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- Updates from the Islands -- - Culebra (PR) - - |
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For the most recent reports from Culebra see this page.
| - Surf from the Cold Front |
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Pretty good surf running in on the North shoreline. -- -- you at usa.com is available and 170 other free domains. Sign up at www.mail.com
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| - And on the third day of January... |
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This morning there was a moment of thought about whether or not I
wanted to get out of the blankets...it was cold! But still and
beautiful. Again.
I'm posting part of the discussion out of SJ this morning because the writer is in an unusually artful mood... Discussion...low level trough moving westward across the Caribbean and S of the Mona Passage...and has encountered southwesterly flow aloft associated with East Coast l/west trough...with local feature now beginning to take on a screaming Eagle-like appearance. This feather will exit thelocal area today...with a mild east-northeast to NE flow expected to advect limited and shallow moisture across the area for mainly isolated showers. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~I don't know who had the director of parking job out at Dakity (our reef area before entering Ensenada Honda, the big bay - during holidays, it is a very popular spot), but...good work!
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| - Happy New Year, 2008 |
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Wishing you all a healthy 2008. Below is the rainfall data for Culebra over the last 20 years. It shows that we ended 2007 a bit below the yearly average of 45.2. Even though, Culebra remains green for this time of year, it is drying out rapidly with the lack of rain and heavy winds. Happy New Year, William -- -- you at usa.com is available and 170 other free domains. Sign up at www.mail.com
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| - Old Year/New Year |
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While yesterday started out looking like it might be less than
beautiful, the universe decided to keep on with the roll of wonderful
weather we've been having. Even the clouds are good ones! It looks to
be another of those days and (knock on wood) a clear night for seeing
in the New Year in the plaza (or where ever you choose to celebrate,
even if it's in dream land, which is the plan for a few I know).
95 L is still out there, falling apart, of interest to few but mariners and birds and weather weenies. We'll likely see some weather from it later in the week, but that will be then, not now. For some reason, all my batteries have decided to die this morning, so I can only paint a word picture of the sun on the water through the mangroves, a very slight breeze making ripples of flashing gold, the sky slowly bluing, while rising Sol is taking the chill off of the morning. The pelicans are splashing about like mad and I know there are fish out there as I caught and released one yesterday afternoon. No, I'm not always a catch and release sort of person, but there is food to eat in the fridge and Mr. Fish got an Old Year clemency break. There is always next year... |
| - 95 L ? Yes, really |
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No dear, nothing is weird about the weather, that's just your
imagination!
Here's what was noted partially in the 10pm discussion out of San Juan... ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Other interesting item is the intensification of a surface low pressure system 950 miles southwest of the Azores which is acquiring subtropical characteristics at this time. Latest model invest run moves it west close to 50 west...where it starts to dissipate. If it survives that long...we might have an interestingswell event with easterly energy from that system...and north or northwest large swells prognosticated to sweep down from the next low pressure system to exit North America...same system which produces previously mentioned cold front. Also...if the subtropical low makes it that far...with the front hanging up close to our area...and moisture advection in the low level easterlies from the system...could make for a soupy three Kings weekend. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~The 1 a.m. NHC discussion says we'll know if we'll have Pablo very soon, as there is increasing shear that could put the kabosh on any development. Yes. It's Dec. 30th. Do you know where your winter weather is? |
| - Perfection |
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If the day were any more beautiful outside, well...it just couldn't be.
The breeze, the sun, the sky, the freshness in the air - perfection!
Hope everyone's Christmas day is as wonderful as the weather!
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| - Happy Christmas Eve! |
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It has been a beautiful day, finally feeling like Christmas for me
The day continued with a bit of PO and Milka rush with locals and visitors hustling through shopping and package send offs and pick ups (postmaster Howard's hand reaching through my box as I opened it holding my awaited pick up notice, how about that for delivery? We have the BEST PO guys!), opening the cart late and fun with shoppers; back to Milka's on closing to watch the kids with Santa (before picking up a bottle of Coquito, a sort of Puerto Rican egg nog that I've been craving) - an event that gets bigger every year, and finally home again. A breeze is waffling through the trees. Small ripples are on the water. The sun is bright. And the sky incredibly blue. What more is there to ask for? Santa's bag for me is already empty - I have my gifts. May all of the stormcarib *family* with special wishes to Gert and Dave, have the best of the best this season and this year, from Culebra! |
| - La Bella Luna & Mars |
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While Christmas Eve is supposed to be the most spectacular night for
viewing the moon & Mars in close harmony, tonight is pretty amazing as
well.
If you aren't dancing on the outside somewhere in the moonlight, dance on the inside - it's magic time in the islands - great temps, great skies, glorious sunrises and sunsets, great hopes for a good coming year. Wash the slate in the sea and begin the new dance. I'm not sure what I did to get this shot...maybe the universe just had pity on me after 30 bad ones and 300 mosquito bites.
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| - Winter Solstice |
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If you were awake at 1:08 a.m. you were experiencing the Winter
Solstice moment for this year...with the full moon tomorrow. And if
that doesn't combine with the true beginnings of the Christmas season
around here to provide a wee bit of lunacy - you must need stronger
stuff unavailable on a small island like ours.
The carol singers caroled, ending up at Dinghy Dock to be joined by
some less than melodic but heartily enthusiastic others, the live band
at La Cabana played salsa and rock and roll and there was dancing in
the street.
The moon looked on and didn't say a word. Wise old man. |
| - December hots |
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Yesterday was a combination of calm, slight breezes and sun boring down
out of a blue, blue sky. Today looks to be much of the same, though
there are ripples on the water this morning which I hope keep up the
rest of the day. Cart sitting gets a little intense in the hot spot
corner, even with the umbrella, though that doesn't stop the
entertainment factor.
As I was opening the cart, a backhoe stopped on the bridge, steadied with its side braces. The smaller end with the toothed bucket was used very delicately - our backhoe guys are ballet dancers with machines - to pry up the ends of the bridge that are breaking and clanking, while a couple of men put in large pieces of tire rubber for bumpers. A few vehicles got piled up on either side as the machine blocked the bridge, but per Culebra, no one honked or seemed impatient - in fact, we were all sort of mesmerized at this latest *repair*. Then suddenly the backhoe was gone, and traffic continued on, occasionally hitting the one piece of tire sticking up over the edge of the end - lo and behold! No more clanking! Until a few hours later anyway. Well, at least someone gave it a try...and gave me and a few others a pathetic laugh. A rooster in the mangroves, trying out for the role of partridge in a pear tree...we do our best
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| - Happy Saturday! |
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I am wrapped in a sarong as a shawl, which is not really warm enough
for the blustery morning here. Can it be blustery without snow or rain?
Maybe only for us cold weather wussies. No doubt it will warm up nicely
soon; turning into one of those winter days we wait for all year.
The sun is out in a less than deep blue sky, following a night of rain on and off, with lots of gusty moments. I think the gardens are delighted - lots of gentle rains and less than searing sun. I'm pretty delighted myself. AND!!!!! the new gravel in front of the cart does just what it is intended to do! I arrived there yesterday morning after the rain, with Island Woman (dip in the street) Lake full...and NO mud! Very exciting (and yes, I probably need to get out a little more, so don't bother writing me to tell me that). The orchids continue to seem everlasting...
