The Caribbean Hurricane Page

Updates from the Islands

- - Puerto Rico - -

• From: Debra Vela <davela AT caribe.net>
• Date: Tue, 16 Nov 1999 20:29:57 -0400

Looks like this one will pass just to our east.  We're expecting some
winds and tons of rain.  I don't think we'll take a direct hit.  It was
supposed to start raining an hour and a half ago and looks like it's
just getting started but not heavy yet.  I live on the beach in San Juan
and all my neighbors are in their homes as opposed to leaving the
beach.  Just took Samantha for a walk and things were pretty quiet.  She
is quite insistent on affection tonight.  Could be just hot for her with
no breeze to cool off with.

It was fairly eerie today downtown (Hato Rey) - no wind and a lot of
cloud cover with a few sprinkles.  We're not expecting any real action
until after midnight with the height at 6:00-8:00 tomorrow morning.  Am
hoping to just sleep right on through it!!

• From: "J.C" <cruzj AT prtc.net>
• Date: Tue, 16 Nov 1999 18:57:13 -0500

Hi,

At the Northwest part of the Island in Isabela, we had receive little rain
today... and I mean little compare to the amount that has fall lately.
Since six o'clock this morning,  gas station were crowded; people where
waiting to purchase gasoline for their electricity generators and vehicles.
Many companies today dismissed employees from work; government, hardware
stores and supermarkets were the only places open. For Wednesday morning
everything is expected to be shutdown until the system moves away from Us.

Last advisory, states that Lenny reaches 115 MPH winds(Category 3) becoming
the fifth major hurricane of the season.  At 5:00 P.M. it was located about
235 miles Southwest of San Juan and moving at 17 MPH towards the Northeast.
They also expect the weather in the island to worsen this evening. If
remains in the forecast path moving away to the Southeast of the Island,
where I live will only receive heavy rain fall and little storms winds.
Let's pray and see!!!

Until Next One,

Keep us in your prayers!!!

Jose Cruz

• From: "elva cruz de villalobos" <eljua AT hotmail.com>
• Date: Tue, 16 Nov 1999 15:46:19 PST

Here on the island of Puerto Rico 'Lenny' has been nicknamed 'Lefty' due to 
its point of origin.

Presently in the inner island we are have moderate rain fall and mild winds. 
As of the most recent radio bulletin, 'Lenny' is not expected to be a direct 
hit (landfall) however it is expected that we will have severe rains causing 
flash floods and gusting winds particularly in the mountain zone.

We still had goodies stored since 'Jose' so our local merchants, although 
busy, were not bombarded by customers.


There is however, I perceive a disturbing calm in our community. But never 
the less every has boarded up and all you can here is the echo of almost 
syncronized tv stations and are friendly "coqui" these little critters are 
singing up really loud.

My domestic birds haven't let a tune out for over 4 hours and my puppies are 
snuggled in for the night, in my office of course. :-)


I've had numerous email from various areas in the caribbean as well as the 
continental US inquiring as to how things are here on the island for now, 
all is quite; perhaps too quiet.

Next scheduled bulletin at 9:PM. I'll update shortly after said bulletin.


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• From: "Eugenio J. Camara" <ejcolipr AT caribe.net>
• Date: Tue, 16 Nov 1999 16:55:09 -0400

Si, así como pueden ver le apodaron, para mis amigos de habla hispana al
momento en la región oeste especificamente en Mayagüez todo en
calma;bastante nubosidad y un poco de lloviznas. Anterior a eso como a las
2:00pm  hubo lluvia bastante fuerte acompañada de un poco de viento.
Las personas dando los ultimos toques a las medidas de seguridad.Y bien
pendientes a radio y TV.
Yo por aca estare informando en lo que pueda a mis amigos de habla hispana.

Saludos
 E. Cámara (Geño)
  18º 11' 29"
067º 08' 25"

pd: antes de cerrar este aviso esta empezando a llover un poco mas ahora son
las 4:54 pm

• From: "rafa://puerto rico" <rafapr AT centennialpr.net>
• Date: Tue, 16 Nov 1999 17:40:58 -0400

About the only way to describe the sky in San Juan is that it's been grayish
all day. Those of you that have seen black and white satellite photos on the
Web, have a general idea.

El Zurdo is now a category three hurricane, making it comparable to George,
windwise. That's 115 mpg winds, not something to sneeze at.

The last ferry is leaving Vieques and Culebra, as of this writing. For all
practical purposes the 15,000+ souls on these two off-island, are stranded
until God knows when.

The latest advisory places El Zurdo's eye 150 miles south of Cabo Rojo at
0000 Z (8:00 pm local time). BUT having said that, tropical force winds
extend 175 miles from the eye. So, anyone within 10 miles of the NORTHERN
coast, will probably feel 40+ mph winds.

Waves should top 15-25' feet tomorrow on the southern coast.

