|
|
- Updates from the Islands -
|
|
|
| - earthquakes in paradise! |
|
Last night at 6:35pm we had an incredible earthquake tremor. I do not
know what the strength was, probably not much, but enough that is shook my
masonry, three story apartment building for quite a few seconds! A distant
rumble could be heard and in moments it subsided. No known damages anywhere
on Tortola just some flipped out people. WHAT? Hurricane season is over and
now we have earthquakes?
I do remember it seems we have had earthquakes in December before, as if
to remind us that we, like everybody else, are truly at the mercy of mother
nature.
All is well, come on down! The weather is gorgeous!
This report is sponsored by;
<A HREF="http://hometown.aol.com/cynthiarosebvi/index.htm">
http://hometown.aol.com/cynthiarosebvi/index.htm</A>
Visit the web page for interesting information and check out Miss
Mermaid's Library.
|
| - Weather is GORGEOUS, Come on down! |
|
Phew, all the storms and mess just keep missing us! Yahoo!
aSail4u AT aol.com
|
| - Thunder, Lightning and Rain |
|
This morning the heavens opened up as Keith (west of us) crept a little
closer sending a cacophony of wet and wild weather to raise me out of bed at
the crack of dawn.
The thunder is so loud, the windows are rattling and my insulted ears
search furtively for the volume control.
Joyce, to the southeast of us, has wobbled along a drunken course,
threatening to enter the non-hurricane belt.
Isaac at least is far north of us and seems to pose no threat unless he
does a loop-to-loop and comes back down.
The gardens and cisterns are at least immensely happy to have all this
rain.
aSail4u AT aol.com
|
| - The Bermuda Triangle! |
|
WOW! Take a look at Isaac, Joyce and Tropical Depression # 15 (over near Honduras). They form a nice triangle. Now, look in the middle. That is us in the beautiful Virgin Islands! <A HREF="http://www.intellicast.com/Tropical/World/UnitedStates/AtlanticAnalysis/ ">Intellicast.com Weather - United States Tropical Atlantic Surface Analys</A> If you've ever wanted to own a boat in the BVI, put your offer in NOW for the best deals! Today's featured boat can be found at; <A HREF="http://www.bviyachtsales.com/boats/view_result.cgi?boat_id=697224&units= Feet&listing_id=1469&page=broker">BVI Yacht Sales-sea rose</A> aSail4u AT aol.com |
| - Yikes! The Voice of Joyce! |
|
Isaac seems to have sheared away, leaving the Caribbean untouched. But
along came Joyce and she looks ferocious indeed!
AT 11 AM AST THE CENTER OF HURRICANE JOYCE WAS LOCATED
NEAR LATITUDE 11.5 NORTH...LONGITUDE 44.7 WEST
OR ABOUT 1000 MILES EAST OF THE WINDWARD ISLANDS.
MAXIMUM SUSTAINED WINDS NEAR 85 MPH
MOVING TOWARD THE WEST-SOUTHWEST NEAR 14 MPH
My favorite (scary) picture of Isaac and Joyce is at
<A
HREF="http://www.intellicast.com/Tropical/World/UnitedStates/AtlanticAnalysis/
">Intellicast.com Weather - United States Tropical Atlantic Surface Analys</A>
Today in Tortola we are experiencing an unusual day with overcast skies and
drizzly rain, apparently from a wave approaching from our west. Days like
today can ruin our near perfect weather image!
As for me and my boat,
I feel like a long-tailed pussycat in a room full of rocking chairs!
Meow!
From
aSail4u AT aol.com
|
| - Isaac is still a bully! |
|
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE MIAMI FL
11 AM AST SUN SEP 24 2000
...ISAAC A LITTLE WEAKER...
I am intrigued with the headlines, but I hardly call 110 mile per hour
winds weak at all!!! Perhaps weaker than 115 mph..... If you want to split
hairs.
The himmacane is 280 miles across from the center, so it's a big storm in
my book anyhow.
We will have to wait and watch and see, though I hope Isaac moves north
of us and just dumps some rain on us. But I still don't like the looks of
him!
aSail4u AT aol.com
<A
HREF="http://www.intellicast.com/Tropical/World/UnitedStates/AtlanticAnalysis/
">Intellicast.com Weather - United States Tropical Atlantic Surface Analys</A>
By the way here is a great picture of Isaac!
