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- Dry,sunny, windy pattern
  • By Blayz Brooks <blayzbrooks at yahoo.com>
  • Date: Thu, 10 Mar 2011 20:18:09 -0800 (PST)

Great weather across the Island….Seasonal as we are in the dry season

Since I last wrote one month ago, one morning we had a light shower and that has been it.  The weather has been really nice mostly sunny, barely a cloudy in the sky. Some days get windy, as the sea breeze comes from the NE at 25 – 30 mph, and people have to keep doors and winds close as the constant opening and closing is gets quite annoying.

The forecast

The pattern will continue for the next three weeks as a High Pressure ridge dominates the region. We can expect partly cloudy to mostly sunny skies. Highs daily 86 deg F/ 30 deg C. Lows 73 deg F/23 deg C. Winds daily NE-E between ranging 10-25mph, winds  calm in the evenings. Seas (offshore) 1.5-2 meters, winds 15-25kts

From famine to glut

Last year, after the flood rains, there was almost a fruits and vegetable crisis. It was not a problem of high prices, there was simply nothing to buy as the flood rains wiped out the nation’s food belt. Thanks to the resilience of our farmers, there is  now so much fruits  and vegetables on the market that the government has organized  farmers markets across the Island as a creative means of taking off the excess in several crops. I would recommend persons take advantage of  these food items  as much as possible and freeze as these prices will not hold for too long. Example, After the rains, a 1lb/0.45kg of tomatoes was $220 jmd , Currently one can get 1lb for $10jmd . (Today’s Exchange rate  1 U.S. dollar = 85.33jmd).




- - - 2010 Hurricane Season - - -

- cloudy in the west... rain in the east... Fair weather ahead........
  • By Blayz Brooks <blayzbrooks at yahoo.com>
  • Date: Thu, 17 Feb 2011 18:39:37 -0800 (PST)

Cloudy in the West, Rain and flooding in the East.

There were mostly cloudy skies across Montego Bay and Western Jamaica today (Thursday), but no rain. The cloudy weather complements of a mid- upper level trough extending across the Central Caribbean. According to media reports, the east did not escape clouds like we did, Eastern Jamaica particularly St. Mary and Portland experienced heavy rainfall. The rain which has been occurring since Wednesday has cut off several communities, blocked roads and there are reports of landslipages. For a listing of the affected roads and communities. Visit Jamaica Observer "Hagley Gap cut off' and radiojamaica " several roads blocked"

Forecast

The forecast looks great  for the thousands of tourists visiting Jamaica for Presidents week vacation. The trough is forecast to dissipate to Friday; high pressure will begin to build across the Western Atlantic and dominate our local weather providing sunny and windy conditions for at least the next seven days. Highs daily 30 deg C/86 deg F ….Lows 23 deg C/73 deg F   .Winds daily NE-E  between ranging 8-20mph , calm in the evenings. Seas (offshore)     1.5-2 meters, winds 15-20kts .

Falmouth welcomes its first cruise passengers

Source radiojamaica

The historic town of Falmouth, Trelawny was transformed into a bevy of activity on Thursday as the first cruise ship was welcomed at the newly-constructed pier.

Hundreds of tourists disembarked the mega-liner, the 'Voyager of the Seas', which arrived with 3,000 passengers, many of whom walked the Georgian town of Falmouth, which has been designated for pedestrian only some sections.

The town was abuzz with activities from the pier with its artisan village and shops, to Water Square, where a sea of vendors lined the streets selling food and craft items.

There was a variety of music everywhere and all forms of attractions including tram carts and horse and carriage used in the former years.

The ambience was one becoming of a town rich in history and the residents turned out in droves to be a part of it.

Courting major cruise operators

Tourism Minister Ed Bartlett said Thursday's operations went without hitch, a sentiment shared by the cruise operators.

"The new port of Falmouth is a statement of the readiness of Falmouth for prime time cruise tourism. I say this because this port and its facilities as well as the development around the port, is going to be the finest of its kind not only around the Caribbean but the world," he said.

Mr. Bartlett emphasized that they are already courting major cruise operators.

He sought to assure players in the tourism industry that other ports will not be affected by the opening of the Falmouth pier.

Heritage tourism

In the meantime Culture Minister Olivia "Babsy" Grange said there are major plans to embark on heritage tourism in all aspects in Falmouth.

"To ensure that everybody is on board the best is being projected. I’m very impressed with what I see here today and I want to make this point, that for the first time, Jamaica has started on the right footing," she said.

And local political representatives on Thursday, reeled off superlatives about the day that many had doubts about.

The 'Voyager of the Seas' will be making weekly stops at the port ahead of the world's largest cruise ship, 'Oasis of the Seas' which is scheduled to make its inaugural stop on March 22.

 

 



- early morning rain
  • By Blayz Brooks <blayzbrooks at yahoo.com>
  • Date: Mon, 14 Feb 2011 04:25:37 -0800 (PST)

Montego Bay experienced some light to moderate rainfall in the early morning hours associated with a trough across the Central Caribbean and Jamaica. So Monday, off to a cool, overcast start as the trough will drift north  of the area the forecast for the next three days is for Partly Cloudy and cool conditions . Highs  daily  84 deg F /29 deg C ……. Lows at 69 deg F/ 20 deg C.

radar from cuba met instute website

 



- First real rain event of 2011
  • By Blayz Brooks <blayzbrooks at yahoo.com>
  • Date: Sun, 23 Jan 2011 16:15:31 -0800 (PST)

A combination of weather features namely, a cold front and a trough have made for a wet Sunday. It was not very heavy, rather several hours of light intermittent showers. At 7pm, the 24hrs rainfall total for Montego Bay is 25mm/1inch bring the monthly total to 27.13mm, so officially the first real rain event of 2011 and the light rain continues. Today’s high was 31.3 deg C (1:33pm) and the low 22.2 deg C (5:27am).

The Jamaica Jazz and Blue starts tonight and continues through Saturday. It is an annual event, which attracts hundreds of visitors. The venue has moved from the Montego Bay/Rose Hall area into the neighboring Parishes of Trelawney but tourism interests along the elegant corridor are still reporting good business. For persons interested the website is http://jamaicajazzandblues.com/jazz2011/

Below is a news release from the met service from yesterday (Saturday, Jan 22,2011

* * * COLD FRONT TO AFFECT JAMAICA * * *

 

A Trough across Jamaica which extends from an area of Low Pressure near Central America is expected to remain near the island tonight and tomorrow. Meanwhile, a Cold Front currently over western Cuba, is also expected to begin affecting western parishes tonight and move to eastern parishes by late tomorrow morning.

 

The forecast is for frequent periods of showers, along with isolated thunderstorms to continue, especially over northern parishes, tonight and tomorrow.

 

 

Windy and cool conditions are also expected over mainly northern parishes as the front passes. Fishers and other marine interests are advised to exercise caution, as gusty winds and rough seas are likely in the vicinity of showers and thunderstorms, especially over northern waters.

 

The Meteorological Service will continue to monitor the progress of this system

 



- news release for northeastern parishes from met service
  • By "Blayz" <blayzbrooks at hotmail.com>
  • Date: Mon, 17 Jan 2011 07:27:15 -0500

 

 

* * * FLASH FLOOD WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT FOR NORTHEASTERN PARISHES * * *

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Sunday, January 16, 2011 – 5:00 p.m.

The Meteorological Service has continued the Flash Flood Warning for the low-lying and flood-prone areas of northeastern parishes including St. Mary and Portland, until 5:00 p.m. tomorrow.

 

A FLASH FLOOD WARNING means flooding has been reported or will occur shortly.  Motorists and pedestrians should not attempt to cross flooded roadways or other low-lying areas as strong currents are likely.  Residents in low-lying areas should be on the alert for rising waters and be ready to move quickly to higher ground.

 

A Trough across Jamaica is expected to continue influencing the weather across the island today. Satellite imagery indicates cloudy conditions with light to moderate showers affecting northern parishes. Rainfall data gathered from automatic weather stations indicate showers have continued across northeastern parishes, for most of today.

 

The forecast is for periods of showers to continue, especially over northeastern parishes, tonight into tomorrow.

 

Fishers and other marine interests are advised to exercise caution, as gusty winds and rough seas are likely in the vicinity of showers and thunderstorms.

 

The Meteorological Service will continue to monitor the situation.            


- Pleasant weather as we head into the dry season
  • By "Blayz" <blayzbrooks at hotmail.com>
  • Date: Thu, 6 Jan 2011 00:49:10 -0500

Weather

Since late last week, the weather has been rather pleasant. A High Pressure Ridge continues to dominate the weather in the Central Caribbean, providing sunny skies and a sea breeze from the east  at around 11 mph  or  18 km/h. The daily highs have been around 84 deg  F / 29 deg C  and lows around 70 deg F / 21 deg C.

 

Forecast

 This weather pattern will continue through at least the next week, the exception being on Saturday into Sunday when a cold front currently over South Florida moves into the Jamaica area bring cloudy conditions and a chance of showers otherwise ,the weather should be lovely.

 

Happening in Jamaica

January 16-18, the city (Montego Bay) will host the Caribbean Marketplace. Caribbean Marketplace is the premier marketing event of the Caribbean hospitality industry; it encompasses two days of business meetings that match buyers and suppliers through a computerized program of appointments. This is a big event ,  and the first event  for the new  Montego Bay Conference Center. On the nation level, the government is considering making driving and talking or texting on a cellphone without a hand free device illegal and murder fell by 15% last year.


- *** FLASH FLOOD WARNING IN EFFECT FOR NORTHERN AND SOUTHEASTERN PARISHES***
  • By Blayz Brooks <blayzbrooks at yahoo.com>
  • Date: Fri, 17 Dec 2010 21:39:48 -0800 (PST)
Temperatures have rebounded across Jamaica, but now we have the rain to adding to the many sneezes, coughs and runny noses around. Friday was for the most part mostly cloudy ,the afternoon brought moderate showers to the Montego Bay (total 21mm/0.82in)
 
 Areas of Eastern Jamaica experienced heavy rain, Kingston over 3inches/76mm (including squalls which brought a gust of 40mph) and still raining at this hour and there are flood reports from Portland. Montego Bay and Kingston are both  under a Flash Flood Warning and a wet weekend is expected . The news release below from the metservice
 
Kingston Airport Hourly observations
 
 
Below news release  from the metservice
 

 

The Meteorological Service has issued a Flash Flood Warning for low lying and flood prone areas of northern and southeastern parishes (including Hanover, St. James, Trelawny, St. Ann, St. Mary, Portland, St. Thomas, Kingston, St. Andrew and St. Catherine) effective until 5:00 p.m. on Saturday.

 

A FLASH FLOOD WARNING means flooding has been reported or will occur shortly.

Motorist and pedestrians should not attempt to cross flooded roadways or other low-lying areas as strong currents are likely. Residents in low-lying areas should be on the alert for rising waters and be ready to move quickly to higher ground.

 

A lingering Frontal Trough over the central Caribbean and a new Frontal System approaching from the northwest will continue to influence weather conditions over Jamaica.  Radar imagery indicates that moderate to heavy showers occurred over northern and southeastern parishes this morning.