Power company spokespeople said that the two major generating plants (both
on the south coast) are designed to stand 200 mph winds. This doesn't take
into consideration they might well be flooded. Nor does it take into
consideration, that after Hugo, utility poles were replaced with ones that
were supposed to within stand 150 mph. These were the same poles that George
blew away last year. So if I sound skeptical, I've been through this before.

The only good news today is that this morning, El Zurdo was going to cut
across Puerto Rico. If there's no change, it might just clip Puerto Rico's
south eastern coast. But hurricane force winds extend 60 miles from the eye.
Would yours truly be surprised if we felt hurricane force winds in San Juan?
No, not really. And even though it's travelling along at a good 17 mph, we
must take into consideration that one model has El Zurdo just stopping over
the east coast.

Anyone considering staying in flood prone areas, should have their head
examined.

El Zurdo is certainly no laughing matter, and I sincerely hope everyone has
done everything within their power to prepare. I would dare venture to guess
this is going to be a one in a lifetime experience.

I've put off a few details, plus my pre-storm dinner awaits me. If there's
anything worthwhile to pass on, I'll do so, as circumstances permit.

rafa://puerto rico
stocked up with black and white cookies at 18.45°N, 66.08°W

• From: "J. Jenkins" <tanakai AT coqui.net>
• Date: Tue, 16 Nov 1999 15:59:31 -0500

• From: "Rosana Vazquez" <rosana AT coqui.net>
• Date: Tue, 16 Nov 1999 16:45:01 -0500

• From: "J. Jenkins" <tanakai AT coqui.net>
• Date: Tue, 16 Nov 1999 16:22:16 -0500

• From: "rafa://puerto rico" <rafapr AT centennialpr.net>
• Date: Tue, 16 Nov 1999 14:11:46 -0400

Well, as of 1400 local time, it started raining in San Juan. It's just an on
and off drizzle, but definitely associated to El Zurdo. The breeze has also
picked up a bit.

I just caught a report on the radio, from a reporter travelling from Ponce
to San Juan. He said that it had been raining for the last11/2 hours. At
times, the rain blocked visibility on the turnpike, forcing traffic to slow
from the 55+ mph to 10-15 mph.

Everyone is awaiting the northern turn. The longer it takes to swing north,
the further away the eye will pass from the coast. Again, whether the swing
ever takes place, or not, major problems due to 10-15" of rain are a given.
No way will we escape from the rain.

It's pretty much a wait and watch situation, until the 2100 Z advisory. It
may shed some light on what El Zurdo plans to do.

rafa://puerto rico
stocked up with black and white cookies at 18.45°N, 66.08°W

• From: "J R Hennon" <JRHENNO AT ppco.com>
• Date: Tue, 16 Nov 1999 13:00:22 -0400

The first heavy rain bands from hurricane Lenny have just come ashore at Guayama
(SE Puerto Rico) at 1300hrs local time. Winds are SE at  less than 15kts at this
time. Lenny's easterly course appears to have continued, at least through the
morning hours of today.

The legacy of Hurricane Georges is still fresh in people's mind in Puerto Rico
and it is clear that many people began preparations in good time to have their
property secured by this time.

This has been a season to remember.

Get your preparations completed and stay dry!

• From: "Strawn L. King" <seadawg AT coqui.net>
• Date: Tue, 16 Nov 1999 11:07:45 -0500

• From: "Eugenio J. Camara" <ejcolipr AT caribe.net>
• Date: Tue, 16 Nov 1999 10:16:13 -0400

Buenos Dias!

Para los amigos de habla hispana les digo, aqui en Puerto Rico los
preparativos van en marcha, la gente preparandose desde temprano, las
gondolas en los supermecados vaciandose, en especial donde tienen el agua
embotellada. Aunque ya habia gente bastante bien preparada a causa de JOSE.
 La preocupación mas grande es la cantidad de lluvia que ha caido en dias
pasados lo cual tiene ya los terrenos bastante saturados y esto hará que las
escorrentias sean aun mayores. Entiendo que la peor parte la llevara el area
sur y suroeste por la interacción de las escorrentias y la marejada ciclonica.
Todos esperamos por el informe de las 11 am. para ver si hay algun cambio.
Les mantedre informado.

Eugenio J. Cámara
 Desde Mayagüez, PR
  18º 11' 29"
067º 08' 25"  
 

• From: Mark Stepaniak <steps AT netscape.net>
• Date: 16 Nov 99 23:07:14 GST

It is Tuesday, November 16 at 9 AM...I work at a school and preparations here
are in full swing.  Right now, we are planning on staying for a full day
(dismissal at 2:30 PM) but depending on what the forecast says, we could
dismiss early.  Probably about half our students are absent today, parents
chose to keep them home.

Right now, clouds are overcast but there is no rain or wind, just a light
breeze.  This is on the northwest coast of Puerto Rico. My husband went to
search for one more case of bottled water, but the shelves are empty. 
Fortunately, we still had the majority of our supply left so we should be okay
(unless Lenny deals a bad punch).  