|
| - Evil Isaac! a category 3 AT 115 mile per hour winds! |
|
ISAAC STRENGTHENS FAR FROM LAND... This was the lead in my email from the National Weather Service. I always think of the poor sailors at sea, the storm may be far from land, but some wretched soul is probably going through the hurricane right now and praying for fresh underwear and deliverance, as his boat breaks apart. (I spent more than 10 years at sea, so I always think of the hapless sailors in situations like this!) Not one single "survival" guide at sea suggests you pack a pair of fresh underwear in your emergency bag. I think this is a gross oversight, besides, do you know how many people are rescued naked? A friend of mine stayed aboard his boat at anchor, during a hurricane years ago in the USVI. His boat broke loose (it was later found bashed on rocky cliffs) and he ended up making a mad swim for shore during the height of the storm. He managed to arrive on the beach of a large posh resort. As he fought his way across the beach and up to the resort, he realized his clothes had been ripped from his body by the powerful storm and he was only wearing one flipper and nothing else, when he arrived. I am continually amazed at how quick the meteorologists are to predict the hurricane's path, when it's pretty much like playing the horse track. You study the horses, look at the odds and make your bets. Of course my own predictions are largely drawn on a bizarre form of sixth sense that works erratically, usually on silly stuff. Yesterday, I had a dear friend visiting from another island who was hoping I would show him a few of nature's little secrets on this island. So I asked him if he had been to a certain remote beach (he hadn't a clue where it even was!) and he asked if it would be private and I stared off into space and told him "There will be upwards of 4 people there, when we arrive." He wanted to go immediately! We both work in different forms of tourism and love that dearly, but there are occasional times when we long to escape the tourists (and then go be one ourselves!) It took us quite a while to reach the beach, we took a detour down a donkey trail, I was curious about, but when we arrived at the beach, there were 2 folks in the water and 2 on the beach, a total of four! Now, if only I could apply that silly sixth sense to something like Isaac... Of course I hope himmacane Isaac avoids us all together, but I am concerned about his classic formation and the "uh-oh!" effects of his winds increasing while his motion decreases. That give him time to build up power and steam. When I look at the latest satellite picture, I am amazed at how massive Isaac is in size, especially, when we are just a teensy-tiny-itsy-bitsy-little island! It would appear that Isaac would have to go nearly north for us not to feel his effects at all. Everyone here is hoping for more rain to top off the cisterns and pretty up the gardens, but this himmacane business is a ton of work in preparations! So I plan to dash around like a mermaid in peril, securing boat, business, home and sanity, as best I can. Matter-of-fact, if you want to buy my beautiful boat, make me an offer before Isaac gets any closer! Write me at aSail4u AT aol.com And I will send you to her web link! |
| - ISAAC |
|
Well! Right when we thought we were going to get off easy this season,
along came tropical depression # 13, who whipped himself into such a frenzy
that he has now been granted the name of ISAAC.
He is well worth watching as he is doing all the classical steps for
threatening us in a matter of days. At that point, everyone will probably
disagree widely on the probability of a strike, but heaven help us! We are
normally a confused lot, this will only enhance the situation.
Which by the way, the Road Town Retailers should consider buying some
JUMBO OPEN signs. Shortly after the last hurricane scare, we had tourists on
island who complained that Road Town was all closed up and there was no where
to shop. I was puzzled by this statement until I went to Road Town and saw
that many businesses had nailed huge ugly boards to cover their windows. Not
in a hurry to take them back down, many had reopened for business, assuming
that everyone knew they were really open even though they looked firmly
closed.
Perhaps it is time that the building codes require storm shutters to be
an integral part of the building. I see many new buildings go up and then
when there is a hurricane threat, huge ugly holes are made in the building to
accommodate hastily nailed boards. I suppose the town planners and the
architects are far more optimistic than the rest of us by building without
any provision for storms.
As for Isaac, his winds are picking up, his movement is slowing down,
we'll be keeping an eye on him to see if he dares to misbehave in our region.
TROPICAL STORM ISAAC CONTINUES TO STRENGTHEN IN THE
FAR EASTERN ATLANTIC...
AT 5 AM AST...0900Z...THE CENTER OF TROPICAL STORM ISAAC
WAS LOCATED NEAR LATITUDE 12.7 NORTH...LONGITUDE 28.2 WEST
OR ABOUT 285 MILES...460 KM...WEST-SOUTHWEST OF THE SOUTHERNMOST
CAPE VERDE ISLANDS.
ISAAC IS MOVING TOWARD THE WEST NEAR 20 MPH...32 KM/HR...AND THIS
GENERAL MOTION IS EXPECTED TO CONTINUE WITH A GRADUAL DECREASE IN
FORWARD SPEED EXPECTED LATER TODAY.
Your Curious Corespondent,
aSail4u AT aol.com
|
| - CONFUSION! |
|
#12 THE 1 PM AST POSITION...16.0 N... 58.0 W. MOVEMENT TOWARD...WEST NEAR 17 MPH. MAXIMUM SUSTAINED WINDS... 35 MPH. MINIMUM CENTRAL PRESSURE...1010 MB. THIS IS THE LAST ADVISORY FROM THE NATIONAL HURRICANE CENTER ON THIS SYSTEM...UNLESS REGENERATION OCCURS. As of 6pm the local weather station was still treating this as a threat to land, as of 6:20pm, the radio just now announces this is nothing to worry about. We get so many conflicting weather reports, it's a wonder we ever get around to preparing for a real storm! 35 mph winds are hardly anything to worry about, that's usually considered a good brisk sailing day in the winter! Your confused correspondent aSail4u AT aol.com |
| - HOORAY!!!!!!!!!!!!! |
|
DEBBY DETERIORATES INTO OPEN TROPICAL WAVE. ALL TROPICAL STORM WATCHES AND WARNINGS ARE DISCONTINUED Your Dancing on Clouds, Happy Correspondent in Tortola aSail4u AT aol.com Fee free to contact me before you plan your next vacation in the beautiful British Virgin Islands! I will give you the the "local insider's scoop"! |
| - Come on down! The weather is gorgeous! |
|
Debby is done! Tortola sprang back to business while the power was still
being restored yesterday morning.
