Fund, which was
initially established in 1992 as a result of the Hurricane Andrew's
devastation. The fund gives immediate relief to those requiring the most
assistance after a hurricane. It has been recently reactivated on several
other occasions for national disasters - Hurricane Floyd in 1999 and
Michelle in 2001. The fund is chaired by the Minister of State for Finance
James Smith and the Regional Director of the Royal Bank of Canada Ross
McDonald.

- Tropical Storm Jeanne

From: "ghpsafari" <ghpsafari AT batelnet.bs>
Date: Fri, 17 Sep 2004 05:50:17 -0400

Freeport,

Grand Bahama Island

17 September 2004

The Grand Bahama Power Co. are doing a fantastic job restoring power throughout the Island. Every day more areas come on line. The Power Co. are being assisted by electrical technicians from Jamaica and the good old U.S.A.

City water is on in most of Freeport, and parts of the outlying settlements. It seems that about 80% of telephones are back on. In our part of the Island we even have cable TV back! Sanitation Services are also doing a great job clearing downed trees and other debris from the roads.

Drinking water is readily available as the RO plants are up and running.

Let us hope and pray that TS Jeanne heads out into the Atlantic and bypasses our already hard hit Island so our speedy recovery can continue and the tourists return soon!

Capt. John Roberts

- TravelWeekly Frances Update

From: Gert van Dijken <gert AT vandijken.com>
Date: Thu, 16 Sep 2004 21:33:55 -0400 (EDT)

Source: Travel Weekly's Caribbean E-Letter - http://travelweekly.com

Sept. 16, 2004

HURRICANE IVAN ripped through the Caribbean last weekend and is scheduled
to make landfall somewhere along the Gulf Coast today. Tropical storm
Jeanne, nearing hurricane strength, eyed the northeastern Caribbean on
Wednesday. Meanwhile, relief efforts are underway for the Cayman Islands,
Grenada and Jamaica; information is posted on each destination's Web
site: www.caymanislands.ky; www.grenadagrenadines.com; and
www.visitjamaica.com. In addition, the Caribbean Tourism Organization
[www.onecaribbean.org] and the Caribbean Hotel Association
[www.caribbeanhotels.org] have spearheaded relief efforts. Caribbean Star
Airlines launched an initiative with a number of musicians who recorded a
song dedicated to Grenada; proceeds from the sales of the CD and $2 from
each Caribbean Star ticket sold in the next two months will be earmarked
for Grenada relief. Cayman Airways is operating emergency relief flights
on a limited basis into Grand Cayman; Air Jamaica flew 30,000 pounds of
supplies into Kingston, Jamaica, on a special relief flight Sept. 13. The
airport there, as well as in Montego Bay, Jamaica, is open for business.
HERE'S A PARTIAL RECAP throughout the region:

i Bahamas . Club Med Columbus Isle on San Salvador, Bahamas will reopen
Dec. 18 when it completes storm repairs from Hurricane Frances --
remember that one?

*
**
*** Gert van Dijken ( gert@vandijken.com )
**** Caribbean Hurricane Network - http://stormcarib.com/

- Update

From: "angela culmer" <angelaculmer AT msn.com>
Date: Thu, 16 Sep 2004 19:18:51 -0400

Nassau The Bahamas
Hello There,
I cannot believe it yet again another hurricane ,we have recovered from our 
experiences and now off we go again!!!.The food store was busy and once 
again we are searching for water.I really feel for the people living on 
Grand Bahama island . I just hope and pray that we donot get to much 
rain!!Famous last words. Will keep in touch.
A.Culmer

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- Here we go again!

From: "Connie Giacocbbe" <conyin AT runbox.com>
Date: Thu, 16 Sep 2004 17:33:10 -0400 (Eastern Daylight Time)

Well so sorry to be back...I was sure hoping that I would not have to write so soon....I guess we are in the direct path of Jeanne...will be letting you know how things are in Exuma...so far it's a beautiful day in Paradise....Looks like we will see Jeanne Sat. morning...C

- Still Frances...

From: Gert van Dijken <gert AT vandijken.com>
Date: Thu, 16 Sep 2004 14:41:43 -0400 (EDT)

Found on the Pleas for Help forum:

    Re: Pictures and Word From Grand Bahama
   Author: johanna (---.7.3.213.fix.bluewin.ch)
   Date:   09-16-04 04:18

   The Freeport News is online again, since Sept 14.
   There were a lot of photos in the printed edition of Sept 14, you can
   view them on-line n the pdf-edition:
   http://freeport.nassauguardian.net/
   Online PDF
   "Jump to Edition" pick "September 14"

   for "Words from Grand Bahama"
   Go to the Geographia/Grand Bahama Forum.
   http://www.geographia.com/guestbook/gbahama/ (or
   http://f27.parsimony.net/forum67650/)

   Use the search function to find info about a particular place or
   person. If you can't find it, post a message to "Janice" who is a
   wealth of information.
   hope this helps



*
**
*** Gert van Dijken ( gert@vandijken.com )
**** Caribbean Hurricane Network - http://stormcarib.com/

- Hurricane Jeanne - 11:00a 16 Sep 2004

From: Kimberly King-Burns <kkingburns AT convergenz.com>
Date: Thu, 16 Sep 2004 09:22:01 -0700

11 AM AST THU SEP 16 2004

...HURRICANE WARNING ISSUED FOR SOUTHEASTERN BAHAMAS AS JEANNE SCRAPES THE 
NORTHERN COAST OF THE DOMINICAN REPUBLIC...

AT 11 AM AST...1500Z...THE GOVERNMENT OF THE BAHAMAS HAS ISSUED A HURRICANE 
WARNING FOR THE SOUTHEASTERN BAHAMAS...INCLUDING THE ACKLINS...CROOKED 
ISLAND...THE INAGUAS...MAYAGUANA...AND THE RAGGED ISLANDS...AS WELL AS FOR 
THE TURKS AND CAICOS ISLANDS.

AT 11 AM AST...THE GOVERNMENT OF THE BAHAMAS HAS ALSO ISSUED A HURRICANE 
WATCH FOR THE CENTRAL BAHAMAS...INCLUDING CAT ISLAND...THE EXUMAS...LONG 
ISLAND...RUM CAY...AND SAN SALVADOR.

AT 11 AM AST...1500Z...THE CENTER OF HURRICANE JEANNE WAS LOCATED
NEAR LATITUDE 18.8 NORTH...LONGITUDE 68.7 WEST OR ABOUT 80 MILES...
130 KM...EAST-NORTHEAST OF SANTO DOMINGO IN THE DOMINICAN REPUBLIC.

JEANNE IS MOVING JUST NORTH OF DUE WEST NEAR  7 MPH
...11 KM/HR.  A WEST-NORTHWESTWARD MOTION IS EXPECTED OVER THE NEXT
24 HOURS.  ON THE FORECAST TRACK...THE CENTER OF JEANNE IS EXPECTED
TO REMAIN NEAR OR JUST INLAND OF THE NORTHERN COAST OF THE
DOMINICAN REPUBLIC FOR MUCH OF THE NEXT 24 HOURS.

MAXIMUM SUSTAINED WINDS ARE NEAR  80 MPH...130 KM/HR...WITH HIGHER
GUSTS.  JEANNE IS EXPECTED TO WEAKEN TO A TROPICAL STORM DURING THE
NEXT 24 HOURS AS A RESULT OF ITS ENCOUNTER WITH HISPANIOLA...BUT
SHOULD REGAIN HURRICANE STRENGTH ON FRIDAY.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Briland Modem
<www.briland.com>
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
News and Information for Harbour Island & North Eleuthera, Bahamas
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
[It's much better in the Out Islands.] - Coordinates: 25°30'N 76°38'W

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Support the Briland Modem Fund,
a 501(c)(3) community development initiative:
http://tinyurl.com/25ka6

- Hurricane Frances

From: "ghpsafari" <ghpsafari AT batelnet.bs>
Date: Tue, 14 Sep 2004 07:49:40 -0400

Freeport

Grand Bahama Island

14 September 2004

Firstly, a 'thank you' to all friends and strangers who thought of and prayed for us during the passage of Hurricane Frances which devastated parts of Grand Bahama. Also, a BIG 'thank you' to the Amateur (Ham) Radio Operators in Florida who kept us in contact with the Family Islands even during the height of the storm, informing us of conditions and locating people. Thank you once again - keep up the good work, chaps!

Now that water, power and telephone services are beginning to be restored to parts of the Island, communications are possible.

Queens Cove is virtually wiped out. Residents are re-locating as best they can. West End suffered severe storm surge damage throughout the settlement. A cheerful resident told me that she was grateful that her house was not more severely damaged, and at least with so much salt water there were no mosquitos, which are around the Freeport area in swarms, also bees (presumably their hives were destroyed).

Many waterfront condos on the South side of the Island were damaged, with roofs off and windows broken causing internal water damage.

Initially, of course, the total lack of power caused problems - no gas stations operating, food rotting, airport closed, etc., etc.

Gradually things are improving. The airport is open for emergency relief flights, and supplies are coming in by aeroplane, large and small. Water supplies have been restored in Freeport, and power is coming back on to more areas hourly. Telephones are on in much of Freeport. Eight Mile Rock area and West End are not so lucky, although there are telephones in parts of both, and water in parts at least of Eight Mile Rock. There is a good supply now of gasoline, bottled water and food, with Winn Dixie open again, and most people sharing what they have with others.

Pier One restaurant suffered severe damage, but will be rebuilt. We understand many hotels will remain closed for repair until further notice.

NOW our eyes are focused on the Windward Islands, where Tropical Depression No. 11 has formed. We hope and pray this is not going to be 'Round Two' for the Bahamas where we are still keeping a wary eye on Hurricane Ivan as it passes to the Southwest, West and Northwest of the Bahamas moving through the Gulf of Mexico.

Capt. John Roberts

www.offshorerisk.com Click here for contact information

- Watch IVAN!!

From: stolidref <stolidref AT yahoo.fr>
Date: Thu, 9 Sep 2004 20:02:28 +0200 (CEST)

Good afternoon!

First of all, big big thoughts for all the people living in Grenada. Also lots of prayers for those in Jamaica. This dirty thing is terrible!

A quick note to let you know that I wouldn't be surprised if we get some outer bands of clouds here in the Bahamas, with perhaps some gusts of wind.. Andros would be the mostly exposed right now. It's still a bit early to tell what we can expect precisely, but I would really suggest to everyone living in the Bahamas, especially in the Central and North Western parts, to keep a close eye of Ivan's evolution.

Better to stay alert in this period of the year; it looks like this season is really going to be long...

Take care, I wish you all a good recovery; I know it's going to take some time for a lot, but life must go on!

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- News From Freeport

From: Lilnonna AT aol.com
Date: Wed, 8 Sep 2004 10:24:13 EDT

Just received a call from a friend with a business - and working phone - in the International Bazaar. The city is without power and it may be at least a month before it's restored. Water is being rationed (South Bahamia area at least) 4 hours on/4 off. No international flights at airport. Kings Bay condos OK. Island Bay condos suffered severe damage. Lots of downed trees and poles. West End hit very hard - wiped out. I'm in Ohio with a condo at Kings Bay in Freeport so I was relieved to hear first hand information.

- Frances Update

From: "Bridget Hogg" <adelphi AT batelnet.bs>
Date: Wed, 8 Sep 2004 01:01:14 -0400

NEW PROVIDENCE Frances has left the country . The awesome task of clean up
has begun around the nation. New Providence, where the capital of Nassau is
located, suffered moderate damage to some buildings. Houses near Go-Slow
bend were flooded and washed with sand. Large trees were uprooted or broken
up all over the island. Fortunately the island was subjected to less intense
conditions than some of the others.

  Utilities :
Power , telephone and cable services have been restored to a large portion
of suscribers.  We are currently on water restriction , with water pressure
being significantly reduced at times.

Transportation :
Nassau Airport is open for business again. Businesses have , for the large
part reopened. The local bus ( Jitney) system is running regular routes.

Misc.
A large crowd was observed at one hardware and lumber business on Prince
Charles, where homeowners gathered to purchase good for home repair. The
Malls were also full of storm weary residents, purchasing supplies , but
also getting more back to school shopping done.

Schools:
Government schools remain closed, while damage assessments and repairs are
conducted. Some private schools will open later this week .The College of
The Bahamas Nassau Campus reopened today.
One of the local papers , The Nassau Guardian. provides a good overall
review of the affected islands. You can check their online edition for
details   , thenassauguardian.com

Hotels:
So far I have heard no news about major damage in any of the larger  (50
rooms +) hotels. They are open for business and eager to have guests.

GRANDBAHAMA
There was severe flooding and property damage in West End, resulting in the
emergency evacuation of residents.Telephone service to the island is
currently being restored.The airport was flooded and damaged.


Reports are still coming from all over the Bahamas.

- San Salvador, Bahamas

From: Sandra Pitt <romperpitt AT yahoo.com>
Date: Tue, 7 Sep 2004 16:33:29 -0700 (PDT)

Our current was restored Monday evening and our internet dish was up and running this morning. We had plenty of messages and dealt with family and friends first.

Hurricane Frances passed directly over San Salvador at 3.00pm on Thursday. The calm of the 'eye' lasted 80 minutes. What an experience! Our island, even though so small [at 12 miles by 5] was effected variably. The settlement of United Estates [pop. 700] on the north end of the island suffered both the north east and, after the 'eye' the south winds directly. No injuries reported, but some homes were destroyed and most received partial or total roof loss; the two schools badly damaged. This is a disaster area and government have already surveyed damage and will be providing assistance. The west coast settlements faired alot better; some destruction but mostly minor roof damage. No roads or seawalls were damaged and power poles stood up well. The Electricity corporation cut power off on Thursday morning and have been very prompt in returning current, as the few poles are put back up, to the Cockburn Town area and to Long Bay, Sugar Loaf and the south; excellent service.

The storm passed over all the islands facing the Atlantic; Cat Island, Eleuthera and we understand worst hit Abaco and Grand Bahama where flooding and surge played a larger factor.

Your correspondent has faired well. Our house is in good shape. The yard is wrecked but coconut trees remain standing. We estimate some 6-8 inches of rain fell and more since so we hope the natural vegetation will recover quickly. I guess 60% of leaves were blown away. We see new shoots on bushes and trees already. Birds have survived and bugs too. We have a plague of frogs. Yes, we have mosquitos!

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- Nassau Guardian: Island-by-Island Update

From: Kimberly King-Burns <kkingburns AT convergenz.com>
Date: Tue, 07 Sep 2004 16:28:33 -0700



FRANCES' FURY





VANESSA C. ROLLE,Guardian Staff Reporter

If "hell hath no fury like a woman scorned," then someone must have made 
Hurricane Frances really mad.

Frolicking around The Bahama Islands with a beating stick packed with 
fierce winds and rain, Frances acted like a woman stalking a bad man.

She was an unruly tourist who aggravated Bahamians by staying for a whole 
week, destroying things that really did not belong to her.

And linger she did with winds up to 135 miles per hour and moving at 16 
miles per hour, then 6, then four,...it seemed as if she stopped to have a 
few daiquiris and conch fritters at the Fish Fry - Twin Brothers probably - 
before making her way out of the archipelagic chain.

