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The Caribbean Hurricane PageUpdates from the Islands- - Tortola & Virgin Gorda (BVI) - - |
More recent reports can be found on another page
| - Lenny at 2:50 AM |
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Here on the North shore of Tortola the seas are still quiet and there's no wind. It's drizzling and a heavy squall passed through for a few minutes as I typed this. I'm going to drive over the hill to the south shore for a look. Will report when I get back. The water in the driveway has been over ankle deep since early evening. I'm getting reports from St. Maarten that they fear disastrous flooding. Their ground is already saturated from constant rains. They had no local storm warnings until after the stores were closed this evening and our son and his partner, Rick and Sharon, - with a new baby - are scrambling to get ready. Their condominium in a marina is all glass - living room and two bedrooms - to the West and during Jose the sliding glass doors were bowing so much they appeared on the verge of popping out of their frames. So R&S are seriously considering sheltering somewhere safer during this storm. David |
| - Back Dorr Lenny #6 - 2:30 a.m. - going to bed! |
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Well ... I just got the latest report for Lenny at 2:00 a.m. on Wednesday morning ... and it isn't pretty! Current location: 16.3N 66.7W Max. sustained winds 115MPH (category 3) Travelling ENE at 16MPH Pressure 958 mb (still strengthening) Road Town, Tortola is approximately 18.3 and 64.3 (give or take). "Back Door Lenny" is still travelling more easterly than the experts all predicted and the northern Leeward Islands are now under hurricane warnings instead of hurricane watch. Puerto Rico may very well escape the worst of it but the powers that be now put the USVI and BVI in the (new) projected path of the eye. (Don't like that much ... but can't say I am all that surprised.) I still think it may actually pass slightly south of us if it doesn't bump north really soon. That would put St. Croix most at risk with Anguilla, St. Martin, St. Barts, St. Kitts/ Nevis and possibly Montserat, Antigua and Barbuda in the line of fire. Wouldn't it be wild if this damned thing were to bop through the cut between the West Indies and the northern Leeward Islands without the heavy winds "really" touching anyone? (I doubt it would miss St. Croix though.) This sucker is gaining in intensity and the eye is quite well defined at this point. According to the radar images, the eye is approximately 40 to 50 miles in diameter. I just don't know what to say... its a category 3 now and anything could happen! This one takes the cake for being perhaps the most unpredictable storm of the year and possibly the decade. Lets hope that everyone dodges the bullet ... but I wouldn't put money on it. Regardless of what happens now, somebody is sure to suffer damage. We'll just have to wait and see who takes the worst hit. Keep a good thought for all the islands! Kind regards, Liane |
| - Back Door Lenny #5 |
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Its 1:45 a.m. and I was just outside for a few minutes to cool off, get some fresh air and check out the weather one last time before retiring for the night. There's a light rain which is a happy departure from the torrential rains we experienced earlier this evening. Zero wind, heavy cloud cover, some thunder and lightning ... and the waves at Bombas shack are only slightly heavier than usual. To those who have wriiten letters of concern (and tremendous kindness) for all in the BVI and other islands in the Caribbean through your many e:mails and even a couple of phone calls tonight ... many, many thanks! Your kind wishes and heart felt thoughts are truely appreciated. If our power is still operational in the morning, (which I seriously doubt) I will write once again. The 10:00 p.m. report shows that "Back Door Lenny" was situated at: 16.2N 67.0W Sustained winds of 115MPH Gusting to 140MPH Pressure at 958mb Who knows at this point where he is exactly ... but he is certainly a lot closer than any of us would like. I guess we will have to accept the fact that it is not likely that Lenny will make a u-turn and head westward after all. Gee ... what a shock! Kind regards (and keep your fingers crossed!) Liane P.S. I was sort of waiting for the most updated location ... but the thunder and lighning is increasing and I am worried that the power will be shut down before that can be accomplished. I will sign off and if I can get the newest report before the power goes, I will write one last time. |
| - After Midnight in the Land of Loonie Lenny |
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Incredible! It has completely stopped raining, their is NO wind, the
tree frogs are singing and the ocean looks like a huge mirror from here.
There is power at West End and the numerous lights are reflected in the still
waters across the harbor.
The lightning, thunder and rain all vanished, as if a magician has just
performed his charms.
Very eerie. Very nice!
from your insomniactic correspondent on Tortola
aSail4U AT aol.com
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| - Lefty Lenny loosens the heavens wth rain, thunder and lightning |
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I have received concerned email from charter yacht guests planning to
visit our gorgeous piece of paradise in the very near future. I will try to
give you an approximation of what to plan for, based on the current
conditions at West End, Tortola, as of 10pm Tuesday, the 16th.