The sun is out, the breeze is gentle, a perfect day to go limin' at the
beach or sailing.
The only complaint I heard was the meteorologists were wrong again, we
didn't get the promised rain and many were looking forward to topping off
their cisterns.
Sheesh! You just can't have everything in paradise!
Your Happy Correspondent on Tortola
aSail4u AT aol.com
Fee free to contact me before you plan your next vacation in the beautiful
British Virgin Islands! I will give you the the "local insider's scoop"!
|
| - The Mouse that Roared! |
|
Hi everyone! Throughout the BVI ... Debby was to hurricanes what the pissing boy fountain is to Old Faithful. It was the mouse that roared ... but a mouse just the same. The bulk of the storm missed us altogether as it curved north just before making landfall. We really only experienced the outer bands of the storm. I haven't heard any reports about the USVI yet but I am guessing that because there is some lively reggae playing on one of the USVI radio stations right now ... that's a good indication that nothing too serious happened there either. Thank God for large blessings. The power went off in these parts at 11:20 a.m. and came back on at 10:45 a.m. I had a slew of e:mails and a few business matters to take care of before sitting down to write this final post-storm message. I haven't gone anywhere except out in the yard to be sure we still had one this time. We didn't even lose any leaves off the trees although the banana tree had its leaves shredded somewhat. (They are always the first to be damaged). From all accounts, there was little or no damage here. The odd mud/rock slide is all. There wasn't even that much rain either which is kind of too bad because we could all stand a good downpour in order to top up the cisterns. Oh well. I just got off the phone with my friend who has the obsession with the Survivor TV show and she sounded almost normal! (Normal for her is like anyone else in need of a valium or a few stiff drinks). She was getting into her car when I called so she answered on her cell phone. Anyway, just from the sound of her voice, I instantly knew that the TV service must be back on in town. She is a happy camper now! I want to thank all of you who wrote to me offering to tape the show for her. Its nice to know there are so many kind people out there! Of course where I live, we still don't have TV ... but at least we have power ... so I'm happy too. Just as I was getting ready to hang up but I could hear her start to puff and stammer a little, (she was starting to flip out again) so I asked what was wrong. She said, "I can't find my phone dammit!" I said, "Sweety, its hanging off your ear!" Ya gotta love her! I managed to read two books in my spare time. The first was "Hide and Seek" by James Patterson. Book review ... It occupied a few hours, that's as much as I'll say. The second was "Lucky You" by Carl Hiaasen. If you haven't read it, get it! Its bloody brilliant and offers a lot of good belly laughs. Last night it was pitch black outside and dead calm. There wasn't a breath of air. The house was so hot that it made sleeping impossible. My bedsheets were soaked and so was I after only two hours of sleep. I couldn't stand it anymore so I took a jug of water, went into the shower and dumped it over myself ... T-shirt and all. Then I took my new light outside and read for most of the night. By the way, if any of you out there are in storm prone areas or areas with frequent power outages, I highly recommend the Coleman model 5355 series flourescent lantern. It takes (2) 6 volt batteries or (8) "D" cell batteries and works like a charm. I was getting sick and tired of my old kerosene lamps. Not only do they put out a lot of heat but they smell and are not much good to read by. The Coleman lamp cost $42.00 and was worth every penny! I am looking forward to seeing what Debby is doing further north of us and will cross my fingers for all of you situated in the strike zone. I hope our TV service is restored soon. Now if we don't have any more power outages, I may just watch the Survivor show myself tonight and see what all the fuss has been about. Thanks to all for your support and kind regards! Liane All-In-One BVI Vacations Bareboat and Crewed Yacht Charters http://www.bvivacations.com http://www.bareboatsbvi.com Phone/Fax: (284) 495-4168 |
| - We Survived! |
|
Debby is like a long tedious concert with many reprisals. Right when you
think she is gone for good, the winds pick up, the sky pours down and the
next set begins.
Rumor is that everyone will open up tomorrow, though we still don't have
power. I don't know if there is some serious problem or if the electric guys
are just too hung over to go flip the switch on.
I got the bright idea to rearrange my home today as I was bored without
electricity and the unhurricane seemed more like a really bad storm. It is
my first hurricane alone. Usually I am taking refuge in someone else's home,
as I used to live full time on my sailboat for many years. One year, 14 of
us stayed in a two bedroom condo and the hapless owner (who was off-island)
didn't realize that until he made an untimely entrance, two days after the
hurricane only to discover that 14 boaties were still camping out in his
place. (Teach him to leave his keys with a friend!)