Name any inhabited island of The Bahamas, and Hurricane Frances made the 
trip - knocking down lamp poles, flooding streets and homes, drumming on 
rooftops with heavy rain showers, and pummeling windows and walls with 
winds that seemed to have Samson's DNA.

Frances was furious, and likewise are thousands of Bahamians who have been 
left without electricity, water, telephone service - after they almost 
depleted their bank accounts having to buy food, plywood, and batteries. 
One would think the locals would be thankful for several days off, but I 
think if the majority could have been stuck in their regular weekend party 
spots, they wouldn't have wanted Frances to leave.

But for the families of those who perished and received injuries as a 
result of the hurricane, I'll bet they wished that they could have turned 
back "the hands of time." The hurt is fathomless, and the price of Frances' 
arrival too great. The family of 18-year-old Kenrad Delaney, who was 
electrocuted trying to repair a generator during the hurricane, is probably 
feeling something far greater than the rest of the country can ever 
imagine. But the nation today is filled with compassion and love for them, 
for the pain of not having electricity or telephone service can never 
compare to the loss of a life.

Yes, the Bahama Islands took a good whippin' from Hurricane Frances, but as 
history records, we can bounce back even better.....and better.....and better.

She really was a strong and mighty woman who tried knocking everything out 
of her way...on her way to Florida when she finally decided to become a 
tropical storm. Go figure!!

According to a report by the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) on 
Saturday, in New Providence, apart from there being no electricity and 
telephone services, trees were blocking Dumping Ground Corner and Fox Hill 
Road, and trees and poles were also down in Montagu. The roof caved in at 
the Bethsada United Missionary Baptist church, and persons had to be moved 
to the Calvary Deliverance shelter. Traffic lights were hanging dangerously 
at some intersections, but that didn't make a difference because everyone 
was advised not to be on the streets.

In Freeport, Grand Bahama, Queen's Cove was totally underwater, and 
personnel had to be taken to higher ground. Persons were also advised to 
evacuate low lying areas. The airport was under six-foot of water; 500 
persons were evacuated from the Hawksbill area, adding to the 1,200 persons 
who occupied the shelters. In fact there was a massive evacuation effort 
from the low-lying areas. There was much roof damage in certain areas, and 
electrical and telephone services came to a halt. One person was also 
reported missing on that island.

In West End Grand Bahama, a rescue effort was conducted at Homes Rock and 
West End due to flooding. Electricity poles were down, and there was no 
telephone service. The roof was blown off from the barracks at Hanna Hill, 
and the area of the Fishing Hole was completely flooded. Residents of 
Queens Cove - as well as weather personnel - had to be evacuated . One 
person was also reported missing.

The island of Abaco, thankfully, did not have any loss of life, but 
ironically, a part of the roof used as the Emergency Operations Center 
collapsed, causing minor injuries to occupants. In Sandy Point, there was 
flooding and property damage to roofs, and some roofs were blown off in the 
Crossing Rock area. There were also several persons injured after the 
Cooper's Town Clinic's roof collapsed. The injured were airlifted to the 
Princess Margaret Hospital on Sunday assisted by the United States Coast 
Guard. Preliminary assessments also revealed there was major damage in the 
Treasure Cay area. Many boats also broke away from anchors. There was also 
a tremendous amount of flood lines in various communities on the cays from 
Guana Cay to Little Harbour.

In Acklins and Crooked Island/ Long Cay, the dock was washed away, and 
there was much flooding, fallen trees, and debris from sea surge. The 
utility poles were down in Chesters Bay. There was also Minor damage to the 
High School and the Government Clinic but no damage to the airport.

In Harbour Island, there was flooding, fallen trees, and electrical lines 
were down. Although the shelters were full, damage to the roofs were 
reported. There was minor damage to the clinic, as the roof was leaking.

In Central Eleuthera , the shelter at Governor's Harbour Primary school was 
closed, and occupants were moved to Worker's House. Phillip Bethel Shopping 
Center received major damage and had its roof blown off. Lawrence Griffin 
Esso Service Station's gas pumps and roof were blown away, and the police 
station at Governor's Harbour was under 10-foot of water and was evacuated. 
Some 300 persons had to be evacuated to various shelters.

In South Eleuthera, there were six operational shelters, and there was no 
electricity in the area . The roof at Green Castle and Rock Sound schools 
were damaged. There was also minimum damage to government buildings.

In North Eleuthera, there was general flooding, and Jane Bay Dock was 
underwater, making it impossible for residents to travel to the mainland. 
Queen's Highway was flooded, and North Eleuthera residents could not access 
South Eleuthera.

There was flooding in the northern part of Cat Island, and several homes 
had minor roof damage. Coastal erosions and debris made the roads 
impassable. Residents had no electrical power nor telephone services.

In Exuma, a portion of the roof at the Packing House in Mt. Thompson blew 
off, and the water supply ceased.

In Bimini/Cat Cay, the Anglican school building which was used as a shelter 
had to be evacuated. Evacuees were housed in Bub Hall. Major roads were 
covered with debris. No damage was done to Government buildings or the 
clinics.

North Andros experienced heavy winds which knocked utility poles and trees 
down. The island also experienced some flooding. The electricity was off in 
Morgan's Bluff. The oil barge broke away from the mooring, running aground 
in the cove.

Long Island also experienced some flooding from a four-foot storm surge. 
There were also power outages.

In Inagua, there were sunken boats at Government Dock, and the roads were 
filled with debris.

Trees were down in Mayaguana, but a matter of real concern was that the 
main road leading to the major dock had a crack that spanned 100-150-foot , 
2-3-foot wide and 2-3-foot deep. The roads were blocked because of the 
fallen trees.

There was a potential for flooding in San Salvador at Halls Landing near 
the sea wall. There was major damage to some of the homes. Approximately 
100 homes were damaged, leaving five families homeless. Sixty homes were 
partially damaged. One house was completely destroyed. Eighty per cent of 
Club Med's roof was moderately damaged, and there is an estimated $60,000 
damage at the field station. The primary and the high schools have been 
damaged. Shelters were operational with 98 per cent of United Estates 
staying in the shelter. At the St James Baptist church in North Victoria, 
some 50 percent of the population stayed at the shelter. Two government 
schools were damaged, and power and phone lines were down.

- Finally power and the internet!!!

From: "angela culmer" <angelaculmer AT msn.com>
Date: Tue, 07 Sep 2004 06:08:44 -0400

Report from Nassau, New Providence.
Thank you everyone who showed concern and sent wonderful wishes and prayers 
it was truely appreciated. It was a pretty scay expereience which was made 
easier by the 24 hour coverage fron ZNS radio.It gave us a true picture of 
exactly what was happening.We did not suffer much damage just some shingles 
and we consider ourselves very lucky as Grand Bahama really suffered 
especially as it lingered for so long.We heard reports of families being 
stuck on roofs and their roofs collapsing. People sufferd lacerations and 
one of the ministers actually stayed with his constituents in a dangerous 
part of the island as it was by the water to support them. I heard many 
people leaving the safety of their shelter to try to assist those in 
distress.
So I am grateful that our experience was not that harrowing and we pray for 
those In the family islands


A. Culmer

_________________________________________________________________
STOP MORE SPAM with the new MSN 8 and get 2 months FREE* 
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- Nassau Tribune - 'Bahamas Eyes Second Storm'

From: Kimberly King-Burns <kkingburns AT convergenz.com>
Date: Mon, 06 Sep 2004 16:34:04 -0700

Bahamas Wary Of Ivan In The Wake Of Frances [Nassau Tribune]

Stunned Bahamians just getting over the shock of Hurricane Frances are 
being urged to keep a close eye on Hurricane Ivan.  With floods still 
preventing planes from landing in Freeport, a view from the air was the 
closest that could be managed yesterday.

Nassau got off lightly in Hurricane Frances compared with the nation's 
second city, Freeport, which has been one of the worst hit areas, suffering 
severe devastation. The Tribune flew over Grand Bahama and Abaco yesterday 
to survey the damage.

With airports closed, harbours damaged, roads flooded, power lines down and 
telephones cut off, many settlements in both Grand Bahama and Abaco have 
been isolated from each other, and the islands are cut off from the outside 
world.

Stunned Bahamians just getting over the shock of Hurricane Frances are 
being urged to keep a close eye on Hurricane Ivan, a category four storm 
that could make its presence felt in the Bahamas as early as Friday 
morning, the Met Office reported yesterday.

Source: The Tribune

- Frances aftermath - water supplies in Nassau and Freeport

From: "Susanne Gensmann" <s.gensmann AT batelnet.bs>
Date: Mon, 6 Sep 2004 15:23:07 -0400

Water supplies in Nassau and Freeport are being adversely affected by Frances.

Nassau recieves about 40% of its water by tankers from nearby Andros Islands and it is reported that delays in providing supply to Nassau will result form hurricane frances. This is chiefly due to the fact that the extensive surface well-field network in Andros will need to be pumped dry due to excess salt contamination. This process will take about 16 hours. Meanwhile it is reported in the media that water supplies will be restricted until supply and reserves are restored.

Meanwhile, Freeport water supply is affected by electricity problems. Therefore, the government has decided to dispatch one tanker to Freeport with about 1.8 million gallons of potable water as soon as the brakish well field situation in Andros is resolved, and this will further affect immediate supplies to Nassau.

Large hotels and resorts are generally not affected by this mode of supply.

Best Regards

Captain Mark Pertuiset

- Nassau Frances aftermath

From: "Mark Pertuiset" <captmark AT batelnet.bs>
Date: Mon, 6 Sep 2004 14:39:47 -0400

Hurricane Frances' projected track through the Bahamas was remarkably accurate considering that in the end it ripped through the archipelago within about 20 miles of this, and mostly to the south. Nassau suffered the S semi circle and the strongest winds appear to have been recorded during the passage of the slow moving SE quadrant. The hurricane force winds backed from the NNE to SSW and settled to tropical storm force and continued to back to the SSE.

With Floyd and Michel fresh on everyones mind, Nassuvians took exceptional steps to protect property well in advance, and at least 60% of boat owners either hauled there craft or moored them in safe havens.

The eye's closest point of approach was 50 nautical miles and this occured as it traversed the Northeast Providence Channel locally referred to as the "hole in the wall" (to the Atlantic Ocean). This allowed for a considerable amount of fetch and within a couple hours of this, the NW coast of New Providence was being pounded by 16-20 foot NE'ly swells, and these where for the most part responsible for the bulk of the damage to roads, seawalls, ocean-front structures and shipping withing Nassau harbour. At this time the winds had backed to the W and the combination of swells entering the harbor and 5-6 foot wind driven waves caused at least 50 various craft, to break moorings and ground or swamp at their moorings. These craft where invariably poorly prepared for the onslaught.

The haitian "merchant navy", wooden sloops remincent of barcollas of the spanish main, as well as a 2 large wooden motor vessels, anchored in the harbor, suffered catastrophic casualties. Of the 18 or so vessels moored there, only 5 remain afloat. At the height of the storm someone related to me seeing 6 being driven out the eastern roads, and although one is seen grounded on nearby Athol island and one sunk near the Nassau Yatch Club, the fate of the other 2 (and crew?) is unknown, - nor sought,

At the same time as havoc was being wrecked on the Haitians, 2 steel 125 foot mailboats broke their mooringas at Potter Cay and also grounded on athol island. Two large viking ship replicas, sank under Paradise Island Bridge. A large steel landing craft and 2 fishing craft broke adrift and bashed other boats. No damage to wooden marina docks is noted except for Esat Bay Marina that was pratically destroyed by 2 steel fishing boats knocking about. There and elsewhere, about 8 sailboats where affected, 1 grounded, 1 sank, 2 broke masts, 3 with sails slipping tearing from their gaskets.

Our commercial ship recorded top gusts of 106 mph on a Davis instrument while my sailboat anenometer recorded 61 knots close inshore. Storm surge was estimated to be on avaverage 1-3 feet.

Damage to structures is mostly limited to roof shingles, tin roofs, however the British Colonial Hilton suffered significant roof structure damage on one wing. The NW coastal road near Caves was damaged, otherwise a significant amount of sand was washed inland and over roads. Preliminary reports place damage to Nassau at half of that caused by Michelle. Power and communications are mostly restored.

We have very little information from the family islands, other than in monetary terms this could reach catastrophic proportions, where todays papers estimate property damage and loss of tourism revenue to the entire Bahamas could amount to $1 billion, which seems a little over the top, considering it is equal to one year GDP for the country at about 4 times that of Floyd.

It is reported that one death occurred in Nassau due to electrocution and one drowning in Freeport. Several persons are said to be unaccounted for.

Finally, clean-up in Nassau is moving at a rapid pace, however most are leaving shutters for fear of Ivan dealing another blow.

Best Regards

Captain Mark Pertuiset

- FW: Gregory Town, Eleuthera

From: "William J. Coates" <wjc AT offshorerisk.com>
Date: Mon, 6 Sep 2004 09:41:44 -0400

-----Original Message-----
From: William J. Coates [mailto:wjc@offshorerisk.com] 
Sent: Monday, September 06, 2004 09:05
To: 'Gert van Dijken'
Subject: RE: Gregory Town, Eleuthera

Spoke with Eleuthera. Electric still out as are phones. Glass Window bridge
intact but road North of bridge strewn with debris. Suspect most boulders
and big stuff. If I can get over I will take my backhoe up and clear it
away., but I am in the Keys and bracing for Ivan, the Terrible.
Will advise more soonest.

William J. Coates (wjc@offshorerisk.com)
Offshore Risk Management
www.offshorerisk.com Click here for contact information
No coverage is bound or in force unless confirmed in writing by this office

- Gregory Town, Eleuthera

From: "William J. Coates" <wjc AT offshorerisk.com>
Date: Sun, 5 Sep 2004 13:36:36 -0400

Have had a call from Gregory Town. Moderate damage, no power, no telephone. The Glass Window bridge is “down”. I do not know if this means it is down in the water or just closed. I expect to speak with my party again later toady and will inquire.

William J. Coates (wjc@offshorerisk.com)

Offshore Risk Management

No coverage is bound or in force unless confirmed in writing by this office

---
Outgoing mail is certified Virus Free.
Checked by AVG anti-virus system (http://www.grisoft.com).
Version: 6.0.752 / Virus Database: 503 - Release Date: 9/3/2004

- Please tell us it's OVER!!!!!!!

From: stolidref <stolidref AT yahoo.fr>
Date: Mon, 6 Sep 2004 02:40:12 +0200 (CEST)

Hey you all.

Here in Nassau people are trying to get back to their routine, with a big cleaning needed... All the opinions are the same: we've been very lucky.

A lot of thoughts for the other islands of the Bahamas, as well as Florida, which have experienced a really bad time, much worse than we did here on New Providence.

OK... Some news... I guess you all now what I want to talk about: IVAN...

Find attached the warning number 14 from the NRL Monterey... I don't like the path indicated.

As of tonight, I've heard and read that it's already a cat 4! (Will have to check on that.) I wish this one stays South, we don't need another one in the Bahamas (this DOESN'T MEAN that I wish the Leewards get hit of course!).

All our thoughts and prayers now for them; get prepared on time, I can tell you it makes a lot of difference in the way it can affect you.