If your charter starts today or tomorrow and you aren't already here,
forget it. If you are already here, forget it. Relax and enjoy our fabulous
hurricane parties.
Wednesday-no flights unless a miracle happens. Continue to enjoy
hurricane parties and lend a hand where ever you can.
Thursday-doubtful/maybe/probably not that flights will be running unless
we are completely unscathed.
Friday-might have flights coming in, check this webpage for island
conditions before boarding.
Saturday-if Loose Lefty Lenny will just leave us alone, then we'll be
back in business and eager to please. Bring comfortable sail gloves as you
may have to untie umpteen lines and lift a few anchors to pry your charter
boat from the dock and/or a hurricane hole. Now is a good time to learn how
to properly coil rope neatly.
If you have never rigged up sails (main, roller jib, etc.) on a charter
sailboat from scratch, this will be a great opportunity to acquire these
skills first hand.
Unless the grocery stores completely blow away, we will probably have
interesting food available. However, much of our food is delivered by
freighter and they have probably diverted from their normal course to go
hide in their own hurricane holes. There may be a slight delay of a few days
before everything you could ever want arrives on our shelves. Be flexible.
Tortolians are basically a sturdy lot. I have been here through past
hurricanes, and after the storm was gone, folks rushed to clean up the
island, expedite utilities and prepare to go back to work showing off our
usual PEACE in paradise!
It's nearly 11pm Atlantic Standard Time, Tortola is currently a
continuous drizzle highlighted by frequent lightning flashes and long low
rumblings of thunder. We still have radio, power, phone, cellular and
Internet. I don't have cable or TV, so I've no idea if it is on or off.
There is virtually no wind at this time.
Lefty Lenny, why don't you take a benny and speed out to sea and leave us
be!
From aSail4U AT aol.com
Don't forget to reserve your copy of the soon-to-be-released
book;
HURRICANES & HANGOVERS
(and other tall tales and loose lies from the coconut
telegraph...)
authored and autographed by Yours Truly
Savor a delightful story collection of fun and mayhem in the usually sunny but
whacky Caribbean!
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~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
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| - Fw: |
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----- Original Message -----
Sent: Tuesday, November 16, 1999 2:52 PM Hello Gert!
This will be the first storm we're actually here
for ......... while our email is actually working..... for a
change.
Living above Nanny Cay gives us a bird's-eye view
of what's happening up and down the channel from Virgin Gorda to St John ( U.S.)
and Peter and Norman Islands.
Preparations are happening hot and heavy
everywhere around the Island. People seem to be much more leary of Lenny because
it's coming from a totally different direction......and......it's so late in the
season.
We have a generator here so we should be able to
keep in touch throughout the entire storm.
I'll stay in touch.
John
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| - Back door Lenny #3 |
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Its just about 9:45 p.m. on Tuesday and I am really, really tired. I've just come back (soaking wet and bloody cold) from Cane Garden Bay. I wasn't able to find my friends Deb or Judy after helping to get the storm shutters up at the Lighthouse Villas ... so I came straight home instead. The rain we experienced earlier this evening was something to behold! My car (a little Toyota Paseo) barely made it up a few of the hills on my way to CGB! I slid back down some of the steeper hills (more than once) as torrential rains flooded the roads and veritable rivers came pouring down the hills. I finally made it there in one piece and without incedent. Most places are closed on the North side of the island at this point and very few people are out and about. I don't know about anywhere else. I plan to cook myself some dinner as I haven't had a bite to eat all day and then I will crack open a beer (or 6) before I retire for the night. Thunder is rolling in just now but all else is quiet otherwise. The good news is that true to form (with several other hurricane experiences), my knees, hips, and butt are much better now. (I bet you were all sitting on pins and needles waiting to hear that bit of news!) The only pain I still have is in my lower legs and feet. This pain closely resembles the kind of pain I used to have when I was a kid and would get shin splints as a result of the sports I was involved in. Very weird ... but what can I say? I have no explanation for this thing at all! Hopefully, it means the storm will come and go quickly and without any major problems or human disasters for anyone in the BVI. The folks here never cease to amaze and impresses me! Everyone just goes about the task of taking care of business (and themselves) until there is nothing more to do except hole up until after the storm ... and then everyone just gets back to the business of taking care of business again! Very pragmatic and sensible people. I love it here! Once I have dinner and if there is anything else to report ... I will be back in touch. Otherwise, watch the weather channel for the most recent updates as most of us will not be able to access the internet due to power outages. Kind regards, Liane |
| - From Tortola, Lefty Lenny aproaches with a great deal of drizzle |
|
It is nearly 9pm Atlantic Standard Time and we have been enjoying a
steady drizzle interspersed with rumbling thunder and occasional lightning
flashes. The minimal wind seems to have died down completely.