I forgot that while moving my desk around today, I unplugged my phone.
Later, my cellular phone kept ringing and I kept wondering why folks were
calling me on my cell when my land line worked. Then my brother said my land
phone wasn't answering at all! I picked up the phone and sure enough it was
dead, then I noticed the dangling cord was not plugged into the wall socket.
Duh...
It looks like all is going to be well here. No sensational damages to
report that I know of. (except a few folks may have some serious hangover
damages.)
Your relieved corespondent,
aSail4u AT aol.com
|
| - Hurricane Debbie |
|
|
Hurricane Debbie came and went very quietly here in
the British Virgin Islands. It got a bit windy and we had some rain, but
overall, it really was a non-event.....thankfully. Everyone was well prepared
and boats and homes were well-secured...generators prepped....and refrigerators
stocked.
Power is expected to be turned on again within the
next few hours (it's 6 p.m.)
Occasionally, the winds pick up again and
bring more showers, but it only seems to last for 10 - 15 minutes.
Everyone seems to expect that things will be back
to normal by tomorrow morning.
|
| - a change in direction... |
|
Weather is fickle! The power went off for good by 11am, the seas were
looking really rough and odd groups of sea mist would dance by. The gusts
were scary but then by 1pm or so, it was eerily quiet.
Now the winds have reversed and picked up considerably but the sea in the
harbor at Sopers Hole is calmer. The rains are intermittent and thick.
Your confused correspondent
aSail4u AT aol.com
|
| - That's all folks! |
|
Well, the power supply is getting really dicey with dips and momentary outages occurring too frequently for comfort. I am going to have to sign off now in order to protect my computer. The storm is settling in with winds at somewhere around 45 to 50 MPH. The wave heights have increased substantially in the past hour. Although you probably won't be hearing from me until after the storm has passed, I am sure Cynthia will do her best to keep you updated as often as possible. (She just got a new battery last night for her lap top ... thanks to Gert). The 11:00 AM update for Debby is as follows: 18.5 N and 64.4 W 40 Miles East of St. Thomas Max. Winds 75 MPH Traveling at 22 MPH That looks as though the brunt of the storm may go slightly north of us. As long as it keeps moving quickly, I'll be happy. Hey Debby ... here's your hat, what's your hurry!!! Take care everyone and remember to duck if you see and flying pink elephants! Kind regards, Liane All-In-One BVI Vacations Bareboat and Crewed Yacht Charters http://www.bvivacations.com http://www.bareboatsbvi.com Phone/Fax: (284) 495-4168 |
| - From West End |
|
Power is intermittent, gusts are pretty strong, scattered showers meander
through, the sky is decidedly cloudy.
Today is such a rare day in the Caribbean, not to see the sun!
One gust just shoved a heavy potted palm tree across the balcony. I went
out to rescue it and I am having trouble shoving the thing inside! I need
another gust to help push us along!
I have to rush my storm preparedness to completion so I will be brief.
Your busy corespondent (how I wish I were an octopus!)
aSail4u AT aol.com
|
| - closer and closer |
|
More of the same but winds are beginning to increase with more than the occassional gusts. For whatever reason, there are still vehicles out on the roads? The whitecaps are impressive out in the channel and I've seen a couple of small waterspouts over the past hour. So far the power is holding up but they will shut it off when the winds hit 55 MPH. VITV has a live video cam on channel 3 showing various parts of Road Town as well as updates from Deputy Governor Elton Georges and Franklyn Michaels of the office for Disaster Preparedness. We just had a pretty strong gust of wind which I imagine was upwards of 40 to 45 MPH, so clearly, the hurricane is closing in now. I was trying to think of something to compare with waiting for a hurricane to hit. The only thing which comes to mind is sitting in a hospital waiting room awaiting news of a loved ones condition. Its just plain stressful and boring at the same time. I just want it to be over with already! They are estimating that the worst of the storm will have passed by us by midnight. That's great news! This will be probably the fastest hurricane to visit the BVI in years. The winds are really not all that serious, but there is always the danger of Tornado formations within the hurricane and they are what can and do cause severe damage. I am guessing that the majority of damage will be caused by flooding in low lying areas and along the roadways because there appears to be a lot of rain associated with this storm. I called a friend about an hour ago to find out how twitchy she is at this point. She is twitchy at the best of times, but hurricanes have an amazing effect on her. I always find her to be a constant source of amusement. Aside from obvious concerns regarding property damage, etc. ... her main concern is that she will miss the final "Survivor" episode. She missed last weeks episode as well because we had a power outage that night and she was as mad as a wet hen! She is busy trying to get someone in the States to tape it for her! Man ... what an obsession! Well ... not a lot more to report, just that we are still waiting on this thing. I plan to read and sleep all day once the power goes off. By for now! Liane All-In-One BVI Vacations Bareboat and Crewed Yacht Charters http://www.bvivacations.com http://www.bareboatsbvi.com Phone/Fax: (284) 495-4168 |
| - Lights? |
|
The lights have begun to flicker and I just heard the first rumblings of thunder in the distance. Winds are gusting and heavy rain has just started. Jost Van Dyke disappeared from view about 5 minutes ago. When the lights start to dip ... that means we will lose power very shortly. I am going to have some breakfast and get ready to curl up with a good book. To all in the Caribbean ... best wishes for a safe (and hopefully) relatively quick storm. Get rested up and get out there as soon as you can to help your neighbours clean up the mess! Kind regards, Liane All-In-One BVI Vacations Bareboat and Crewed Yacht Charters http://www.bvivacations.com http://www.bareboatsbvi.com Phone/Fax: (284) 495-4168 |
| - YIKES!!!!!!!!!!!! The Devil Debby threatens us! |
|
8 AM AST TUE AUG 22 2000
...DEBBY MOVING THROUGH THE NORTHERN LEEWARD ISLANDS AND HEADING
TOWARD THE VIRGIN ISLANDS...