Things are calm and people are going about their daily business with no sense
of panic.  We have filled the bathtubs and washing machine, and my husband is
finishing outside preprations...bringing in plants and patio furniture and
taping the one louvered window that doesn't quite close all the way!

This will be our first storm in Puerto Rico, so we are a little anxious about
what to expect, especially after the storm.  We'll write again once  something
to report.

Lauri and Mark Stepaniak
Isabela, Puerto Rico

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• From: "rafa://puerto rico" <rafapr AT centennialpr.net>
• Date: Tue, 16 Nov 1999 11:31:51 -0400

The good news is that Lenny (AKA as El Zurdo) is holding steady at 15.3°N
latitude. IF (a big IF, accepted) that continues, Puerto Rico's south coast
might be spared hurricane force winds. (As a point of reference, Ponce is
located at 18.01°N.)

The bad news is that if El Zurdo keeps on it's projected tract, it's got
Vieques and Culebra square in it's sight. Add to this, that be it as it may,
most of Puerto Rico will be under tropical force winds. The situation as
regards the prospect of rain, are unchanged.

Barometric pressures in San Juan and Ponce are steady. It's still overcast
in San Juan, muggy as heck, and for all practical effects, there is no
breeze. It is starting to rain on portions of the south coast.

rafa://puerto rico
stocked up with black and white cookies at 18.45°N, 66.08°W
PD Renacuajo sends her regards. She's taking her mid morning nap on top of
the monitor.

• From: "rafa://puerto rico" <rafapr AT centennialpr.net>
• Date: Tue, 16 Nov 1999 09:22:09 -0400

Officially, public schools will close at noon, and government workers sent
home at 3:00 pm. 328 shelters should be open by the end of the day. Airports
will continue functioning, as well as ferry service to Vieques and Culebra,
until weather conditions permit.

Authorities put on the dog and pony show, with just about everybody who's
anybody, crowding the podium. Outpatient medical facilities and elective
surgical procedures are suspended for Wednesday.

The dry law goes into effect at sundown, and the closing law is suspended.
That being the case, I'd imagine that hardware stores and supermarkets will
be open until the bitter end.

What I haven't heard any news is any preparations regarding electrical
power. The major power generating plants are on the south coast. And once
the power goes, water service will be drastically curtailed.

I checked the Doppler images, and as of this writing the first outer bands
are nearing the south eastern coast of Puerto Rico. Other radar imaginary
showed a rather large storm. So when it starts raining, it will literally be
cats and dogs.

There is a new law that permits authorities to forcibly remove people from
low laying areas. Where it will be used, or not, depends on whether or not
people move to shelters.

The state university will close at noon.

rafa://puerto rico
stocked up with black and white cookies at 18.45°N, 66.08°W

• From: "rafa://puerto rico" <rafapr AT centennialpr.net>
• Date: Tue, 16 Nov 1999 07:57:13 -0400

My morning soiree into the local supermarket found shelves practically empty
as far as bottled water and canned meat goes. There was very light traffic,
in spite of the fact that the state university and most private schools have
not closed. Apparently, the locals are staying home.

It's pretty much overcast, although there is no rain, as yet, in San Juan.

Schools will probably be closed at noon, as well as government employees.
From noon on down, it's going to be a mess, as you have +200,000 government
workers on the roads, trying to finish anything left undone, before sundown.

The 0900 Z advisory hints at a change, as far as landfall goes. Considering
Puerto Rico is 100 miles wide, anyway you cut it, landfall should be on the
south coast. Hurricane force winds spread 50 miles from the center. The
problem faced by people on the south coast is that it should start raining
early this evening. As the water rushes down the mountain, it's going to
meet the storm surge hitting the coast during the early morning on
Wednesday. That's when you are going to have major flooding, as the water
has no place to flow.

Cabo Rojo alone, has about 3,000 residents living, for all practical
effects, at sea level. That's about 10% of the total number of refugees we
had during George. And Cabo Rojo is one of the smaller towns on the south
coast.

rafa://puerto rico
stocked up with black and white cookies at 18.45°N, 66.08°W

• From: "Jesus F.Encarnacion" <enca AT spiderlink.net>
• Date: Tue, 16 Nov 1999 01:42:22 -0400

• From: Debra Vela <davela AT caribe.net>
• Date: Mon, 15 Nov 1999 23:46:45 -0400

We've just been upgraded from a watch to a warning.  Things tonight are
eerily quiet.  Took Samantha for a walk and we were just about the only
ones on the street.  The only others I saw were a couple of guys
dismantling their mast from their hobi-cat near my house.  Since this
storm is coming from the South, I'm most worried about flooding as
opposed to winds.  Our resident "local" weather expert (he reports to us
from Florida) doesn't see anything to suggest that the National Weather
Center's predictions might be influenced.  So, looks like we're in for
another ride.  Thank goodness the winds have decreased somewhat but they
are expected to increase again tomorrow.  I'm bringing the patio
furniture tomorrow as well as securing computer equipment at work.

v.