TAKE IT SERIOUSLY, AND GOOD LUCK!!!

IVAN WARNING 14.jpg

- Exuma

From: Gert van Dijken <gert AT vandijken.com>
Date: Sun, 5 Sep 2004 12:25:34 -0400 (EDT)

---------- Forwarded message ----------
Date: Sun, 5 Sep 2004 06:44:20 EDT
From: Crwslw AT aol.com

You might want to post the following message from my big sister Barbara on
Highborne Caye in the Exumas:

From: barbara <highborne AT earthlink.net>
To: dotef AT juno.com
Date: Sat, 4 Sep 2004 07:32:11 -0400 (GMT-04:00)
Subject: Francis

Mom..please forward this to everyone who you can, I can't get into my
address book..it is 7:30am Sat..and it has died down to about 40mph and
we will be moving home soon, but staying ready while watchin Tropical
Storm Ivan..Update from paradise...8PM Friday night...Itmiliar?) until about
8pm last night
when it changed course from 290 to 310 which made a difference of 40
miles by the time it got to us so we only caught the edge of the eye.
Donwas well over 100mph around 7am
and has switched all the way around and itseems to have stopped and is
probably
going to last all night?  NOAA  says it is entlessly ravaging and
pummeling but we have been out and checked on things a couple of
times and the staff houses and trailers are still standing and the power
station and store are okay. The dock house is taking a beating and the
north house is okay on the front side anyway. Cat and Dale at McDuffs are
fine and Dan and Chad and Leroy.  The Champaign Lady reports from the
pond at Normans that the and boom. The houseboats didnas low tide at the
worst so
none of the boats in the harbour got to much damage...mostley canvass,
hard tops, antennas and rub rail...no one hit the dock to hard as Ian
helped them tie their boats up really well..POR and Arasay(the people
went off on Thursday) were on the south dock... a small sail boat from
Ship Channel with the owner is in #1 and on Thurs the Sea Dragon(a dive
boat from Fl) Showed up with 8 tourist and their 4 dogs.  They stayed on
the boat on the north dock.. We moved into the new store bldg on Thurs at
6PM.  Made little cubicles with the cabinets (still no shelves) for
privacy, some doubles and some singles as there are 15 people, 3 dogs, 1
cat and 1 birdcely.  There is a kitchen in the
back room with enough food to feed an army, even popcorn and video, all
the comforts of home including ac and internet to plot the course. Set up
a head in the liquor room with buckets and sand..quite civilized, even
has a door!! Hotel Francis..  We have taken lots of pics and I will send
some later..Staying the night again to avoid injury so just finished
dinner of beef stew(by Armour)and bread, chips & salsa, cheese &
crackers, salad and ice cream with crumbled Twix for desert. See it
headed toward all our friends in Florida.  Thinking of you and wish you
well..let us know how you fare..more later, love b

- Now that's the spirit!!!!

From: Kimberly King-Burns <kkingburns AT convergenz.com>
Date: Sat, 04 Sep 2004 18:12:58 -0700

"I received much more information about hurricanes from ZNS than any 
weather channel in the states, and the faith of the Bahamians is amazing 
... and gives us all hope." -- Judie Reynolds, of Miss Eula's house beside 
The Harbour Lounge [Harbour Island]

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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<www.briland.com>
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
News and Information for Harbour Island & North Eleuthera, Bahamas
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
[It's much better in the Out Islands.] - Coordinates: 25°30'N 76°38'W

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a 501(c)(3) community development initiative:
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- Briland.com, Eleu.net Regional News Online - 4 Sep

From: Kimberly King-Burns <kkingburns AT convergenz.com>
Date: Sat, 04 Sep 2004 16:28:27 -0700

Today's storm news from the scene:

Sep 4th, 07:15p EST – From Ben Knox, on Harbour Island:
As you haven’t been getting many reports from Harbour Island, I thought I
would send you this.

I took a drive around Dunmore town earlier today and also walked along the
beach.

From what I saw, there didn’t appear to be any major structural damage to
building, mainly things like roof tiles coming off, and wooden verandas and
fences have been broken or blown down. The roads seemed to have mostly been
cleared, and people were getting on with clearing the fallen trees and
branches from their properties and making repairs. I saw a few street
lights smashed on the ground, and quite a lot of power lines and telephone
lines trailing across roads. Trees and branches are down all over the place.

On the beach, there has been a lot of erosion. Where there used to be sandy
slopes down to the beach from properties and hotels, there are now ‘cliffs’
where the sand has been gouged out by the sea. Many of the wooden stairs
from properties down to the beach have been damaged or have the lower
sections missing. Also many of the palm leaf “umbrellas” along the beach
have gone (though Coral Sands Hotel’s ones seemed to still be there). The
beach does look very pristine now as all the old seaweed that builds up on
it has washed away.

Today has had some quite high winds still and big gusts from time to time.
The winds seem particularly high along the beach where it feels like your
legs are being sand-blasted when you walk there. The sea is still quite
rough. There have also been also intermittent squalls of rain and it has
been very cloudy all day. At about 5.30pm, we started having a thunder and
lightning storm with periods of very heavy rain.

Power is still out and phones still not working.

Hope this is of interest.

Regards,
Ben

Posted by:
Sep 4th 2004, 05:26:08 pm - Fig Tree News Team
Thanks for your patience. In the meantime, here are Eleuthera and Harbour
Island-related excerps from CEDRA that offers general detail of the islands
[the entire report can be read at the briland.com messageboard]:

CEDRA Situation Report #4 - Hurricane Frances - Sep 4, 2004, 14:00 pm

North Eleuthera - Affected by winds in excess of 100 mph. Power down. No
land base phone contact with Spanish Wells, N. Eleuthera and S. Eleuthera
as fiber lines broken. General environmental damage and structural damage.

Harbour Island – Affected by 100 mph winds which caused widespread
environmental damage and downed power lines. All public shelters filled.
Roofing damage. No injuries reported. Roads impassable.

Central Eleuthera - Governor's Harbour sustained heavy flooding and some
structural damage.

Hatchet Bay - heavy flooding and some structural damage, no electricity.

South Eleuthera - General flooding and structural damage, no electricity.

Sep 4th 2004, 01:26:08 pm - Fig Tree News Team
Thanks for your patience ... as any word comes in, it'll be posted here. As
it stands, there's a lot over cloud cover over the island right now, which
is most certainly hampering any post-storm satellite communications.

If you hear anything on your end, please post here or send to
info@briland.com.

More news later ...
Eleu.net Deserted Beach News
Fig Tree News Team at Briland.com
and an awesome network of satcom/ham and cell correspondents

- CEDRA Report No. 4 - General Island News

From: Kimberly King-Burns <kkingburns AT convergenz.com>
Date: Sat, 04 Sep 2004 14:14:53 -0700

Hi, guys:
I completely understand your frustration, but at this point there's really 
little point in inquiring about individual towns, properties until the 
communications kick back in, as we're feeding you all of the news as it 
comes in.  Thanks for your patience.  In the meantime, here's the latest 
report from CEDRA that offers general detail of the islands:

CEDRA Situation Report #4 - Hurricane Frances - Sep 4, 2004, 14:00 pm

The Event: At 11:00am Eastern Caribbean Time, Hurricane Frances was located 
near the Island of Grand Bahama in the Northwestern Bahamas. A hurricane 
Warning for the Northwestern Bahamas continues to be in effect.

The Prognosis: Hurricane Frances slowed considerably overnight whilst 
continuing to impact the Northwestern Bahamas. It is expected to continue 
to drench the Northwestern areas with torrential rainfall for the remainder 
of today. The weather conditions in the central Bahamas continues to improve.

Status of RRM: The Regional Response Mechanism is activated. Caribbean 
Disaster Relief Unit (CDRU) on Standby

The Situation – BAHAMAS
The following update was provided by the National Emergency Management 
Agency’s (NEMA) EOC at September 4, 2003:

Mayaguana - Electricity has been restored to the island.

Acklins/Crooked Island/Long Cay – Flooding, minor damage to High School, 
homes, and the Government Clinic. There is damage to the dock in Spring Point.

Long Island - Power is intermittent. There are fallen trees and flooding. 
Clean up underway.

Exuma - Weather conditions improving. Water supply restored.

San Salvador / Rum Cay – Five families homeless, another 100 have sustained 
damage to their homes. Damage to two Government schools, and other 
Government buildings; localised flooding. Power out, phone lines down. No 
loss of life.

North Eleuthera - Affected by winds in excess of 100 mph. Power down. No 
land base phone contact with Spanish Wells, N. Eleuthera and S. Eleuthera 
as fiber lines broken. General environmental damage and structural damage.

Harbour Island – Affected by 100 mph winds which caused widespread 
environmental damage and downed power lines. All public shelters filled. 
Roofing damage. No injuries reported. Roads impassable.

Central Eleuthera - Governor's Harbour sustained heavy flooding and some 
structural damage.

Hatchet Bay - heavy flooding and some structural damage, no electricity.

South Eleuthera - General flooding and structural damage, no electricity.

Cat Island - No water, no light, broken gas lines. Environmental damage.

North Andros - Utility poles are down, trees down, flooding, no injuries, 
no electricity.

Electricity is now on in some areas AA

Central Andros – Minimal impact. Telecommunication and electricity available.

South Andros / Mangrove Cay - No major damages. Few roofs have loose 
shingles. One floating dock in Driggs Hill broke away.

New Providence - Trees down blocking Dumping Ground Corner. Roof caved in 
at Shelter at Bethsheda United Missionary Baptist church, no injuries 
reported. Occupants moved to Calvary Deliverance Shelter. Cunningham closed 
off at Kemp Road across from Urich McPhee School Library. Mia Dean and Nay 
Dean (sister ships) aground at Rose Island. Two elderly persons aboard Mia 
Dean assisted by Defence Force (harbor patrol). Traffic Light Dangerously 
Hanging on Thompson Blvd. Corner West of Harbour Bay Centre Blocked by 
Trees. Trees and poles are down at Montague, number of electrical lines 
down in Fox Hill Area. Public Information Officer is working with the media 
to notify the public to continue to stay in doors until otherwise advised.

Nassau International Airport - NIA is up and running. Flights are being 
accepted.

Berry Islands - Power lines down and roof damage in Great Harbour Cay.

Abaco - In Central Abaco strong winds and torrential rain. In South Abaco 
cell phones and land phones are down; there is no electricity, contact 
being maintained with NEMA via satellite phone. In North Abaco part of the 
roof at the Government building which was used as the EOC collapsed and 
caused minor injuries. There are no utilities in North Abaco.

East Grand Bahama – No damage assessment as yet.

West Grand Bahama - Flooding in West End; electricity poles are down and 
there is no electricity as well as no phones. Roof blown off from barracks 
at Hanna Hill. Fishing Hole completely flooded. Residents of Queens Cove 
had to be evacuated. Weather personnel hand to be evacuated.

Freeport Grand Bahama - Windy 80 mph; Airport under six feet of water. 
Queens Cove under water; personnel taken to higher ground. West End and 
Queens Cove have no communication. Maurice Moore Primary has 150 persons in 
shelter. A few trees down; no power. North and South Bahama along with Trip 
Circle are now experiencing high water rise, now in process of relocating 
to Huge Campbell Shelter.

Ragged Island - No damage to any critical infrastructure. Telephones lines 
are up; electricity is on, no flooding and very little rain.

Bimini / Cat Cay – No damage reported.

- Nassau, Freeport [AP Wire]

From: Kimberly King-Burns <kkingburns AT convergenz.com>
Date: Sat, 04 Sep 2004 11:36:05 -0700

Gert, can you please tell the CEDRA folks that your board can't read 
attachments?   Can the board repost the latest CEDRA report from the 
Bahamas, please?

Thanks --
Kimberly

FREEPORT, Bahamas (AP) -- Hurricane Frances ripped apart roofs, shattered 
windows and flooded neighborhoods as it raged through the Bahamas on 
Saturday, driving thousands from their homes before beginning a slow march 
toward the east coast of Florida.

Frances appeared to be weakening, with forecasters downgrading it to a 
Category 2 hurricane as its sustained winds dipped to 105 mph. But because 
of its slow movement, at just 6 mph, it could strengthen again before 
reaching Florida, expected late Saturday or early Sunday.

The slower-than-expected movement meant a long ordeal for Bahamians. 
Roaring winds blew down trees and toppled power lines, knocking out 
electricity. Buildings trembled, palms bent in violent gusts and street 
signs flew off poles. One man was electrocuted during the storm.

Surging seawater flooded at least three neighborhoods in the Freeport area 
on Grand Bahama Island, emergency administrator Alexander E. Williams said. 
"We're hearing reports of flooding all over. We're trying to move people to 
safety," he said.

Sharon Carey, a 43-year-old waitress, said she awoke Saturday morning with 
water knee-deep in her house as police going through the neighborhood 
banged on the door. The family grabbed passports, birth certificates and 
other documents and waded outside, where they said dozens of neighbors were 
evacuating holding whatever belongings they could salvage.

"Everybody was starting to cry because we were scared," said Carey's 
10-year-old daughter, Comerneich Williams. "It was terrible."

The family drove to a hotel seeking shelter, then left when told it was 
full. They said they didn't know where they would go.

The winds decreased a bit Saturday morning as the eye came very near 
Freeport. Forecasters warned of more heavy winds.

It wasn't immediately clear how many were evacuated from flooded 
neighborhoods. "We're in the middle of our rescue operation. We're trying 
to save lives," police Superintendent Basil Rahming said.

Authorities had urged those in low-lying areas to evacuate Friday, but some 
decided to stay put.

About 1,100 people on Grand Bahama Island rode out the storm in shelters 
set up in churches and schools, said Williams, the emergency administrator. 
Similar shelters were open on other islands, and many Bahamians left 
vulnerable homes to move in with relatives.

"I'm trying to save myself. I'm scared," said Elianise Jean, a 40-year-old 
Haitian immigrant who came with her six children to a shelter in a church 
outside Freeport.

Streets were largely deserted Friday as people rode out the storm indoors 
in the capital of Nassau, which is home to about two-thirds of the 
archipelago's 300,000 people.

Fallen trees, debris and downed satellite dishes littered roads in Nassau. 
There were scattered reports of looting, police said, including one man who 
broke into a gas station and another who tried to steal appliances from a 
store after winds ripped off part of its roof.

Tourists at the 2,300-room Atlantis Resort on Paradise Island, outside 
Nassau, were moved into a conference room as a precaution.

In Nassau, 18-year-old Kenrad Delaney was electrocuted Friday while filling 
a generator with diesel. The family heard a scream and found him on the 
floor. He died after being taken to the hospital, police said.

Freeport, the country's second largest commercial center, has fewer 
high-rises than Nassau and its building are generally better built. 
However, when Hurricane Floyd blew through in 1999, it flooded 
neighborhoods, left the Grand Bahama airport underwater and closed hotels.

The Freeport weather office at Grand Bahama airport was closed due to flooding.

Nassau's Doctors Hospital treated about 40 people who suffered minor 
injuries during preparations for Frances, said Charles Sealy, vice 
president of operations. As Frances passed, patients and staff played board 
games and sang on a karaoke machine, he said.