We hope and pray for the best.
AT 8 P.M. ATLANTIC TIME ... 0000Z ... THE CENTER OF HURRICANE LEFTY LENNY
WAS NEAR LATITUDE 15.9 NORTH ... LONGITUDE 67.6 WEST OR ABOUT 205 MILES ...
330 KILOMETERS ... SOUTHWEST OF SAN JUAN PUERTO RICO.
LENNY IS MOVING TOWARD THE EAST-NORTHEAST NEAR 16 MPH ... 26 KILOMETERS
PER HOUR
MAXIMUM SUSTAINED WINDS ARE NEAR 115 MPH ...
DO you know what a loose coconut is like in those type of winds? Like a
cannon shot! Heaven help us all!
The thunder just started again and it rumbles and rambles like a
menacing growl from an unseen monster, sending shivers up my spine.
aSail4u AT aol.com
don't forget to buy your copy of the soon-to-be-released
book;
HURRICANES & HANGOVERS
(and other tall tales and loose lies from the coconut
telegraph...)
authored and autographed by Yours Truly
Savor a delightful story collection of fun and mayhem in the usually sunny but
whacky Caribbean!
|
| - Lenny |
|
This is Dave Karlson reporting from Little Apple Bay, North shore near the West End of Tortola, British Virgin Islands. This is getting ridiculous. Last week we ( and several neighbors) took down all our hurricane hardware. The season was nearly over and the weather pattern off Africa was no longer shooting bullets at us. Now Lenny? And from the East? We're bewildered. How do we handle a hurricane whose most dangerous quadrant is the South-East? Not only that, but we started a remodeling project two weeks ago. As of this morning, our kitchen and living room were open to the ocean which is 8 feet away and 15 feet below our floor level. Panic? You Betcha! It's 7:30PM now and we've managed to get all the essentials done except get gas which I'll do as soon as I finish this. We've had a calm day even though the satellite pictures seemed to show the forward edge of rain, etc., reaching Tortola since about noon. That rain actually started about 4:30 PM and has been fairly gentle but steady ever since. Very little wind yet. More later if our ISP and the phone line stay up. Fat chance. David |
| - Tortola 6pm AST-Lefty Lenny dumps on us |
|
At about 4:30 the heavens opened up and we are since experiencing
torrential rains accompanied by thunder and some lightning. The power and
phone is still on in West End. Once the power goes you will get a brief
report from me as I use the last of my battery time.
I was at Nanny Cay marina where the docks are full with boats tied down
every which ways with spaghetti like lines. Folks have put out anchors in
case the floating docks decide to break up.
The drive to West End indicated flash flooding already in progress as
rivers ran down the guts and across the road.
I stopped in the store around 5pm and they still had plenty of batteries
and food. My neighbors are just now starting to prepare for the hurricane.
Many folks seem too tired to get ready for Lefty Lenny. I am exhausted and
still need to empty out the old jeep but I came inside to warm up, as I am
drenched.
LENNY REACHES 115 MPH ... BECOMES THE FIFTH MAJOR HURRICANE OF THE SEASON
... HEADING FOR THE ISLANDS IN THE NORTHEASTERN CARIBBEAN ...
aSail4U AT aol.com
don't forget to buy your copy of the soon-to-be-released
book;
HURRICANES & HANGOVERS
(and other tall tales and loose lies from the coconut
telegraph...)