HURRICANE WARNINGS REMAIN IN EFFECT FOR THE LEEWARD ISLANDS FROM
ANGUILLA AND ST. EUSTATIUS WESTWARD THROUGH THE BRITISH AND THE
U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS...PUERTO RICO AND ITS SURROUNDING ISLANDS...
AND FOR THE NORTH COAST OF THE DOMINICAN REPUBLIC.
PRECAUTIONS TO PROTECT LIFE AND PROPERTY SHOULD BE RUSHED TO
COMPLETION IN THE HURRICANE WARNING AREA.
AT 8 AM AST...1200Z...THE CENTER OF HURRICANE DEBBY WAS LOCATED NEAR
LATITUDE 18.2 NORTH...LONGITUDE 63.5 WEST OR ABOUT 65 MILES...105
KM...EAST-SOUTHEAST OF THE BRITISH VIRGIN ISLANDS.
DEBBY IS MOVING TOWARD THE WEST-NORTHWEST NEAR 21 MPH...33 KM/HR...
AND THIS MOTION IS EXPECTED TO CONTINUE FOR THE NEXT 24 HOURS.
MAXIMUM SUSTAINED WINDS ARE NEAR 75 MPH...120 KM/HR...WITH HIGHER
GUSTS. STRONGEST WINDS ARE LIKELY TO OCCUR OVER HIGH TERRAIN. SOME
STRENGTHENING IS FORECAST DURING THE NEXT 24 HOURS.
HURRICANE FORCE WINDS EXTEND OUTWARD UP TO 25 MILES... 35 KM...
FROM THE CENTER...AND TROPICAL STORM FORCE WINDS EXTEND OUTWARD UP
TO 175 MILES...280 KM. WIND GUSTS TO 76 MPH HAVE OCCURRED AT ST.
BARTHELEMY AND TO 60 MPH AT ST. MARTIN DURING THE PAST FEW HOURS.
RECONNAISSANCE AIRCRAFT RECENTLY REPORTED A MINIMUM CENTRAL PRESSURE
OF 997 MB...29.44 INCHES.
STORM SURGE FLOODING OF 1 TO 3 FEET ABOVE NORMAL TIDE LEVELS...WITH
DANGEROUS BATTERING WAVES...IS EXPECTED OVER PORTIONS OF THE WARNED
AREAS.
RAINFALL TOTALS OF 4 TO 6 INCHES...HIGHER OVER MOUNTAINOUS AREAS...
ARE EXPECTED ALONG THE PATH OF THE STORM. THESE RAINS COULD CAUSE
LIFE-THREATENING FLASH FLOODS AND MUD SLIDES.
Well, folks, I have to RUSH now to complete my hurricane preparations and
recheck my underwear stock!!!