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| - Parranda |
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This morning being woken by the parranda music truck going up and down
the streets of my neighborhood; a Puerto Rican tradition that used to
be groups of people playing instruments, going from house to house
eating and drinking, a sort of middle of the night caroling session
that gathered up people as it went along. Some years there has been a
truck bed full of live musicians, but usually it is recorded music,
happening any time between 3 and 6 in the morning. It's a wonderful way
to wake up during the holidays. Or at least I think so.
It is windy and chilly as dawn starts to break over the horizon. 71 F!!
The forecast calls for on and off showers. I'm hoping for sun, but if
not, I have some wonderful gravel in front of the cart now so it is not
a mudpit if it rains. Bless you guys ( you know you live on a small
island when 10 people come up to you and say, NICE GRAVEL!!!! instead
of hello).
It seems more than a few people had no idea there was a storm named
Olga. I can only guess that since it was already windy and rainy maybe
they thought it was just windier and rainier? A LOT windier and
rainier? Hopefully that is the end of it, as the path of destruction
was once again felt on the big island of PR and the DR.
The roosters have taken over where the music left off...back to another
day in Paradox.
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| - STS Olga |
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What a bizarre morning weather wise. Nothing intense as far as rain or
wind (though it is drizzly/pouring and windy/gusty), but I can HEAR the
surf pounding the north shore - I am one hill range away with the bay
on my side - but I've never heard the surf from there before; with its
dull roar sound. It took a minute or two to figure out what it was, but
if it isn't that, then the island is going to roll in and over here
pretty quickly - so I'm sticking with the less weird.
The other sound is waves of the bay hitting the shore here hard. I hope
it lasts until it's light as that's pretty unusual as well and I'd like
to see it.
And the last weirdness is the radar - most of us are IN the swirl of
Olga.
I don't know how long it will stay that way, but you can see by the
wind directional arrows what I've been watching in loops..
Stay safe, stay dry. It's going to be a sloggy day with, I'm sure, many reports ahead. I'm hoping for good ones. |
| - 94L |
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Latest word out of SJ WEATHER SUMMARY FOR PUERTO RICO NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE SAN JUAN PR 552 AM AST MON DEC 10 2007 VARIABLY TO PARTLY CLOUDY SKIES WERE OBSERVED ACROSS PUERTO RICO...CULEBRA AND VIEQUES DURING THE OVERNIGHT HOURS. SHOWERS AND A FEW THUNDERSTORMS WERE DETECTED BY NWS DOPPLER RADAR ACROSS THE LOCAL COASTAL WATERS...WHILE OVER LAND AREAS...QUICKLY MOVING SHOWERS AFFECTED MAINLY THE NORTHERN CENTRAL SLOPES AND NORTHERN COASTAL MUNICIPALITIES OF PUERTO RICO. WINDS HAVE BEEN FROM THE NORTHEAST AT 10 TO 20 MPH WITH HIGHER GUSTS...MAINLY DURING SHOWER ACTIVITY. TROPICAL DISTURBANCE LOCATED THIS MORNING TO THE NORTHEAST OF THE NORTHERN LEEWARD ISLANDS IS FORECAST TO MOVE ACROSS THE LOCAL AREA THIS AFTERNOON THROUGH TUESDAY MORNING. THIS FEATURE IS EXPECTED TO BRING SIGNIFICANT SHOWER ACTIVITY ACCOMPANIED WITH THUNDERSTORMS AND WINDY CONDITIONS WITH GUSTS UP TO 40 MPH OVER LAND AREAS AND EVEN HIGHER OVER THE LOCAL COASTAL WATERS. BETWEEN THIS AFTERNOON AND EVENING...THE MAIN AREA OF SHOWERS AND THUNDERSTORM ACTIVITY ASSOCIATED WITH THIS SYSTEM WILL BE VERY CLOSE TO THE AREA. EXPECT NUMEROUS SHOWERS WITH VERY HEAVY RAIN AND THUNDERSTORMS FOR MOST OF THE NORTHERN COASTS AND CENTRAL INTERIOR SECTIONS OF THE ISLANDS. RESIDENTS AND VISITORS OF THE LOCAL ISLANDS SHOULD CLOSELY MONITOR THE PROGRESS OF THIS SYSTEM AS IT MOVES CLOSER TO THE AREA WITHIN THE NEXT SEVERAL HOURS. MARINERS SHOULD EXPECT INCREASING WINDS AND SEAS THROUGH TUESDAY... WITH SEAS BUILDING IN EXCESS OF 10 FEET IN THE OFFSHORE ATLANTIC WATERS BY THIS AFTERNOON. SMALL CRAFT ADVISORIES REMAIN IN EFFECT THROUGH TUESDAY MORNING FOR ALL LOCAL ATLANTIC AND CARIBBEAN WATERS AND PASSAGES. ALSO...A GALE WARNING HAS BEEN ISSUED FOR THE OFFSHORE ATLANTIC WATERS FROM 11 AM AST THIS MORNING THROUGH LATE TONIGHT. THIS MEANS THAT WINDS MAY BE AVERAGING BETWEEN 34 KNOTS TO 47 KNOTS OVER WATER. SMALL CRAFT OPERATORS SHOULD EXERCISE CAUTION ACROSS THE NEAR SHORE WATERS OF WESTERN PUERTO RICO UNTIL 2 PM AST THIS AFTERNOON. |
| - Schtuff |
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It would be a good idea this morning when it gets light to make sure
your outdoor *stuff* is taken care of, especially any Christmas type
decorations.
While I really am not expecting anything on a huge scale (weather does what weather wants and this system could skip off to other pastures) it is pretty likely that there will be some strong rain and wind during the next 24 hours. As always, despite the date, it's best to take the time to do what is needed, just in case. Of course, as I am typing this, the wind has just gone calm for the moment. Also...everyone doesn't get internet...if you know people, land or water, who might be unaware that we could be in for some heavy weather, give them a call!
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| - 94L |
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Weather is weird and there is some weird weather out there. Check your
weather sites.
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| - squall on |
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As predicted, we are getting short time rain squalls. I closed the cart
around 1 this afternoon...no business except chatting and a woman that
I was holding something for from a couple of days ago, plus holding on
to a dog while the owner went over to the new library, which had its
Grand Opening today with a fairly steady parade of visitors and a
serious amount of delicious sweet nibbles on hand (definitely something
to check out, by the way...it's in the trailer right past the Fire
Dept. building with a very impressive selection of both Spanish and
English language books, plus a children's room - which even had two
children lying on the floor reading when I finally got in there,
unposed and as good an advert as I could imagine. Volunteers can sign
up - check with Nadine)
I'd like to say I was clever enough to have closed because I knew rain
was coming but it just seems that way. Somewhere between 1:30 and 2 the
first squall blew through, continuing on and off up to the present
moment. Good thing Greg has his foul weather gear on for his Night
Sail! All I know is it was a wonderful afternoon for sleeping.