At 8 a.m., the hurricane's eye was very near Freeport and about 110 miles 
east of West Palm Beach, Florida. It was moving between the west-northwest 
and northwest at 6 mph.

A hurricane warning was up for most of Florida's east coast, stretching 
more than 300 miles. Hurricane watches and tropical storm warnings were in 
effect for other areas. About 2.5 million residents were told to clear out 
-- the biggest evacuation request in the state's history.

Forecasters said the brunt of the hurricane could hit Florida late Saturday 
or early Sunday, about three weeks after Hurricane Charley struck with 145 
mph winds, causing billions of dollars in damage and killing 27 people.

Meanwhile, the U.S. Coast Guard was searching for a Fort Lauderdale-bound 
pleasure boat that made a distress call 12 miles west of Bimini in the 
Bahamas. Three people were reported aboard when the boat ran into 9-foot 
swells.

- SITUATION REPORT #4 - Hurricane Frances

From: CDERA Information Unit <pubinfo AT cdera.org>
Date: Sat, 4 Sep 2004 15:42:39 GMT

Please find attached Situation Report #4 on Hurricane Frances

SITREP 4.doc

- Freeport [Grand Bahama] and Abaco, Bahamas [11:00p EST]

From: Kimberly King-Burns <kkingburns AT convergenz.com>
Date: Fri, 03 Sep 2004 20:39:49 -0700

11 PM EDT FRI SEP 03 2004

FRANCES SLOWLY APPROACHING GRAND BAHAMA ISLAND...
...HIGH WINDS AND HEAVY RAINFALL CONTINUE TO RAKE THE
NORTHWESTERN BAHAMAS...

A HURRICANE WARNING ALSO REMAINS IN EFFECT FOR THE
NORTHWESTERN BAHAMAS.

A HURRICANE WATCH AND A TROPICAL STORM WARNING REMAIN IN EFFECT FROM
NORTH OF FLAGLER BEACH NORTHWARD TO FERNANDINA BEACH.

A TROPICAL STORM WARNING REAMINS IN EFFECT FOR THE
MIDDLE AND UPPER FLORIDA KEYS FROM SOUTH OF FLORIDA CITY SOUTHWARD
TO THE SEVEN MILE BRIDGE...INCLUDING FLORIDA BAY.

AT 11 PM EDT...0300Z...THE CENTER OF HURRICANE FRANCES WAS LOCATED
NEAR LATITUDE 26.1 NORTH...LONGITUDE 77.8 WEST OR ABOUT 70 MILES
...110 KM...EAST-SOUTHEAST OF FREEPORT GRAND BAHAMA ISLAND.

FRANCES IS MOVING TOWARD THE WEST-NORTHWEST NEAR 6 MPH
... 9 KM/HR...AND THIS GENERAL MOTION IS EXPECTED TO CONTINUE FOR
THE NEXT 24 HOURS. HOWEVER...STEERING CURRENTS REMAIN WEAK AND
SOME ERRATIC MOTION CAN BE EXPECTED. ON THE FORECAST TRACK...THE
LARGE CORE OF HURRICANE FRANCES WILL CONTINUE TO MOVE SLOWLY OVER
THE NORTHWESTERN BAHAMAS OVERNIGHT...AND WILL BE VERY NEAR THE
FLORIDA EAST COAST BY LATE SATURDAY.

MAXIMUM SUSTAINED WINDS ARE NEAR 105 MPH...165 KM/HR...WITH HIGHER
GUSTS. THIS MAKES FRANCES A STRONG CATEGORY TWO HURRICANE. SOME
FLUCTUATIONS IN INTENSITY ARE POSSIBLE DURING THE NEXT 24 HOURS.

HURRICANE FORCE WINDS EXTEND OUTWARD UP TO 110 MILES...175 KM...
FROM THE CENTER...AND TROPICAL STORM FORCE WINDS EXTEND OUTWARD UP
TO 200 MILES...325 KM. A SUSTAINED WIND OF 81 MPH WAS RECENTLY
REPORTED ON NORTH ELEUTHERA ISLAND. DURING THE PAST HOUR...HAM
RADIO OPERATORS AT HOPETOWN ON ABACO ISLAND REPORTED WIND SUSTAINED
WINDS OF 69 MPH WITH GUSTS TO 81 MPH AT HOPETOWN. THE SETTLEMENT
POINT C-MAN STATION ON WESTERN GRAND BAHAMA ISLAND RECENTLY
REPORTED A SUSTAINED WIND OF 59 MPH WITH A GUST TO 75 MPH...WHILE A
SUSTAINED WIND OF 44 MPH WITH A GUST TO 52 MPH WERE REPORTED AT THE
LAKE WORTH FLORIDA C-MAN STATION.

THE ESTIMATED MINIMUM CENTRAL PRESSURE IS 960 MB...28.35 INCHES. A
SHIP IN MARSH HARBOR RECENTLY REPORTED A PRESSURE OF 960 MB.

STORM SURGE FLOODING OF 5 TO 12 FEET ABOVE NORMAL TIDE LEVELS...
ALONG WITH DANGEROUS BATTERING WAVES...CAN BE EXPECTED NEAR THE EYE
OF FRANCES ON THE NORTH SIDE OF GRAND BAHAMA ISLAND. STORM SURGE
FLOODING OF 3 TO 5 FEET ABOVE NORMAL TIDE LEVELS CAN BE EXPECTED ON
THE WEST SIDE OF THE OTHER ISLANDS OF THE BAHAMAS. COASTAL STORM
SURGE FLOODING OF 4 TO 5 FEET ABOVE NORMAL TIDE LEVELS...ALONG WITH
LARGE AND DANGEROUS BATTERING WAVES...CAN BE EXPECTED NEAR AND TO
THE NORTH OF WHERE THE CENTER MAKES LANDFALL IN FLORIDA.

RAINFALL AMOUNTS OF 7 TO 12 INCHES...LOCALLY AS HIGH AS 20 INCHES...
ARE POSSIBLE IN ASSOCIATION WITH FRANCES OVER THE BAHAMAS.

- NASSAU UPDATE FRI 10:40 PM

From: stolidref <stolidref AT yahoo.fr>
Date: Sat, 4 Sep 2004 04:44:18 +0200 (CEST)

Things get better now. Still a;lot of wind, now coming from the South West. Still some risks of surge on the South now.

I've heard many things about the local situation, but at that point it's hard to precisely know the extent of the damages. One thing is now sure: we've been very lucky!!!

Some roads might be damaged / flooded; It'll be probably hard to citculate around the island tomorrow. We're getting some rain, which should continue for some more hours / days ?

I believe everyone is safe and in good health, apart from this one death reported earlier.

Don't forget to read the earlier posts on this section by the local authorities; they're pretty complete and very accurate.

Attached is a pic from taken at noon today... Things are much better now!

Thanks for all the e-mails I have received; i'll get back to you as much as possible individually when I get a real internet connection back...

Friday 12.04 PM.JPG

- One dead as Hurricane Frances moves through The Bahamas

From: CDERA Information Unit <pubinfo AT cdera.org>
Date: Fri, 3 Sep 2004 22:44:30 GMT

SITUATION REPORT #3 - Hurricane Frances
ISSUED BY: Caribbean Disaster Emergency Response Agency
DATE: September 3, 2004
TIME: 6;00 pm


The Event: At 5:00pm Eastern Caribbean Time Hurricane Frances was approximately 
90 miles East southeast of Freeport, Grand Bahama.  . The north western Bahamas 
continues to be under a Hurricane Warning as Frances slowly travels west 
northwestward.

The Prognosis: Frances has been affecting the central and north western Bahamas 
for the past 24 hours and is not expected to clear the area for another 24 
hours. The Central Bahamas will gradually clear this evening into tonight as 
the hurricane warning for that area has been discontinued by the National 
Hurricane Centre.

Status of RRM: The Regional Response Mechanism is activated. Caribbean Disaster 
Relief Unit (CDRU) on Standby


The Situation - BAHAMAS
***********************

Several islands of The Bahamas are still experiencing hurricane force and 
tropical storm force winds at 5:00 pm.

Nassau – one person is confirmed dead. An 18-year old was outside in the height 
of the hurricane attempting to service a standby generator and was 
electrocuted. Roof of shelter at Bethsheda United Missionary Baptist Church 
caved in. People safely moved to neighbours.

San Salvador – Hurricane Frances battered this island with 140 mph winds for 30 
hours. 15 to 20 per cent of the housing stock has been damaged. Population is 
1,000 people. Widespread environmental damage with fallen trees, power lines 
and utility poles – much of which was cleared for initial damage assessment. 
Health care facility is in good condition. A doctor, nurse, and official of the 
Bahamian Defence Force were pre-positioned and are assisting residents. All 
tourists at Club Med were evacuated and the hotel, which is empty, sustained 
roofing damage.

New Providence is the headquarters of the Emergency Operations Centre of the 
National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) - At 5 pm tropical storm force 
conditions were still affecting the island and expect to subside tomorrow. 
Initial reports of environmental damage and storm surge affecting coastal areas 
and cutting off coastal roads. Some homes have been flooded but assessment is 
difficult this evening.

Acklins Island – Sustained damage to a marine docking facility and other 
coastal damage from battering waves.

Acklins/Crooked Island/Long Cay -  No major damage. Two Haitian boat people 
detained.

Eleuthera – Winds in excess of 100 mph affected the island. Storm force 
conditions still affecting the island. Power is out.

Harbour – Power out after island affected with winds in excess of 100 mph. 
Storm surge and inland flooding reported. All evacuation shelters are occupied. 
No reports of injury or death. Roads are impassable. Minor damage to health 
clinic roof.

Inagua -  Two vessels damaged.  

Mayaguana – Road infrastructure damage. No loss of life. Power should be 
restored by tonight or tomorrow morning.

Long Island – No damage

Exuma - Weather conditions improving.  Water supplies restored.

Black Point – Telecommunications down.

Farmer’s Cay – Telecommunications down.

North Eleuthera - Winds reported in excess of 100 mph. Power out. Fibre optic 
cable from North and South Eleuthera broken– no land-based contact with Spanish 
Wells.

Central Eleuthera – No electricity and telecommunications down. No contact with 
the island.

South Eleuthera – Tropical storm force conditions still exist. Damage 
assessment not possible at this time.

North Andros – Tropical storm force conditions still exist. One property 
reported damaged. Full assessment not possible at this time.

Central Andros – No known damage. Weather conditions mild.

South Andros / Mangrove Cay – No reported problems

Nassau International Airport - Heavy winds.  Bahamasair Holdings Office roof 
and front portion was torn off making it accessible to the public.  Airport 
Security is stationed at the site.

Berry Islands – Heavy rains continuing. Assessment not possible at this time.

Abaco – Winds becoming strong. 250 persons in public shelters.

East Grand Bahama – Winds becoming stronger. About 130 persons in public 
shelters.

West Grand Bahama – Weather is good. 240 persons in public shelters.

Freeport Grand Bahama - Winds are picking up, continues to rain.  700 persons 
in public shelters.

Ragged Island – No reported damage to any critical infrastructure.

Bimini / Cat Cay - Winds 35-40 mph.  Four shelters are operational.  No 
significant damage, some fallen tree limbs.  


ACTIONS BY COORDINATING UNIT
****************************

1.      Ms. Audrey Mullings, Deputy Coordinator, CDERA, is coordinating 
reconnaissance from Jamaica  to The Bahamas in the morning. Estimates are that 
weather conditions will permit flight travel by 7 am Saturday. 
2.      A Caribbean Media Corporation team will be part of the CDERA 
reconnaissance and provide pool reports for the Caribbean media;
3.      Another flight, coordinated by USAID/OFDA leaves Jamaica to transport 
the Prime Minister of The Bahamas and a Government delegation to survey the 
affected areas;
4.      The CDRU is on standby for deployment to assist the Government of the 
Bahamas. Air Jamaica Express has graciously offered to transport 25 persons 
from Jamaica to the Bahamas free of cost if required. This facility will be 
used to transport the CDRU if it is required to deploy. The CDERA CU has 
conveyed its thanks and appreciation on behalf of the region to Air Jamaica for 
“its unhesitating readiness to support the Regional Response System”

2.      The CDERA CU continues to issue advisories/sitreps on Hurricane Frances 
which  may be viewed at www.cdera.org. The UN/OCHA Reliefweb service is also 
posting SITREPS at www.reliefweb.int 


FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Mr Jeremy Collymore
Coordinator, CDERA
Tel: (246) 425-0386

Mr Donovan Gentles
Preparedness and Response Manager, CDERA
Tel: (246) 425-0386

Mr Terry Ally
Public Education and Information Specialist, CDERA
Tel: (246) 425-0386

Mr Carl Smith
Director, National Emergency Management Agency, The Bahamas
Tel: (242) 322-2805

- Briland.com, Eleu.net Regional News Online

From: Kimberly King-Burns <kkingburns AT convergenz.com>
Date: Fri, 03 Sep 2004 15:10:43 -0700

Today's storm action through the eye and beyond:

Fig Tree News Team
AT 2 AM EDT...0600Z...THE EYE OF HURRICANE FRANCES WAS LOCATED BY
RECONNAISSANCE AIRCRAFT AND RADAR NEAR LATITUDE 24.7 NORTH... LONGITUDE
75.7 WEST OR NEAR THE NORTHERN END OF CAT ISLAND. THIS IS ALSO ABOUT 310
MILES...495 KM...EAST-SOUTHEAST OF THE FLORIDA LOWER EAST COAST.
07:32:29 am
Nice lady from James Cistern called into ZNS this morning reporting that
her part of Eleuthera is just getting the eye right now at 7:30a – everyone
is inside, everyone is fine right now … preparing for the worst, but
wanting everyone to know that everyone is fine and safe inside and waiting
the storm out. North Eleuthera/Harbour Island are reporting intense 120
mph winds -- South Eleuthera winds beginning to intensify as the eye passes
north.

The eye is over Central Eleuthera at this moment ... the general sentiment
of everyone calling in from the Out Islands this morning to discuss their
various situation ** flooding and high winds in Long Island, houses damaged
in San Salvador, electricity and Internet access and cable out in Abaco,
high winds in Cat Island ** is that of relief that things aren't worse.
Posted by:
Sep 3rd 2004, 02:17:12 am
Fig Tree News Team
Storm thankfully weakens to a Category 3 storm, with a more diffuse core,
currently lingering about 40 miles south of Eleuthera.

07:44:02 am
South Bar reports that the Harbour Island has been continually pounded with
wind and rain since last night at 9, and it looks as though the eye is
going over Spanish Wells in a couple of hours. There is no electricity but
phones are presently working. The tide is going down so hopefully the surge
will be less as the tide is down. The consensus to date is that Frances is
not as bad a storm as Andrew but more in the line of Floyd.

**
James Cistern just reported a few minutes ago that they're right in the
middle of the eye (7:50a) ... and Warren Miller of Hatchet Bay called in
this morning just to commend the ZNS 1 coverage countrywide. He says that
things got rough last night, but Hatchet Bay folks ** unlike Governor's
Harbour or James Cistern [or Harbour Island, for that matter, where the Vic
Hum was packed from 5:00p forward :-)!] ** were staying inside and pretty
well packed down for the storm -- so far so good.