Your hapless correspondent,
aSail4u AT aol.com
|
| - Mission accomplished! |
|
The 8:00 am report puts hurricane Debby at: 18.2 N and 63.5 W It is locate 65 miles ESE of the BVI Max winds of 75 MPH Traveling at 21 MPH Light sprinkling starting and visibility has dropped appreciably. Winds have picked up some more and are currently gusting to about 25 MPH around these parts. I imagine the power will be turned off in another hour or thereabouts. As I headed out the door to wake up my landlord, I nearly jumped out of my skin as I stood face to face with him ... plywood in hand. I hadn't heard him approach. So I am a happy camper now all snug in my hot, sweaty, boarded up cell. The knee is still holding up so I choose to take it as a sign that the intensity of the storm will not be severe. This may be my last report until after the storm and we have power once again. Hopefully, this time it will be less than 7 days as it was after Lenny. Oddly enough, nobody has stolen my parking spot this time. I wonder why? Kind regards, Liane All-In-One BVI Vacations Bareboat and Crewed Yacht Charters http://www.bvivacations.com http://www.bareboatsbvi.com Phone/Fax: (284) 495-4168 |
| - Gray skies |
|
Not much different from an hour ago although the wind has picked up to about 15MPH at this part of the island. Just had a lovely cold shower ... very refreshing and helped to defog my thinking processes. Wonder what caused that??? The sounds of hammering have finally begun. No sense doing today what you can put off until the eleventh hour! I am still waiting for my landlord to bring one more sheet of plywood to cover my door but there doesn't seem to be a creature stirring anywhere around his place. I'm not very happy about that. I have sliding glass doors which unfortunately don't fit very well and I'm not sure if my landlord was making an architectural statement or if it was done in error ... but the doors were installed backwards. What that means is that I can't lock my door ... at least not from the inside. In addition, there is a slight (1/8 inch) gap between the door frame and the door on one side which allows water in when we get heavy rains. The radar images shown on TV indicate that the forward edge of the sorm is nearly on top of us, but there still aren't any signs of rain or high winds. It is overcast, very gray looking and the clouds are moving rather rapidly right now. Not much else to add. I think I will go wake up my landlord. Kind regards to all, Liane All-In-One BVI Vacations Bareboat and Crewed Yacht Charters http://www.bvivacations.com http://www.bareboatsbvi.com Phone/Fax: (284) 495-4168 |
| - The calm before the storm |
|
It is 5:55 a.m. and I just poked my head out the door. It is dead calm out there with a light breeze and overcast sky. As of 5:00 a.m. "Hurricane" Debby was at: 17.7N and 62.6W Approximately 40 miles south east of St. Martin Max sustained winds are at 75 MPH Traveling at 21 MPH 29.35 MB My knee seems fine again with only slight swelling. I wonder if it has anything to do with the fact that there doesn't seem to be a real eye involved with Debby yet? My hands are still swollen and fairly numb. Our landlord has not seen fit to board up his place nor has my next door neighbour. That should be interesting? It is very quiet outside, no hammering sounds anywhere and a large percentage of the houses here in the Capoons Bay area remain unboarded as well. I wonder what they know that I don't? I live directly up Zion Hill overlooking Bomba's Shack and Sebastian's Hotel. I am happily surprised that we still have power and savouring every minute of it. Once I finish this message, I am going to indulge in another shower before the lights go out. Will stay in touch ... power permitting. Kind regards, Liane All-In-One BVI Vacations Bareboat and Crewed Yacht Charters http://www.bvivacations.com http://www.bareboatsbvi.com Phone/Fax: (284) 495-4168 |
| - Dubious Debby! |
|
11 PM AST MON AUG 21 2000 CORRECTION...ADD WARNING STATEMENT FOR DOMINICA ...DEBBY NEARING NORTHERN LEEWARD ISLANDS... ...THREATENS TO STRENGTHEN... HURRICANE WARNINGS REMAIN IN EFFECT FOR THE LEEWARD ISLANDS FROM GUADELOUPE NORTH AND NORTHWESTWARD THROUGH THE BRITISH AND THE U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS AND PUERTO RICO AND ITS SURROUNDING ISLANDS. A TROPICAL STORM WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT FOR DOMINICA. THE DOMINICAN REPUBLIC HAS ISSUED A TROPICAL STORM WARNING FROM PUNTA PALENQUE TO CABRERA. AT 11 PM AST...0300Z...A HURRICANE WATCH IS IN EFFECT FOR NORTHERN HAITI NORTH OF PORT AU PRINCE. THE GOVERNMENT OF THE BAHAMAS WILL ISSUE A TROPICAL STORM WATCH FOR THE SOUTHEASTERN BAHAMAS AT MIDNIGHT. AT 11 PM AST...0300Z...THE CENTER OF TROPICAL STORM DEBBY WAS LOCATED NEAR LATITUDE 17.2 NORTH...LONGITUDE 61.0 WEST OR ABOUT 55 MILES...90 KM...EAST OF ANTIGUA. DEBBY IS MOVING TOWARD THE WEST NORTHWEST NEAR 20 MPH...32 KM/HR... AND THIS MOTION IS EXPECTED TO CONTINUE ON TUESDAY. THIS MOTION WILL MOVE DEBBY DIRECTLY OVER THE NORTHERN LEEWARD ISLANDS TONIGHT AND TUESDAY. MAXIMUM SUSTAINED WINDS ARE NEAR 70 MPH...110 KM/HR...WITH HIGHER GUSTS. DEBBY IS FORECAST TO STRENGTHEN TO A HURRICANE ON TUESDAY. TROPICAL STORM FORCE WINDS EXTEND OUTWARD UP TO 175 MILES ...280 KM ...MAINLY TO THE NORTH OF THE CENTER. THE ESTIMATED MINIMUM CENTRAL PRESSURE HAS RECENTLY FALLEN TO 996 MB ...29.41 INCHES. STORM SURGE FLOODING OF 1 TO 3 FEET ABOVE NORMAL TIDE LEVELS...WITH DANGEROUS BATTERING WAVES...IS EXPECTED OVER PORTIONS OF THE WARNED AREAS. RAINFALL TOTALS OF 4 TO 6 INCHES...HIGHER OVER MOUNTAINOUS AREAS... ARE EXPECTED ALONG THE PATH OF THE STORM. THESE RAINS COULD CAUSE LIFE-THREATENING FLASH FLOODS AND MUD SLIDES. aSail4u AT aol.com |
| - The thing is ... |
|
|
Title: The thing is ...