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| - Rushy wind day |
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Today is one of those days that you could read every bit of every
forecast and discussion, and watch the radar until it blurs and not
know what you would know better with your eyes closed.
The wind is gusting, as it did all night, in untimed waves that rattle the trees and screens, causing papers to fly around inside and the water to be choppy even at the top of this little bay. All anchors should be securely settled in unless you want to find your boat somewhere you didn't leave it, because through tomorrow, it's supposed to continue building in strength, and it seems to be doing just that. It's cool, 72, and overcast but not at all gloomy out as the sun breaks through over and over with clouds scudding by in fast succession. It's instant caffiene jolt air - enjoy!
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| - Friday report |
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Sometime in the night I heard rain, but not enough to have to truly
wake up and cllose a window. Or at least nothing is soaked this
morning! The sun is out full force and the calm of yesterday, a slight
throwback to very warm weather, is over, with a good cool breeze going
on.
According to the weather weenies this trend will continue to pick up over the weekend making for windy conditions, which is fine with me. Windy = less heat, no mosquitos, cart sitting comfort! There may be some rain in that wind but nothing major seems to be out there. Key word is, of course, seems! For those of you who actually HAVE weekends, enjoy! For the rest of us who get that weekend feeling in snatched (okay, rambled into) moments, get 'em while you can - I love this time of year! I don't know the name of this plant, but as the weather gets cooler, its leaves change from green and white to green and rose, like it's dressing up for Christmas. The little bright red spiky bloom is a hummingbird magnet.
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| - Pretty dang perfect |
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This is the first dry morning in awhile, with calm air as well; a good
day for snorkeling in water that was cool without being cold (I don't
swim in cold water - I am a cold water avoider - and not ashamed!) with
good visibility.
A spotted eagle ray swam around four of us, herding us closer and closer together for a good ten minutes or so. We stayed close enough to see him and far enough away out of serious respect for his very long tail. I learned that swimming backward with fins on isn't something I'm good at doing, yet. It was absolutely his pool and awesome to get to share it with him awhile. O the wonder! |
| - showers and sun |
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Happy Chanukah first day!While the previous two days were a mix of sun and showers, this day started with slight rain and then stayed full of sun and light breezes. Right now it is still and calm and cool...fans off, tea on. There are so many blooming things from the rain, but this aloe in bloom at dawn caught me even more than the orchids.
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| - p.s. |
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Forgot to add (and was reminded, reading all the reports I've missed)
that we did feel the earthquake over on St. John...sitting at an
outdoor bar while the canopy supports started shaking. Nothing huge
like so many of you farther south, but a very strange feeling with that
time suspension thing where we were all saying...it's still g o i n
g!?!
And...hello December, good bye H season! Knocking on wood again in
thanks, while others are still dealing with damages done.
It's time to start looking for the guavaberry and coquito... |
| - Take a little trip |
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On a spur of many moments thought, I spent the last week on St. John,
seeing old friends and reminding myself what a beautiful island lies so
close to us - yet so far away as far as easy transportation goes (there
isn't any). St. John has gotten a fair amount of rain and is lush and
blooming. Those twisty, turny, steep hills smelled like something from
North Carolina in some spots, tropical rain forest in others and I was
pretty well too awed to even take pictures until we would stop at one
place or another. I don't know how many times I've been to St. John,
but I'm always blown away by the beauty, up close and far away.
And I don't know why, but it seemed colder there than here.It was good to feel like a tourist for awhile, to eat at restaurants and drink at bars not really knowing anyone except the friend I was sitting with (but of course, the island neighborhood flows - I've brought back messages of hello's from there to here...and shall deliver). Not like here where the person I'm sitting next to at Happy hour is the first person I saw in the morning at the post office...and then the store...and...Which of course makes it the flip side of the same reason it's so good to be home and see five people I know before I even left the airport... The garden is green and glad for the rain water it got while I was away. While I didn't plant a seed for it, a very cool bicycle seems to have grown up in my yard, complete with chain around a sea almond tree. Those suckers grow fast; I'm doubting it even went through a trike stage! No doubt I'll find out who planted it tomorrow, but in the meantime, check your bikes for seed pods. Who knew? View from Red Hook, St. Thomas to St. John, Tortola and beyond.
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| - November Rainfall, etc |
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Good Morning, Happy December, Happy Saba Day! Thanks to all the correspondents "down island" for their reports on experiencing the earthquake. Culebra's November rainfall was 1.7 inches, well below the average of 5.7 inches over the years. That makes our total for 2007 at 36.4 inches and the island remains fairly green. Enjoy, William --
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| - Rainbow |
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Good Morning, In between brief showers we get this glorious rainbow, pretty great stuff! As others have noted the temps are good sleeping weather and the moon so bright you can almost read by it. Good days in the Caribbean, Enjoy, William --
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| - Radar trickery |
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From the big radar, we look to be under clouds...but closer up, we are
having on and off rain, just enough to keep me home. When the rain
starts, the wind picks up and the umbrella at the cart doesn't have
side curtains...though that's a thought.
Right now the sun is shining with clouds every shade of grey all around. Frigates, pelicans and gulls are having a feeding frenzy across the bay, each with their own distinctive fishing style. A couple of children are out in a rowboat, also fishing, but the birds seem to be having a lot more success. At 75 degrees at almost 10 a.m. we're in that excellent time of year here. My overgrown yard got a serious weedwhacking yesterday (thanks, Walt!) and with the rain showers and great temps, it looks very park-like out there; heliconias and orchids and bouganvillas all in bloom. Tomato and hot pepper plants are coming along in the ritual race to see who gets them first, me or the birds and iguanas. Maybe this time, I'll win. |
| - Nice...and nicer |
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Today it has been so cool and breezy out that I was at the cart until
mid-afternoon with no idea of the time, finally closing when the
umbrella couldn't be moved one more inch to keep the sun off. Even with
a breeze and much cooler temps, sun blasting directly on skin is too
much...well, for me anyway.
Visitors are out in full force, getting presents for friends at home, and we welcome their happy buying! What a great life to sell things no one needs but that brings grins all around. Especially when there is no mud to avoid and sweat is not dripping off faces. Our pot luck Thanksgiving feast fed a lot of people, someone counted close to 70!, with leftovers of a few things but no turkey. Including plates going out to some sick friends who couldn't make it, no one went hungry. Those turkeys made a fine sacrifice and were well appreciated, along with all the delicious side dishes and incredible desserts; there are some fine cooks in these parts. The breeze blew and there wasn't a mosquito or no-see-um to be found. It definitely felt like fall. Life is good. |
| - Happy Thanksgiving! |
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For stormcarib , for all of the reporters who take the time, sometimes
in the midst of tragedy, to keep us all informed about the places we
love so much, thank you!