Stay tuned ...

09:37:13 am Kif Brown
Just spoke with Sheril Saunders. People are out walking around while the
eye passes. Understand Cookie[‘s garage] has sustained significant roof damage.

09:50:46 am
Robert Arthur notes "from the eye" at 9:30s EST:
Beach did "remarkably well" even the tiki huts at Coral Sands still up, and
not too much erosion -- as far as they could tell from north of Pink Sands
down to about Runaway Hill Club. Bayside, water up to top of the wall, and
lapping over the street, but that's it now. Not over government dock. In
the village, vegetation damage is about the extent of it, for now. When the
eye passes, westerly winds from the rest of this storm will complete the
story. Phone and power lines still up, some sagging, but in good shape
generally. Bracing now for the other half.....
09:50:55 am
Goombayboy posted:
Eye of Frances over Harbour Island at 9:30am. Eye lasted 90 min in
Governers Harbour. Governers reported worse winds after eye. Some roofs on
Harbour are damaged, many trees down so far.

10:05:01 am Bahama Sharon posts:
On NBC at 7:25 this AM, Friday, Michael Higgs gave a telephone interview
and reported that at the moment the winds were 75 mph. Some roofs are gone
and trees down but he was fine and so were his golf carts. The roof was off
of the pre school. The backside of the storm was just approaching. He
wished the people of Florida well as Hurricane Frances heads our way.

11:00:01 am Fig Tree News Team
40 miles northwest of Eleuthera now …
AT 11 AM EDT...1500Z...THE CENTER OF HURRICANE FRANCES WAS LOCATED BY
SURFACE OBSERVATIONS FROM THE BAHAMAS AND A RECONNAISSANCE PLANE NEAR
LATITUDE 25.5 NORTH...LONGITUDE 76.7 WEST OR ABOUT 40 MILES...65
KM...NORTHWEST OF ELEUTHERA ISLAND AND 220 MILES EAST-SOUTHEAST OF THE
FLORIDA LOWER EAST COAST.

At about 11:30a EST, the backside of the storm winds started to kick in off
Harbour Island, which means that local news may be somewhat minimal over
the next several hours.

Thanks for your patience. As information becomes available, we'll be in touch.
Fig Tree News Team
AT 2 PM EDT...1800Z...THE CENTER OF HURRICANE FRANCES WAS LOCATED BY
SURFACE OBSERVATIONS FROM THE BAHAMAS AND A RECONNAISSANCE PLANE NEAR
LATITUDE 25.7 NORTH...LONGITUDE 77.2 WEST...VERY NEAR THE SOUTHERN TIP OF
GREAT ABACO IN THE BAHAMAS AND 200 MILES EAST- SOUTHEAST OF THE FLORIDA
LOWER EAST COAST.

Michael Pratt posts:
2PM-Jill Lorey reports eye passed 2-3 hours ago. They still have sustained
winds around 100mph+. Cookie & Kathy Ross' roof was OK whne last checked.
They are w/ Lorey's @ Fig Tree watching the yard disappear. Power out, but
phones still OK. The worst is over.

Fig Tree News Team
It's official:
AT 5 PM EDT...2100Z...THE HURRICANE WARNING FOR THE CENTRAL BAHAMAS HAS
BEEN DISCONTINUED.

We made it!!!!!!!

More news later ...
Eleu.net Deserted Beach News
Fig Tree News Team at Briland.com
and an awesome network of satcom/ham and cell correspondents

- NASSAU UPDATE FRIDAY 2:45 PM

From: stolidref <stolidref AT yahoo.fr>
Date: Fri, 3 Sep 2004 20:46:22 +0200 (CEST)

Hi all!

Well it seems the worst is passed now. Winds currently at approx. 50 mph, with gusts at 60-70. We don't exactly know if the wind should now calm or pick up again. Everyone still needs to stay in the shelters.

We expect heavy rains later today.

Last night, at 2:30 AM, we had to evacuate our rooms in the Radisson hotel Cable Beahc, as a measure of precaution. Have been in the hotel ballroom since.

Some tree damages; report of 1 death: an 18-year-old boy who got electrocuted while trying to start a generator.

Things should get better during the night.

Will keep you updated tomorrow.

Attached: 2 pictures of Balmoral island, located in front of the Radisson:

first one taken Thursday at 6:00 PM, second one taken today during the worst part of the Hurricane.

Take care, hope everybody else has been safe.

Stolidref

Pictures:
Thursday 6.16 PM.JPG
Friday 12.02 PM.JPG

- Exuma

From: "Scott Giacobbe" <giacobbs AT exuma.cms.southcom.mil>
Date: Fri, 3 Sep 2004 14:47:06 -0400

Just a little update on Exuma...Went looking at the damage and for any
people needing help....Looks like minor damage Island wide Shingles, trees,
and such...We are very lucky...Most folks have power and phones... Four
Seasons has trees down as well...Didn't go to Rolleville or further up
Island nor over to Little Exuma but did speak to friends on Little Exuma and
they are without power but have phones....Southside of the Island has lots
of swells because the winds are blowing 17 gusting to 29...but we checked on
a friends house on the Southside and all is well....Good luck Nassau.
Connie

Scott Giacobbe
OPBAT Site Manager
George Town, Great Exuma
Bahamas
(242)336-2186 Office
(242)336-2187 Fax
(242)357-0951 Cell

- Situation Report #2 - Hurricane Frances

From: CDERA Information Unit <pubinfo AT cdera.org>
Date: Fri, 3 Sep 2004 17:34:20 GMT

ISSUED BY: Caribbean Disaster Emergency Response Agency (CDERA)
DATE: September 3, 2004
TIME: 11:00 AM

= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = 

The Event: At 11:00am Eastern Caribbean Time Hurricane Frances was located in 
the Northwestern Bahamas very close to the island of Eleuthera with maximum 
sustained winds of 115mph. It is forecast to approach the northernmost islands 
in the Bahamas where Hurricane Warnings are still in effect. 

The Prognosis: Hurricane Frances forward speed has slowed to near 9mph. This is 
resulting in longer periods of hurricane force sustained conditions in the 
islands of the Central Bahamas. Rainfall amounts are also increasing.

Status of RRM: The Regional Response Mechanism is activated. Caribbean Disaster 
Relief Unit (CDRU) on Standby


The Situation – THE BAHAMAS

Reports early this morning from contacts within the National Emergency 
Management Agency (NEMA), USAID/OFDA, PAHO, a Florida State University team, 
deployed in The Bahamas, and HAM radio operators indicate that conditions are 
improving in the Southeastern Bahamas. Only minor wind damage was reported and 
no significant flooding.

Many shelters are open and operational as residents heeded the advice to seek 
safety.

Damage Assessment is underway in most of the islands where the weather 
condition has improved.

USAID/OFDA has finalized standby arrangements with the Government of The 
Bahamas for an immediate flight after the all clear which will accommodate the 
Prime Minister, US Ambassador, OFDA, NEMA, CDERA and PAHO to gain first hand 
information on the scope and  extent of any damages to the territory.

A second flight is also on standby to accommodate damage assessment teams and 
transport supplies as necessary.

The International Federation of the Red Cross & Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) 
has dispatched two disaster management specialists from their Pan American 
Disaster Response Unit (PADRU) to Nassau to assist the local Red Cross 
officials in shelter management. Other response personnel have been placed on 
standby for deployment.

Actions By Coordinating Unit:

1.      Ms. Audrey Mullings, Deputy Coordinator, CDERA, is in Jamaica to lead 
the regional initial assessment team to The Bahamas on Saturday, if required.

2.      Air Jamaica Express has graciously offered to transport 25 persons from 
Jamaica to the Bahamas free of cost if required. This facility will be used to 
transport the CDRU if it is required to deploy. The CDERA Coordinating Unit has 
conveyed its thanks and appreciation on behalf of the region to Air Jamaica for 
“its unhesitating readiness to support the Regional Response System”

3.      The CDERA CU continues to issue SITREPS and News Releases on Hurricane 
Frances which  may be viewed at www.cdera.org. The UN/OCHA Reliefweb service is 
also posting SITREPS at www.reliefweb.int 

FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Mr Jeremy Collymore
Coordinator, CDERA
Tel: (246) 425-0386

- Harbour Island, Bahamas [1:00p EST]

From: Kimberly King-Burns <kkingburns AT convergenz.com>
Date: Fri, 03 Sep 2004 09:54:59 -0700

Fisherman Randall Johnson reports from Girls Bank, Harbour Island:
Many trees sustained damage. Roof damage throughout the island was 
reported, with maximum damage to the beach, as a lot of sand was reported 
to be washed out.  Phones are still up.  Not as bad as Andrew and Floyd at 
all.  The back part of the storm is going over the island at a reported 
35mph to 40mph.  Boats are still intact and on land.  There is a lot of 
debris reported throughout the island, leaves off trees and trees 
uprooted.  The tide was out at the storm’s height thanks to the moon, so 
not much in the way of flooding.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Briland Modem
<www.briland.com>
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
News and Information for Harbour Island & North Eleuthera, Bahamas
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
[It's much better in the Out Islands.] - Coordinates: 25°30'N 76°38'W

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Support the Briland Modem Fund,
a 501(c)(3) community development initiative:
http://tinyurl.com/25ka6

- FRANCES NASSAU BAHAMAS

From: Michel Sorrentino <msorrent AT nextmusic.fr>
Date: Fri, 3 Sep 2004 17:10:05 +0200

From: stolidref <stolidref AT yahoo.fr> 
Date: Fri, 3 Sep 2004 10:45 
I just spoke with stolidref in Nassau,
The eye is coming in 1 and half hour, wind expect 125 mph 
All the hotel's guest evacuated (2:00 am that night) in emergency places and
are safe in the hotel's shelters 
No more power, no more TV no more phone (except cell phone)
M.S.

- Exuma

From: "Scott Giacobbe" <giacobbs AT exuma.cms.southcom.mil>
Date: Fri, 3 Sep 2004 08:06:08 -0400

Well we are fine and are in coms with people across the Island this
morning...we faired well thru out the night...trees down and such but
well...will venture out shortly to check it out more after my
coffee..priorities you know...power on the Island was spotty and at present
is still out...we still are feeling the back side with winds around 40 mph
gusts as of 8 am....but like a hangover will only get better as the day
progresses...we did so well ourselves as we are inland...others on the North
side had much more than we did...Thanks for the web site it's the
best...Heart goes out to all Islands...we all will have our Islands back to
norm soon... We can produce water around the 10,000 gal per day so that's
what we will do is check all folks and make sure they have clean drinking
water...Connie

Scott Giacobbe
OPBAT Site Manager
George Town, Great Exuma
Bahamas
(242)336-2186 Office
(242)336-2187 Fax
(242)357-0951 Cell

- Eleuthera/Harbour Island 8:00a Roundup

From: Kimberly King-Burns <kkingburns AT convergenz.com>
Date: Fri, 03 Sep 2004 05:00:19 -0700


South Bar reports that the Harbour Island has been continually pounded with 
wind and rain since last night at 9, and it looks as though the eye will be 
going over Spanish Wells in a couple of hours.  There is no electricity but 
phones are presently working. The tide is going down so hopefully the surge 
will be less as the tide is down. The consensus to date is that Frances is 
not as bad a storm as Andrew but more in the line of Floyd.

**
James Cistern just reported a few minutes ago that they're right in the 
middle of the eye (7:50a) ... and Warren Miller of Hatchet Bay called in 
this morning just to commend the ZNS 1 coverage countrywide.  [Anyone 
reading this can catch the live radio broadcast streaming live at 
BahamasIssues.com, see 'ZNS Live' link.] Miller says that things got rough 
last night, but Hatchet Bay folks ** unlike Governor's Harbour or James 
Cistern [or Harbour Island, for that matter, where the Vic Hum Club was 
packed from 5:00p forward :-)!] ** were staying inside and pretty well 
packed down for the storm -- so far so good.

North Eleuthera/Harbour Island are reporting intense 120 mph winds -- South 
Eleuthera winds beginning to intensify as the eye passes north.

The eye is over Central Eleuthera at this moment ... the general sentiment 
of everyone calling in from the Out Islands this morning to discuss their 
various situation ** flooding and high winds in Long Island, houses damaged 
in San Salvador, electricity and Internet access and cable out in Abaco, 
high winds in Cat Island ** is that of relief that things aren't worse.

God bless ...

- Man-O-War report

From: "George Phillpot" <phillpots5 AT coralwave.com>
Date: Fri, 3 Sep 2004 02:03:10 -0400

I thought I’d better get a report off before the power goes ( I just woke up after a brief interruption )

0150 hrs. and there can be no doubt that we will get this thing. We are now experiencing Tropical Storm force winds with some drops of rain that has a salty taste to it. The ever constant roar that we remember with Floyd is definitely back as a fresh memory ( everything outside is blowing around and it sounds like a train going by ). Last night before bed, everything looked quite well and everyone was making last minute preps. and all of the beaches were suffering from severe erosion. One can only imagine what it is now.

Need to go and cover my freezer on the back porch.

WILL TRY LATER

George Phillpot

- Nassau Thursday 9:00 PM

From: stolidref <stolidref AT yahoo.fr>
Date: Fri, 3 Sep 2004 03:08:36 +0200 (CEST)

Complete dark right now, so we can't see too well the sea. Wind North North East at approximately 30 mph.

All birds have disappeared since approx. 7:00 PM

We expect conditions to change a little bit faster now. 40-50 mph should start in 1 or 2 hours.

No rain yet.

At 7:30 PM, checked on the South West of the island; the sea was very calm, and wind picking up (always like that here: when it gets rough on the North, it's usually calm in the South, and vice versa)

Will keep you posted.

- Briland.com, Eleu.net Regional News Online

From: Kimberly King-Burns <kkingburns AT convergenz.com>
Date: Thu, 02 Sep 2004 16:54:28 -0700

Today in Harbour Island, Eleuthera, Cat Island:

7:00p EST
Per local councilor Harvey Roberts, a visual inspection of Harbour Island's 
three-mile pink sand beach at 7:00p EST showed complete storm erosion.

6:00p EST
ZNS is broadcasting right now that the Glass Window Bridge is sporting 
30-feet waves and has been closed to all traffic.  Further north in 
Eleuthera, the commercial dock at Three Islands facing Harbour Island is 
completely submerged, even though it's still high tide.

5:00p EST
South Cat Island command control is reporting 110 mph winds there at 5:00p, 
well in advance of the storm's expected eye landfall at 8:00p this evening.

2:00p EST
Governor's Harbour High School is being closed as an emergency shelter, 
thanks to a compromised roof. All residents are being transferred to 
Worker's House there.

All day
DaBahamianTing.com is streaming ZNS television and radio reports 
live.  Once electricity in Nassau goes off, though, you'll have to head to 
BahamasIssues.com and catch the DaBahamianTing radio coverage from there. 
Their weather reports are the best that we have found that are specific to 
the islands of the Bahamas.

12:00p EST
In Tarpum Bay, skies are completely overcast. Some rain has fallen for the 
first time from this hurricane. Wind gusts as a result of Frances are 
currently up to 50 to 60 mph in gusts. These gusts appear occasionally and 
then calm down again.
***
Governor's Harbour has moved its local government storm shelter inland from 
its traditional location on the waterfront. Satellite communications are 
intact.