As I sit in the comfort of my home with the electricity still on (yipppeeeee!) and hammering away at the computer keyboard ... I find myself suddenly wondering exactly what people (who are not in the Caribbean presently) really want to know about Tropical Storm Debby? It seems that the storm (still not a hurricane ... by the way) is undoubtedly going to pass over the BVI. I have received many e:mails from people asking me to predict the track and "approximate" damage this storm might inflict on our islands or how it may affect their vacation slated for Labour Day. I have only one answer which may be practicably applied to these specific questions ... "Unfortunately, my crystal ball was inadvertently damaged by a workman attempting to move a 4X8 sheet of plywood through my (tiny) living room early this morning. This incident took place whilst the workman was in the process of boarding up my apartment in preparation for the oncoming storm. As a result, I am unable to disseminate any sort of accurate response to your inquiry at the present time." I don't really intend to be a smart ass ... but what "might" happen today, tomorrow or on Labour day is anyone's guess. I am NOT a meteorologist ... nor do I possess any special talents or education which might enable me to predict future events. All I know is that given the information we have ... its a really good idea to cover your assets! This is a really strange and wonderful storm which has everyone (including the experts) totally confounded. Debby is not behaving the way any good mannered storm/hurricane should behave at this time of year. I have only past experience from which I may draw personal beliefs. If I were forced to make predictions ... here it is. In the time it has taken me to write this message .... my knee went from "not too bad" to "man ... what the hell happened here?" There has been significant swelling (of my knee) in the past hour but there is still very little pain. My hands (on the other hand) feel as though they belong to a corpse! I can't make a fist very easily and my fingers have become terribly "clumsy". If I had to "hang on for dear life" ... I have no doubt that my hands couldn't handle the strain. What all of this means in regards to the storm, its effects or severity ... I really don't know. My guess is that none of these physical manifestations are a good thing. How bad these signs may be is something we will all just have to wait and see. Debby will be visiting us very shortly and believe me ... she is not a welcome visitor but I am absolutely positive that she is not the most evil visitor the BVI has ever had. Kind regards to all and please keep a good thought for all Caribbean Islands as Debby rallies and strengthens. I'll keep in touch as long as possible. Kind regards, Liane All-In-One BVI Vacations Bareboat and Crewed Yacht Charters http://www.bvivacations.com http://www.bareboatsbvi.com Phone/Fax: (284) 495-4168 |
| - Gert is alive and well in Tortola! |
|
Gert, your famous Webmaster who created this unique web page as a
worldwide community service, is HERE visiting on Tortola, to experience first
hand the before, during and after of a tropical storm. It could be a
hurricane, perhaps only a storm.
We know he told you all, he was only going on vacation, but he snuck in
down here to experience the real thing, not just read about it!
We had great fun, and in true Caribbean fashion, we invited him for a
party, only to change the time, location, guests and menu at the last minute.
But, he and his wife still found us (giggle!) and we enjoyed a
traditional pre-hurricane party, right on the beach, under the stars
with...ahem...copious amounts of alcohol and superb food. (Oink! Oink!) We
pigged right out on the Chicken Wings, Lobster, London Broil and Conch (plus
more alcohol!).
For dessert they showed us a lovely menu, but we, um, chose more alcohol.
Hey, I paint a real pretty picture of us, don't I?
So, while we dined, Sebastians was banging up boards at odd angles to
enclose their place for the storm. Outside tables were already stored and
stacks of chairs blocked the ladies room but not the mens. (Knock? Knock?
Can you scoot over and share, please?)
We were fortunate enough to commandeer an outdoor table and refuse to
give it up to the staff, until rain set upon us. By then we had gone through
a few drinks, and hors d'oeuvres, a few drinks and dinner, a few drinks
and...
At the moment is began to rain, in true Caribbean fashion, we pretended
we might melt any second and dashed inside undercover and sat down at a nice
table. It was late and a waitress who had not seen us before dining outside,
dashed out of the kitchen and her face sank (oh NO! More hungry revelers
and we are trying to board up and close!) I assured her we had already dined
and just wanted dessert, so another round of drinks arrived. (Gee, word gets
around fast!)
Finally, we were the only ones left in the seaside restaurant and the
last lady to leave, said she was closing up. We told her we were homeless
and just to board us right on up inside and we'd stay for the hurricane. (We
were eyeing the bar, you see!)
She said "No problem!" and reached for her hammer and board, but we
dashed out to our cars, giggling like naughty school children.
Currently it is 11:40pm and it is drizzling rain with wafts of cool
breezes.
T'was the night before Debby, and all through the harbor, not a boat was
stirring, not a dinghy about...