• From: Debra Vela <davela AT caribe.net>
• Date: Mon, 15 Nov 1999 19:05:55 -0400

Puerto Rico is now under a hurricane watch.  We're expecting a warning
tomorrow afternoon and the winds to come on Wednesday.  Am starting
preparations.

• From: "rafa://puerto rico" <rafapr AT centennialpr.net>
• Date: Mon, 15 Nov 1999 19:00:20 -0400

A hurricane watch is in effect for Puerto Rico. It could possibly be
upgraded with the 0300 Z advisory. The eye SHOULD make landfall early
Wednesday morning, somewhere between Cabo Rojo and Ponce.

A official announcement by government authorities will probably be made
midmorning on Tuesday. Some forecasters are comparing Lenny, as far as rain
goes, to Hortense. If memory serves me correctly, that storm dumped 23" of
rain in 24 hours. The problem, apart from the normal problems associated
with that much rain, is that the beaches on Puerto Rico's south coast are
manmade. In fact a major highway, just hugs the coast. Major flooding and
landslides loom in the future, as the rain washes off the mountains, and
tries to empty into the ocean.

Tomorrow we will have a more precise picture of what the future holds, but
we should start feeling tropical force winds and rain as the sun sets on
Tuesday. Conditions will get progressively worst as it dawns on Wednesday.
The latest advisory places Lenny's eye right on top of yours truly humble
adobe on Wednesday. My past experience has always been that these storms are
always delayed. So that might well be towards sundown on Wednesday.

Be it as it may, yours truly, is planning his traditional pre-storm dinner.
It tends it be psychologically uplifting, if and when the funny stuff hits
the fan, that a opportunity for a hot meal was not laid to waste.

rafa://puerto rico
re-stocked up with black and white cookies at 18.45°N, 66.08°W

• From: "rafa://puerto rico" <rafapr AT centennialpr.net>
• Date: Thu, 21 Oct 1999 11:18:51 -0400

The 1500Z update downgrades José to a 65 mph tropical force storm. Having
said that the 0000Z forecast places the eye just 50 miles north of San Juan,
with a 20 nautical mile margin of error. Unless my tracking application has
gone bananas, tropical force winds will cover all of Puerto Rico. The north
coast is still awaiting the worst from José.

rafa://puerto rico
stocked up with black and white cookies at 18.45°N, 66.08°W
PD I knew something was funny, as Renacuajo refused to stray afar from her
bunker.

• From: "rafa://puerto rico" <rafapr AT centennialpr.net>
• Date: Thu, 21 Oct 1999 10:04:34 -0400

An update to my previous post. Additional information from Camp Allende, on
Vieques, is that the camp, per se, tents, cooking gear, sleeping bags were
destroyed.

The protesters have food and water for various days, but it is imperative
that the camp be rebuilt, since they are on open ground, with no protection
from the sun.

Two military personal showed up, dressed in civil attire, offering any help
needed. They said they came on behalf of the Secretary of the Navy. They
were told to take back the message that the good neighbor policy was 60
years late.

It's partially cloudy at my location, with very little, if any, rain.
Government employees are to report to work tomorrow.

rafa://puerto rico
stocked up with black and white cookies at 18.45°N, 66.08°W

• From: "elva cruz de villalobos" <eljua AT hotmail.com>
• Date: Thu, 21 Oct 1999 06:58:22 PDT

Good morning to all. It's a very good morning.

'Jose' didn't visit us last night. We've had plenty of rain and lots of fog 
in the inner island mountain zone.

Rain should continue throughout the day, but we'll take rain any day and not 
a turricane.

I'll keep you posted should anything happen.



P.S.
for those that have contacted me inquiring about 'Jose' and the Leeward 
Islands at this time I don't have confirmed information;but as soon as I 
have information as a courtesy to your inquiries I will respond to at the 
email addresses that have been sent.


Note: there is a posting at http://gobeach.com/hurr.htm regarding Antigua; 
maybe this will help you until I am able to verify the information I've been 
given. :>

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• From: "rafa://puerto rico" <rafapr AT centennialpr.net>
• Date: Thu, 21 Oct 1999 07:19:31 -0400

A live TV transmission from Vieques, one of Puerto Rico's offshore islands,
reveals that ferry service to Puerto Rico's east coast is suspended, and the
airport is closed. Gusts are evident, and there is some rain, but cars are
still on the road.

For those of you that have asked, the protesters preventing the resuming of
the Navy's live ordinance firing on Vieques, are well. In spite of efforts,
they refused to abandon the settlements, fearing that the Navy could use the
opportunity to prevent their return. Some of them moved their camp to a old
depleted tank used for target practice, and the another group had built a
'tomentera', a Puerto Rican hurricane shelter, half buried in the ground.
The only preoccupation, at this time, is that sea conditions, might force
them out of the tomentera.