 

Cloudy conditions with outbreaks of showers are forecast to develop across most of the island today and persist into tonight and tomorrow. A Flash Flood Warning is, therefore, in effect for northern and southeastern parishes.

 

Fishers and other marine interests should also expect choppy seas and thundershowers during the period, especially over inshore and offshore areas of the south coast.

 

The Meteorological Service will continue to monitor the progress of this system.

 



- Cold weather across Jamaica
  • By Blayz Brooks <blayzbrooks at yahoo.com>
  • Date: Wed, 15 Dec 2010 15:06:48 -0800 (PST)
Winter continues its hold on  Jamaica. Many persons are  in jackets and sweaters,turning of the fans and acs , swivering  with each gust of wind. The temperature remained stuck at 19 deg C/66 deg F between 1am and 9am. At 6pm , the temperature already is 72 deg F/22 deg C , so another cold night , but dry at least before the weekend rains.
 
 The following are  the stats from both International Airport , If we are getting these temperatures at sea level, It would be interesting to get the temperature at the Blue Mountains (Jamaica's longest and tallest mountain range) at 7400ft. Where  Temperatures at the summit frequently fall to  5 deg C (40 deg F) in winter even  without cold fronts.
 
Past 24hrs ending 1pm local time (18z) Wed Dec 15 2010
 
Montego Bay Airport  High 23.7 deg C/74.6 deg F  Low 19.4 deg C/66.9 deg F
 
Kingston Airport        High  26.4 deg C/79.5 deg F Low  19.3 deg C/66.7 deg F


- Strong Cold Front moving across Jamaica
  • By Blayz Brooks <blayzbrooks at yahoo.com>
  • Date: Mon, 13 Dec 2010 14:33:59 -0800 (PST)

No Christmas time in Jamaica is complete without those strong winds from the North (Northers), cloudy skies and the cooler temperatures. Well we can look for those sweaters

 Below is the news release from the Metservice

 

*** STRONG COLD FRONT TO AFFECT THE ISLAND … ***

A Strong Cold Front, currently just west of Jamaica, is expected to move rapidly across the island this evening and tonight.

As a result, frequent showers and isolated thunderstorms are expected over mainly northern parishes. Strong winds reaching near 25 knots will affect the island with the passage of the Front along with a 3-4 degree Celsius fall in temperature tonight, tomorrow and Wednesday.

A Small Craft Warning is in effect for inshore and offshore areas of the north coast and offshore areas of the south coast, due to strong winds and rough seas.



- Rainy Wednesday, Fair Wednesday night into Saturday
  • By "Blayz1" <blayzbrooks at hotmail.com>
  • Date: Wed, 17 Nov 2010 22:56:57 -0500

On Wednesday, Montego Bay and by extension Jamaica, experienced mostly cloudy conditions with a periods of moderate showers. Yesterday (Tuesday) was less active, barely any rain and most of the day had partly cloudy skies. This evening, the skies cleared out very fast,(earlier than forecast in the news release,someone getting  married tomorrow must have been praying.) and fair conditions have returned to the Island. A cold front is expected on Saturday, so until then  we should have  nice weather.

Below is a news release from the met service from noon on Wednesday.

An area of Low Pressure south of Jamaica is inducing a Trough across the island. Satellite imagery and Radar reports indicate that the cloudiness, showers and thunderstorms associated with the Trough are affecting sections of most parishes. The forecast is for the showers and thunderstorms to continue this afternoon and tonight. A gradual decrease in these conditions is expected tomorrow and Friday with mainly scattered showers over central and western parishes.  Additionally, a Cold Front is expected to be across the island on Saturday. Sea conditions south of the island are expected to deteriorate in the vicinity of showers and thunderstorms due to gusty winds. Fisher and other marine interest should exercise caution.

 

Wednesday’s Total

Montego Bay area rain totals

Irwindale weather station           16.76 mm/0.66 in

Montego Bay Airport                   15 mm/0.59 in

My weather station in Rosehall 13 mm/0.51in

 Kingston Airport 26mm/1.02in


- Showers forecast Tuesday and Wednesdaydue to trough associated with an area of low pressure south of Jamaica
  • By "Blayz1" <blayzbrooks at hotmail.com>
  • Date: Tue, 16 Nov 2010 01:30:17 -0500

Early Morning Rain

Montego Bay had some light to moderate rain showers early Tuesday morning, around 1 am. The rain tapered off at 1:15 am. My rain gauge showing 10mm or 0.39in.  A quick look at Doppler radar indicates light to moderate showers also affecting coastal areas of Southern Parishes with a fairly organized rain band moving across the area. If the band holds we on the North coast, will have more rain in a few.

Background

A broad area of Low Pressure is currently south of Jamaica, over the southwestern Caribbean Sea. Satellite imagery indicates that the cloudiness and thunderstorms associated with this system remain disorganized. The area of Low Pressure is projected to move toward the west northwest and showers and thunderstorms associated with the system could affect sections of southern parishes Tuesday and Wednesday. Sea conditions south of the island will deteriorate in the vicinity of showers and thunderstorms. Courtesy Met service Jamaica.


- News from Tydixon
  • By graumb at gmail.com
  • Date: Mon, 15 Nov 2010 02:05:11 +0000
Hello everybody! Just a few lines to let you know about the weather here in 
Tydixon and Moneague area. Today we have wind on the hills, no rain even if the 
sky is still absolutely cloudy. We had rain in Moneague area in the last days 
but not here on the hills. We are experiencing low temperature,it looks like 
winter wants to come to us earlier this year! Well,I will tell you more in the 
next days...
Sent from my BlackBerry® smartphone powered by Claro 3G.

- Pleasant weather across the Island
  • By "Blayz" <blayzbrooks at hotmail.com>
  • Date: Wed, 10 Nov 2010 21:08:59 -0500

This hurricanes season is not yet over and we should continue to monitor the Gulf, Western and Caribbean for tropical development. In fact, several models are hinting   Virginie could develop in the Caribbean Sea during next week.

For now, the weather in Jamaica is really pleasant, sunny with only a few cirrus clouds and a cool sea breeze. Similar weather forecast for the week with daily high temperatures at 86 deg F / 30 deg C, Lows at 74  deg F / 23 deg C

with a sea breeze between 10-15 mph.


- Government warns Vaz warns against apathy, following Tomas near miss
  • By "Blayz" <blayzbrooks at hotmail.com>
  • Date: Tue, 9 Nov 2010 22:36:25 -0500

After three days with only peeks of sun, the sun has returned in full, and this week is forecast to be a great weather week.

 

Vaz warns against apathy, following Tomas near miss


Minister with Responsibility for Information, Telecommunications and Special Projects, Hon Daryl Vaz (centre), provides the media with a post-event report on Hurricane Tomas, at a press conference hosted by the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM) after the passage of Hurricane Tomas, on November 5. Seated beside him are Director General of the ODPEM, Ronald Jackson (left), and Director of the Meteorological Service, Sylvia McGill.

Minister with responsibility for Information, Telecommunications and Special Projects, Hon Daryl Vaz, has warned Jamaicans against letting down their guard in the future, after being spared the full onslaught of Hurricane Tomas Friday (November 5).

"To those who might have felt that all they did was in vain, I would say to those skeptics, it is better to be safe than sorry," he told a press conference at the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM), Friday.

He emphasised that threats of storms or hurricanes must be taken seriously, and commended the various emergency response agencies, saying this was the "best prepared" the country has been, in terms of being proactive in protecting lives and property.

ODPEM began phasing down its Emergency Operation Centre, following the lifting of Tropical Storm Warnings by the Meteorological Service of Jamaica, at 11 a.m. Friday.

Director General of the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management, Ronald Jackson, and Director of Emergency Disaster Management and Special Services in the Ministry of Health, Dr. Marion Bullock DuCasse, consult during a press conference at ODPEM's office in the aftermath of Hurricane Tomas, Friday (November 5).

Director General of ODPEM, Ronald Jackson, said the agency would carry out a final assessment of the shelters which are still open.

ODPEM reported that up to 106 persons in six parishes had reported to shelters, 53 of them from Kingston and St. Andrew. Mr. Jackson predicted that most persons would be returning home Friday, with the exception of a shelter in Llandewey, St. Thomas where they are waiting on the rivers to recede. He anticipated that the buildings being used as shelters could be returned to the churches and schools, by the end of the day.

He said he had not received any adverse reports regarding damage to homes or public infrastructure, except for a report of roof damage to one house in Winchester, St. Thomas.

Mr. Jackson said ODPEM is encouraged by the response of persons to calls for evacuation. He said that residents in vulnerable communities have become more receptive to calls to evacuate to emergency shelters.

"We've been able to look at the issue of security as part and parcel of our readiness. That is creating a greater confidence level. We intend to build on that, and to look at how we can enhance security arrangements around communities that are to be evacuated, and shelters that are being evacuated," he added.

Mr. Jackson said ODPEM was now focused on replenishing its stocks as quickly as possible, and on ensuring readiness for the rest of the hurricane season.

Courtesy JIS


- Mostly cloudy, cool and windy across across Jamaica
  • By "Blayz" <blayzbrooks at hotmail.com>
  • Date: Sun, 7 Nov 2010 07:37:51 -0500

It is a Cold and windy Sunday across Jamaica complements of strong cold front, which has brought more impact  than Tomas. The winds have been sustained for the most of Yesterday and this morning sustained  NNE at 20- 28 mph The temperatures has stayed between 23- 25 deg C,75-77 deg F with dew points around 17deg C/62 deg F . The high pressure ridge across the Western Caribbean will remain the dominant feature until Tuesday, while cool conditions from the passage of the Cold front to persist into Monday.

Listening to local talk shows etc., Many Jamaicans are unhappy, as they spent their last money, preparing for Tomas, lost two days of school/work in (Eastern Parishes) and only got some light rain to no rain or winds. Farmers pruned some of their trees and picked products early etc.  This has started debates of been the Country over prepared. Personally, It is better to be safe than sorry. It was a good trial run for Jamaica, as it has been the best prepared Jamaica has been for a storm in a very long time, since Ivan.

 

- The sun sets on Tomas
  • By cgomes at j2ltd.net
  • Date: Fri, 5 Nov 2010 18:55:40 -0400 (EDT)
An incredibly beautiful bright red sunset and a sweet evening breeze
signal the end of the threat of Tomas.  Thank goodness that the storm was
not as bad in Jamaica as it threatened to be.  Very little report of
damage and, in Kingston at least, very little rain or wind.  The breeze
blowing now is more like a Christmas breeze than anything associated with
a hurricane.  Hopefully this is the last scare for this very active 2010
storm season and we can now turn our thoughts to ensuring that our
neighbours in Haiti get some decent help to rebuild their lives, homes and
country.
Carolyn


- windy
  • By "sue morris" <suemorris at cwjamaica.com>
  • Date: Fri, 5 Nov 2010 16:57:29 -0500
The winds on the coast in Ochi are now strong out of the west, the surf is great to watch and the waves are high.
 
We had quite nice weather this afternoon with periods of blue sky, stiff breeze, short bursts of fairly heavy rain. Wonderful weather to do the washing so long as you use more pegs than normal on the sheets and towels.
 
The dogs really love playing out in the wind and really want to catch the spray when the waves hit the rocks in front of the house.
Looks like we could have a great sunset, the first in a couple of days.
 