Today the forecast is for clear skies, full hearts and enough good friends and good food to keep any of those potential holiday emotional storms at bay. I can get all maudlin on Thanksgiving (well known to those who know me best - or some poor stranger in a bar on a night I'm feeling glad) but for the best of reasons. There is so much in my life that I am thankful for and I'm going to list th..just kidding. Have an excellent day of Thanks! |
| - Falling weather |
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If this weather keeps going like as it is, I'll expect to see maple
leaves on the ground in a day or so. If I find them, I'll use them to
decorate with for what we used to call the Orphan's Thanksgiving party
somewhere else. The recipe is: find a big house or gathering space with
some shelter in case of rain (that shelter might be boats), invite
everyone who doesn't have family or the families who want to play with
us instead, disregard nationality and consider only the Thankful part
of American Thanksgivin
Yesterday stayed beautifully cool for most of the day, and though the air was fairly still between gusty bits of breeze, I wasn't the only one turning off fans for the evening and night. Some rain came in during the night and then again right before dawn this morning, just to keep things fresh. The actual forecast calls for a lessening of the rain showers as the trough passes on. I'll keep looking for maple leaves. |
| - oops! |
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I take it back...after some clicking and zooming, the radar DOES show
something!
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| - rain? |
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We've had a warm day, but finally some breezes! And now, out of nowhere
(including the radar that shows nothing) rain. a gentle rain, at that
perfect time of day rain when it will leave the air cooler, not steamy
- or so I hope. It hasn't stopped yet, but I doubt that will affect
happy hour much. Just in case, I'd better go check and see.
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| - Feel the difference! |
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While the day may end up a hot one, there was definitely something
different in the air this morning. It is obvious the plants are
enjoying growing, rather than just gasping to be alive; not just as a
result from the rains, but a freshness that hasn't been there until
now. That *spring* fall feeling is comin' round (and according to the
cats who spent most of the night making very loud kitty whoopie outside
under the window at the head of my bed, spring was in the air - I'm so
very happy for them - please don't forget to get your animals fixed!).
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| - Nice |
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When I got woken up last night with the sound of a strong rain on the
roof, I was in the middle of a dream - one of those where you know you
are dreaming but in the dream, you are not sure if you know you are
dreaming or it's real and you wish you were dreaming...so I wasn't
really sure WHAT woke me up, but it felt like a Sunday morning
somewhere and why wasn't anyone bringing me some hot cocoa and the
NYT's? (that's dreaming!) But it's Tuesday, and it really was rain and
wind that seemed to continue on and off for hours and I made coffee
instead.
Right now it is grey and windy, though to the south the sky is broken
with the sun trying hard to shed some light.
Winds out of the NE, the skies have darkend, the wind picked up and
more rain starting, even as I type...I think I'll just go with the
Sunday theme and enjoy coffee and a book.
Official news from SJU -Now A band of showers and embedded thunderstorms will continue to affect the northeast sections of Puerto Rico...Culebra and Vieques and the northern U.S. Virgin Islands through at least 900 am. Some of the showers and storms will produce periods of moderate to locally heavy rainfall...reduced visibilities...gusty winds and dangerous lightning...as well as ponding of water on streets and roadways. The grass in my yard is still very long and when I went out to take pics, it was flattened by the weight of the rain, and swirled in intricate patterns by the wind...or dream horses were sleeping here...
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| - A tad of breeze helps |
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Yesterday, while hearing all sorts of comments about the continuing
high temps, was actually a little more bearable due to some breezes
that lasted more than two minutes and a lessening of the biting
critters. It may not seem like much to some but when I'm outside for
hours under my (thankfully huge) umbrella, those little shifts are
noticed. And why is it hotter when people mention the heat? Another
life mystery!
If red skies at morning mean sailors take warning...something is
brewing out there. 93L, that disturbance near Costa Rica, looked like
it was moving this way, but in reality, it's going west. Go figure.
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| - calm |
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Placid dawns, hot days and cool-ish nights have been the watchword
since the big rains of what became the devastating Noel. Beside grass
up to my knees and the ever present whine of mosquitos left behind
(seriously small annoyances compared to losing one's life and/or home),
we also have blooming flowers of every description in the yards, on the
roadsides, in the trees.
One of my orchids decided on a change of color, going from lavender to pale green - at least the buds are green so far - and this time the iguanas, apparently satisfied with other plant offerings, are leaving them for my viewing pleasure. All that greenery is making them fiesty though. Last night I heard what sounded like one or more humans crashing through the mangrove lined path next to the water. I called out, but with no answer, I went to explore. It turned out to be two iguanas caught in the grips of iguana love. I felt like a mother unexpectedly walking in on her teenager and steady and the iguanas seemed to feel the same way, moving as fast as they awkwardly could to the screen of the mangroves. Sometimes my life is the Discovery Channel on steroids. One of our prettier *weeds*...
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| - Beautiful Day |
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Good Morning, This photo shows the start of a beautiful day on Culebra. The "Mare's Tails", whispy clouds, predicte good weather and great sailing. Enjoy, William --
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| - Happy November |
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Good Morning, I have attached the rainfall data for Culebra through October '07. As you see we received 8.3 inches of rain in October, 5.5 inches was connected with "Noels" passing. With bright sunshine and windy days, things are drying out quickly. Enjoy, William --
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| - Loco fringes |
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We've had some crazy weather today, along with so many. We've had white
outs and flash flood warnings directly for Culebra. We've had fog.
We've had winds that shook every potentially shaky thing around. But
now the winds are dying down and the bay is a muddy pool. The radar
makes it look like we could get this sort of light rain through the
night, which for us, is bearable if uncomfortable for those with leaky
roofs and decks.
Unfortunately, our neighbors on the big island have had some serious consequences, with deaths and mudslides, downed power poles, etc. And I fear much worse is in store for Haiti, only recently deluged and decimated. In light of that, we here on Culebra are fine. Another chilly night to watch a movie and drink a hot toddy. Now...if I only had hot toddy fixin's. It looks like the Coast Guard decided to come in with the birds... Attachment:
IMG_7308.JPG |
| - Rain Stopped |
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Good Morning, As it always does, the rain finally stopped after two & half days, 4 inches, and our lady folk needing to heat water for baths because it is below 80 degrees. As you can see from this morning's photo, clouds are trying to break-up and the sun is trying to peak through. Enjoy, William --
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| - Same same |
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We've gotten the wind, we've gotten the rain. Right now it is not
raining but pretty gusty here, with blue skies to the north and grey to
the southeast - sunny cloudy. Five people have been killed on the big
island of PR due to mudslides, involving automobiles. Be careful out
there!
|
| - 90L |
|
|
While there doesn't seem much chance that 90L is going to become much more developed as a storm - it's good to keep an eye on it...our local forecast is all over the place with predictions, but the part about this being a serious rain event for the big island of PR sounds like something to be watched. Utaudo is located near the center of the island up in the mountains (very beautiful and worth checking out if you decide to take a drive out of San Juan). From SJU discussion: "Recent rains have left large areas at or near saturation across interior and west PR...and mudslides were reported yesterday in Utuado. Continued rains through the weekend will likely cause flooding problems across Puerto Rico and potential for mudslides...and possibly the Virgin Islands Friday and Sat. This is shaping up to be the most significant rain event of the fall wet season thus far...so local interests and emergency managers keep abreast of ensuing forecasts." |
| - Warning: Local report |
|
(it's just one of those nights, but for you who live here part of the
time, you'll get it - for the rest, um...you know the island deal)
What a strange day...sunshine, rain, ominous looking clouds, rain to the left and right of us so heavy looking but barely touching us. Tomorrow night is the Chili cook off at Mamacita's, so, roped in by Ronni (gotta step up to the girl side with Caroline), I cooked all day - I signed up for the hot chili and found a new secret ingredient. This chili cooks ....hindquarters! So, as the fake winner last year (with the worst food I've ever made in my life, but winner, thanks to Ronni's number error, which she swears will NOT happen this year) I'm throwing down the guantlet to Zach, last year's REAL winner. Check this space for updates on who will be buying WHO a drink. And if it is me, it won't be a drink at Mamacita's, where Zach can get off easy. Oh yeah, the weather....well, this pic will maybe say how strange the day was weather wise. Shiny strange.
|
| - Sunny mornings, rainy afternoons |
|
Heavy rain came in yesterday afternoon, lasting on and off through the
night. A mini rain just came through, even with blue skies and on and
off sunshine.