Obviously, it will be impossible to link up with them via sea, but efforts
are being made to reach them via land, and through the naval base.

Shopping centers are taking advantage of the fact that many people have been
granted a free day. They will open, and do business as usual.

rafa://puerto rico
stocked up with black and white cookies at 18.45°N, 66.08°W

• From: "rafa://puerto rico" <rafapr AT centennialpr.net>
• Date: Thu, 21 Oct 1999 05:22:30 -0400

It's been a drizzling all night long, but no heavy showers, YET. I am
catching some listener reports on AM radio. There is some rain in the San
Juan Metropolitan Area. There is a dead calm, probably the proverbial calm
prior to the storm.

The national debate, for lack of a better term, is on the quality of the
weather forecasters on TV. Glancing out my windows, an inordinate number of
windows shows people up and around. I'd guess they are the diehard, as yours
truly, savoring what might be the last cup of java (as in coffee, and not
some computer term)

Just glanced at the 0900 advisory. Good news, hurricane warnings has been
downgraded to tropical force warning. Not that this means we are out of the
woods, yet. Satellite photos reveal a real large sucker, bursting with rain.

TV stations are either off the air, or transmitting music videos, and such
nonsense. I caught the 0300 Z bulletin last night on the government station.
They were almost carving in stone the fact, that they would be on the air
with the last information, all night long, come hell and high water. The
truth is that they are running a aerobics program. It would have been more
truthful if they would have just said, 'Look folks, we've busted our
derrieres all day long, and we really need some shuteye. Our weather person
is about to go into labor, besides the fact that she needs 2 hours in
makeup. So we'll be back on the air, when we are back on the air.' The same
could be said for the only other commercial station on the air.

There are about 400 people in shelters, and authorities are deciding what
they will do regarding people in flood prone areas.

Look folks, the nitty gritty is that it's going to rain cats and dogs, once
it starts raining. There's just no way around that. If George is any
indication, thousands will probably seek shelter, due to rain, by sundown.
My estimate is that 3" of rain, will cause floods. And the official reports
estimate 5-10". Down island reports as far as flooding goes, are no
indication, since most of these islands are pretty flat. The mountain range
that crosses Puerto Rico from east to west is a great catch basin, and as
the rain falls 3,000 feet, to sea level, to does pick up speed. I'd venture
a guess that anyone north of a imaginary line stretching from Guayama, on
the south coast; to Hatillo on the northern coast, should have a rain coat
ready.

Flights out of San Juan, down island, are canceled. Besides that, the
airport is still up and running.

rafa://puerto rico
stocked up with black and white cookies at 18.45°N, 66.08°W

• From: "J.C" <cruzj AT prtc.net>
• Date: Wed, 20 Oct 1999 23:19:37 -0400

Hello everyone,

Report from Isabela, PR
Local Time : 11:00 PM
Date : 10-20-99

At this moment there is no rain fall where I lived and it has been like that
since eight o'clock. I went out a while ago and everything is extremely
quiet.  Also, not many vehicles are transiting local roads.

I'll keep you posted.

Regards,

J.C.

• From: "J.C" <cruzj AT prtc.net>
• Date: Wed, 20 Oct 1999 19:33:40 -0400

Hello everyone,

Report from Isabela, PR
Local Time : 7:00 PM
Date : 10-20-99

The day has been quiet, no many cars on the road, a chilled morning, (78 F),
while I was heading to work this morning it was so beautiful that I almost
grab a surf board and change my coordinates directly to Jobos Beach...
Government school and most private one's remain close and it is so calm that
I'm starting to remember the day after the Hurricane George's.

Close to 2:00 P.M.,  little rain starts to fall were I work in Aguadilla,
close to the Ramey Base and after that the sky clears again and at this
moment there is no rain fall in Isabela.

The scenario that we are facing now however,  locates the system a bit off
shore of the north east of the Island which is good and if it remains with
this path and a little to the north eventually we will only receive a lot of
rain.  Hurricane Warning stills in effect do.

Finally,  I will send another report latter on if something new happens and
keep us in your prayers.

God Bless all.

Regards,

J.C.
Isabela, PR

• From: "rafa://puerto rico" <rafapr AT centennialpr.net>
• Date: Wed, 20 Oct 1999 17:19:05 -0400

My previous posting referred to refugees, when the correct noun was shelter.
Let's chalk that goof

José's eye has been wobbling all over the Caribbean, raising hopes that the
hurricane watch might be lifted; or at least reduced to a tropical storm
watch. This started with the 1200Z advisory.