***
The farmers in North Eleuthera have been busy drydocking boats and burying 
natural gas and other gas canisters in anticipation of flooding later tonight.

***
Harbour Island has been without electricity since noon (power turned off as 
a precaution by BEC), but all local shelters are busy and the local 
government storm office is fully-manned.

More news later ...
Eleu.net Deserted Beach News
Fig Tree News Team at Briland.com

- Exuma

From: "Scott Giacobbe" <giacobbs AT exuma.cms.southcom.mil>
Date: Thu, 2 Sep 2004 18:42:22 -0400

We are sitting it out in Exuma...No prob here... she is in San Sal now and
we are getting about 40 mph...It's 4:23 and we had expected much worse we
are greatful and surprised...We all still have VHF and are intouch with
Locals and Boaters alike...We do have more to go...Try to get back with you
later.
 Connie Giacobbe
George Town, Great Exuma
Bahamas

- Re: nassau new providence

From: "angela culmer" <angelaculmer AT msn.com>
Date: Thu, 02 Sep 2004 17:10:02 -0400

Nassau New Providence
Thank you for al of the kind emails I have received it is good to know that 
people are out there thinking of us. So far not much to report. We had a 
squall and some wind at 1.00pm. But it is nothing to what we can expect at 2 
am in the morning. As you can imagine we will not be sleeping and I will 
definately be on hurricane watch. It is very quiet on the streets as we all 
stay inside and watch and wait. My husband did say the sea was beginnig to 
churn.
Thanks again will keep you posted
A. Culmer

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- Man-O-War Cay, Abaco

From: "George Phillpot" <phillpots5 AT coralwave.com>
Date: Thu, 2 Sep 2004 16:35:12 -0400

Man-O-War and the central Abaco district were hit with the first of the outer bands of Frances at 1330. Lots of fierce lightning and it has been raining off and on since. Presently its blowing about 25-30 with gusts in the squalls about 35+. The ocean is getting really angry. I peeked at the beach earlier and there is already signs of erosion, but no more than in our normal winter weather. I can still hear the odd hammer and saw from time to time but people here are taking this very seriously. There are also a lot of sightseers riding around in their golf carts rather than sit in dark homes all day. We are watching the ZNS broadcast and there was someone calling in from Long Island and they said that there was lots of flooding as well as a reported gust of 99 from San-Salvador.

We are trying to rest up after a long preparation process .We’ll keep on posting,

George Phillpot

- Correction...

From: stolidref <stolidref AT yahoo.fr>
Date: Thu, 2 Sep 2004 22:21:46 +0200 (CEST)

Sorry, I realize I wrote it wrong:

First part: winds from the North to the South, approximately until Friday noon / early afternoon.

Second part: winds from the West to the East... And not the contrary...

But I think everybody will have figured out by looking at the graphic...

Talk to you all later

- Nassau Thursday 4:00 PM Update

From: stolidref <stolidref AT yahoo.fr>
Date: Thu, 2 Sep 2004 22:17:34 +0200 (CEST)

Hey!

Still nothing really significant here. Wind in between 10 and 15 mph. The sky starts getting a little more cloudy.

Please check the attached graphic on Frances's windfield. As you can see, Nassau will get some wind from the North, getting stronger and stronger until friday noon. In the afternoon, we then expect the wind to change and to come from the East. Nothing directly from the South, as Frances is still forecasted to pass a little bit North of New Providence.

You can keep an update of this graphic + great other informations on the following URL:

http://www.boatus.com/hurricanes/tracking.asp

Keep thinking and praying for all those in San Salvador and Cat Island. They're in the middle right now!

Take care, will keep you posted.

windfield.jpg

- Nassau news 1:45 PM Thursday

From: stolidref <stolidref AT yahoo.fr>
Date: Thu, 2 Sep 2004 19:51:39 +0200 (CEST)

The sky is now cloudy. I'm in Cable Beach, north of the island. The sea gets a little dark. We just had a sudden heavy rain. Quickly gone.

The wind will now start picking up slowly. Big big thoughts for San Salvador right now, who's currently experiencing the worst.

It seems that the eye could be moving a little bit away from Nassau. We expect it to pass North of us (or on us) in 23 hours now. It's going to be a long night...

I don't know how long I'll be able to remain online; I'm now using an old dial-up connection, it's been long since I last browsed at 28 kbps... As soon as the phone system will be down, I won't be able to post.

Anyway, everybody here is finalizing the prep work and getting in their shelters.

The biggest concern, looking at the forecasts and experts talks, is about the surge. Water may climb high on the island. We'll see.

Every hotel has distributed an emergency evacuation plan to their guests in case of any problem, so whoever has friends / family in a resort, don't worry, they should be safe.

Attached is a pic taken minutes ago, at 1:45 PM. And this is nothing yet.

IMG_1150.JPG

- Re: nassau new providence

From: "angela culmer" <angelaculmer AT msn.com>
Date: Thu, 02 Sep 2004 11:25:37 -0400

Hi There,
We live in Nassau,things are deteriorating a little right now and it is 
overcast. All through my neighbourhood there is the sound of saws and 
banging. We have received many phone calls and most people are ready. It is 
now the anticipation. It is very difficult to play the waiting game. The 
only consolation is that everyone is doing everything possible to ensure the 
island is ready. I had a call from Spanish Wells and it is like Fort Knox. 
One thing for sure is we are braced and ready. I like the fact that it is 
bringing everyone in the neighbourhood together, offering plywood and 
buckets for water. If you donot know your neighbours you do now.
Will keep you updated
A. Culmer

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- Update from Man-O-War Cay, Abaco

From: "George Phillpot" <phillpots5 AT coralwave.com>
Date: Thu, 2 Sep 2004 10:15:02 -0400

Just came in from Guana Cay this morning at 0800 local and the Sea of Abaco side was not bad but as expected pretty muddy and there is some increase in the swells out at the reef on the ocean side. We had a brief increase in the wind speed and a passing shower at 0400 ( kind of hard to sleep with the worries and preparations that still need to be done ). The folks here in Abaco are all too easily reminded of the destructive force of a system this size and looking along the shoreline coming home this morning, most of Abaco has really battened down the hatches. I still have a few shutters to install on the lee side of my porches ( I couldn’t finish last night as I completely ran out of steam at about 2230 last night). Most stores are closed or will be closing at about 1200 today . Power will be interrupted for tree trimming again today at 1100. Why couldn’t this have been done since June 1^st ( the start of our season) ? Go figure!

Will keep posting as long as possible but according to projections, we should be spared the worse. I hope people don’t let their guard down and get blind sided like in Floyd.

Our prayers are the rest of the Islands .

George Phillpot

- nassau new providence

From: "angela culmer" <angelaculmer AT msn.com>
Date: Thu, 02 Sep 2004 06:50:21 -0400

Hi There,
It is very scary waiting with anticipation for Hurricane Francis. The radio 
station ZNS104.9 has been brilliant giving up-to -date information and 
keeping in touch with the family islands. The Prime Minister has been on a 
number of times reassuring everyone that they are doing everything within 
their power for disaster preparedness. It had changed direction and looks 
like it is coming awfully close. My family has done everything to prepare. 
Will keep in touch
A.Culmer

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- NASSAU UPDATE / Thursday morning

From: stolidref <stolidref AT yahoo.fr>
Date: Thu, 2 Sep 2004 15:15:29 +0200 (CEST)

Good morning.

A couple of hours to go now until we'll see the first signs coming. Still some hammering going around... Everybody is taking it very seriously.

No panic here on the island, which is good. Just some stress growing up. I know all the hotels should be now fully booked; yesterday evening, a TV report on ZNS indicated that a lot of the Lyford Cay residents were jumping at the Cable Beach / Atlantis resorts, where it might be a lot safer than staying in front of the beach.

A concern however for a lot of Haitians living in wooden houses downtown. I've heard that a lot of them refuse to move to public shelters, as they're afraid of looters, and having their homes destroyed. I sincerely hope local authorities will force them to move away before it's too late.

This morning's reports for Frances are not good for Nassau. The direction is WNW, and the eye is getting closer from us than earlier forecasted. I was tellling you that yesterday's CPA (Closest point of approach) was indicated at 51,6 miles from Nassau. It is now estimated at only 13,8 miles, just passing North of the island.

Well that's a good news for Eleuthera and Abaco, who may now avoid the eye.

However, Frances is still strengthening, with winds observed at 145 mph in this mornings report. Still some possibilities that it becomes a cat 5 during the day, as the waters in the Cebtral and Northern Bahamas are warmer then in the Southern part.

By today noon, everybody should make its final move to the shelters. Time to go in a safe place and organize the final preparations over there.

I'm myself moving soon to the Cable Beach area, in a safe building. I'll try to update these reports as long a spossible, to keep you informed about the local situation.

Pray for the Southern and Central Bahamas, and keep some for us! Nassau is the largest community of the Bahamas in terms of population. We need a lot of prayers now!!!

Attached is the warning number 34 from the Naval Atlantic Meteorology and Oceanography Center. You can see that the path has changed.

Also check these links to stay tuned:

http://www.ssd.noaa.gov/PS/TROP/DATA/RT/float-vis-loop.html

http://www.solar.ifa.hawaii.edu/Tropical/tropical.html

http://www.nrlmry.navy.mil

And a great source of information + public shelters in Nassau

Take care and good luck to you all!

Warning 34.JPG

- Eleuthera

From: Jonna Riley <jonnariley AT yahoo.com>
Date: Thu, 2 Sep 2004 05:04:41 -0700 (PDT)

Well it looks like the 11th hour is approaching fast. The sea's are coming up and the wind is blowing about 40+, still got power but I suspect it won't last long. I took a walk around the settlement about 3 AM, (can't sleep!) 99% of the houses are boarded up. I still hear the hammers this morning at first light, that last 1%! The waves are already splashing up onto Queens highway on the Caribbean side and it's low tide right now. I did notice that there were no animals around, no cats, no dogs, no birds. The roosters have been crowing all night long though, they know too!

I am ready, (I Think...) got a pan of foccacia baking in the oven right now, that and a bottle of wine and all of my really important possessions are packing up and headed to the "North" side to ride out the storm with my friend "McGiver" in the bomb shelter!

I do believe Eleutherans are ready for this one, me... I'm a little scared, I have a feeling this will be a life altering event for me and many others along Frances' path. I wish you all well! Many prayers for you too!

I'll be back in touch ASAP.

Luck! Jonna

Tarpum Bay

Eleu, BA

I am going to attempt to get a few more pictures uploaded before the power goes out, you will be able to see them at www.eleutheraliving.com (look at "Sip sip").

Also can get info at www.eleu.net

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- Frances arrives in the Bahamas

From: Jonna Riley <jonnariley AT yahoo.com>
Date: Wed, 1 Sep 2004 20:58:37 -0700 (PDT)

Hey everyone,

We gotta little blow coming, it doesn't look good as it is headed straight for Eleuthera, I am prepared, water, food, flashlight, radio, extra batteries, candles, camera, gas in my truck, and my handy first aid kit!

So here's what it's like so far. A few people started placing their storm shutters yesterday morning, (that's when I got mine. It's like living in a cave), I do understand why some people wait until the last minute. Because today it was over 90 degrees outside, a nice breeze to, but inside it was 95 and no breeze, people will be coming outside tonight it's the relief from the heat.

I did all of my last minute shopping today, every other truck I saw had a load of plywood. The hammering and saws started about 7 AM this morning and I still hear a few now. (Last I checked plywood was going for $44 a sheet...) The island is starting to resemble a ghost town. The breeze started this morning and has picked up steadily all day, and yes, surf's up!

Eleuthera has two sea's, the "north side" (it's actually west!), is the raging blue Atlantic, and the "Caribbean side", all those perfect beach photo's you see with calm turquoise waters. Unfortunately the eye of this storm is quite large and the island isn't all that big, 110 miles long and not very wide, 5 miles possibly at the largest section and maybe, 30 feet at the narrowest, (Glass Window Bridge). Most of the people who have beach front houses have already barred up and left for higher grounds. Many loaded up all of their furniture and took that too!

We are expecting the outer bands to start arriving early tomorrow afternoon, according to my tracking program we are about 29 hours from hurricane force winds, (were talking 140 mph...) and from what I have heard that might last about 6+ hours depending on the forward speed, and then we get the outer bands again, I hear the whole thing takes 24 to 36 hours to pass, depending again on the forward speed, (14 mph last I checked, I believe faster is better)!

Been up since 4 AM, gotta get a little rest, after all, this is the calm before the storm! in case your following, my location is 24.58 N - 76.10 W

check out www.eleutheraliving.com for photo updates. The phones and electricity may be out for weeks after the storm, but I will be in touch asap!

Wish me luck! (Crossing my fingers and saying my prayers). I do have fear! Ciao, Jonna

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- Hurricane prepardness in Nassau, Bahamas

From: Roxie Rolle <roxierolle AT yahoo.com>
Date: Wed, 1 Sep 2004 16:57:54 -0700 (PDT)

Hello all

Greetings from a PRAYING BAHAMAS!

Almost everyone here is taking this hurricane VERY seriously! Most business houses let staff members leave work early today and hardly anyone is opening for business tomorrow. Bottled Water is hard to find as most outlets are SOLD OUT! Food stores were full all day as persons stocked up on supplies. Plywood for covering windows was also tough to find and lines were long. People are NOT panicing though and this is good. Mayaguana Island, at the bottom of the chain. should be feeling the first bit of the storm by now. (800pm) Local radio stations are giving good clear information continually and we are now waiting to ride out the storm.

Please pray for us all!

Rochelle

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- San Salvador

From: Sandra Pitt <romperpitt AT yahoo.com>
Date: Wed, 1 Sep 2004 10:57:58 -0700 (PDT)

We now await the worst. No more can be done except to move to shelter. We expect the worst tomorrow early morning and for most of the day.

The wind is picking up now and there is a strong surge from the south and east bringing surf and waves to our south and east coast.

On the present track it looks as if we will be the closest landfall to date, within 30 miles or closer.

This our last message for now. We take our "dish" down while we can still walk on the roof!! in about 5 minutes.

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- BAHAMAS / NASSAU UPDATE

From: stolidref <stolidref AT yahoo.fr>
Date: Wed, 1 Sep 2004 19:38:52 +0200 (CEST)

AT 11 AM...1500Z...THE GOVERNMENT OF THE BAHAMAS HAS ISSUED A HURRICANE WARNING FOR THE CENTRAL BAHAMAS...WHICH INCLUDES...
CAT...EXUMAS...LONG ISLANDS...RUM CAY AND SAN SALVADOR AND A
HURRICANE WATCH FOR THE NORTHWEST BAHAMAS...WHICH INCLUDES
THE ABACOS...ANDROS...BERRY ISLANDS...BIMINI...ELEUTHERA...GRAND
BAHAMA AND NEW PROVIDENCE.

A HURRICANE WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT FOR THE SOUTHEASTERN
BAHAMAS...WHICH INCLUDES ACKLINS...CROOKED...INAGUAS...MAYAGUANA
AND RAGGED ISLANDS...AND FOR THE TURKS AND CAICOS ISLANDS.