authored and autographed by Yours Truly
|
| - Lenny |
|
---------- Forwarded message ---------- Date: Tue, 16 Nov 1999 16:54:39 -0800 From: Fort Recovery Estates <justan AT surfbvi.com> To: Gert van Dijken <gert AT vandijken.com> Subject: Re: [HURR] - Lenny I'm having hard time getting into my e-mail so I'm using another computer. Rain just started 5pm Tortola time. Lots of thunder and rain. Full house of guests all prepared. Hope for the best. http://fortrecovery.com |
| - Back Door Lenny - #2 |
|
Hi again, As you may have heard, "Back Door Lenny" is being a naughty little boy playing more games by changing his path, maximum sustained wind speed as well as his rate of travel. With another day (or less) to go anything is still possible, but it doesn't look good for either the U.S. or British Virgin Islands ... at this point. It is disconcerting that the hurricane experts and meterologists seem to have varying opinions as to where the center of the storm might strike. Some say Puerto Rico will bare the brunt of the storm, while others say differently. I'm going to go out on a limb here and say that me knee (among other body joints) predict that Tortola is right in line for the center of the storm, or at least very close to it. I may even go so far as to say that it "MIGHT" just go a wee bit south of us and more towards the northern Leeward Islands (sorry to you folks down there) if it continues on its easterly track ... but that could just be wishful thinking on my part. The good news is that it is moving quickly and there doesn't seem to be too much of an eye (at this point), which means that it may just pass over us quickly as well. I think we'd all like to see this thing gone as soon as possible. Current position: 15.3N 69.8W Max. Sustained Winds 100 MPH Gusting to 120 MPH Travelling east at 16MPH Pressure at 973 mb I keep waiting to see the turn to the north which the experts are predicting ... but I don't see it happening as yet! There are a lot of glum faces and a substantial amount of grumbling going on this time as everyone is pretty sick and tired of hurricane season. Although the season doesn't (technically) end until the end of November, most of us had pretty much thought this stuff was over with for the year. I saw one poor fellow (at Village Cay) this morning who was so fed up that he was taking out his frustrations on his car tire. (At least I hope it was HIS car!) As I went past he seemed oblivious to my presence and the words coming out of his mouth were a little "spicey" to say the least. I almost stopped to offer some encouraging words ... but thought better of it when he slammed his fist on the roof of the car. Weary boaters, home owners and business people are busily preparing for the worst and hoping for the best. The stores are pretty busy as people do their last minute storm provisioning. I saw a lot of beer, wine and spirits being purchased this morning, so it would seem that many folks are just planning to raise a few as Lenny passes. I am just about to go start boarding up the house (AGAIN), then I might just pop open a beer or two (which I bought this morning) myself. Will update as the storm draws closer ... electricity permitting. Kind regards, Liane |
| - From Tortola, 11:30am Tuesday November 16th |
|
Incredibly, quite a few boats still remain in West End. The sky is
overcast but no rain yet. A breezy 10-15 knots wind is in evidence. I am on
my way to go finalize arrangements for my boat, will report later how the
rest of the island is doing.
Here's the latest and greatest on our history-making backdoor hurricane
Lenny;
HURRICANE LENNY ADVISORY for 11 AM AST TUE NOV 16
A HURRICANE WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT FOR PUERTO RICO ... THE U.S. AND
BRITISH VIRGIN ISLANDS.
AT 11 A.M. ATLANTIC TIME ... 1500Z ... THE CENTER OF HURRICANE LENNY WAS
NEAR LATITUDE 15.3 NORTH ... LONGITUDE 69.8 WEST OR ABOUT 330 MILES ... 535
KILOMETERS ... SOUTHWEST OF SAN JUAN PUERTO RICO.
LENNY IS MOVING TOWARD THE EAST NEAR 16 MPH ... 26 KILOMETERS PER HOUR ...
AND A GRADUAL TURN TO THE NORTHEAST IS EXPECTED LATER TODAY. ON THIS TRACK
... THE WEATHER SHOULD BEGIN TO DETERIORATE OVER THE WARNING AREA LATER
TODAY.
MAXIMUM SUSTAINED WINDS ARE NEAR 100 MPH ... 160 KILOMETERS PER HOUR ...
WITH HIGHER GUSTS. STRONGER WINDS COULD BE EXPERIENCED IN MOUNTAINOUS
AREAS. SOME STRENGTHENING IS FORECAST DURING THE NEXT 24 HOURS.
HURRICANE FORCE WINDS EXTEND OUTWARD UP TO 50 MILES ... 85 KILOMETERS ...
FROM THE CENTER ... AND TROPICAL-STORM FORCE WINDS EXTEND OUTWARD UP TO 145
MILES ... 230 KILOMETERS.
MINIMUM CENTRAL PRESSURE REPORTED BY A NOAA HURRICANE RECONNAISSANCE
AIRCRAFT WAS 973 MILLIBARS ... 28.73 INCHES.
STORM SURGE FLOODING OF 3 TO 5 FORT ABOVE NORMAL ... ACCOMPANIED BY LARGE
AND DANGEROUS BATTERING WAVES ... IS POSSIBLE NEAR THE CENTER IN THE WARNED
AREA.
aSail4U AT aol.com
don't forget to buy your copy of the soon-to-be-released
book;
HURRICANES & HANGOVERS
(and other tall tales and loose lies from the coconut
telegraph...)
authored and autographed by Yours Truly
|
| - From Tortola Tuesday morning, November 16th |
|
Monday, November 15 was a holiday in the British Virgin Islands. Road
Town was very quiet with most businesses closed. Gone were most all the
hurricane shutters that until recently had graced the buildings, leftover
reminders from himmacane Jose, who was only a nasty storm. A cruise ship
that had come in that morning, left a few hours later, presumably to outrun
the storm. I stopped by the Cash & Carry to pick up a few supplies and ran
into only a handful of people there. One person, who has several businesses
and apartments, told me he had just taken down all his shutters last week and
he wasn't about to put them back up!