These hopes were shattered with the 2100Z advisory. In a live press
conference, transmitted by the principal radio networks, authorities
maintained the hurricane watch until, at least 0300Z 10/21. Although the
possibility of hurricane winds is still a possibility, tropical force winds
are a very real probability. Tropical force gusts should be felt after
midnight (0400Z), especially on Puerto Rico's eastern coast, and the
off-shore islands of Culebra and Vieques. Hurricane force gusts are
possibility for these areas. Bear in mind, this still assumes that the eye
will pass about 100 miles north of Puerto Rico. The watch will be in effect
until the eye crosses the magical line at 18°N. Authorities are emphasizing
the danger from 5-10" of rain expected. And I am sure that they are worried
about people that simply refuse to leave their homes in flood prone areas.
Although they are empowered to forcibly remove people, there are no reports
they have gone to this extreme. What it all boils down to is how high the
winds will be, and for how long. I'd venture a guess that the straw that
will break the proverbial camel's back will be at either 0300Z or 0600Z.

Government offices will be closed tomorrow, as well as schools.

Gusts and rain are been reported as of this time in Vieques, where at least
2 TV channels have set up remote transmission facilities.

The day started off quite nice. In a quick in and out at the supermarket, I
found it relatively empty, as far as check-out lines went. While canned food
stuffs were still available, bottled water was dumped by the pallet-full in
the aisles, soft drinks were sadly lacking, as well as toilet paper. I will
let leave the sad labor of drawing any reflections upon out society to the
social scientists. The only reason I wasn't woken at 5:00 am by a neighbor
testing his power generator and buzz saw, was because I already had my java
ready.

As the day progressed, the sky grew progressively cloudy, although rain was
limited to 2 brief showers prior to lunch.

rafa://puerto rico
stocked up with black and white cookies at 18.45°N, 66.08°W

• From: "elva cruz de villalobos" <eljua AT hotmail.com>
• Date: Wed, 20 Oct 1999 14:19:06 PDT

The 5:00PM weather update did not bring us the much anticipated discharge of 
the hurricane advisory.

It has been determined by the weather officials and local government that 
due to the instability (zig-zagging) in the trajectory of 'Jose' it is wiser 
to keep the residents in a state of alert in the event that 'Jose' makes a 
sudden move easterly, thus bringing him closer to the island of Puerto Rico.

Our airports remain open; some flights have been delayed.

According to the local news heavy rains are being felt in Luqillo (east 
coast) as of the 5PM news cast.

The people here, for the most part, are calm. Most of the hammering and 
drilling has stopped, the stores have minimal customers.

It appears as though nothing of great magnitude will occur othe than heavy 
rains and gusting winds.

Next update in approximately one hour.

Lat. 17.2; Long 62.4
at 1600 hours

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• From: "elva cruz de villalobos" <eljua AT hotmail.com>
• Date: Wed, 20 Oct 1999 11:28:11 PDT

Good news!!!!!!!!!!!

Well folks according to the latest update, the weather service has indicated 
that the continued hurricane movement in an east-north-east direction is 
taking 'Jose' farther away from Puerto Rico.

It is forecasted that heavy rains will commence later tonight and increase 
throughout the night and into thursday.

It is anticipated that the hurricane adivsory will be downgraded to a 
tropical storm watch.

Happy vacationing to all.




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• From: "Susana Vazquez" <suvazgar AT hotmail.com>
• Date: Wed, 20 Oct 1999 13:38:02 AST

HI:
AT THIS POINT THINGS ARE VERY UNCERTAIN, THERE IS NOTHING FOR SURE.
IN THE NORTH PART OF THE ISLAND WE HAVE RAIN AND SOME WINDS.
WE HAVE TO WAIT FOR THE FORECAST OF 11:OOPM.
BUT EVERYBODY IS PREPARING FOR THE HURRICANE JOSE.
THE ONLY THING WE CAN DO IS SIT DOWN AND WAIT.
I WILL TRY TO E-MAIL YOU LATER IN THE AFTERNOON.
THANK YOU,
SUSANA VAZQUEZ

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• From: "elva cruz de villalobos" <eljua AT hotmail.com>
• Date: Wed, 20 Oct 1999 08:47:22 PDT

Latest bulletin emitted by the National weather service and our local 
government 'Jose' has shifted in a northern direction and is now expected to 
pass Puerto Rico at an approximate 100 - 150 miles. The islands of Culebra 
and Vieques should been feeling tropical storm winds.

The main island Puerto Rico, will feel some similar effects in the areas of 
Luquillo, Fajardo, Ceiba (north eastern coast).


'Jose' is now a category 2 on the Saffir Simpson Scale, it is expected that 
it's trajectory will continue north and therefore there should be no direct 
impact to Puerto Rico nor the Continental United States. 'Jose' has had some 
erratic movement (zig-zag), but never the less it appears that at most we 
can expect heavy rains; causing flash floods.

Once, again our prayers have been answered.


I'll post another update as soon as there is any change communicated to us.