The gardens are happy, with another orchid getting ready to bloom. Maybe this time the iguanas won't get them...they would have been so beautiful. I can only hope orchid buds are the caviar of hor'deurves for this iguana and that he enjoyed them as much as I would have. Sorta. (I've put the grill very close to the orchids...maybe he'll get the hint) |
| - The moisture was thick! |
|
We did get rain yesterday afternoon, literally out of the blue,
starting and ending with stunning rainbows. The dogs couldn't quite
seem to figure out what to do; the sun was shining, but it was pouring
down - In? Out? But it became strong enough that inside seemed the best
place to be.
While the Saharan dust map shows dust to the east and to the north, our skies are clear blue with an edging of white clouds. The radar shows a more weather full potential in the circle around us, to the west and the south. But right now, it's simply another beautiful day. Bonaire, what is kunuku? All I could imagine it meaning was bush. A great word, whatever it is! Some visitors to Island Woman cart are a bit crabby that I don't take credit cards...
|
| - I like it! |
|
|
NWS TPC/NATIONAL HURRICANE CENTER MIAMI FL 530 AM EDT SAT OCT 20 2007 FOR THE NORTH ATLANTIC...CARIBBEAN SEA AND THE GULF OF MEXICO... TROPICAL CYCLONE FORMATION IS NOT EXPECTED DURING THE NEXT 48 HOURS. FORECASTER KNABB Sort of like our forecast this morning, but much more succinct in the telling. After reading it three or four times, I came up with something like *if Tab A fits into Slot G, twisted around bends C and W, you might end up with a tricycle or maybe a nuclear reactor* In other words...they know there is moisture somewhere, that might do something or maybe not. Ok. In the meantime, while hot, there are some great breezes, absolutely gorgeous water colors and perfect beach conditions to be had both on and below the sea. Places closed are starting to re-open, the last holidays are being taken (have fun y'all!) and new faces are showing up more often for a visit. Sitting at the cart is actually more fruitful than just keeping the chair warm...excellent! The rest of the day, too hot to be at the cart, I sit on the deck of my impermanent aerie in cool breezes, mesmerized with the beauty all around me. Tough life, but someone's gotta do it! Yesterday afternoon...
|
| - Some events of the day...or two |
|
Among other things, October 19th is marked as:
* Mammography Day (National, US) October 19, 2007
o The third Friday in October each year is National
Mammography Day, first proclaimed by President Clinton in 1993.
o See the National Breast Cancer Awareness Month official Web
site: http://www.nbcam.org/about_mammography.cfm
So, at the very least, ladies, do a breast exam for yourself. If you don't know what you're looking for, google it, there are excellent directions! Other notes of the day: Amy Carter turns 40 years old today. If that doesn't frighten you to live life to the full every day becauuse it passes us oh so quickly, you are too young for me to even try. With your interest at peak for more trivia, a look ahead...tomorrow is Make a Difference day, encouraging neighbors helping neighbors. Hey, why not? The radar is pretty splendid today. It's like the whole weather picture is moving in a pretty tremendous circle around us, not touching much. To have a look for yourself (only advised for high speed computers) check out http://www.ssd.noaa.gov/goes/east/carb/loop-avn.html for a weather ballet. The forecast says 50% rain. And we know what that means...or doesn't mean...or something. My last morning view from this yard for awhile...I started early so as not to miss a thing (hopefully smaller, rather than hogging up so much space...oopsy, Gert! Sorry)
|
| - Partly scattered |
|
Some clouds, some rain, somewhere; a forecast I can live with. With the
radar showing us to be fairly in the clear and the sky and water
agreeing, it looks like another excellent day in Paradox. Yesterday
started and ended in and on the water for me, with some land time in
between. Oh yeah, that's why I live here!
Being at home for a day in between house & dog & cat sitting gigs just makes me love my little world more. At night the yard is unlit by electric lights, bringing the stars out bright and clear in a sky free of haze of dust or ash, from the top of the world to the watery horizon. There is a reason hammocks are so popular around here...day or night. The moon is waxing toward full and seems to go quickly through the sky right now. The tides seem to be affected strongly as well, with this morning's tide very, very low. Attachment:
IMG_7116.JPG |
| - Autumnal Sunrise |
|
|
Good Morning, With the autumnal sun moving further south, we start to see the sun rise out of the water. From our postition we get about a months worth of "water rise" view through the harbour opening here in Culebra. Then again when it starts moving north in Spring we get this view in reverse. As you can see our weather is clear and we are enjoying the beauty of the weather and the island. St Marten, welcome home and we really enjoyed the photos of the trip. Enjoy, William --
|
| - Get out your ponchos |
|
According to one of the longest discussions I've ever seen out of San
Juan this morning, we're in for some weather in the next couple of days
that is already fringing into Guadaloupe this morning. There are
questions about how long it will last as well as the intensity of the
rain storms, but whatever happens, it looks like a strong rain event
for sure.
At least the day started with a good (even if very red) sunrise!
|
| - Rain |
|
Along with so many of you, we are getting a lot of rain, along with the
lightning and thunder shows. Right now it is barely drizzling, and the
morning started with a glorious sunrise, but the night was full of a
steady, slow rain and the gardens (and cisterns owners) are delirious.
Few tourists are around to be bothered by less than picture postcard
weather and the ones I've met seem the type to roll with the weather.
People willing to venture down to the Caribbean at this time of year
just seem to be a different sort than some high season visitors. Or
maybe it's me, enjoying the quiet time.
With 94 the only area of interest, presently about 50 miles offshore of
the east coast of the Yucatan and concern that it could become a
tropical depression before reaching shore, once again Nature seems to
have pinpointed that area for this season. Hopefully it won't be too
bad this go-round.
We've been so l---y. Shhhh. |
| - Rain & light shows and sunshine |
|
Today the sun started out shining right from dawn, with lots of huge
clouds hovering. The gardens are happy with the inches of rain we've
gotten in the past few days, which is great when watering plants at two
homes.
The models for 94 (the one down by Venezuela) look like "your guess is
as good as mine" predicting east, west, and north, which leaves a lot
of spots wondering and hoping it just goes poof. 91, our one to keep an
eye on, seems to be not setting off anyone's alarms yet.