We will see what tomorrow brings - stay safe everyone and act smart!
 
Sue M
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Sue Morris
Island Hoppers Helicopter Tours Ltd.
Reynold's Pier
Ocho Rios
Jamaica
www.jamaicahelicopterservices.com
 PH:   (876) 974-1285
FAX:  (876) 974-6452
CELL: (876) 361-1724

- Tomas
  • By "Robin Plough" <robin.plough at gmail.com>
  • Date: Fri, 5 Nov 2010 16:16:22 -0500
My Friends,
 
Thursday: woke up to a misty, mountain, morning: a trace of very light drizzle, and not even the hint of a breath of wind. Tomas predicted to give us a brief few hours, until this evening. So decided to drive down to Kingston, for the weekly shopping.
 
Kingston, around lunchtime, patches of blue sky, through the layers of clouds, some low clouds meandering around the hills that surround the city, and the higher peaks, behind them, obscured by the mists. Not a trace of any wind, just the odd tree leaf wobbling in the slipstream of passing cars. So there really is some truth in the old saying "The lull before the storm"!
 
In the car, ready to drive back up the mountains, and one of my passengers ( a very nice, elderly chap, but often appears to have his single brain cell, "switch off" ) asks if the storm is here yet, I stick my hand out of the car window, and reply, "Not yet": and he was quite happy, then!
 
The city roads were "damp", not wet; hardly more than very light, intermittent, drizzle.
 
Driving back up the long winding road, to the mountains, and along the way there a several "view points" that look down, over most of Kingston: the last, and highest one ( must be a bit over 4,000 feet ) What a View!! we were looking down, onto the tops of the low clouds, that covered part of Kingston, and a little above us a layer of broken, angry grey looking clouds, and above those, billowing white clouds, fully illuminated with the sun: it was beautiful, just wish I had taken my camera with me! Not a trace of the storm winds or rains.
 
Then down into "our" valley: driving very slowly, through the famous "Blue Mountain" mists, and as we drop down a bit, the mists clear, and we are left with a heavily overcast, grey, sky. Still not a hint of any wind or rain.
 
Switch on the "Weather channel", and there is a wonderful picture of the storm, and this end of Jamaica, covered in bright red: so; leap outside to watch this phenomena: and what a disappointment, no bright red skies, just a dull grey!! Not going to believe these damn satellites, again!!
 
The first real rain, a short, light shower, about 4.15, and the first trace of the wind, about 6.00; but so very light, it was difficult to decide if the leaves on the trees were moving from the wind, or the rain drops falling on them.
 
8.00pm, and Jamaica demonstrates what it CAN do, when motivated: text message on the phone, warning of the approaching storm, and giving a few of the most vital safety precautions, everyone should take! Message came from the Governments disaster management office.
10.00pm, and the winds building up, very gusty, and time to take the "stage 1" precautions: close all the doors and windows, newspaper down for the dogs, and move all the pot plants, to safety. But, still no rains!! 
 
11.30pm, and this must be a new record: not a single blip in the power, and both phones ( different networks ) still working!! In the 5 years I have lived in these mountains, doubt that I have had a full week, without a power cut, most of them only for a couple of seconds ( just enough to be really annoying, losing anything I am doing on the computer ), but give them the excuse of anything more than a gentle breeze, and out goes the power, for hours, or even days!
 
The witching hour approacheth, and the winds are now strong enough to start "whistling" around the house, but still no rains!! where are they?? not that we are complaining!
Have to guess that the Mountains somehow "protect" us, when the weather comes from certain directions, as they seem to be doing now! During the last real hurricane we had; the mountains and the valley funnelled the winds along the valley, when the centre of the storm winds were to our North, from one end, and from the other end, when the wind direction had moved to the South: and in between, with the mountains in the way, there was a period of a couple of hours, with almost no winds, at all. 
 
Thought it was too good to be true: 00.40hrs, and out went the power: so an early night!
 
Now running on the generator: 3.00pm, Friday: and with the winds a little gusty, but no rains: Chris, who works for me, looking after the coffee; arrives, well late ( not expecting him at all today! ) but reports the road undamaged, and fully open to traffic; we take a quick look around the coffee plantation: the after effects: almost nothing!! Rain water collection tank, up a couple of inches, none of the banana trees blown over ( Banana trees are VERY susceptible to strong winds ) just a couple of the garden bushes, bent over, and quickly "repaired" with a wooden stake, and some string.
 
With the centre of the storm now well to our North ( and slightly, West ) the last of the winds blowing down the Buff River valley, directly at us: looking out of the window, and the palm tree just outside the window, flapping around in the winds, but a glance to the side, and the low clouds/mists, along the sides of the valley, hardly moving, at all! The sun, now in the direction of Kingston, shining under the clouds in the valley, and illuminating some parts of the floor of the valley: these mountains really do produce some wonderful effects with sun and clouds!!
 
Enough of my report: it is all about to happen in Haiti: SENT YOUR PRAYERS, TO THEM!!
 
Robin Plough.    robinplough at gmail.com  
 
 
 
 
 

- Tomas upd
  • By graumb at gmail.com
  • Date: Fri, 5 Nov 2010 21:37:26 +0000
Finally we can see the sun in this area,Moneague in particular is sunny even if 
the clouds didn't leave yet (but they are not dark and compact as they were 
this morning). On the hills,in Tydixon,we had some more rain and wind but 
nothing hard. I think Tomas is not a threat anymore to us, so let's keep our 
eyes open waiting the next TS... One Love from Grace
Sent from my BlackBerry® smartphone powered by Claro 3G.

- Updated news about Tomas
  • By graumb at gmail.com
  • Date: Fri, 5 Nov 2010 15:57:40 +0000
Hi everybody, here in Tydixon rain has been heavy last night, we had strong 
wind also but nothing really terrible as expected. Today it is still raining, I 
could not go to work as taxi cars don't run regularly when the weather is 
uncertain. The sky is very cloudy but it looks like a " normal " rainy season 
day so what I think is Tomas will not affect this area more than a regular 
storm, and this is very good for Jamaica. I hope Haiti and Cuba can say the 
same...
Greetings from Grace
Sent from my BlackBerry® smartphone powered by Claro 3G.

- Surf's Up !
  • By "sue morris" <suemorris at cwjamaica.com>
  • Date: Fri, 5 Nov 2010 07:55:20 -0500
The winds are blowing from every direction in Ochi at the moment - the ocean doesn't have a clue which way the waves are coming from so it is all over the place, crashing in to the rocks in front of the house.
 
Temps are great, no rain right now, although we had some heavy rains out of the north in the night. The dogs think this is great as they love to romp and play in the winds and then drag more mud inside the house  - mop and buckets on stand-by.
 
Just got word from Kingston that Tinson Pen runways are clear and usable and Marcus Garvey Drive is clear - good news for the folks on that side
 
We must give thought to all others in the path of Hurricane Tomas and send them prayers for safety.
 
Sue M
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Sue Morris
Island Hoppers Helicopter Tours Ltd.
Reynold's Pier
Ocho Rios
Jamaica
www.jamaicahelicopterservices.com
 PH:   (876) 974-1285
FAX:  (876) 974-6452
CELL: (876) 361-1724

- Galena Point, St. Mary
  • By "Richard Cox" <richcox at elfinsoftware.com>
  • Date: Fri, 5 Nov 2010 12:28:30 -0000

7.15am Friday Morning Some Light Rain and Winds this Morning. Wave Height approx 1m.

Attachment: 05112010034.jpg
Description: JPEG image


- Fwd: Report from Jamaica
  • By Gert van Dijken <gert at vandijken.com>
  • Date: Thu, 4 Nov 2010 20:10:51 -0700


---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: <graumb at gmail.com>
Date: Thu, Nov 4, 2010 at 8:03 PM
Subject: Report from Jamaica



Hi! Here are Grace and Jeff from Tydixon. You probably don't know where Tydixon is,ok,we are in St. Catherine,about 15 miles from Ocho Rios,on the hills. Today we were expecting Tomas at 1 pm but,actually,we just got some rain,not heavy,not constant. So we are still waiying as on the radio they said it will be bad in the night! Well,I was walking going to work when Nicole passed over or close to Jamaica,I will never forget September 29,but Tomas doesn't look as heavy as Nicole so we have good hopes nothing will happen and we pray for Haiti too! Wish you all lots of sun soon!
Grace and Jeff
Sent from my BlackBerry® smartphone powered by Claro 3G.




- Grey
  • By Sharni Bullock <pancharnic at hotmail.com>
  • Date: Thu, 4 Nov 2010 21:50:33 +0000
Relatively quiet day. Schools in Kingston were closed, although this order came rather late for some of us. The lack of traffic this morning should have alerted me. 
We are now having a bit of a drizzle in Kingston. Grey skies all day. 
Praying for our neighbours in Haiti.

Sharni 
 



- Waiting for the Rain
  • By Susan Mains <susanroaming at yahoo.com>
  • Date: Thu, 4 Nov 2010 12:59:35 -0700 (PDT)
Good Afternoon Everyone,

Nearly 3pm here in Kingston, and we had a bit of rain earlier, but we're in a lull just now waiting for the onset of forecasted heavier showers. All classes are cancelled up here at UWI today. Some businesses still open, but many closing early. Still some traffic about town--but keep a lookout for those water-filled potholes!

Walk good, Susan.
 
********************************
Dr. Susan Mains
Department of Geography and Geology
The University of the West Indies, Mona
Kingston 7, Jamaica, West Indies.
Tel: (876) 927-2728
Fax: (876) 977-6029
Web: http://www.mona.uwi.edu/geoggeol/Staff/spmains.htm



- Ready for Tomas
  • By "Andre Marriott-Blake " <sean134 at msn.com>
  • Date: Thu, 4 Nov 2010 18:01:30 +0000
Greetings all,
It's about 1 pm here in Jamaica...I am located in the coastal south eastern 
municipality of Portmore ( a suburban town just west of Kingston). The 
Government has ordered all schools in the eastern parishes of St. Thomas, 
Portland, St. Mary, Kingston and St. Andrew closed due to the expected impact 
of Tomas on the eastern end of Jamaica. Most non-essential services will stop 
operation this afternoon. The state owned metropolitan bus service--- the 
Jamaica Urban Transit Corporation (JUTC) will stop transit at 3 pm this 
afternoon.
So far it has been mostly overcast with intermittent light showers... The air 
is calm...too calm even...  Citizens seem prepared for Tomas...not overly 
worried though... In the eastern most parish of St. Thomas there has been 
reports of wind gusting just below tropical storm force... 
I pray for our neighbour state of Haiti in this time who may experience the 
worst of Tomas...what more can they take?? Jamaica's infrastructure for the 
most part can withstand the effects of Tomas but with many Haitian's still 
living under tents one can only imagine the horror that this weekend has in 
store for them... At times like this while we must be mindful of our own 
impending danger we can't forget our less fortunate neighbours who have already 
experienced so much horror... We in Jamaica pray for the safety of not only 
ourselves but our neighbours in Haiti...
Sent from my BlackBerry® device from Digicel


- Update
  • By "sue morris" <suemorris at cwjamaica.com>
  • Date: Thu, 4 Nov 2010 12:25:59 -0500
Weather in Ochi cleared up some during the morning hours - we even saw the sun.
 