As usual, the island seems divided about taking Lenny seriously. At
Nanny Cay Marina, the place was full and abuzz with storm preparations.
Folks that had stayed aboard for the last storm, said they were NOT staying
aboard for this one. One sturdily built resort claims to have all their
rooms already sold out. I hope this is true, as in the past they were not
sold out but claimed to be because they didn't want the hassle of hurricane
refugees.
Let's face it, a hurricane is just a major inconvenience for everyone,
but preparation is the key to survival. The Office for Disaster Preparedness
contacted all the bareboat companies, asking them to call all their boats
back into safe harbors. I went to look at Paraquita Bay, a great hurricane
hole, and it already had a passel of vessels tucked in with a parade of
boats outside the narrow entrance patiently waiting their turn to get inside.
The airport looked deserted with only one private plane in evidence, the
rest having already flown south.
By mid-afternoon, an unusual humidity had settled over the area, giving
everyone a sweaty sheen, the calm before the storm. Friends from New York
had arrived a few days ago and happily launched their boat for the season
just 2 days past. They called the yard to try to rehaul but it was closed
due to the holiday with rumors that it may or may not open.
Monday night, a usually slow night for bars and restaurants, turned out
to be the start of the pre-hurricane parties with waterfront businesses
overflowing with folks out drinking and eating and making their own
predictions about our future. Heck, I went out to enjoy a sumptuous meal at
Jolly Roger with friends before we settle in to eat whatever starts going in
the fridge next, after the power is cut off. They appeared to be having a
record night and I think the rowdy crowd just about ate and drank them dry!
Here's the latest and greatest on the backdoor hurricane, LENNY;
AT 8 A.M. ATLANTIC TIME ... 1200Z ... THE CENTER OF HURRICANE LENNY WAS
NEAR LATITUDE 15.2 NORTH ... LONGITUDE 70.6 WEST OR ABOUT 255 MILES ... 410
KILOMETERS ... SOUTH-SOUTHWEST OF SANTO DOMINGO IN THE DOMINICAN REPUBLIC.
LENNY IS MOVING TOWARD THE EAST NEAR 17 MPH ... 27 KILOMETERS PER HOUR
...AND A GRADUAL TURN TO THE NORTHEAST IS EXPECTED IN THE NEXT 24 HOURS. THIS
MOTION COULD BRING THE CENTER NEAR PUERTO RICO OR THE VIRGIN ISLANDS TONIGHT
OR WEDNESDAY.
MAXIMUM SUSTAINED WINDS ARE NEAR 100 MPH ... 160 KILOMETERS PER HOUR
...WITH HIGHER GUSTS ... ESPECIALLY IN MOUNTAINOUS AREAS AS THE CENTER
APPROACHES THE WARNED AREA. THIS MAKES LENNY A CATEGORY 2 HURRICANE ON THE
SAFFIR-SIMPSON SCALE. SOME FURTHER STRENGTHENING IS FORECAST DURING THE NEXT
24 HOURS.
HURRICANE FORCE WINDS EXTEND OUTWARD UP TO 50 MILES ... 85 KILOMETERS
...FROM THE CENTER ... AND TROPICAL-STORM FORCE WINDS EXTEND OUTWARD UP TO
145 MILES ... 230 KILOMETERS.
THE ESTIMATED MINIMUM CENTRAL PRESSURE IS 971 MILLIBARS ... 28.67 INCHES.
Well, dat be life in de islands mon. I got to do a million things to
finish preparing boat, body and soul for Lenny.