While I'm not a Columbus Day fan, I'm glad for those in American spaces who get the day off, and everyone else in the service trades who get more guests to their islands in this traditionally slow time. Here on Culebra, it is very tranquillo, even with a few extra folks around. "Where can we go to get ______(this week it was milk)?" Wait a month or so, you'll have a lot more choices. Or, if you are one of those traveler's that is content with island time, enjoy the lack of waiting for much of anything. Slow is good. Slow is now. Go to the beach, go on a hike, be with friends. This is the time and it will be over soon enough. |
| - Last night rain |
|
|
Good Morning, Last night was BIG thunder and lightning along with some rain (0.20 inches). The cat decided the bed was the safest spot for the night. Dawn and the clouds are breaking-up. --
|
| - Culebra Rain |
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|
Good Morning, Yesterday Culebra had a mini-deluge of rain amounting to 1.20 inches. It came from the WNW, which is pretty much "backwards" from what we are used to. It was a good soaker, and the grass will shoot up as a result. Attached is a photo of Culebra's bay in the early morning. Enjoy, William --
|
| - September Rainfall |
|
|
Good Morning, Culebra's rainfall for September was 1.6 inches, a very dry September by all standards. This gives us a year-to-date total of 26.4 inches. The island remains green with just enough sprinkles to maintain the flora. Enjoy, William --
|
| - Another month gone & starting |
|
Happy October 1st!The day started with clouds, then a pouring rain, but with nothing of the thunder and lightning from last night's show, which had the dogs I'm caretaking trying hard to get in my lap (except for the one who seems to live under the bed most of the time). Since they are both bulky dogs I kept my lap to myself while they pressed into the couch until the noise and flashing lights abated. I'm not sure how much rain we've had over the last 12 hours or so, but I see new growth on a young tree in my yard that I thought was dead when I got home. Hooray! It is now turning gorgeous, with a good breeze and sunshine in a watery blue sky. The pelicans are having an after rain feast; the water crashing sounds of them diving for breakfast coming in regularly, with gulls close behind. Or maybe ahead...I've not quite figured that out yet. Nice word pictures of the dolphins, Dominica! |
| - Whole lotta stormin' goin' on |
|
Wow. When I left we were on Felix, and now we have Melissa! I stayed
away from computers and televisions for most of my trip and was very
happy to come home to only a few dead plants in the garden and everyone
and everything else just where I left it.
Stuck in San Juan (well, as stuck as hanging out in bars and restaurants with a good friend kind enough to roof my head with missing the plane time to get home can be...) it was rainy yesterday, with lightning and thunder putting on a good show. Checking out the gardens today I looked at my little dock and the land end was completely under water with a seriously high tide. The pool is full! As Dorothy said, there's no place like home (and I'm very glad home isn't Kansas). A watery view of dawn from my cousin's backyard in Canada. Attachment:
|
| - Clear & Calm Again |
|
|
Good Morning, Culebra dawns clear and calm with some clouds out to the East. The view to St Thomas was great today (14 miles distant). William --
|
| - Pink Night, Clear Skies |
|
|
Good Morning, Like Nevis, Culebra is having clear/hot weather. We are also glad to see "Ingrid" downgraded to a TD for now. Last night was a beautiful sunset: Pink at Night, Sailors Delight goes the old diddy. William --
|
| - up and away |
|
I'll be on a plane about to land in Florida this time tomorrow
afternoon...leaving way too much potential heavy weather going on here,
and wondering what the heck 99L is doing. I'm supposed to be going AWAY
from potential storms.
As with most of us who call this part of the world home, my bi-polar-ness will be showing heavily and I have no doubt people I visit are going to be sick of me asking to use their computers to check in (no, I DON'T want to watch TWC - but I bet I will). I'll try to distract myself with hiking mountains, eating all the foods I can't eat here (look out oyster bars...this IS an R month!), and navigating a big city far, far to the north. Let alone doing relaxation exercises while on interstates going farther and faster than I have in quite awhile. William will be taking care of reporting from Culebra solo while I'm gone, with his good facts and beautiful photos. Hopefully I'll come home to everything being just where I left it...including my friends on other islands in the *neighborhood* being right where I left them. Stay safe and be well. Best of hopes for those in the path of Felix...another frightening hurricane. See you at the end of the month! |
| - Dichotomy |
|
Last night (with my server down and no access...argh) I walked around
my yard, looking up at the clear sky, zillions of stars, listening to
the music & luaghter from parties on land and on water. The breeze was
mild, just enough to keep it a perfect temperature.
What a strange feeling to know Felix is out there, getting stronger, and knowing the hell coming for those in his path. All of us are thinking of all of you...the you including the untold many who will never have a computer, where the basics are more basic than most of us have ever experienced. Check out the pleas for help...if you can, do. There is more to come. It seems one of the latest models has 98L disappearing in 6 hours. While I look at models about the same way I look at the radar at times, this is one I'd like to hang my hat on. |
| - maybe unnecessary but... |
|
I tend to get confused over the exact geography of certain areas of the
Western Caribbean....so maybe I'm not the only one. This helped me
re-orient areas I tend to jumble up, in light of Dean and now Hurricane
Felix. The lat long here leaves a lot to be desired, but I liked the
color separation and we can figure out the rest.
(Mentally superimposing these huge storms across the map chills me, personally - when I really think of our own spit size, which for some reason is nowhere in my mind on a daily basis - when I read Honduras is slightly larger than Tennessee in America; it looks so much BIGGER! - perspective gets sharpened all over again)
|
| - Felix and a bit more |
|
September starts out with newly upgraded tropical storm Felix, far to
the south of us, right now impacting Grenada. The 5 a.m. TWO in part
(found on the home page) - is unusual again...so much for the *usual*
hurricane safe zones (as we here already know all too well). I guess
Mother Nature didn't get the insurance memo. Good luck to all of you
getting newly or once again splattered and battered. Be safe.
Here on Culebra, benign would be the word. Barely a breeze, shiny metal sky, and the sun promising hot already. Welcome back from from the land of too much, our long awaited sailors! As for *the boat that wouldn't sail*, she sure looks pretty now! And on this day of memories, we raise high the glass to Danny, one of the last great pirates - we would have liked more time with you - but because the stories will live forever, so do you. |
| - Culebra Rainfall Data |
|
Good Morning, While you in the Lesser Antilles deal with "Felix", we up here in the Greater Antilles are enjoying a beautiful sunrise and mild weather. I have attached the updated rainfall data for Culebra, PR, noting the bit higher than average for August this year of 4.3 inches. Culebra remains wonderfully green. William -- -- you at usa.com is available and 170 other free domains. Sign up at www.mail.com
|
| - 94L |
|
|
With 94L trying to kick up the labeling, I woke up thinking, WOW - that
thing must have moved fast - as the wind was gusting and I heard the
beginning pitter patters of rain on the roof. But walking outside, I
could still see the moon, hazy cloud covered but visible, in the west,
and patches of sky through the clouds above my head. The wind settled
down and the sunrise began with muted colors in every direction.