Dark clouds are beginning to roll in again and the white caps are starting to appear on the waves.
While I am writing this the horizon is disappearing and the rain has begun - the rood is leaking like a sieve and there is more muddy paw prints on the tiles than there are tiles on the floor.
 
Can't mop cause the buckets are catching the water from the leaks !!!!
 
Let's all stay safe and smart while Tomas does his thing - Michelle has been making ice all morning, so she's not taking any chances.
Rum & Coke is no good if there is NO ice.
 
Sue M
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Sue Morris
Island Hoppers Helicopter Tours Ltd.
Reynold's Pier
Ocho Rios
Jamaica
www.jamaicahelicopterservices.com
 PH:   (876) 974-1285
FAX:  (876) 974-6452
CELL: (876) 361-1724

- Update
  • By "Harold and Teri Nichols" <nicholsmission at hotmail.com>
  • Date: Thu, 4 Nov 2010 11:00:03 -0400

Good Morning All--
Stewart Town/Boscobel had heavy rain that started about 1:00 am and heavy rain earlier this morning. Some breeze, but nothing to be concerned over. Right now it is overcast and sprinkling. Schools are closed here, and word is there is some flooding in Ochi. Sea is relatively calm with a few white caps.Teri "
 
 

We Love because HE first Loved us"

1John 4:19
 
Harold and Teri Nichols
Serving with
TEAMS for Medical Missions-
Field Address;
Boscobel PO, St Mary ,Jamaica,West Indies
(876) 527-7871 Harold Cell
(876)975-7248 TEAM'S House



- Eastern Jamaica prepares for Tomas
  • By Blayz Brooks <blayzbrooks at yahoo.com>
  • Date: Thu, 4 Nov 2010 07:22:12 -0700 (PDT)

Sunny morning in the West

It is a sunny Thursday morning in Montego Bay. We has light showers, Wednesday afternoon totaling 10 mm. Tropical storm conditions are likely for Eastern Parishes , not much wind forecast for us in Western Jamaica, but the entire Island to get 1-3inches. It is a regular day for us in the West, persons going to work, school, etc.

Breakdown of some the nations preparation

In Eastern Jamaica, the ODPEM has directed all non-essential businesses to phase down operations as Tomas nears ,directives were also given that all schools in Kingston and St Andrew, St Thomas, St Mary and Portland be closed.

The Kingston and St Andrew Corporation has activated its 133 emergency shelters in the Corporate Area and urged people in flood-prone communities to evacuate once advised to do so. Buses will be sent in these areas to assist persons in moving. Both water and light companies have announced their preparedness for Tomas. The Prime Minister is to return from Barbados at midday and is to update the nation in a broadcast this evening on the level of preparations for Tropical Storm Tomas, this evening.

The Information Minister, Daryl Vaz, yesterday said that the critical staffs at parish councils have been instructed to immediately respond to road blocks caused by landslides and floodwaters. Vaz said more serious situations, such as breakaways, will be promptly identified and safety barriers erected to protect persons. He said heavy duty equipment for clearing blocked roads will be strategically placed throughout the island, especially in communities prone to landslides during periods of rainfall.

The health ministry issued a release which appealed to all persons with chronic illnesses, such as diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease and asthma, who may have to evacuate their homes, to take their medications with them to their places of shelter. The ministry is also urging persons to continue to take their medications as prescribed by the doctor, when away from home. It also says residents should take every precaution to safeguard health and life and to listen to medical advisories from the ministry.

Storm specifics

Interesting sections of the metservice 8am bulletin, “ On the current track, the center of Tomas is, therefore, forecast to pass nearly 60 km (35 miles) east of Jamaica this evening, and in the vicinity of western Haiti/eastern Cuba during the night. Tropical storm force winds now extend outward up to 185 km (115 miles) from the center and are expected to impact sections of Jamaica’s eastern parishes by this afternoon.

 Rainfall accumulations of near 75 millimetres (3 inches) are possible over the island, increasing the likelihood of flash flooding in flood-prone areas today.  The chance of eastern parishes experiencing storm-force winds has increased to about 60% during the passage of Tomas.  Above-average wave heights should also be expected over coastal areas of northeastern parishes.

Small craft operators, including fishers from the cays and banks, are reminded to remain in safe harbour until all warning messages have been lifted and wind and sea conditions have returned to normal.”

Websites to follow

Latest bulletin from metservice

http://www.metservice.gov.jm/news.asp

Latest Doppler radar from metservice

http://www.metservice.gov.jm/radarpage1.asp

Nationwide radio( live coverage throughout the day)

http://www.telegens.com/nationwideradiojm/

radio Jamaica ( hourly newscast)

http://rjr94fm.com/AUDIO-STREAMING/popupPlayer94FM.html

Tvj newscasts

http://rjrnewsonline.com/media-center

Dr. Jeff Masters Wunderground

http://www.wunderground.com/blog/JeffMasters/

Rob and Meg Lightbown Crowntropical weather

http://www.crownweather.com/?page_id=325 

Mark Suduth Hurricane Track

http://www.hurricanetrack.com/ 

Hurricanecity video blog

http://www.youtube.com/user/hurricanecitydotcom

 



- here he comes !
  • By "sue morris" <suemorris at cwjamaica.com>
  • Date: Thu, 4 Nov 2010 07:31:29 -0500
Morning from dreary Ocho Rios
 
We had heavy rains in the night - this morning was overcast with some high clouds, however in the last 10 minutes, the beginnings of some heavy rain have begun. I am sitting here looking out at the ocean and can see the vertical rain moving quickly to the west.
 
The sea is rough and building up, plenty of lightning out to sea, can't hear the thunder from here, some gusty winds blowing. The ground is already soaked from rains over the past few days so hopefully the winds don't kick up too much.
 
To all in the path of Tomas, stay safe and dry and don't take any risks
 
 
Sue M
 
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Sue Morris
Island Hoppers Helicopter Tours Ltd.
Reynold's Pier
Ocho Rios
Jamaica
www.jamaicahelicopterservices.com
 PH:   (876) 974-1285
FAX:  (876) 974-6452
CELL: (876) 361-1724

- Jamaica
  • By "Harold and Teri Nichols" <nicholsmission at hotmail.com>
  • Date: Wed, 3 Nov 2010 20:03:47 -0400

Hey Mon,
We have been grey and cloudy for three days now on the North coast (Stewart town, Boscobel). Heavy rains earlier and some gusts. Quiet now. Confused by the forecast models, preparing for heavy rain, but not for hurricane force winds. Some schools in St Mary have  cancelled for Thursday, but otherwise every thing seems normal in Ochi. Kingston yesterday was busy and lots of traffic and crowds at grocery stores.
 
Every one take care, Teri, in uppa shanty
"We Love because HE first Loved us"
1John 4:19
 
Harold and Teri Nichols
Serving with
TEAMS for Medical Missions-
Field Address;
Boscobel PO, St Mary ,Jamaica,West Indies
(876) 527-7871 Harold Cell
(876)975-7248 TEAM'S House



- Jamaica and Tomas
  • By "Robin Plough" <robin.plough at gmail.com>
  • Date: Wed, 3 Nov 2010 02:38:09 -0500
My Friends:
 
As Tomas approaches; let us turn our thoughts, towards Haiti: a few days yet, but all predictions are for a serious "hit" on Haiti: it could be a disaster, approaching the effects of the earthquake: there is already a serious outbreak of Cholera, and heavy rains could easily turn it into a major epidemic: 2 million people living in the tent cities, what would be left of them after just a tropical storm; never mind the potential of Tomas ( according to some predictions ) reaching a cat 2 or even 3, hurricane, and rainfall, varying from just 4 inches, up to 30 inches.
 
I am sure that ALL Jamaicans, whilst "wishing" Tomas well away from Jamaica, would also "wish" it anywhere else, rather than Haiti: the least able, of all the Caribbean Countries, to withstand the winds, rains, and damage, it will bring.
 
Up here, in the heart of the Jamaican Blue Mountains, cannot recall seeing the sun for several days now! Heavy mists and low clouds, intermittent rain, and unseasonably cool temperatures. Road repairs from the aftermath of Nicole, still going on, more heavy rains, and the roads will get even worse, as the soil is already well saturated with water.
 
I live right in the middle of the long valley, one side of which is the ridge of the Blue Mountains, in the gap ( = pass ) between the 2 parts of the valley. Nicole only blew at us from one direction ( South ) howling up the valley, which funnels and amplifies the winds, right over the house: we were lucky, and only lost a few Bananas, and the ripest Citrus fruits: the coffee ( the REAL Jamaican Blue Mountain coffee ) was virtually untouched, just lost one bush, to a fallen tree limb.
 
Living in such an isolated spot, storm/hurricane watching, is a necessity: we could be without any access to any shops, for weeks, due to damaged roads: without power for ( record to date: is 7) weeks; phones ( mobile phones, only up here ) for as long as it takes the repair crews, to be able to get to the towers, along the washed out roads.   
 
What a "mess": Tomas appears to be "playing" with us: where and when, is it going to take the predicted turn, to the north?? Sitting here, watching all the news updates, both on TV, and the internet: so many conflicting forecasts, just don't know what to do. Should we go into full hurricane protection mode? or not? To board up all the doors and windows, and turn the house into a "cave", or just have them ready, to put up, if the storm is going to get that close.
All other preparations, were made months ago: the window boards, all cut to shape, and stored since the last bad storm, 2 years ago, now: sufficient food to last 5 weeks: sufficient fuel for the generator to last a couple of weeks ( the maximum I can store; safely!! ) and ( most important ) beer to last a month. And when the beer runs out, plenty of water treatment tablets, and bleach, to purify the rain water.
Kerosene and the oil lamps, with candles as a back-up, to last several weeks, and in the direst of times, we can resort to home-made lamps, burning cooking oil!
Spare cooking gas, and all the "immediate repairs", items, ready ( hammer, nails, tarpaulins, plastic sheeting, duct tape, etc. ) mops and buckets, also ready.
 
Jamaica versus Tomas: or any other tropical storm or hurricane.
 
Sorry for the sarcasm, but that is just my writing style: but is all TRUE!!
 
The Jamaican way of dealing with an approaching storm or hurricane: firstly you just "wish" it away, with comments like "Wi no need a storm", or "It no cummin' dis way".
As it gets closer, and the chances of it not affecting the Island, grow smaller and smaller: the churches fill up, and they attempt to "pray" it away: if they fail, it was because they failed to "pray" hard enough: but; they do claim that they managed to shift the course of Ivan, slightly, and caused the last minute shift in its course, which well reduced the damage done to the Island.
 
All their prayers, fail; and as the first of the outermost effects become apparent; the rains, gentle at first, and the winds, start to slowly build up: and panic takes over: and it really is a PANIC: the shops are totally stripped of almost everything ( except electric light bulbs!!) fights breaking out over the last loaf of bread, or the last bottle of drinking water: the shop owners ( along with all the staff ) suffering with severe "repetitive strain" injuries, on their price-gun, trigger fingers; as all the prices get increased by up to 300%.
 