aSail4U AT aol.com
don't forget to buy your copy of the soon-to-be-released book;
HURRICANES & HANGOVERS
(and other tall tales and loose lies from the coconut telegraph)
authored and autographed by Yours Truly
|
| - Hurricane Lenny |
|
Well here we go again. My knee is speaking to me ... yelling actually! The past two days, my knee has been throbbing and is becoming increasingly difficult and painful to bend. That has never been a good sign in the past and I have grown to trust these signs. Friends have told me that this is caused by the sudden drop in barometric pressure. Whatever the cause, it must have dropped a whole bunch today because I have run out of Advil aready. I must say that I am flabberghasted at how quickly this storm has formed and it seems to be of formidable size as well, as it extends 80 miles from the eye. Lenny seems to be catching many of us by surprise as it is approaching through the back door (west to east) and not the usual east to west pattern. I know of at least one hotel operator who seems convinced that it is not coming here. That's a pretty scary thought ... but I am sure she will reconsider her position soon enough. Unless the storm changes its course radically (which is certainly possible), it appears to me that the BVI's are in a direct line with its current path. So far, its only a category 1 hurricane, and we have sustained many of those with only minor damage and barely a hiccup in tourism or our day to day business. The most inconvenient parts of this kind of storm is the preparation required to protect life and property ... and then doing without power for a couple of days afterwards while our very able and efficient Electricity Corporation goes through the gruelling task of checking every single line in the BVI to ensure that all is in good order and safe to turn the power back on. I must say that in comparison to other Caribbean islands, the BVI is probably the best at disaster preparedness and hurricane clean up. After Jose, (which was admittedly pretty mild), all roads had been cleared within hours of daybreak and power was restored in less than 48 hours. That's pretty impressive! I have all of my hurricane supplies which went pretty much unused during and after hurricane Jose last month, so no need to race out and buy anything else ... except more Advil. Will update as and when I can. Keep a good thought! Kind regards, Liane All-In-One BVI Vacations Web: Http://bvivacations.com email: bvivacations AT surfbvi.com Phone/Fax: (284) 495-4168 |
| - Tortola, Thursday Oct. 21, 8pm. Atlantic Standard Time |
|
In my earlier report I forgot to include the sensationalism! ONE boat in
the Nanny Cay boat yard had fallen over, a ketch around 40'. The gates were
locked and the wind was howling and I was too lazy to trudge through the mud
to see the name of her. It didn't appear she had any damage and only four of
the eight props holding her up appeared to have had chains. Perhaps this was
a "human" error rather than a storm casualty. I am sure the diligent yard
manger will be quite embarrassed to find this out.
Otherwise the yard looked find, though those with tarps were sporting a
shredded look about them. The St Thomas airport has reopened though no
commercial flights have been announced. I do not know if the Beef Island
airport is open or not. All the ferries were tucked away, several in the
mangroves at Nanny Cay.
Tomorrow, is Friday and I suppose a semblance of normalcy will return to
the island, though we are sure to hear "himmacane Jose" as an excuse for any
and everything not working right, including those with hurricane hangovers
(giggle!)
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aSAIL4u AT aol.com
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| - Jose (5) ... and last |
|
Well it is 7:45 p.m. on Thursday and our power (in West End) just came back on 10 minutes ago. Jose was really a non-entity (for the BVI) as hurricanes go ... but for those of you who have asked that I provide details ... here it is: The power was turned off at 2:25 a.m. but I found out that others were shut down as early as 9:30 p.m. on Wednesday night. By 3:15 the wind velocity on Zion Hill was approximately 35 miles per hour and the rain was pelting down. That's when I came inside and decided to get some sleep. Things that go bump in the night ... I had just nodded off when I heard a slamming noise outside. I got up and checked all windows but all were secure. I peeked outside only to see my next door neighbour "Amigo" (in his skivies) hammering shut one of his storm shutters which had come loose. I went back to bed. At 4:00 a tremendous thump woke me again, but I realized that it was just a very strong gust that had hit the storm shutters. That was about it! From then on, the storm began to decrease in intensity and by 7:00 it was dead calm outside. I was a little disoriented (due to lack of sleep) and wondered if we were in the eye of the storm. I turned on the radio and heard the storm was already north of St. Thomas. I went outside, yanked off all the storm shutters, took a "naval shower" which consisted of one gallon of bottled water, jumped in the car and went to Village Cay for coffee. While there, several people speculated that we were in the eye and that we should all go back to our respective homes. One boater claimed that he had just heard a bulletin from V.I.S.A.R. saying the same thing. This was at 8:15 in the morning. I mentally calculated that if we were in the eye of the storm, the eye had grown to an immense 60 miles across as we had experienced virtually little wind since 4:30 a.m. and the storm was supposed to be travelling approximately 10 miles per hour. I had a second and then a third cup of coffee and watched while several people checked lines on their boats and hunkered down for the second half of the storm. Then friends of mine appeared and we all headed over to The Moorings for a lovely, buffet style breakfast. There was a bit of a mess on the road (fallen rocks and usual broken bits of coral) in the Pockwood Pond area ... but that was really the extent of the mess that I could see. The roads were virtually all passable and by 10:00 a.m. everything was mostly cleaned up. They had power in town by 8:30 this morning, but naturally, we were last to be turned back on. So I will happily sign off ,,, just wanted to let you all know that all is well on Tortola. Little or no damage to report anywhere. Everyone is safe and sound. Even the flowers still have their blooms attached so I am guessing that we didn't get anything higher than about 50 or 55 MPH at the peak of the storm ... at least in West End. I checked Bomba's just to see if he still had a floor and there was no damage which I could see ... but then again, its a little hard to tell! Kind regards, Liane |
| - Tortola, Thursday Oct. 21, 7:30pm. Atlantic Standard Time |
|
Power was restored at 7pm, but not cable. I have been unable to pick up
any radio stations except for AM1000 in St Thomas, where the governor
announced the curfew had been lifted in the USVI. We are thankful that no
such curfew is enforced here.