A HURRICANE WARNING MEANS THAT HURRICANE CONDITIONS ARE EXPECTED
WITHIN THE WARNING AREA WITHIN THE NEXT 24 HOURS. PREPARATIONS TO
PROTECT LIFE AND PROPERTY SHOULD BE RUSHED TO COMPLETION. A
HURRICANE WATCH MEANS THAT HURRICANE CONDITIONS ARE POSSIBLE
WITHIN THE WATCH AREA...GENERALLY WITHIN 36 HOURS.

Everybody is now preparing.. Good news! Supermarkets start lacking of bread and water. It seems some stocks will be delivered to these stores during the afternoon.

Still no real turn to the North; the last forecasts indicated that the eye should pass over Eleuthera and Abaco; however, there is absolutely no certainty that this is what's going to happen. As Frances goes right now, there are possibilities that New Providence gets the eye. Unfortunately, and I hate that, the "how close can it get" tool on this website keeps indicating that it is coming closer and closer to Nassau, with a CPA at 51,6 miles right now, compared to some 80 miles indicated yesterday...

Keep watching, keep securing your homes and belongings, make sure you know where to protect yourselves, and in case you're not sure that your place will resist, find a safe shelter!!!

All our best wishes to the Turks & Caicos at this moment, and of course to everyone living / staying in the Bahamas.

Take care!

- READ THE ANTIGUA POST

From: stolidref <stolidref AT yahoo.fr>
Date: Wed, 1 Sep 2004 16:00:53 +0200 (CEST)

Hi there, a quick note to let you know you should read the following post, from Sept 1 on the ANTIGUA section!!! Go read it now!!! Go !!! GO !!!

WAKE UP ALL IN FRANCES PATH

From: "MARTHA WATKINS GILKES" <gilkesm AT candw.ag>
Date: Wed, 1 Sep 2004 08:29:33 -0400 (Atlantic Standard Time)

NOTHING TO PLAY WITH!

- Hurricane Frances

From: "ghpsafari" <ghpsafari AT batelnet.bs>
Date: Wed, 1 Sep 2004 09:03:10 -0400

Freeport

Grand Bahama Island

1 September 2004

The foodstores, hardware stores and water producers all had big long line-ups inside and outside yesterday, so people are getting prepared. Bottled gas, charcoal and kerosene are in great demand so that in the event of the power being out for a while there will be some means of cooking and lighting ... back to hurricane lanterns!

Once again we hope and pray Frances will pass us by!

Capt. John Roberts

www.fishermanssafari.com

- Wednesday morning...

From: stolidref <stolidref AT yahoo.fr>
Date: Wed, 1 Sep 2004 14:13:21 +0200 (CEST)

Good morning.

Sunny morning. I realize now how good it is to get such sunny days pretty much everyday.

Please read this last post from our great Jerry from Houston (who posts in the "pleas for help" section)

Frances continues on course for a very close eye passage to the Turks Islands this evening. Latest projections have the center around 65 miles to the northeast of Provo at its closest point mid evening today. A slight jog to the west and Frances eye will pass over these islands with its full fury. The double eye wall structure has spread the wind field out and lowered the wind maxima a little as Frances goes through another eye wall replacement cycle. However, the initial intensity will remain at 140 MPH during this reorganization period. Additional increase in intensity is possible once we get back to a single eye wall structure. Models continue to suggest an eventual landfall along the east central FL coast Saturday morning with the eye passing just northeast of Nassau and over Freeport in the Bahamas. This track will likely be adjusted slightly the next couple of days.

I heard all flights from an to Florida have been cancelled. This is taking effect today. Bahamas Air last departure will be around 1.00 PM. I know that the British Airways departure going to London should be OK this evening, but we don't know if there's going to be a departure tomorrow evening.

Downtown, all shops start to close. I trust that everybody will now understand the situation.

Check the warning number 30 from the Naval Atlantic Meteorology and Oceanography Center which is attached at the bottom of this post. The path has been slightly moved down. The islands could really attract Frances and make it change from the WNW direction it has now. Let's keep praying that it'll move as much North as possible.

More later, I still have a lot of work going around here to secure my house... I'm facing the ocean, big concern here... We already installed 2 coats of shelters, metallic ones + plywood. We're also sealing all the door bottoms with caulk-in, in case of flooding, which is very likely to happen... We've levelled all the furniture 1 to 2 feet above the floor, let's hope the water won't reach that level.

Take care, stay tuned, get ready. And don't forget to send your best prayers to the Turks & Caicos right now. They're the ones who need them most for now.

path 30.JPG

JPG00421.JPG

- WAKE UP!!!!!!!!

From: stolidref <stolidref AT yahoo.fr>
Date: Wed, 1 Sep 2004 04:56:57 +0200 (CEST)

Well, we observe some strange behaviours here in Nassau... it seems there are still a lot (too many) of people not taking the warnings seriously.

This afternoon, while circulating from Cable Beach to Lyford Cay, in the South, we've seen that approximately only 1 house out of 3 or 4 has shelters on.

Some people plan to organize a party during the hurricane... I've even seen someone buying charcoal today at the supermarket... What??? Is it time for a barbecue???

It seems the residents here in Nassau don't realize the power of what's coming on us. Perhaps there hasn't been enough problems in the past for them to realize what can happen here if they're not prepared. It's also true that the last real hit was in 1960 / hurricane Donna... Maybe too long ago for people to remember, or even to know about it.

THIS IS NOTHING TO PLAY WITH!!!! TIME TO UNDERSTAND THAT. HURRICANE EXPERTS ARE TALKING ABOUT A POTENTIAL CATASTROPHIC SITUATION!!! (and I quote their words).

The problem is that if everybody starts to realize the danger on thursday morning, it'll be too late, and people will start to panic.

The aim of this board is not to scare people, but I think it's really important for whoever is in the Bahamas and will read this message to start spreading the word better that IT'S TIME TO GET READY!!!

Show people here the forecasted path of Frances, make them understand that Charley was less intensive than Frances, and try to make them understand that the damages here could be worse than what Charley did in Florida, as we're on an island!

ZNS was making the same statements this evening. No real affluence in the shops compared to the normal, to what they said...

The South East & Central Bahamas are now on hurricane watch, they'll be on hurricane warning tomorrow, and we up here in the North will be on hurricane watch. 2 days to go now.

Please, all of you out there, BE SMART!!!! PREPARE YOURSELVES!!! PROTECT YOURSELVES!!!

Frances is a Monster!!!

I don't know how what to do to make you understand... Have a good night, I'll be back tomorrow in the morning.

- San Salvador, Bahamas

From: Sandra Pitt <romperpitt AT yahoo.com>
Date: Tue, 31 Aug 2004 16:55:29 -0700 (PDT)

Our hope for a forecast sending Frances north seems to be fading. It's not where but when now and just a matter of following the actual path to see how close the eye passes us here in San Salvador or our friends on adjacent islands. We expect the the worst early Thursday morning 4am to 10 am.

The predicted path is still just to our north east but very close within the band of hurricane force winds, then on to north Cat Island and north Eleuthera. Abaco and Grand Bahama are in line on the present course 24 hours later.

Everyone here [ population approx 1000] has spent the day taking precautions in protecting property, taking in supplies. Authorities have be checking shelters and communications; a calm air of resigned expectation and inevitability.

The weather today has been breezy with some showers.

My husband, Nick, will be taking down our internet satellite dish tomorrow morning, so we will be "off the air" for a few days.

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- Rain now...

From: stolidref <stolidref AT yahoo.fr>
Date: Tue, 31 Aug 2004 22:48:43 +0200 (CEST)

4.30 PM here in Nassau. It's been pouring for the last 15 minutes, and here we go, the ground is now really getting saturated.

On the last weather channel report, they just said Frances might become a cat 5 in the coming hours or days... Not a good news at all!

It is more important than ever now to stay informed of its evolution.

Here on the island we can feel the tension growing. Shops are being emptied; we just bought some more plywood, and it seems there's still some stock available.

Please continue checking these links provided earlier in my posts, as much as necessary. Several forecasts keep telling that Frances could be moving a bit North, but that would just make us avoid the eye. However, we still haven't been able to identify a real turn on the sat yet.

All our thoughts go now to Puerto Rico, Turks & Caicos, and all other residents from the Bahamas.

My best advise for the day: don't stay alone!!! and don't play with nature's force! This afternoon in Nassau I heard someone laughing at what was coming, telling me that during the hurricane, he would get drunk and go swim in his pool to pass the time... STUPID!!!

Stay tuned, get ready, send me your comments on your local situation if you're on other islands from the Bahamas for me to post them here! (stolidref@yahoo.fr)

REMINDER:

http://stormcarib.com/mysat.htm

http://www.nrlmry.navy.mil

And for a list of shelters in Nassau + tips on how to better be prepared:

Take care, will keep you updated!

- NEWS FROM THE MONSTER / From Jerry

From: stolidref <stolidref AT yahoo.fr>
Date: Tue, 31 Aug 2004 19:33:39 +0200 (CEST)

Hey all of you, please read this post written by Jerry from Houston. He posts approximately 3 times per day in the "pleas for help section", and his posts are more than interesting !!! You should keep reading what's coming next!

I figured out it could be more accessible to everyone to have it here in the local reports section. Jerry thanks a million for what you're doing!

Frances Is Now a Category 4 Hurricane.....And Showing Signs Of Strengthening

At 11 AM EDT Hurricane Frances Was Located At 20.0N 64.0W
Or 175 Miles Northeast Of San Juan
Or 1125 Miles East-Southeast Of Miami Int. Airport

Frances Is Moving West (275 degrees) At 15 MPH

Maximum Sustained Winds Are Near 135 MPH With Gust To 160 MPH

Latest Minimum Pressure Reported By the Reconnaissance Plane At 7:14
AM EDT / AST Was 950 Millibars Or 28.05". New Recon Mission Is Underway...Expect An Update Shortly

Closed Circular Eye 30 Miles In Diameter

During the night Frances completed yet another eye wall replacement cycle and
immediately begin showing signs of strengthening. Since early this morning the circular eye has become more well defined and nearly clear of clouds. The eye also shows up real impressively on the San Juan radar (link below). Frances is almost a perfect text book looking hurricane in the satellite pics, very symmetrical with an excellent upper level outflow and a large eye. Warm water lies ahead for Frances to tap. The TUTT (Tropical Upper Troposphere Trough) is diving south behind Frances in the central Atlantic, and a upper level low over the central Bahamas is drifting west-southwest. These two features are in good alignment to Frances to help evacuate the upper atmosphere around the hurricane. I believe this is what's helping Frances to ramp up to Cat 4 or higher the next day or two. It's certainly possible for Frances to strengthen to a Cat 5 with this kind of
environment in place.

The westward 275 degree heading has been ongoing for some time now. The last two to three hours a more 280 or 285 degree heading appears to be taking place. It's a little to early to tell if its a true turn to the right, or just another wobble. This could be the turn we have been expecting. I'm still expecting the eye to come very close to the Turks / Caicos Wednesday evening. These islands could end up in the western eye wall. A direct hit on these islands is still possible however. After another extensive research mission into the the Atlantic sampling the environment ahead and around Frances this data was ingested into the evening and morning model runs. Quite surprisingly some of the models that have shown a right of track bias path now have shifted to the left. And the left of track models to the right. Needless to say this has made things more complicated in trying to
figure out where Frances will go 4 - 6 days down the road. The outliner model seems to be the European in taking Frances across southern FL into the Gulf. This is somewhat supported by the Canadian model, but not to an extreme degree. We cannot count this normally very reliable model out of the equation.

Bottom Line Threat Level As I Currently Rate It To The US:

South FL Landfall Or Near Miss Recurving North In The Eastern Gulf.....35%
Landfall Between Ft Lauderdale FL And Cape Hatteras NC...................60%
Recurving Northeast Missing The Southeast US Coast All together.........5%

- Update

From: "angela culmer" <angelaculmer AT msn.com>
Date: Tue, 31 Aug 2004 05:09:41 -0400

Hello There,
Already in our area we have put up the hurricane shutters and my neighbours 
have also. I have managed to persuade my husband to return home from the 
fishing trip he was on . As we speak he is on his way home. Many of us in 
Nassau are taking this very seriously and the shops are busy with people 
buying supplies. It is scary waiting but it looks like we should take this 
hurricane very seriously!


A. Culmer

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- Nassau update / Tuesday Aug 31 8:30 AM

From: stolidref <stolidref AT yahoo.fr>
Date: Tue, 31 Aug 2004 14:39:00 +0200 (CEST)

Hi!

On the attached picture retrieved on the Weather Channel website, you can see that we expect some rain today... Hope this is not going to saturate the ground with water too much, as it is already a little wet...

As a reminder, please check the following Url, for everything you need to know about the best way to be prepared, and the list of public shelters available during the hurricane.

The forecasts are getting more and more precise, even if some models still indicate that Frances could shift North a little bit...

The Bahamas are very spread out, and most of the residential areas are concentrated in the North West (New Providence - Andros - Abaco - Grand Bahama). But the South eastearn islands willl be hit first; we all think of all the residents of these islands; be prepared, be safe!

Here in Nassau we can feel some tension growing up. It's true that in the past years, nothing really serious hit us here. It seems this one's going to be a different story...

Also please check the local reports from the Northern Leeward Islands; it seems we'll have strong waves accompanying the wind, and stay tuned to the government warning that are certainly going to be issued today or tomorrow the latest for any evacuation plan. The more dangerous zones will be the shores.

Take care, will keep you updated

Nassau today.jpg

Nassau today

- Eleuthera

From: Jonna Riley <jonnariley AT yahoo.com>
Date: Mon, 30 Aug 2004 21:26:27 -0700 (PDT)

Frances is expected to hit here Friday. It appears that islanders are taking the warnings seriously. This is my first hurricane, hopefully she takes a right turn and passes us to the north. (Fingers crossed and praying). The Eleutherans are beginning to make preparations, clearing debris, stocking up on canned foods, batteries, candles, and drinking water. (I've also filled every empty jug I have with water for the bathroom, just in case!) So today it's obvious somethings coming, change is in the air. The birds are much quieter, and the towering cumulus clouds are enormous. I found a great tracking program that allows me to compare storms, Frances is very similar to Floyd in their track. Not a good sign I think. Well I look forward to this storm for the sheer beauty of the power of mother nature, and then there's the other hand, wish they weren't destructive, I am a bit frightened and apprehensive. I will be prepared! Keep you posted.

Jonna, Tarpum Bay- Eleuthera, Bahamas

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- Hurricane Francis

From: "Adrian Chriswell" <abchriswell AT hotmail.com>
Date: Tue, 31 Aug 2004 01:50:13 +0000

Hi Gert.

I am just signing in and haven't looked at recent forecast. It is now 2145 EST and now raining, but I think it is from local system (summer rains). As a reminder, I am a member of the Bahamas Defence Force, and so when I go in to work tomorrow I will get real busy. My house is strong, but as usual, we will procrastinate a few more hours before shuttering. I think that I will do some work in the morning before I go in to work. We were untouched by any of the earlier systems, and I feel that some people are getting nervous about this one. Southern Bahamas as well as Turks and Caicos already under Alert. Ground already saturated from recent rains.