In a matter of hours, every shop is totally stripped of all foods, the builders merchants stripped of anything which can be used as window boarding; not a drop of kerosene, an oil lamp, or a candle, to be found anywhere ( I have to wonder, what happened to all these "durable" items, like the oil lamps, that were purchased just before the last storm?? Where are the window boards you got before that previous storm, Oh yes, I can see them, rotting in a pile at the bottom of the garden!! ).
 
I live up in the Blue Mountains, and never cease to be amazed by the total lack of any preparations being made, by the locals, until the winds and the rains, are well setting in.
Every time we get heavy rains, albeit with very little wind, there are dozens of washed out, or blocked roads, and no way of getting from these remote mountains, to any food shops; for ( could be ) weeks.
 
In all aspects of clearing up, in the aftermath, of a bad storm: it is truly amazing: nobody waiting for the "authorities" ( whose job it is ) to get the roads cleared: they just band together, and get the roads open as best they can: first priority is get them open to foot traffic, and then do what they can in the way of temporary repairs to get vehicles through.
 
Hope I will have an internet connection, after Tomas has passed us by, and let you know what it did to us "mountain people"!
 
Robin Plough     robinplough at gmail.com
 

- Hurricane Watch in effect, Eastern Jamaica prepares for Tomas.
  • By "Blayz" <blayzbrooks at hotmail.com>
  • Date: Tue, 2 Nov 2010 22:25:44 -0500

It was a regular Tuesday in Montego Bay and Western Jamaica. There were persons going to school, work and conducting business in the city. There was not much in the way of hurricane preparedness shopping, especially in this harsh economic climate, no-one wants to risk spending on a non-threatening situation. The duty forecaster at the met service mentioned on nationwide radio that Western Jamaica would see only 25mph winds and 1-2 inches of  rain.

The skies were became  interesting this afternoon, aside from the usual low level cumulus clouds and patches of circus, there were altocumulus (semitransparent) which are water and ice clouds and indicate some precipitation possible within 15 to 20 hours if wind is steady NE to S . Whenever we see this cloud type in Montego Bay, It is usually one of the first signs, a cold front or a hurricane is in the vicinity.

 In Eastern Jamaica, It was a day of preparation especially for local officials. The met office forecast( as heard on nationwide radio) is for  Tomas to move as close   100miles off the Eastern tip of the Island with  50-70mph gusts  , heavy rainfall and storm surges along the coast of up to 13ft possible .

We must bear in mind Eastern Jamaica is very mountainous between (5000-7000ft) which creates unique challenges for example    when the rest of Jamaica gets 2-4inches of rain, they get up to 20inches of rain, when the rest of Jamaica gets tropical storm conditions, they experience hurricane conditions due to their elevation.

There was a rush by the national water commission to restore water systems , some of which were down as a result of the heavy rain from Nicole. This would assist persons would be able to store the recommended 7 days of drinking water. Local government and parish councils rushed to have drains, fording and gullies cleared to accommodate the expected rainfall. Fishers were urged to evacuated   the Keys and bank and begin preparation for safe harbor.  

The executive director of the National Solid Waste Management Authority, Joan Gordon Webley confirmed that the agency had 30 chain saw crews, which were deployed across the island and that they would be addressing priority needs. On a personal preparedness level, the Odpem urged persons who have tall trees on their properties to prune them and  a hotline is being setup  to enable people to seek assistance, including for the pruning of trees, and  to enable them to withstand the effects of the weather system.  Two persons died in Tropical storm Nicole because of large branches or trees falling

Each time hurricane or flooding situation threatens, as was said on radio, officials can “close their eyes and tell say exactly the areas where flooding, landslides or other life threatening event will take place, because It is like a scratch recorder happens every year or even several times a year . Each time, they tell the people in these areas to evacuate, they refuse and previously they are left alone. If one where to look at the deaths associated with hurricanes in Jamaica, the majority were persons who refused to evacuate. Persons who refuse to evacuate, will now be forced to do so with the assistance of the police and fire brigade.

The ODPEM will host a press conference tomorrow morning at scheduled for 10 o'clock at its offices. The meeting will discuss the various evacuation procedures and opening of emergency management shelters for persons living in vulnerable areas. The agency said it will also highlight the various methods and strategies that will be implemented for persons who will need to evacuate from their homes in the event the weather conditions become severe. Representatives from the Meteorological Service, the Jamaica Constabulary Force, Ministry of Labor and Social Security, the Jamaica Urban Transit Company and the Jamaica Red Cross will also be participating in the conference. A decision will aslo be made if schools will be kept on Thursday.

Websites to follow

Latest bulletin from metservice

http://www.metservice.gov.jm/news.asp

Latest Doppler radar from metservice

http://www.metservice.gov.jm/radarpage1.asp

Nationwide radio( live coverage throughout the day)

http://www.telegens.com/nationwideradiojm/

radio Jamaica ( hourly newscast)

http://rjr94fm.com/AUDIO-STREAMING/popupPlayer94FM.html

Tvj newscasts

http://rjrnewsonline.com/media-center

Dr. Jeff Masters Wunderground

http://www.wunderground.com/blog/JeffMasters/

Rob and Meg Lightbown Crowntropical weather

http://www.crownweather.com/?page_id=325 

Mark Suduth Hurricane Track

http://www.hurricanetrack.com/ 

Hurricanecity video blog

http://www.youtube.com/user/hurricanecitydotcom


- Huuricane Watch has been issued by the Government
  • By Tracy Voelk <negriltracy at aol.com>
  • Date: Tue, 02 Nov 2010 17:48:09 -0400
Jamaica is now under Hurricane Watch, please spread the news so that people are prepared for the worst...

http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/text/refresh/MIATCPAT1+shtml/022046.shtml

One Love
Tracy

- SMS storm alerts for Jamaica
  • By "Blayz" <blayzbrooks at hotmail.com>
  • Date: Mon, 1 Nov 2010 21:48:55 -0500
Jamaica has one of the world’s largest mobile phone population. Many people have at least two mobile phones, so the artiocle below is welcomed news for keeping up to date on Tomas , if he decides to change his mind and head in our direction. Jamaicans should be getting free text messages with the latest information on the storm, shelters etc.

SMS storm alerts for Jamaica

source Jamaica Observer

THE island's three mobile networks will issue SMS text message alerts during the passage of Tropical Storm Tomas.The announcement was made by information minister Daryl Vaz during a press briefing at Jamaica House this morning.

Vaz said the government had an existing arrangement with Digicel, Lime and Claro two years ago.

“I have also given instructions, coming out of that meeting, to the Director General of ODPEM to have a meeting today with the mobile phone companies with a view of using the SMS, or the text system, which a protocol was established some two years ago and it needs to be effected immediately, where users of cellular phones, which is, as we know, the highest probably anywhere in this region, can get well needed information and also advice in relation to what should be done prior, during and after such an event may occur," Vaz said.

 
 

Discussion from met service bulletin #6 

Satellite imagery indicates that Tropical Storm Tomas has become poorly organized as it battles hostile atmospheric conditions.  These are expected to become more conducive to the storm’s development by Wednesday, allowing it to re-strengthen.  The forecast is for Tomas to turn and move towards and across Haiti on Thursday and Friday, passing some distance to the east of Jamaica.

 

Jamaica should, however, be impacted by the outer bands of a stronger Tomas on Thursday and Friday as it passes some distance east of the island.  Periods of heavy rainfall and strong, gusty winds could be experienced, mainly over eastern parishes and eastern waters.  Above-normal wave heights should also be expected over inshore and offshore areas of the northern and southeastern coasts.

 

Fishers on the cays and banks are advised to evacuate immediately and start returning to the mainland.  Other small craft operators in our coastal waters are advised to return to port and small craft operators who are in port are advised not to venture out.

 

The Meteorological Service continues to monitor the progress of this system, and all interests should pay special attention to further Releases. 


- Great weather now, Watching Tomas
  • By "Blayz" <blayzbrooks at hotmail.com>
  • Date: Mon, 1 Nov 2010 09:31:15 -0500

Fair weather conditions persist across Jamaica, as it has been for the past week and a half. Each day, we have seen sunny skies and partly cloudy afternoons with highs daily  at 86 deg F /30 deg C and light sea breezes from the NE at 10mph .Nice weather especially for the holiday vacationers. Jamaicans continues to closely monitor, now weakened Tropical Storm Tomas. Prime Minister, Hon. Bruce Golding, has called a special meeting of the country's emergency relief agencies for this morning ( Monday  Nov. 1) at 9:00am , amidst forecasts that then hurricane Tomas could produce heavy rainfall and gusty winds ,especially over Eastern Parishes on Friday.

 

 We should get let our guards down because Tomas has weakened and the forecast now has it hitting. Haiti. We should continue to be vigilante especially with restrengthening forecast and what is now appearing to be a shift west in some of the computer guidance which would put Tomas closer to the Eastern end of the Island.

 

Check out the following websites foe expert analysis on the future track of Tomas

Dr. Jeff Masters Wunderground

http://www.wunderground.com/blog/JeffMasters/

 

Rob and Meg Lightbown Crowntropical weather

http://www.crownweather.com/?page_id=325

 

Mark Suduth Hurricane Track

http://www.hurricanetrack.com/

 

Hurricanecity video blog

http://www.youtube.com/user/hurricanecitydotcom


- Calm Night in Kingston
  • By Susan Mains <susanroaming at yahoo.com>
  • Date: Sun, 31 Oct 2010 21:22:36 -0700 (PDT)
Good Evening Everyone,

It's a relatively calm evening in Kingston--dry at the moment--just a bit damp from some rains earlier in the afternoon. We're all watching the satellites--and Hurricane Tomas--closely and hoping that our bredren in the islands southeast of us are holding up ok. Despite the reported recent weakening of the storm, it's probably not a bad idea to keep a few extra candles/containers of water handy. Will keep you posted from here.

Walk good, Susan.
 
********************************
Dr. Susan Mains
Department of Geography and Geology
The University of the West Indies, Mona
Kingston 7, Jamaica, West Indies.



- HOLY SMOKE!!!
  • By O'Neil Clarke <hurricane_spotter at hotmail.com>
  • Date: Fri, 29 Oct 2010 09:21:40 -0500
What's this, a late bloomer that might have an effect on the island, oh no. It brings thoughts of an old adage (It ain't over till it's over). Tis November on our heels and climatology has it that Hurricanes don't NORMALLY develop in this region and head on a IVAN-ESQUE track. This blob is massive and my friend Sherine Reid shares the same thoughts.   I have honestly let down my guard for the remainder of the season and never thought I would be blogging here till maybe next year or about some other event....Jamaica, look out on this one....Sue and Blayz, what do you think?

O'Neil Clarke

- Developing system east of the Windward Islands may pose a significant threat to Jamaica next week.
  • By Blayz Brooks <blayzbrooks at yahoo.com>
  • Date: Fri, 29 Oct 2010 05:09:17 -0700 (PDT)

Great weather continues across Jamaica with sunny mornings and partly cloudy afternoons. We continue to monitor further organization of a strong tropical wave which the computer models have been hinting will develop and affect Jamaica, for the past week and a half. It is not looking very good for us late next week when we could experience hurricane conditions.