With the 5:30 a.m. TWO saying 94L could be a TD by later this morning
and a recon mission set for 11:30 out of St. Croix, no doubt all in the
Windwards are rechecking their preps. Another waiting game as even just
a lot of rain and wind could be a mess in places continuing to clean up
from Dean.
|
| - Lunar eclipse |
|
If you were up between around 5 and quarter of six this morning, the
lunar eclipse was a total beauty! I've never seen an eclipse at this
time of day. To the west, the moon was lowering and getting covered by
our shadow, to the east, pre-dawn brought dark blue velvet to the sky.
As the last sliver of moon was seen resting on the hilltop, to the east
were the first rose colors of sunrise.
Linda and I moved from her porch to a front row seat up on another
hill, sidewalk sitting above someone's roof, with views of the entire
bay and over to Vieques (great choice for viewing, Mike, thanks!). The
air was still, Ensenada Honda like a lake. Clouds moved out of the way
and we got the entire show, a total eclipse on a spectacular morning,
with the temp around 78.
What a way to start a Tuesday! Attachment:
IMG_6434_1.jpg
|
| - Yep...it is chilly here too |
|
|
Not 72, but 76, which, for me, is enough to have me hoping it gets
warmer before I go snorkling in an hour or so (if it was 72, there
would be no issue of hoping, I'd be under a blanket).
While we had no rain yesterday, we also had a quite impressive water
spout off in the west, where dark clouds gathered and drifted east for
most of the day. Not nearly as big as Aruba's *tube* which was a shape
I've not seen before. Thank goodness for the cell phone camera that was
handy (I don't own a cell phone, but I do know the law of: not having
my camera with me means something good will come along to make me kick
myself for leaving it at home).
The blobs to the east have only my token interest at this point, mainly
as incentive to pull together all my little bits and pieces before
heading out on the 4th. Procrastination is easy when I can tell myself,
"Hey, I'm USING that! It can get shoved away at the last minute..." Uh
huh.
|
| - Rain and sun and rain and...etc |
|
We joined many of you yesterday in the squall parade. The ground is
even a little bit squishy with all of the rain we got on and off. After
about a gallon dumped off the cart owning down my back I closed up and
came home to enjoy it rather than fight it.
This morning's skies are lacking the massive grey thunderheads of yesterday, instead a pale blue predominates. The radar shows bits of rain scattered around with movement due west - we'll see if that tiny red blobbette over St. Thomas comes for a heat quencher later on. Today is the day we harvest the yuca from the children's garden. Since I have absolutely no clue what we're actually doing, having never messed with yuca before, it should be interesting. I'm just glad the rain will have loosened up the roots...since the upper part of the plants average 5-6 feet...what is below view??? |
| - Thursday |
|
Today looks to be one of *those* days...warmer at 4 am than at 5, then
back to warmer yet before it is even 6:30, with a sluggish wave that
might bring some rain with it, covered over with *the beauty of oh
wonder*.
We have two, count 'em, TWO weddings on the island this weekend! Who'da thunk it at this time of year? Congratulations, Lizzie and Melissa, husbands to be (names unknown, sorry), along with family and friends. Welcome to Culebra!
|
| - *Situation Normal, not ***** up" |
|
Life has gotten back to August/September normal around here - warm to
hot, humid, beautiful colors in the skies and seas. Quiet streets and
easy to find your pre-selected bar stool in your favorite watering
establishment, no waits for meals - well...relatively speaking, of
course and quick access to the cash registers at the local markets.
I can actually remember most of the visitors who come by the cart and
have moments of farewells when they leave for home. This goes a long
way toward the hope that I am not well down the road to total memory
loss, but rather, in a rest area for the time being.
Dean is now slamming the Yucatan and Mexico, having brushed the Caymans much more lightly than feared after wreaking havoc through Jamaica, though again, thankfully not to the extent it appeared would be the eye over the island case early on. Easy for me to write...my roof is still attached, if not quite firmly (no comparisons or analogies from any of you in the peanut gallery! I can HEAR you!!) Thoughts and prayers in the ongoing clean ups at present and to come. It will soon be time for me to make all fast here for my northern departure, so I am glad to have a head start that here, thankfully, wasn't absolutely necessary for Dean. Leave all the preps you can in place! A few of us had a great time starting the first layer of cleaning at what will be the new *Susie's* restaurant at the Pescaderia by the Gulf station. Grubby work but fun, envisioning the doors opening in a couple of months. |
| - small aftermath |
|
We are in much the same condition as our nearby neighbors;having a
sunny, typical day wiping out all traces of what passed south of us in
the name of Dean. Except that barely anyone has shown up on the ferry -
maybe due to the fact that there wasn't supposed to be any ferry
running until tomorrow.
But ferries are running and planes are flying. We thought the only mishap was one boat going on the hard until a friend told us of a waterspout that literally came into the hotel where she works (outdoor bar area facing the water, though quite high on a hill above and well off the shore). A very heavy wooden desk blew over onto her, hitting only her leg as she turned to avert her very pregnant belly being hit, and scaffolding for a large construction project there was blown over. She is fine, though she was quite shaken. As the reports come in from the islands around us affected, it just makes us grateful, in that awfully guilty way of being spared...and saddened for the losses of life and property (thrilled to hear of the man missing who turned up though!). And very concerned about what lies ahead, starting already, for Jamaica and the Caymans. I read a report on the BBC which is taking current reports from people in Jamaica, beyond what our correspondents are sending. http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/talking_point/6952773.stm All best hopes for those to our west. |
| - Over & done |
|
I wanted to wait awhile as I thought we'd get another band or so...but
all we have now after our little blast (where I doubt we got 1/4 in. of
rain), it's gone back to fairly calm. The gazebo roof is back in place,
blown over plants staked up, and all thoughts can go to Haiti, DR,
Jamaica and the Caymans. We only got the most minor of effects, but a
good prep time that can now just stay in place until the American
Turkey sings.
As noted in the Jamaica post, there are online radio stations to listen
to to hear what is happening in Jamaica. My favorite is
http://go-jamaica.com/power/ as they are very low-key with a LOT of
info & good reggae, but more news and weather.
That boat is still out there...weird.
|
| - More so late |
|
Thinking we were just going to continue to get gusts (as we have during
the whole Dean & Us scenario - so fortunate we are!) when about an hour
ago, the sky darkened and the wind picked up enough to tear off part of
my gazebo roof (it's made of the same stuff as some airports, that
strong plasticized cloth), with the waters churned up and the temp
dropping to 79 from the mid to higher 80's. Just that small taste
tossed my thoughts to the islands affected so sadly that Dean passed as
a cat 1 or 2 and the tragedies ahead.
I'm afriad the pleas for help board ARE going to fill quickly in too
soon a time.
Looking out to the harbour entrance from my bay, where this ship apparently is waiting for better conditions. C'mon in, the weather's better and the bars are empty!
|
| - Gusts |
|
I went to sleep early last night, to fairly mild gusts..waking about
12:30 to the same. A cup of tea and back to sleep, waking around 4 am
to quiet, calm air. I figured that Dean had passed to the west, and
thought of those ahead, when suddenly it started gusting more than it
has for the whole southerly passage.