Adrian B. Chriswell

Lieutenant Commander

Royal Bahamas Defence Force

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- ABACO update / list of shelters in Nassau

From: stolidref <stolidref AT yahoo.fr>
Date: Tue, 31 Aug 2004 03:39:45 +0200 (CEST)

Here's a message I received from George in ABACO a couple of minutes ago.

Reporting from Man-O-War Cay, Abaco

Folks up here have been listening to the reports for the last few days and according to all of the projections with perhaps the UKMET being the only voice of dissension, we have been in the alert mode for the last day or so. Some even began to board up houses as early as Saturday morning. The Hardware stores in Marsh Harbour were sold out of plywood before noon today especially since now people are noticing the similarities in the path and projections of Floyd in 1999. Perhaps we are a little gun-shy but we are praying that this thing will take a sharp right turn and go out to sea. We’ll keep writing as long as we can.

ALSO, here's a great link for information about the public shelters in Nassau as well as a list of tips on how to get prepared.

http://stormcarib.com/mysat.htm

- Hurricane Frances

From: "ghpsafari" <ghpsafari AT batelnet.bs>
Date: Mon, 30 Aug 2004 21:01:49 -0400

Freeport

Grand Bahama Island

30 August 2004

Today there is not much activity in Freeport with regard to Hurricane Preparation. This will probably start tomorrow, 31st August. I will be securing my boat on its hurricane moorings tomorrow and preparing to board up my house. Even if we do not get a direct hit it appears we will get some very strong winds as Frances passes north or south of us.

Have just been in contact with Hope Town, Abaco, and they are all boarded up and ready for Frances. Some people have started to evacuate from Hope Town to the mainland, as the memories of Floyd are still vivid.

We are all hoping and praying for the best.

Will advise later.

Capt. John Roberts

www.fishermanssafari.com

- San Salvador, Bahamas

From: Sandra Pitt <romperpitt AT yahoo.com>
Date: Mon, 30 Aug 2004 18:00:56 -0700 (PDT)

This is my first report for Storm Carib, but not my first experience of hurricanes here in San Salvador, Bahamas after Lili in 96 and Floyd in 99. We watch Frances carefully and expect close contact, after Turk & Caicos and Mayguana. The experts predict a path maybe just to our north, by only sixty to hundred miles but still ponder on any more northerly path which we hope for. However we wait for forecasts tomorrow and Wednesday. In the mean time we head watches and warning and take precautions in preparation. We will report further tomorrow.

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- Bad news...

From: stolidref <stolidref AT yahoo.fr>
Date: Tue, 31 Aug 2004 02:06:08 +0200 (CEST)

Why do all the possible scenarios that the Weather Channel shows in its Tropical Updates show Frances exactly on top of Nassau??????? Can't we have some good news ?????

Ok, well, it seems things are changing. Everything now points as if we're going to get a direct hit. They're talking about a category 4 hurricane by the time it reaches us, which is actually better news than having to fear a category 5... (we'll keep enjoying every little bit of what's good to think about it...)

Advice: you should keep watching the Tropical Update on the Weather Channel (Channel 45 here in Nassau), every hour 10 minutes before the hour, SHARP!

It remains a good source of information.

Earlier this evening, as we were watching the Bahamian news (yes, we do that sometimes...), they now start to worry. A list of public shelters has been issued; I'll try to find a link for you where you can find all that info.

Whatever may happen now, it's seriously time to get ready. We've ordered some sheets of plyboard today, to better protect our house. We actually face the ocean badly where we're located, and that's our biggest concern. (Maybe we'll get some nice fresh groupers in the pool by the time it's gone... yumee!!!)

Keep looking at the links I provided earlier in these reports; things are changing quickly right now.

We believe that by wednesday noon, everything will be much more precise for us down here. But IT IS TIME TO START GETTING READY!!!!

We'll keep you updated as much as possible; tomorrow I'll try to get better information from the government / local authorities.

Also, still no correspondant from other bahamian islands than us here in Nassau. It'll be good to hear from other sources to know what's happening elsewhere. In case you can provide some info, send me an e-mail to stolidref@yahoo.fr; I'll post your infos on this post.

Take care, talk to you later

- 5:00 PM update

From: stolidref <stolidref AT yahoo.fr>
Date: Mon, 30 Aug 2004 23:19:27 +0200 (CEST)

Ok here we go... We were just watching the Tropical Update on the Weather Channel. The more source of information you'll get, the best prepared you'll be!

Attached is the latest path issued by the Weather Channel. No big changes, we're still pretty much in the very middle of the cone.

We'll stay tuned for news from our friends from the northern Leewards; hope you're all safe there!

Here the newspaper have started talking about Frances. Still more people than usual this afternoon in the shops, starting to stock up food and water.

Don't forget these usefull links:

http://www.solar.ifa.hawaii.edu/Tropical/tropical.html

And these tips (I know I already told you all that, but that's just in case you forgot...)

Keep trees and shrubbery trimmed around your home.

Make sure that storm shutters are in working order. If you don't have shutters, have plywood coverings properly numbered to cover windows and doors.

Make sure hurricane supplies are up to par.

Check the working condition of all emergency equipment such as generators, flashlights, battery-powered radios, etc.

Identify a safe room in your home that you could use as a shelter.

I'll be waiting for the warning number 24 from the Naval Atlantic Meteorology and Oceanography Center to post it here; it seems thetr might be some changes to the path of Frances coming.

Keep looking! And take care!!

P.S. By the way we still have no one posting on this board for the other Bahamas islands... Whoever is willing to give a little bit of his time out there, your help is very welcome!

path Monday aug 30 5PM.jpg

- Nassau update Monday Aug 30 1:00 PM

From: stolidref <stolidref AT yahoo.fr>
Date: Mon, 30 Aug 2004 19:20:22 +0200 (CEST)

Hey again!

The Naval Atlantic Meteorology and Oceanography Center has issued a warning n° 23 with an update graphic about Frances's projected path.

Check it at

http://www.nrlmry.navy.mil/tc-bin/tc_home2.cgi?YEAR=2004&MO=Aug&BASIN=ATL&STORM_NAME=06L.FRANCES&PROD=track_vis&PHOT=yes&ARCHIVE=active&NAV=tc&DISPLAY=Latest&ACTIVES=04-ATL-06L.FRANCES,04-ATL-07L.GASTON,04-ATL-08L.HERMINE,04-EPAC-10E.GEORGETTE,04-WPAC-19W.CHABA,04-WPAC-22W.SONGDA,04-WPAC-91W.INVEST,04-EPAC-92E.INVEST,04-ATL-97L.INVEST,&STYLE=tables

Same as this morning: they believe Frances could be pushed a little bit further North, unfortunately bringing it to the Exumas and Abacos.

This morning we saw some people already buying batteries, water, garbage bags and so on. Everybody now understand the need to get ready in time.

A lot of thoughts for Anguilla, St Martin, St Barth, St Eustache, St Kitts and Nevis, and of course the Turks and Caicos. Please send us some reports as soon as it'll be gone, for us to better know what its strengths is.

I'm a bit surprised by the Bahamas government, which still hasn't issued any official storm / hurricane watch...

This should be corrected soon I believe...

Take care, will keep you updated!

- Update Monday Aug 30

From: stolidref <stolidref AT yahoo.fr>
Date: Mon, 30 Aug 2004 14:23:13 +0200 (CEST)

Good morning,

Please check the attached latest graphic from the Naval Atlantic Meteorology and Oceanography Center.

You can also get it at the following Url:

It should be updated several times per day.

The South Eastern Islands of the Bahamas should now start focusing on getting ready.

The only good news for the morning is that Frances is back to a category 3 hurricane, with winds at 120 mph. However, it could reinforce itself by the time it reaches us here.

If anyone reading this report is located in the Bahamas on another island than Nassau, please contact me at stolidref@yahoo.fr, so that I can give you the info to post on this website for the Bahamas. The more information we'll get, the better it'll be for everyone.

Also, I'm surprised to see that there are no local correspondents for the Turks and Caicos. If you live there and feel you could keep us informed of your local situation, please send an e-mail to gert@gobeach.com so that he can explain you how to do it.

We keep looking for any change in Frances's path, and will keep you updated about its evolution.

Take care!

PATH.jpg

jpg00398.jpg

- Frances update

From: stolidref <stolidref AT yahoo.fr>
Date: Sun, 29 Aug 2004 18:47:47 +0200 (CEST)

Sunny afternoon today in Nassau. We expect a little bit of rain maybe later this evening.

Our big concern remains Frances. Pretty much all the forecasts indicate a hit in the Bahamas. We're gently going to start getting ready here; we should have another 4-5 days before getting anything.

This morning we could see some wind going North over Pueto Rico. Should that push Frances a little more North???

The Weather channel has eventually decided to start talking about us. The good point is that they indicated an hour ago that Frances could indeed go a little further North, and that we could avoid the eye... Let's keep praying.

As a reminder, here are a couple of tips to think about:

Keep trees and shrubbery trimmed around your home.

Make sure that storm shutters are in working order. If you don't have shutters, have plywood coverings properly numbered to cover windows and doors.

Make sure hurricane supplies are up to par.

Check the working condition of all emergency equipment such as generators, flashlights, battery-powered radios, etc.

Identify a safe room in your home that you could use as a shelter.

This not to have you panic, but it's always better to take the time to get prepared, than realizing that you forgot something at the last minute!

Will keep you informed as soon as we have better news...

Take care

- Frances (bis)

From: stolidref <stolidref AT yahoo.fr>
Date: Sat, 28 Aug 2004 19:26:46 +0200 (CEST)

As we keep monitoring Frances evolution, it now appears pretty certain that's the Bahamas, or maybe just part of it will be hit by the end of next week.

Please check the attached Jpeg indicating the latest forecats issued this morning at 11:00 AM.

The South East islands (Inaguas / Crooked / Acklins / Mayaguana / Exuma/ Long Island...) should really start thinking about getting ready. No reason to panic yet, as there are still some chances for Frances to move North or, as you can see on today's forecast, to head a little more down South... This to say that nothing is certain yet!

We'll keep you updated in the coming days, but you can also keep watching with these great links:

http://hurricane.accuweather.com/adcbin/hurricane/satellite_large.asp?ocean=atlantic&getarea=hatl&type=loop&sattype=ir

http://www.solar.ifa.hawaii.edu/Tropical/tropical.html

http://www.hurricaneadvisories.com

And of course stormcarib!

All of these great links give you a great source of information on what's going on. Keep watching!

Take care,

Stolidref...

last forecast.jpg

- Frances

From: stolidref <stolidref AT yahoo.fr>
Date: Thu, 26 Aug 2004 18:41:30 +0200 (CEST)

Hi!

Just a quick advice: the Bahamas should keep monitoring Frances evolution, as some of the first forecasts indicate that it could reach us here.

Remember: the best way to be safe is to be prepared! Don't loose time!

Take care, will keep you updated

- Hurricane Charley

From: "ghpsafari" <ghpsafari AT batelnet.bs>
Date: Sat, 14 Aug 2004 17:14:04 -0400

Freeport

Grand Bahama Island

14 August 2004

Hurricane Charley passed us by as forcasted. The maximum winds were as predicted - 30 knots from the South. There was only a trace of precipitation as all the feeder bands passed to the west of Grand Bahama.

The barometric pressure varied between 29.98 and 30.01 ins.

We are all grateful here for having been spared the wrath of this devastating storm.

Capt. John Roberts

- TD 5

From: stolidref <stolidref AT yahoo.fr>
Date: Sat, 14 Aug 2004 16:06:32 +0200 (CEST)

Hello from the now sunny Bahamas!

Ok, Charley missed us, and it seems that TD 4, now Danielle, will climb up North. However, we now should watch TD 5, which seems to get the same direction as Charley just did.

Get on http://www.solar.ifa.hawaii.edu/Tropical/tropical.html

and the click on the picture at the top of the page, you'll be able to stay informed about its progression.

Talk to you all later!

- Hurricane Charley

From: "ghpsafari" <ghpsafari AT batelnet.bs>
Date: Thu, 12 Aug 2004 10:08:24 -0400

Freeport

Grand Bahama Island

12 August 2004

We had a nice long, cool winter and an extremely dry spring and early summer. The rains finally arrived and it has only taken one week for everything to look nice and green again!

Hurricane Charley has reminded us that Hurricane Season is in full swing.

Our forecast winds are for 30 knots from the South tomorrow, and we hope that is all we get from Hurricane Charley.

Will keep you posted.

Capt. John Roberts

- Cape verde this morning

From: stolidref <stolidref AT yahoo.fr>
Date: Thu, 12 Aug 2004 14:34:09 +0200 (CEST)

Well well well... Always good to keep an eye on what's coming out of Africa... This morning's shot is pretty impressive, already... Check that out!

Cape verde Aug 12.jpeg: jpe00000.jpeg

- Update...

From: stolidref <stolidref AT yahoo.fr>
Date: Tue, 10 Aug 2004 23:43:06 +0200 (CEST)

Hey you all... Been out for a while... Didn't miss anything too important for the Bahamas.

Okay.. Last info regarding Charley: it seems there could still be some chances that this system move North - Northwestward. We'll keep an eye on it.

Other than that, we keep getting a few showers, even if the sun is back! for the pleasure of everyone.

Take care !!!!!!!

- Update...

From: stolidref <stolidref AT yahoo.fr>
Date: Sat, 19 Jun 2004 19:47:19 +0200 (CEST)

Well hello you all! At last , our internet connection is back, after 15 days of black out... Thanks Cable Bahamas.....

We've had pretty weird weather these last 2 weeks, days with a lot of rain and a lot of sun in the same time. At least the garden is happy....

No tropical storm in sight yet.

It's now very hot and heavy. A lot of mosquitos around.

We'll now try to keep you updated with what's going on there!!!

Take care and have a great week-end

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- Rain oh rain...

From: stolidref <stolidref AT yahoo.fr>
Date: Thu, 3 Jun 2004 22:33:26 +0200 (CEST)

Hey you all...

OK it's now 4:30 PM and we're currently facing a nice large piece of black cloud. It seems there's a little bit of rain coming.

Anyone living in North Andros might already be able to tell...

But here in Nassau???

Will we get a little???

Please?????

Anyway... they say the week end is going to be bad so...

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- Happy first day!!!!!!

From: bahama man <stolidref AT yahoo.fr>
Date: Wed, 2 Jun 2004 01:33:25 +0200 (CEST)

Hello to all the readers of this new post interested in what's going on in the Bahamas!! (Well, part of it...)

Here we go, today was June 1st, first day of the hurricane season, and nothing yet... lol

As a reminder, we're located in Nassau. There might always be some slight differences with other islands from the Bahamas, sorry for it!!!

It's been a pretty good day, sunny, not a lot of wind; WE NEED RAIN !!!!!!!!!!! It's kind of becoming a pitty down here, everybody is asking for the same, and you don't have enough fingers on your hands to count all the gardens which have been burned by the sun... Happy irrigation system!!!!

And a minute of silence for all the others...

Nothing special forecasted for tomorrow; we'll keep monitoring a depression currently in formation south of the Bahamas on top of Cuba. Might bring some rain if the winds push it.

First post, please find down here 2 great links for radars in motion and other news about hurricanes.