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• From: Debra Vela <davela AT caribe.net>
• Date: Wed, 20 Oct 1999 02:34:13 -0300

Am too tired from preparations to report.  It's 2:30am and my house is
semi-safe, the neighbors upstairs are still hammering and I've got to
get to work in the morning to secure our computers, then off to my
sister-in-law's to help her secure her house.  Securing my house on the
beach meant five hours of labor intensive work to place everything above
flooding level.

Will write a more cheerful e-mail once I've had some sleep.

Yes, we are preparing.  Expecting lots and lots of rain and flooding.
Wishing my neighbor upstairs would quit hammering (although he just
helped me out about 30 minutes ago to secure my bathroom window).  Alas.

Getting prepared for whatever,

v.

• From: "elva cruz de villalobos" <eljua AT hotmail.com>
• Date: Tue, 19 Oct 1999 22:35:55 PDT

The latest update in relation to the trajectory of 'Jose', puts him about 20 
to 30 miles north, north east of our eastern coast.

Although, it is not projected that 'Jose' will touch land it is expected to 
have an impact on the island of Puerto Rico.

We are expecting heavy rains ranging from 10 to 15 inches and winds in the 
area of 100 mph and heavier gusts in the mountains and center of the island.

It rained off and on most of the day, but nothing major; however it is 
expected that by wednesday evening we should start to feel intermittent 
winds and rains directly associated with 'Jose' and that due to its' speed 
of only 13mph this could last through the early hours on thursday October 
21st, which just for the record is exactly one year and one month after the 
devastating wrath of 'Georges'.

Schools will be closed Wednesday in order to set up shelters for residents 
in dangerous areas. Government employees will be expected to work half a day 
except for those that serve and protect our citizens (ie fire fighters, 
police, civil defense, etc.) The Red Cross has activated it's emergency 
plans, so as to be prepared for any eventuality.


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• From: "aquila" <aquila AT coqui.net>
• Date: Wed, 20 Oct 1999 01:04:08 -0300

• From: Gert van Dijken <gert AT vandijken.com>
• Date: Wed, 20 Oct 1999 00:09:18 -0400 (EDT)

Date: Tue, 19 Oct 1999 21:58:58 AST
From: Susana Vazquez <suvazgar AT hotmail.com>

HI GERT:
THINGS IN PUERTO RICO ARE RUNNING SMOOTHLY, THERE IS A LOT OF RAIN.
WE WAITING THAT HURRICANE JOSE TOUCH THE ISLAND THURSDAY MORNING.
WE ARE WAITING FOR THE FORECAST OF 11:00PM.
I WILL KEEP IN TOUCH.
THANKS,
SUSANA VAZQUEZ

• From: "J.C" <cruzj AT prtc.net>
• Date: Tue, 19 Oct 1999 22:15:37 -0400

Hello everyone,

Report from Isabela, PR
Local Time : 10:00 PM
Sky's: Clear and a little windy.

At this moment,  people in the area of Isabela are doing very well.  The
majority of the population this year have been proactively in preparing
their stuff prior to the Hurricane season.

I visit a local gas station in order to buy some gas and oil for my
generator and the guy there told me that people have been collecting gas all
the day.  One of the local supermarket parking lot was as crowded as a NY
Mets parking lot.

Today,  we have had a beautiful, sunny, hot and clear sky day.  One of my
biggest concerns this year is that for the north, north-west of the Island
it has been raining like crazy lately.  I have had experience calibrating
rain gauges and I'm sure that several inches of rain have been falling.
Everybody knows what happens when a system like this one opens it's path on
soil that has been under heavy rain.... God help Us!!!

Last but not least,  if you have relatives in the Island or near Isabela,
Keep in touch...

This year My generator is Up and running as well as my laptop...

Regards,

Jose Cruz
Isabela, PR

• From: "rafa://puerto rico" <rafapr AT centennialpr.net>
• Date: Tue, 19 Oct 1999 18:44:36 -0400

Bueno, a hurricane watch is in effect for Puerto Rico. The current plot
places José's eye passing over Vieques and Culebra. They will start to feel
the first gusts after sundown on Wednesday.

My midday soiree to the supermarket, had yours truly on a 15 minute
check-out line, with all six cash registers going full swing. Normally, the
lines barely reached two-three customers. Apparently, we were taking the
watch (remember this was at noon) with some seriousness. But then, again,
after George, you'd have to be a mental case to brush away a hurricane
watch. Shelves were still stocked, although prices were dropping on fresh
meat. Following custom, I got my T-bone. If push comes to shove, I'd rather
face the possibility of instant coffee and crackers with the sweet memory of
a good steak under the belt. At least one supermarket chain is opening
tonight until midnight.

Officials are warning that even though José's eye doesn't make actual
landfall, the eye is large enough, so that, at least tropical force winds
will be felt over the entire island. How much rain we'll get, is still up in
the air (no pun intended or implied). The truth is that we've had a fair
amount of rain during the last weeks, and I'd expect some major flooding.