Nothing at ALL severe in the gusting, but stronger and surprising because of that strength. Looking at the radar (which I wouldn't have), Dean seems to have grown considerably, but I haven't been watching every second as I have over the last week. Best hopes for those in the path ahead. |
| - Now |
|
So far we've had nothing more than a blustery day and 75 heavy
raindrops. I went on a beach tour with a friend to look at waves...one
side (Zoni) was slightly heavy surf and beach erosion, the other, mild
as any day. Very hazy though. I guess dropping that Atlantic side
warning was for real. Well, the night isn't over yet. We'll see what
tomorrow morning says.
All preps were done, and we all were done in, prepping businesses and homes. Sat with friends in a local bar/restaurant watching TWC and laughing at our non-coverage (can someone tell them there that Dominica is pronouced Dohm-oh-NEE-kah, NOT Dough-MIN-ee-cah? and...to get their bodies out of the way of the islands when TALKING about them?). Hurting for those south of us; we were thinking we'd be in a bit of soup but so far, not. I even made soup, figuring the power would go out and it would be a cozy thing to eat and share. The cozy, getting together time isn't happening yet (well, unless you count bar time and I should -it was a good letting down of tense muscles and psyches), if at all. We'll see. No regrets on preps...it's what we do. As a friend of mine from Jost who just called to check in with me said, it was, for this area, a good drill. Hearts out (and hands out to help) to those affected, and those who will be. So very sorry for the losses of life and the havoc to be dealt with in the coming days. Keeping our eyes to the west for those next on Dean's list and to the east for whatever comes next. |
| - regarding update |
|
Explanation from my San Juan weather guru (which many of you may have
understood already)
"mj,what they did was to cancel the warning for the Atlantic side only as the biggest impacts from the Tropical Storm force winds in gusts will be in the Caribbean Sea meaning the South coasts of PR,Culebra and Vieques." |
| - update |
|
Interesting news from the 6am report out of San Juan: BULLETIN- HURRICANE LOCAL STATEMENT NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE SAN JUAN PR 600 AM AST FRI AUG 17 2007 ...CENTER OF DEAN PASSING BETWEEN MARTINIQUE AND ST. LUCIA...MOVING RAPIDLY WESTWARD...AND ENTERING THE CARIBBEAN... ...A TROPICAL STORM WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT FOR THE U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS AND PUERTO RICO... ...NEW INFORMATION... TROPICAL STORM WARNING DISCONTINUED FOR ATLANTIC COASTAL WATERS OF PUERTO RICO AND THE NORTHERN U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS. SMALL CRAFT ADVISORY NOW IN EFFECT FOR ALL ATLANTIC COASTAL WATERS.I'm not sure exactly what this means in light of the other information that they have left standing, but I think it's a good sign! Awaiting news from down island and praying for the best. |
| - Still some time to finish up preps! |
|
Lots to read here, but this is the day we've been wondering about and
preparing for.. Remember, not everyone has a computer around here, and
TWC sucks, so if you have neighbors or friends you think might not be
aware of what's coming along later today and tonight, please please let
them know.
The 5 am advisory is out and it's looking good for us as the ridge is appearing to stay firmly in place! Again, good for us, not so good for those south of us right now and those to the west of us, ie Jamaica and the Caymans., when intensity is supposed to get much higher, Right now the model tracks have Dean not affecting the DR, Haiti or Cuba, but rather making a beeline for the Yucatan. HURRICANE DEAN ADVISORY NUMBER 16 NWS TPC/NATIONAL HURRICANE CENTER MIAMI FL AL042007 500 AM AST FRI AUG 17 2007 ...CENTER OF DEAN PASSING NEAR ST. LUCIA AND MARTINIQUE. A HURRICANE WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT FOR ST. LUCIA... MARTINIQUE... DOMINICA...AND GUADELOUPE AND ITS DEPENDENCIES. PREPARATIONS TO PROTECT LIFE AND PROPERTY SHOULD BE RUSHED TO COMPLETION. AT 5 AM AST...0900 UTC...THE METEOROLOGICAL SERVICE OF ANTIGUA HAS ISSUED A TROPICAL STORM WARNING FOR THE BRITISH VIRGIN ISLANDS. A TROPICAL STORM WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT FOR THE U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS AND PUERTO RICO. A TROPICAL STORM WARNING ALSO REMAINS IN EFFECT FOR THE FOLLOWING ISLANDS OF THE LESSER ANTILLES...GRENADA AND ITS DEPENDENCIES...ST. VINCENT AND THE GRENADINES...BARBADOS... SABA...ST. EUSTATIUS... MONTSERRAT...ANTIGUA...NEVIS...ST KITTS...BARBUDA...ST. MAARTEN...AND ANGUILLA. A TROPICAL STORM WARNING MEANS THAT TROPICAL STORM CONDITIONS ARE EXPECTED WITHIN THE WARNING AREA WITHIN THE NEXT 24 HOURS. AT 5 AM AST...0900 UTC...A TROPICAL STORM WATCH IS IN EFFECT FOR THE SOUTHWESTERN PENINSULA OF HAITI FROM PORT-AU-PRINCE TO THE HAITI/DOMINICAN REPUBLIC BORDER. A TROPICAL STORM WATCH REMAINS IN EFFECT FOR THE SOUTH COAST OF THE DOMINICAN REPUBLIC FROM CABO ENGANO TO THE HAITI/DOMINICAN REPUBLIC BORDER. A TROPICAL STORM WATCH MEANS THAT TROPICAL STORM CONDITIONS ARE POSSIBLE WITHIN THE WATCH AREA...GENERALLY WITHIN 36 HOURS. INTERESTS ELSEWHERE IN THE CENTRAL AND WESTERN CARIBBEAN...INCLUDING JAMAICA AND THE CAYMAN ISLANDS...SHOULD CLOSELY MONITOR THE PROGRESS OF DEAN. FOR STORM INFORMATION SPECIFIC TO YOUR AREA...PLEASE MONITOR PRODUCTS ISSUED BY YOUR LOCAL WEATHER OFFICE. AT 500 AM AST...0900Z...THE CENTER OF HURRICANE DEAN WAS LOCATED NEAR LATITUDE 14.3 NORTH...LONGITUDE 60.9 WEST OR IN THE ST. LUCIA CHANNEL BETWEEN ST. LUCIA AND MARTINIQUE. DEAN IS MOVING TOWARD THE WEST NEAR 24 MPH...39 KM/HR...AND THIS GENERAL MOTION IS EXPECTED TO CONTINUE WITH SOME DECREASE IN FORWARD SPEED DURING THE NEXT 24 HOURS. THIS MOTION SHOULD TAKE THE CENTER OF DEAN AWAY FROM THE LESSER ANTILLES LATER TODAY. MAXIMUM SUSTAINED WINDS ARE NEAR 100 MPH...160 KM/HR...WITH HIGHER GUSTS. DEAN IS A CATEGORY TWO HURRICANE ON THE SAFFIR-SIMPSON SCALE. ST |