I went for a drive around noon today. The North side showed an ocean with
huge swells and few white caps, the South side looked like an angry confused
sea with numerous white caps. Occasionally the ocean would spit powerfully
across the shore road. Small bushes and large branches catapulted across
the road, tumbleweed style. Indeed the gray overcast and lack of people gave
the island a ghostly look! A backhoe was working, shoving rocks and debris
out of the road.
At Nanny Cay, quite a few boaters were wandering around in foul weather
gear, checking out their lines and chafing. All seemed very well, though the
waves crashed over the breakwater. Most of the docks are the floating kind
and a trip down A-dock (nearest the sea) was like some sort of amusement
ride. At one point the winds gusted so hard that folks were clinging to the
pilings until the winds subsided.
At the Plaza, I stopped in for a burger and a coke. One patron ordered
his food, then took off to check on his boat. They were quite miffed that
his food was ready before he returned. As the cook explained "I am in the
dark back there cooking by gas, I got no microwave to reheat this food!"
Without having a clue where the storm is now, it appears to be anywhere
but here. I will try to log onto the Internet and see what the latest update
is.
aSAIL4u AT aol.com
|
| - Tortola, Thursday Oct. 21, 10:150a.m. Atlantic Standard Time |
|
Cable went off at midnight. Water has been off since yesterday. Power went off at 3am. Can not find any weather reports on the radio, can not ven find the local radio station! I am able to get on the internet briefly with limited battery power. Hasn't rain in hours, winds are gusty, sky is overcast. THe 8am postiont from Storm 99 shows that the himmacane should be a few miles from us. SOmething is not right, our conditions do not agree with the report. aSAIL4U AT aol.com |
| - Update |
|
|
The wind is picking up here on the north shore
of Tortola. I would guess in the 30+ mph range. Since our
electricity is turned off at 35mph we're expecting to lose it - Oops, just
happened. Now it's back on again but probably not for long.
Wednesday morning about 10:00 my wife Pat had to
go into Road Town to secure her classroom and saw very little hurricane
preparation activity. By noon when she returned the supermarket parking
lot was overflowing and the roads were thick with vehicles carrying plywood and
supplies. I guess everyone had been glued to the internet, radio and TV
hoping Jose would turn North and this would be another near miss.
Fortunately we have consistently had near misses, knock on wood.
We are also getting sheets of rain now.
The sea is picking up. We are about 8 feet from the water and about about 20
feet up. The surf is coming over our seawall yet but soon,
soon.
Will keep you informed as this thing develops.
Dave Karlson
|
| - Tortola, Thursday Oct. 21, 1:30a.m. Atlantic Standard Time |
|
Weather seems pretty tame at the moment with only a few minor squalls
scattering across Tortola the past few hours.
On Tuesday, a trip to Road Town indicated a great deal of apathy. The
phone company had a huge stack of plotting charts available. People were
going about their normal business without much worry. Indeed, at the Road
Town Wholesale, where I expected a mob, was only one other lone shopper
around 1pm. A visit to Nanny Cay where I secured my boat for the storm was a
hub of activity as any remaining empty docks were quickly filled. Mariners
were busy removing sails and deck equipment in between squally weather that
temporarily darkened the skies. Many were miffed that the power had been off
in that area most of the morning leaving residents to wonder about the
capabilities of the Power company AFTER the storm, if power could not be kept
on before the storm! Public water was off most of the day and evening as
well. By sunset, Peg Legs bar had a roaring pre-hurricane party going with
patrons watching the weather channel on the TV and making their own
predictions.
Wednesday, a return visit to Nanny Cay showed that by the afternoon, most
sailors appeared ready to face the music. A community spirit prevailed as
folks helped each other launch anchors, move dinghies on shore and finish
final preparations. All day squalls would dump heavy rains then incredibly
the sky would lighten with the sun making a battle to show. A stop by the
Plaza Cafe during a particularly wet spell, around 3pm, showed business
booming. While sailors in foul weather gear crowded around the weather
channel on the TV, (no volume) a large group of tourists filled most of the
restaurant bringing Bob Marley CD's with them which the owner played, giving
quite a festive atmosphere!