I little historical fact. The last time a hurricane storm visited Puerto
Rico in October was back in 1943. The hurricane is known as San Calixto.
This was way back when we followed the custom of naming storms for the saint
day, when the storm made landfall.

The local joke is that some mayors are getting ready to see how they can get
skim off some FEMA funds, if and when, the worst occurs. (One mayor is in
jail for the 5 years for some such foolishness.)

I think we should not loose sight of the fact, that there are still people
living in shelters, and a good number of roofs are still covered with the
blue tarpaulins.

I'm firing up the laptop tonight, and unless the phone lines go bonkers,
I'll try to up load a hourly report.

On the brighter side, and if for no other reason, as a consolation, we'll
feel José's brunt during daylight hours.

364 refuges will open at 8:00 am tomorrow. Public schools will be closed.
Government employees are being asked to report to work. Government offices
will close at noon. Sale of alcoholic beverages will be prohibited from
Wednesday morning.

rafa://puerto rico
stocked up with black and white cookies at 18.45°N, 66.08°W

• From: "Rosana Vazquez" <rosana AT coqui.net>
• Date: Tue, 19 Oct 1999 17:57:32 -0400

• From: "elva cruz de villalobos" <eljua AT hotmail.com>
• Date: Tue, 19 Oct 1999 09:38:46 PDT

Weather here is mostly cloudy with sporadic rain showers and mild winds.

Islanders are preparing for the eminent hit of 'Jose'; every one is very 
busy.

Latest weather update indicates that there's a possibility 'Jose' will only 
hit the north eastern coast of Puerto Rico versus a direct hit on the entire 
island.


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• From: "elva cruz de villalobos" <eljua AT hotmail.com>
• Date: Mon, 18 Oct 1999 22:03:11 PDT

Here on the island of Puerto Rico the people are slowing getting ready for 
Jose. The local grocery and hardware stores are having a slight increase in 
sales. However, there are many residents that speculate there will be no 
impact direct nor indirect by Jose to Puerto Rico and for now have no plans.

Never the less, many are preparing. I have instructed the senior citizens in 
my community to freeze water, turn up the freezer settings, stock up on 
potable or distlled water and to let us know if they need any canned goods 
or medication refills.

For now everyone in this rural community as well as the inner island towns 
are getting ready.

I'll keep you posted.

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• From: Debra Vela <davela AT caribe.net>
• Date: Mon, 13 Sep 1999 00:19:05 -0300

Just watching.  15.1Nx36.3W and travelling west.  Just watching.

Gotta go north.

Just watching.

However, tremendous light show of the lightening from Floyd.  I'm on the
beach (not by or nearby) but on the beach.  Good show, and that's all I
need or want.  Gonna go back to my veranda to watch.

Gotta go north.  Just get to 20N.

Just watching.

A little nervous.  Go away, Gert, the Gert without a last name.

v.

• From: "rafa://puerto rico" <rafapr AT centennialpr.net>
• Date: Sun, 12 Sep 1999 17:14:27 -0400

• From: "rafa://puerto rico" <rafapr AT centennialpr.net>
• Date: Fri, 10 Sep 1999 18:06:33 -0300

I checked the local reports all day long. Since midnight, the wind has been
blowing from every which way, except the normal east. In fact, at dawn, it
was blowing from the SW. Should I be surprised it's felt usually hot and
muggy all day long? Tomorrow's forecast calls for gusty weather, rain and
thunderstorms. I'll be on top of the Doppler radar all day tomorrow.

Now that Floyd's is history (hopefully without any major flooding tomorrow),
has anyone noticed the three waves that have blown off Africa? Apparently
next week promises to be one of those week, again.

rafa://puerto rico
stocked up with black and white cookies at 18.45°N, 66.08°W

• From: "rafa://puerto rico" <rafapr AT centennialpr.net>
• Date: Fri, 10 Sep 1999 08:02:06 -0300

Maybe we should be celebrating, since, unless Floyd makes a hard left, the
eye SHOULD pass some 200+ miles to the north. The 0900 UTC has the eye about
500 miles due west. I just saw a satelite foto, which showed a major rain
band to Floyd's south, that should dump a couple of inches of rain, probably
Saturday afternoon, night; and maybe even on Sunday. If Floyd should
strenghten, it may well make itself smaller. The winds will come from all
directions as Floyd approaches. The ground is preatty saturated, so I'd
expect a certain degree of flooding in low-laying areas. Folks are just
watching and waiting, but besides some gusts and rain, not much else is
expected.

rafa://puerto rico
stocked up with black and white cookies at 18.45°N, 66.08°W

• From: "Rafael Buxeda Díaz" <rafapr AT centennialpr.net>
• Date: Tue, 24 Aug 1999 19:25:35 -0400