The  discussion below is from Rob and Meg Lightbown website http://www.crownweather.com/?page_id=325

“I am pretty concerned about the future of Invest 91-L and what kind of impact it may have on the islands in the Caribbean. As of this morning, Invest 91-L was located about 600 miles east-southeast of the Windward Islands. This system continues to produce a large area of showers and thunderstorms and satellite imagery shows it becoming better and better organized with each passing hour. It seems likely that Invest 91-L is well on its way to becoming Tropical Depression #21 and then Tropical Storm Tomas.

Reconnaissance aircraft is scheduled to investigate this system this afternoon and we will likely see then whether we have a tropical depression or a tropical storm. Satellite wind analysis shows that the circulation associated with Invest 91-L is close to being closed off and I suspect we will see Invest 91-L upgraded to a tropical depression either by later today or at the latest Saturday morning.

After that, I think we will see slow, but steady intensification as Invest 91-L has a pretty big circulation which slows down the intensification rate. In addition, there may be some dry air entrainment from the north coast of South America this weekend which could slow down the intensification process.

With that said, I think this system may very well be a tropical storm as it tracks in between Tabago and Barbados and then across the Windward Islands during Saturday and Saturday night. Interests in these areas should be prepared for tropical storm conditions during Saturday and Saturday night.

As we get into next week, this system’s potential will increase dramatically as it gets into the central Caribbean by Tuesday and Wednesday where environmental conditions will be very favorable for intensification. It should be noted that the European model shows little development over the next couple of days and shows more robust intensification by the middle part of next week. Also, the GFS model has been consistently forecasting a strong tropical cyclone in the central Caribbean by Wednesday. In fact, the GFS model forecasts a scenario that would bring hurricane conditions to Jamaica by next Friday and next Saturday and then for this system to impact Hispaniola next weekend.

Looking at a couple of the other model guidance members. The Canadian model forecasts Invest 91-L to track over the Windward Islands tonight into early Saturday and then track west-northwestward across the eastern Caribbean this weekend and intensify as it does so. The Canadian model ultimately forecasts this system to track a shade east of Jamaica on Wednesday morning and then over extreme eastern Cuba Thursday morning before being wisked out into the open Atlantic late next week.

The UKMET model forecasts Invest 91-L to actually track over northern Trinidad late tonight and then track into the southeastern Caribbean on Saturday. The UKMET model then forecasts a westward track and forecasts this to be a fairly strong storm about halfway between Jamaica and Panama by Tuesday evening.

The HWRF model is more complicated and forecasts Invest 91-L to track to a position about halfway between Tobago and Barbados by Saturday morning as a tropical storm and then track across the island of St. Lucia late Saturday as a tropical storm. Once in the eastern Caribbean, the HWRF model forecasts Invest 91-L to slow way down and intensify next week bringing the potential for tropical storm conditions to much of the Lesser Antilles during Sunday as this system tracks northwest or even north-northwest. The HWRF model then forecasts a period of tropical storm conditions for Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands during Monday through Monday night before this system is forecast to shift back to the south.

The Hurricane track consensus models forecast a track that would take Invest 91-L across the Windward Islands just north of Grenada during Saturday morning and then a west-northwest slow moving track across the eastern Caribbean next week so that by Wednesday, it is forecast to be just south of the Dominican Republic.

As I have already mentioned, I think this system will track halfway between Tobago and Barbados and then across the Windward Islands bringing tropical storm conditions during Saturday into Saturday night as far north as Barbados and St. Lucia and as far south as Trinidad and Tobago. After that, slow, but steady intensification is likely early next week as this system tracks west-northwest across the eastern and then the central Caribbean by Wednesday. More robust intensification is very possible thereafter and this system may pose a significant threat to Jamaica, eastern Cuba and Hispaniola by late next week.

So, all interests in the Windward Islands, Trinidad, Tobago and Barbados should closely monitor the progress of this system as tropical storm conditions are expected Saturday into Saturday night. In addition, all interests in the Caribbean, especially those in Jamaica, eastern Cuba, Haiti and the Dominican Republic should keep close tabs on this system. I will be keeping a close eye on this potential and will keep you all updated”.

Rob Lighbown Crown Weather Services

 

Check out the following websites

Dr. Jeff Masters Wunderground

http://www.wunderground.com/blog/JeffMasters/

 

Rob and Meg Lightbown Crowntropical weather

http://www.crownweather.com/?page_id=325

Mark Suduth Hurricane Track

http://www.hurricanetrack.com/

Jason Moreland 28 storms

http://www.28storms.com/

 

Hurricanecity video blog

http://www.youtube.com/user/hurricanecitydotcom

 

 

 



- Fair weather, Cholera Prevention, Response and Management
  • By "Blayz" <blayzbrooks at hotmail.com>
  • Date: Wed, 27 Oct 2010 06:46:20 -0500

A High Pressure ridge continues to dominate the weather in the region, bringing fair weather across Jamaica. There is barely any cloud in the sky in the morning, the humidity at 6am at 74%, not hot and sticky as it can get. There is a nice sea breeze from the East adding to the comfort level. The fair weather continues for the next 5 days. Your welcome Diane, from the Belize thread. We are so happy; there were no casualties from Richard. There is so much we can learn from Belize experience with Richard, especially seen were we may be faced with a similar situation next week Wednesday.The article below is courtesy of the Jamaica Information Service

Last Thursday, we were advised by the Pan American Health Organisation (PAHO) of laboratory confirmation of cases of cholera in the Artibonite province in Haiti. As of last Saturday, the Ministry of Health in Haiti reported 3,015 cases of cholera resulting in 253 deaths. Cases have been reported in other areas such as Port au Prince, the Ouest and Central Departments. PAHO has been assisting the Ministry of Health in Haiti to assess the situation and take appropriate action to cauterize the outbreak and save lives.

Cholera is an infection of the small intestine caused by the bacterium Vibrio cholerae. The main symptoms are the sudden onset of profuse watery diarrhea of up to 1 litre per hour, vomiting, abdominal pain, rapid increase in heart rate, dry skin and, sometimes, fever. Symptoms can vary from mild to severe. Transmission is primarily through contaminated drinking water or food. The severity of the diarrhea and vomiting can lead to rapid dehydration and electrolyte imbalance and can result in death within hours if left untreated.

Effective control measures rely on prevention, preparedness and response. The provision of safe water and proper sanitation is critical in reducing the risk and impact of cholera and other water borne diseases. Cholera can be treated successfully through prompt administration of oral rehydration salts. Very severely dehydrated patients require administration of intravenous fluids and appropriate antibiotics to diminish the duration of diarrhea, reduce the volume of rehydration fluids needed and shorten the duration of V. Cholera excretion. Mass administration of antibiotics is not recommended as it has no effect on the spread of cholera and contributes to increasing antimicrobial resistance.

Jamaica has not experienced cholera in more than 150 years. The last outbreak of Cholera in Jamaica was in 1852. 32,000 people or 10% of the population died from the disease. In 1991 and 1992, Jamaica was placed on high alert due to an outbreak of Cholera in Peru. At that time, the Ministry of Health prepared the Cholera Prevention Plan (1991), trained health workers, and placed emphasis on surveillance mechanisms and public education.

Given our proximity to Haiti and the interaction of people from both countries, the Government has activated its National Emergency Response mechanism with the Ministry of Health as the lead agency. Last Friday, the Ministry of Health activated its National Emergency Operations Centre, reviewed the Cholera Prevention Plan of 1991 and devised an Action Plan. Island wide surveillance and monitoring activities have been scaled up as a prevention and preparedness measure in keeping with the Prevention Plan. There are currently no reported cases of Cholera in Jamaica.

Over the last few days, the Ministry of Health has been collaborating with other critical agencies to coordinate the country's response and preparedness measures. Yesterday, I convened a meeting with all relevant public sector entities to review ongoing precautionary measures and coordinate the next steps. The emphasis at this time is on Heightened Surveillance and Public Education.

All health facilities have been placed on alert. At the national level, training of senior staff is underway on the clinical identification, treatment and management of Cholera and printed materials have already been dispatched to health facilities. Similar training of community health workers will be conducted by the end of this week. Oral rehydration fluids are available at health facilities and adequate levels of stock are being maintained. Additional stock is on order for intravenous fluids to supply our health facilities. Laboratory testing will be done locally and support is in place through the Caribbean Epidemiology Centre (CAREC) which is also supplying additional reagents for testing.

Approximately 80% of cholera cases can be successfully treated by the use of oral rehydration salts/fluids. The public must be alerted to the heightened need at this time to observe good hygiene practices:


  • Regular washing of hands especially before preparing and ingesting food and after toilet functions;
  • Applying a few drops of bleach to water used for domestic purposes;
  • Boiling water for drinking or drinking purified bottled water;
  • Ensuring that food is cooked thoroughly before eating;
  • Avoiding contact with water that may be contaminated.

At the first sign of symptoms such as diarrhea or vomiting, it is important to drink lots of clean, safe water (coconut water is highly recommended) to prevent dehydration. Persons experiencing any such symptom should seek medical attention immediately. Public hospitals and clinics are on alert to treat all such cases with urgency. The chances of recovery are significantly higher if cases are detected at an early stage.

Precautionary screening measures and inspections are being implemented at all our borders using public health officials in collaboration with immigration officials and in keeping with international standards. Airport surveillance for arriving passengers has been intensified and adequate medical personnel will be stationed at our airports to detect and respond to potential or apparent cases of infection. Vessels arriving in Jamaica which may have called at ports in Haiti will be boarded by quarantine officers and thoroughly checked before being allowed to berth. Additional quarantine staff is being deployed to ensure speedy processing. The Port Authority of Jamaica is holding discussions with cruise lines whose ships include Haiti in their itinerary on the appropriate measures being employed to prevent any transmission of this dreaded disease. Coast Guard patrols have been increased to ramp up surveillance of small craft which ply between Jamaica and Haiti. Close monitoring by the Police and Military is also being undertaken at specific beaches used by small craft travelling from Haiti. Heightened surveillance is also being undertaken by JDF personnel stationed at the Pedro Cays where fisher folk interact from time to time with persons from Haiti.

A public education campaign has commenced in earnest with public service announcements to sensitize the public on the preventive and precautionary measures that must be taken at this time. Cholera specific public education messages and features will be aired tomorrow and targeted public education activities will start early next week.

The Government is naturally concerned to ensure that this necessary state of alert does not negatively impact tourist arrivals. I therefore wish to restate that there are no reported cases of cholera in Jamaica and the measures we are taking are designed to ensure that Jamaica continues to be free of cholera. The Jamaica Civil Aviation Authority is taking steps to secure the assistance of International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) to conduct inspections of our airports to reassure our tourism partners of our pro-activeness and surveillance practices. The Jamaica Tourist Board is in constant touch with our marketing personnel, tour operators, travel agents and other key operatives to keep them informed of the steps we are taking to ensure that Jamaica remains a safe and healthy destination.

The steps that must be taken to keep Jamaica cholera-free involve concerted action not just by the Government but, also, by every citizen of Jamaica. We must all ensure that we practice good hygiene, wash our hands with soap regularly, drink only boiled water or bottled water, cook our food thoroughly and avoid, as far as possible, contact with water that may be contaminated. We should take special care to ensure that our children do not play in dirty or stagnant water or swim in rivers since cholera is essentially a water-borne disease. Importantly, we should seek medical attention at the first sign of diarrhea or vomiting.