By late afternoon, Big Bens grocery store was doing a brisk business but
still had plenty of provisions available including batteries and candles.
Half the neighborhood appeared to be limin' about the parking lot, trading
rumors.
Shortly after midnight, the cable TV inexplicably went off air, taking
the weather channel with it. It has been breezy all evening with few
squalls. I cannot seem to find the local radio station either, I do not know
if I am unable to pick up their signal or if they have shut down too. Public
water was shut off in the afternoon with rumors that it would be off until
after the storm. Other rumors fly that the local meteorologist is in Spain!
A call to the new local weather phone number at 1am Thursday, played a
recording that had not been updated since 11am Wednesday. It appears that at
this time, only the Internet is available for updated weather and many folks
here do not have access to the Internet due to the very high cost of local
access.
I pray that himmacane Jose spares us all!
aSAIL4u AT aol.com
|
| - Jose (4) |
|
Its 1:05 a.m. Thursday. The 11:00 coordinates put Jose at 17.8 and 63.0. Still have power but it just flickered a couple of minutes ago ... which is not unusual here, but not a good sign either. The winds are building and have become more constant, although still not severe at all. I would guess they are about 15 MPH with gusts up to about 30 mph at this point. Although Bomba's is closed, I can see his (very identifiable) car (with the lights on) parked outside the shack. I guess he is just doing some last minute recon to see if he needs to do anything else before turning in. I'm sure now we will be hit, but to what degree is the question. The storm is still tracking NNW, but it isn't travelling very quickly (only about 10 MPH) ... so anything could happen. Just have to wait and see. If we have power in the morning, I will be very pleased, albeit surprised. Kind regards, Liane |
| - Jose (3) - calm before the storm |
|
Its 8:25 p.m. ... Jose is a category 2 hurricane and is currently located at 17.6 N and 62.7 W (Tortola is at 18.3 and 64) with wins around 100 MPH. I just finished boarding up in time, filled all my buckets and pots with water, filled my kerosene lamps and put new batteries in my flash lights. I've got my book waiting for me too. Although things are pretty calm right now, we are experiencing intermittent, gusting winds with a few rain showers here and there. Its looking a little nasty outside but not threatening as yet. Visibility is poor, I can just barely make out a few lights on Jost Van Dyke. I'm ready for a sweaty night with no fans, no air circulation at all ... I hate that. Its anybody's call at this point if we'll take a big hit or not ... but I'm voting for "not". Unless the storm speeds up, we don't expect to be hit until the early morning hours tomorrow. Will update again as conditions change. Kind regards, Liane |
| - Jose (2) |
|
Its 3:30 p.m. on Wednesday and the signs of Jose approaching are becoming clear. We've had some heavy rains today, the surf is up a little more than usual and there are occasional gusting winds. I just got back from Soper's Hole (after picking up a few hurricane supplies) ... the place is a ghost town! All the boats have been cleared off the docks, all stores are closed and only Pussers remains open. The hurricane hole at Paraquita Bay is full to bursting and most places (except mine) are mostly boarded up. The road crews are out in several places throughout the island, clearing ditches and removing fallen rocks from the roads caused by the heavy rain and erosion of the hillsides. With any luck, we may not get the brunt of this thing after all, as it appears to be veering off (somewhat) in a northerly direction. I am going to ride out the storm at home this time rather than at Cane Garden Bay. Provided we have power, I will continue reporting as long as possible. Liane Le Tendre |
| - Jose |
|
Like many others, I had all but stored my hurricane "stuff" for the year. I thought we were safely out of the danger zone. (Heavy sigh). I was wrong. It appears that we are destined to be one of the several targets of Jose's wrath. Everyone is busily boarding up and stocking up on water, canned goods, flashlights, batteries and other hurricane supplies. The storm is forecast to roll right over us and we may even experience the eye if Jose continues on its current path. Since my car has a bent rim (and flat tire) as a result of a disagreement with a nasty pothole ... stocking up on heavy things like water and canned goods could prove to be a problem. I am going to try to get my car fixed today but don't hold out much hope of finding a rim which fits. Everyone is taking this storm seriously and all possible precautions are being taken. Lets all keep a good thought for the BVI. I'll stay in touch as the storm gets closer. Kind regards, Liane All-In-One BVI Vacations Web: Http://bvivacations.com email: bvivacations AT surfbvi.com Phone/Fax: (284) 495-4168 |
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