While we must do everything possible to keep Jamaica free of cholera, we cannot ignore the plight of the Haitian people who now face a new crisis even as they struggle to recover from the effects of the January earthquake. I have instructed the Ministry of Health to assemble a team of medical personnel to be available, if the Haitian Government so requires, to go to Haiti to assist in the control and treatment of this disease.


- Belize Rebuilds After Hurricane Richard
  • By "Blayz" <blayzbrooks at hotmail.com>
  • Date: Tue, 26 Oct 2010 08:46:03 -0500

Source http://belizean.com/news/belize-rebuilds-after-hurricane-richard/

Life is slowly returning to normal in Belize after Category One Hurricane Richard slammed into the lightly populated central region of the country Sunday night October 24 leaving behind damage to infrastructure and agriculture, a total collapse of the electrical grid but no loss of life.

The eye of Hurricane Richard made landfall approximately 10 miles south of the capital Belmopan, population 20,000 Sunday evening. It ripped off the roofs of dozens of homes on the coast, from Belize City to the north, down to Dangriga in the south, and destroyed hundreds of plywood and tin roof shacks used by the poor – mostly in Belize City and nearby villages. Some 4,000 people huddled in hurricane shelters during the storm that brought 92 mile per hour winds and torrential rains, and today Tuesday a couple thousand remain there as their homes are gone or uninhabitable. Most Belizeans weathered the storm in darkness as the country’s entire electrical grid collapsed. Belize purchases electrical power from Mexico and generates its own from two hydro plants but the damage to transmission lines was substantial. The seat of government, Belmopan, built 50 miles inland 29 years ago following a devastating hurricane that partly destroyed coastal Belize City, was also plunged into darkness. The Belize government had decided a couple of years ago to decommission the capital’s diesel generating backup station and rely solely on the national grid.

 

Crane retrieving hurricane Richard downed billboard at Habet owned hardwware store in Belmopan Belize.

The Belize government has announced an estimated damage of U.S. $18. million from hurricane Richard – not counting the disruption to business and the productive sector due to the collapse of the electrical grid, which also led to no water being available as the government owned water company does not have backup generators to power its pumping stations. Prime Minister Barrow vowed to make all efforts to find the money to rebuild the damage done by the hurricane.

By Tuesday morning approximately 70 percent of the country had electricity restored and the privately owned Belize Electricity Limited was projecting to have the entire grid restored by nightfall. All schools in the Belize, Cayo and Stann Creek districts are closed and will reopen on Wednesday. Many schools serve a dual role as hurricane shelters. Internet service and cable television are still disrupted due to downed lines and utility poles. The country’s international airport near Belize City is now reopened and flight schedules are normal. Additional flights are being put in to retrieve passengers who ended up in other countries, for example El Salvador, when flights had to be diverted on Monday in the aftermath of the hurricane.

At a press conference organised by Prime Minister Dean Barrow in Belmopan yesterday evening it was revealed that about 30% of Belize’s orange crop has been lost. One reporter described walking a citrus orchard in the Stann Creek Valley: “The entire orchard was covered with an emerald carpet of thousands upon thousands of young and immature orange fruit ripped from the trees by the hurricane winds.”

The largest citrus processing company in Belize is starting processing operations ahead of schedule today to do sampling tests and attempt to recover some of the crop on the ground.

Despite the misery endured by Belizeans during the hurricane, the event was not without its lighthearted and interesting moments.

Some motorists and tourists on the Northern Highway near Belize City (and thousands watching on television) were startled to see crocodiles and boa constrictors crossing the highway as it began to flood.

In San Victor, a village in the Orange Walk district, a shelter warden opened his shelter early. But then got drunk and accidentally
locked himself inside the shelter. Being unable to find the keys in the darkness, he rode out the storm by himself while villagers
had to flee to another shelter.

And in Belmopan, the government’s post storm press conference at the the National Emergency Management Organization was cut short when the building’s backup generator failed during a long-winded intervention by a local politician.


- Nice weather in Jamaica, Richard causes extensive damage to Central Belize
  • By "Blayz" <blayzbrooks at hotmail.com>
  • Date: Mon, 25 Oct 2010 08:17:53 -0500

It is a sunny morning in the Montego Bay area; great weather week forecast for Jamaica Pleasant with lots of sun .We turn our attention to our Caricom neighbors Belize. Hurricane Richard mad landfall as a 90mph hurricane 20 N miles SSW of Belize City at 7:45 CDT. The strongest winds were confined to a small area about  30 mi radius , which remind south of Belize City, but affect Belmopan and Central Belize. Preliminary no deaths directly associated with Richard, but extensive damage  in Central Belize especially in Dangriga and surrounding areas. Belize is in damage assessment mode this morning.

Love tv from Belize is streaming live on the internet and showing the video of the damage

 

Visit http://www.ustream.tv/channel/love-tv-s-evening-news


- Sunny Morning, flash flood warning downgraded to a watch
  • By Blayz Brooks <blayzbrooks at yahoo.com>
  • Date: Sat, 23 Oct 2010 06:02:07 -0700 (PDT)

 

Light rain occurred across portions of Eastern Jamaica last night, elsewhere was mostly cloudy. It is a beautiful morning, skies are sunny, and there are lots of high level cirrus but not many low clouds. The metservice has downgraded the flash flood warnings to a flash flood watch and the dreaded 5-10 inches forecast earlier this week by the National Hurricane Center are unlikely for Jamaica. The sea level pressure is on the rise, now at 1013mb, and we look forward to some dry weather and lots of sunshine .In other events this morning, We are on high health alert after the Cholera outbreak in the neighboring island of Haiti as it is recognized that there may be travel to and from that Island especially given its proximity to Jamaica. Condolences to the Bajan people on the death of Prime Minister David Thompson.

 

 

 Saturday, October 23, 2010 – 5:00 a.m.

.

The Meteorological Service has extended the Flash Flood Watch effective until 5 p.m. today.

 

***FLASH FLOOD WATCH REMAINS IN EFFECT FOR LOW LYING AND FLOOD PRONE AREAS OF CENTRAL AND WESTERN PARISHES ***

 

A FLASH FLOOD WATCH means flooding is possible and citizens are advised to take precautionary measures, keep informed by listening to further News Releases from the  Meteorological Service and be ready for quick action if flooding is observed or if a warning is issued.

 

The centre of Tropical Storm Richard remains southwest of Jamaica and is expected to move further west, away from the island by tonight. Unstable weather conditions, however, persist across the Jamaica area; with morning showers and thunderstorms occurring across southern parishes. The forecast is for moderate to heavy showers with thunderstorms, this afternoon across mainly central and western parishes. Flash flooding of low lying and flood prone areas is therefore likely.

 

Fishers and other marine interests are strongly advised not to venture far from port and to exercise caution over mainly southern waters, as strong winds and rough seas are expected near areas of showers and thunderstorms.

 

 



- Overcast, not much rain
  • By Blayz Brooks <blayzbrooks at yahoo.com>
  • Date: Fri, 22 Oct 2010 06:08:58 -0700 (PDT)

 

video and news of the flooding http://rjrnewsonline.com/media-center

Since Monday, locally heavy rains associated with the outer bands of Tropical Storm  Richard  have wreaked havoc across sections of Western Jamaica , with the parishes of  Hanover, St.James and Trealwny worst affected. Important infracture such as roads and pipelines have been impacted. There is a phenomenon which has been occurring in sections of Western Jamaica in places such as Newmarket in St. Elizabeth, Anchovy in St.James and Wakefield, Trelawny since Nicole flood waters have been rising and continue to rise at this point.  

Yesterday in the Montego Bay- Rose Hall area, there was light rain, Heavy showers affected parts of  St. James, Trelawny, St. Ann and  St. Elizabeth.

It is overcast this morning, but no rain.

Rain totals Montego Bay Airport updated

Monday, October 18, 2010 25mm/1inches

Tuesday, October 19, 2010 45mm/1.78inches

Wednesday, October 20, 2010 (ending 7pm) 12mm/0.47in

Thursday, October 21, 2010 6mm/0.23in    (12mm /0.47in in Rose Hall)

 

24hr forecast met service Jamaica

The Meteorological Service has extended the Flash Flood Warning effective until 5 p.m. tomorrow.

 

***FLASH FLOOD WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT FOR LOW LYING AND FLOOD PRONE AREAS OF ALL PARISHES ***

 

A FLASH FLOOD WARNING means flooding has been reported or will occur shortly.  Motorists and pedestrians should not attempt to cross flooded roadways or other low-lying areas as strong currents are likely.  Residents in low-lying areas should be on the alert for rising waters and be ready to move quickly to higher ground.

 

The centre of Tropical Storm Richard is projected to remain southwest of the island until late on Friday, before moving further west away from the island. As a result, unstable weather conditions are expected to continue over Jamaica tonight and Friday.

 

The forecast is for heavy and at times very heavy showers and thunderstorms across the island tonight and Friday. Flooding and flash flooding of low lying and flood prone areas is therefore expected.

 

Fishers and other marine interests are strongly advised not to venture far from port and to exercise caution over mainly southern waters, as strong winds and rough seas are expected near areas of showers and thunderstorms.

 

 

SIGNIFICANT FEATURE…Tropical Storm Richard approximately 300km (186 miles) southwest of Jamaica or about 380km (235 miles) south-southeast of Grand Cayman

Comment… Tropical Storm Richard has been nearly stationary and little motion is expected today. Maximun sustained winds are near 65 km/hr (40 mph), with higher gusts. A Flash Flood Warning remains in effect for all parishes until 5:00 p.m today         

24-HOURS FORECAST

   

This Morning… Periods of showers and thunderstorms mainly across western parishes. Partly cloudy elsewhere.

This Afternoon… Outbreaks of showers and thunderstorms across the island but especially across western  parishes.   

Tonight… Showers and thunderstorms will be isolated across the island, cloudy conditions should persist.

 

 

 



- Flash Flood Warning extending...... more rains through Friday
  • By "Blayz" <blayzbrooks at hotmail.com>
  • Date: Wed, 20 Oct 2010 19:46:50 -0500

A wet week

Since Sunday, Montego Bay and much of Jamaica has seen daily moderate to locally heavy rainfall. In fact, since the start of the month it has rained every day except October 11 and 16. The cloudiness has cooled the temperatures, today?s high only 26 deg C , the average is 31 deg C. I have not heard of any flooding or damage from the rains associated with 99L, however there has already been one death .Rjr reported that residents found the body of three-year-old Tavar Williams on Wednesday morning, several hours after he fell from his mother's arms into the river in heavy rains. This happened in Bamboo Ridge near Bartons in St. Catherine.

Store some rainwater water

Despite the abundance of rainwater, persons are being asked to store water as the National Water Commission is restive. We are currently in a similar situation to France and Britain facing budget cuts and labor woes with several public and private sector groups uneasy.

 

Rainfall reports Montego Bay Airport

Monday, October 18, 2010 25mm/1inches

Tuesday, October 19, 2010 45mm/1.78inches

Wednesday, October 20, 2010 (ending 7pm) 12mm/0.47in

Watching an area of low pressure soon Richard

The area of low pressure located about 220miles wsw of Jamaica will likely become Tropical Storm Richard possible even Hurricane Richard by Sunday. The computer models have the system meandering west and south of Jamaica before affecting Belize - Yucatan Peninsula area. Luckily, the system is not a direct threat to Jamaica, but light to moderate and occasionally heavy showers with accumulation daily accumulations between 1-3inches/25mm-76mm daily can be expected Thursday and Friday

 

Flash Flood Warning Extended

Wednesday, October 20, 2010 ? 5:00 p.m.

The meteorological service has extended its flash flood warning effective until 5 p.m. tomorrow.

 

***FLASH FLOOD WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT FOR LOW LYING AND FLOOD PRONE AREAS OF ALL PARISHES ***

 

A FLASH FLOOD WARNING means flooding has been reported or will occur shortly.  Motorists and pedestrians should not attempt to cross flooded roadways or other low-lying areas as strong currents are likely.  Residents in low-lying areas should be on the alert for rising waters and be ready to move quickly to higher ground.

 

The area of Low Pressure currently west of Jamaica continues to show signs of developing into a tropical depression. This is likely to occur over the next 24 to 48 hours. Although the system has drifted towards the island, the centre is projected to remain offshore over southwestern waters. Due to the presence of this system, unstable weather conditions are expected to continue over Jamaica, tonight, Thursday and Friday.

 

The forecast is for heavy and at times very heavy showers and thunderstorms across the island especially over western parishes tonight, Thursday and Friday. Flash flooding of low lying and flood prone areas is therefore expected.

 

Fishers and other marine interests are strongly advised to exercise caution over southern and northwestern waters as strong winds and rough seas are expected near areas of showers and thunderstorms.

 

The Meteorological Service will continue to monitor the progress of this system

 


- Flash Flooding Warning in effect for Jamaica, heavy rain forecast through Thursday
  • By "Blayz" <blayzbrooks at hotmail.com>
  • Date: Tue, 19 Oct 2010 17:24:52 -0500

   

The meteorological service has issued a flash flood warning effective until 5 p.m. tomorrow.

 

***FLASH FLOOD WARNING IN EFFECT FOR LOW LYING AND FLOOD PRONE AREAS OF ALL PARISHES ***

 

A FLASH FLOOD WARNING means flooding has been reported or will occur shortly.  Motorists and pedestrians should not attempt to cross flooded roadways or other low-lying areas as strong currents are likely.  Residents in low-lying areas should be on the alert for rising waters and be ready to move quickly to higher ground.

 

The area of Low Pressure currently west of Jamaica continues to show signs of tropical cyclone development. Tropical Cyclone development is therefore likely over the next 48 hours.  Due to the presence of this system, unstable weather conditions are expected over the western Caribbean including Jamaican tonight through Friday.

 

The forecast is for heavy and at times very heavy showers and thunderstorms over most parishes, Wednesday and Thursday. Flash flooding of low lying and flood prone areas is therefore expected.

 

Fishers and other marine interests are strongly advised to exercise caution over southern and northwestern waters as strong winds and rough seas are likely in areas of showers and thunderstorms.

 

The Meteorological Service will continue to monitor the progress of this system

 


- Fair weather, costs of natural disasters since 2000
  • By "Blayz" <blayzbrooks at hotmail.com>
  • Date: Wed, 13 Oct 2010 07:20:22 -0500
Fair weather continues across Jamaica, more low clouds than high this morning. Visitors will be happy in addition to the low prices offered in the off season,
 they have a great week of great weather. Interesting article from the Jamaica observer this morning.......

Natural disasters cost Jamaica $100b since 2000

PIOJ head says unregulated settlements to be blamed

BY INGRID BROWN Observer senior reporter browni at jamaicaobserver.com

Wednesday, October 13, 2010

NATURAL disasters have cost the country approximately J$100 billion over the last 20 years, according to Director General of the Planning Institute of Jamaica (PIOJ) Professor Gladstone Hutchinson.

The PIOJ head, however, blamed much of this on risky settlements across the island as well as poor environmental concerns, noting that while Jamaica is highly vulnerable to weather and earthquake hazards, poverty and human insecurity worsen the situation.

"While some of the damage might have been unavoidable, much of what was wreaked on housing settlements, in particular was the result of security risks that are perennially taken in the establishment of informal settlements by economically deprived individuals," Hutchinson said in reference to the recent damage by flood rains from the outer bands of Tropical Storm Nicole.

The rains left 13 people dead, washed away crops, and damaged houses and and other building.

According to Hutchinson, urban drift -- which has created large, unregulated slums -- has contributed to several homes being built in flood and mudslide-prone areas resulting in loss of lives and damage to properties.

The PIOJ head, who was addressing the Jamaica Social Investment Fund (JSIF) annual general meeting at the Jamaica Pegasus Hotel in Kingston last Tuesday, said these large unregulated slumshave also resulted in the accumulation of uncollected piles of solid waste as well as the exposure of residents to unhealthy environments.

"We simply need to respect the human security motivation and need of squatters, slash and burn peasants, gully-bank dwellers, etc, and facilitate a better and more sustainable way for them to achieve their safety and human security needs," he said.

Hutchinson said the absence of adequate regulations in many instances and monitoring and enforcement mechanisms in others, have further resulted in urban communities, particularly those in proximity to industrial complexes, bearing the brunt of air pollution, mainly from factory and auto emissions, and exposure to toxic and hazardous wastes.

"This has contributed to the over burdening of our health care system with chronic and other diseases," he said.

Turning to the issue of crime, Hutchinson said the recent West Kingston upheaval involving Christopher "Dudus" Coke was another defining moment for Jamaica in the area of safety and human security.

Hutchinson pointed to the Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC), which has preliminarily estimated the cost of the damage and losses to date at US$152 million (Ja$13 billion).

"While the unrest could be described as anomalous, the damage and losses suffered brought into sharp focus the significant impact of crime and violence on the Jamaican macro-economy and society, and the urgent need to address the underlying causes," Hutchinson said.

Additionally, he said, it has brought to the fore the need to reassess measures, which have been utilised to address the issues of crime and socio-economic marginalisation and deprivation.

He announced further that a community renewal programme is being developed to address comprehensively the exposed social problems, in particular, crime and violence, and attendant issues such as illiteracy, anti-social behaviour, low self esteem, unemployment, poor housing, poor infrastructure, weak community governance and lack of co-ordination of social intervention programmes.

The programme will include an array of projects and initiatives concentrated in 100 communities islandwide over the next 10 years.

This will incorporate all existing projects and initiatives such as those being sponsored by the international development and public sector Partners.

JSIF and its partner organisations, he said, will play an instrumental role in the articulation of this programme.

Scarlette Gillings, managing director of JSIF, said the organisation was currently managing a portfolio of US$101.2 million, 68 per cent more than the initial US$60.25 million used to set up the fund.

Gillings said for last year, approximately $1 billion was disbursed for projects at various stages of their cycle.

"We completed and delivered 47 infrastructure projects and funded 16 summer camps at a cost of $12.5 million in inner-city communities," she announced

 

- Nice weather
  • By "Blayz" <blayzbrooks at hotmail.com>
  • Date: Tue, 12 Oct 2010 06:40:40 -0500

Fair weather across Jamaica

The met service lifted the flash flood warning since yesterday (Monday) morning  and the weather was great, no rain. This morning is mainly fair in Montego Bay and across Jamaica. Clouds are covering less than half of the sky and the few clouds are mostly in the form of high clouds having the mare?s tail appearance. The forecast for the next five days is for mostly fair mornings, partly cloudy afternoons with isolated afternoon showers occurring mostly in the hilly interior.

Hurricane Paula to brush the Yucatan

 Yesterday, the hurricane hunters investigated the tropical disturbance near Honduras/Nicaragua and found a 60mph tropical storm, and which was this morning upgraded to the ninth Hurricane of the season Hurricane Paula. Paula is a popular name for baby girls name in Jamaica, so the many the Paula?s across the Island will find it interested in finding a hurricane sharing their name. Hurricane Paula is in for a close brush with the Cozumel, Cancun area as Paula peaks around 95mph Wednesday into Thursday before steadily weakening and making a hook and another close brush Western Cuba and the Island of Youth where it may meander for some time because of weak steering currents.

All interests in Jamaica, the Cayman Islands, the eastern Yucatan Peninsula, western and central Cuba, the Bahamas and South Florida, should closely monitor Hurricane Paula as October hurricanes are notorious tricksters and there is less model consensus than usually.


- Fair morning, showers return later
  • By "Blayz" <blayzbrooks at hotmail.com>
  • Date: Mon, 11 Oct 2010 07:31:08 -0500

It is a Sunny, fair Monday morning in Montego Bay. We had 23mm/ 0.90in of rain on yesterday (Sunday), 51mm/2.02in on Saturday from a surface trough associated with area of low pressure, currently near Honduras/Nicaragua border. The system is slowly organizing and will likely become a depression on Wednesday. Rain is forecast this afternoon into this evening. So walk with the umbrellas.


- Flash Flooding warning in effect as Area of low pressure, soon T.D18 , brings additional rains to a saturated Jamaica
  • By "Blayz" <blayzbrooks at hotmail.com>
  • Date: Sat, 9 Oct 2010 22:20:05 -0500

Wet Saturday Evening

Saturday morning began under partly cloudy skies in Montego Bay, the clouds increased and moderate to heavy showers associated with an area of low pressure (Invest 98L ) moved across the area from 12noon through 9pm.

Observations 24hr ending 7pm

The airport reported 25mm/1inch of rain at 7pm, a personal weather station in Irwin dale  reported 26.2mm/1.03in. I am reporting 51mm/2.02in in Rose Hall. Capital City, Kingston reported 42mm/1.65in.

 

Flash Flood Warning until 5pm Sunday

In its 5pm, News Release, the met service has upgraded the Flash Flood Watch to a Flash Flood Warning for all parishes until 5:00 p.m. tomorrow. Several roads are still impassible from the effects Tropical Storm Nicole, which by preliminary estimates put damages at 14billion.

 

Preparing for round two from future Paula

Persons should use Sunday to prepare for more heavy rainfall from the area of low pressure, located SW of Jamaica.  The low pressure area will likely develop into Tropical Depression 18 on Monday, before intensifying into a Tropical Storm in the Yucatan ?Western Cuba-  Cayman Islands area on Tuesday and possible a hurricane thereafter. Due to the proximity of system , the Island will continue to be influenced by showers and thunderstorms which may be heavy at times through Wednesday.

 

Preparation tips

Residents should be aware of streams, drainage channels, gullies, fordings and other areas known to flood suddenly. Motorist and pedestrians should not attempt to cross flooded roadways or other low-lying areas as strong currents are likely. Residents in low-lying areas should be on the alert for rising waters and be ready to move quickly to higher ground. Residents should not  walk through moving water. Six inches of moving water can make you fall. If persons have to walk in water, walk where the water is not moving. Use a stick to check the firmness of the ground in front of you .Do not drive into flooded areas. If floodwaters rise around your car, abandon the car and move to higher ground if you can do so safely. You and the vehicle can be quickly swept away.


Older reports from Jamaica have been moved to another page.

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