Your inebriated corespondent (hiccup!)
aSail4u AT aol.com
|
| - Debby |
|
I was boarding up the house when I happened to glance at my car and noticed that I had a flat tire. #$ AT %! Knowing that there was no way I wanted to be stuck at the house for an indeterminate length of time ... so I dropped what I was doing, put the (kinda dicey) spare tire on the car and drove very slowly into town to buy a new tire and a few incidental provisions. After accomplishing my tasks which took much longer than expected (as per usual) ... I decided I needed a small libation to lift the spirits. It ended up being two libations as several friends kept wandering into my favourite watering hole. For some reason, I couldn't tear myself away. One friend asked, "Hey, Liane ... what's up?". "My blood pressure", I answered. One thing lead to another and before I knew it, there was my third drink sitting in front of me. It was just like magic! However, the nagging thought of my home still needing a few boards over the odd window kept nagging at me so being the responsible person I am ... I dragged my butt home. Then the computer beckoned to me. Its after 5:00 and I am supposed to meet some friends at 6:00 for yet more cocktails and the storm is now forecast to hit the BVI (for sure) sometime between 4:00 a.m. and 7:00 a.m. Bloody hell, I am just not up for it this time. Usually, I just dig in and get on with what is required in the way of storm preparation... but I don't bloody well feel like dealing with it right now. I still feel lousy, my knee is throbbing but the three drinks have taken the edge off that particular problem. I made a feeble attempt to vacuum the house, put new batteries in my flashlights and my brand new Coleman (fluorescent) lamp I picked up while in town. I have 5 books and a new crossword puzzle book with which to occupy myself in the long, hot days ahead with nothing much to do except wait for the power to come back on. I have filled all my water containers so I will still be able to flush the toilet and am just about ready to take my last shower for the next ... however long it takes to get power back in order to make the water pump work. I have heard varying reports about when the power will be shut off. (One friend of mine informed me it had already been turned off at my end (west) of the island ... but obviously, he was misinformed). Anyway, I really must run and try to get the windows and doors covered before I take my shower. Looks like I will probably be late meeting my friends. Keep a good thought everyone! Kind regards, Liane All-In-One BVI Vacations Bareboat and Crewed Yacht Charters http://www.bvivacations.com http://www.bareboatsbvi.com Phone/Fax: (284) 495-4168 |
| - ALL PRECAUTIONS TO PROTECT LIFE AND PROPERTY SHOULD BE RUSHED TO COMPLETION IN T |
|
AT 11 AM AST...1500Z...THE CENTER OF TROPICAL STORM DEBBY WAS LOCATED NEAR LATITUDE 15.7 NORTH...LONGITUDE 57.3 WEST OR ABOUT 280 MILES...455 KM...EAST OF THE LEEWARD ISLANDS. DEBBY IS MOVING TOWARD THE WEST NEAR 22 MPH ...35 KM/HR...AND THIS MOTION IS EXPECTED TO CONTINUE FOR THE NEXT 24 HOURS. MAXIMUM SUSTAINED WINDS ARE NEAR 70 MPH...110 KM/HR...WITH HIGHER GUSTS MAINLY TO THE NORTH AND EAST OF THE CENTER. STRONGEST WINDS ARE LIKELY TO OCCUR OVER HIGHER TERRAIN. SOME STRENGTHENING IS FORECAST DURING THE NEXT 24 HOURS AND DEBBY IS EXPECTED TO BECOME A HURRICANE LATER TODAY OR TONIGHT. TROPICAL STORM FORCE WINDS EXTEND OUTWARD UP TO 145 MILES ...230 KM FROM THE CENTER. Well, I am dashing out to secure my boat again. I worked on it yesterday, but feel I should go do more. As usual, island is divided, half are in denial other half are draining out the liquor supply in anticipation hurricane parties. Boats are hiding everywhere they can. aSail4u AT aol.com |
| - Debby #2 |
|
Well know the old knee has kicked in and has started to swell some but curiously, it still isn't hurting all that much. I just checked the weather channel and the 11:00 a.m. report puts the storm at: 15.7 N and 57.3 W Max winds at 70 MPH Traveling at 22 MPH It has gained substantially in intensity and is moving very rapidly now. In fact, it is moving much faster than the "typical" storm in these parts. It has started to make its curve north and looks as though there is no doubt whatsoever that this storm will hit the Virgin Islands within the next 24 hours ... or thereabouts. Please excuse me while I go sulk for a while before I begin boarding up the house and getting the house in order. One of our other reporters "asail4u" is busy securing her yacht and we are supposed to meet for cocktails this evening with Gert and his wife (who are here on vacation) at Sebastians. Should be an interesting discussion. Kind regards and keep a good thought! Liane All-In-One BVI Vacations Bareboat and Crewed Yacht Charters http://www.bvivacations.com http://www.bareboatsbvi.com Phone/Fax: (284) 495-4168 |
| - Debby |
|
|
Title: Debby
Hi All, Well ...... it appears that there is no doubt that tropical storm Debby will affect the British Virgin Islands in some way, it is only to what degree which remains in question now. As of 5:00 a.m. the storm facts were: Located at 15.6 N and 54.7 W Sustained winds of 50MPH Travelling at 18 MPH I have been feeling pretty lousy for the past two weeks so I can't really trust what my body is saying anymore. This ailment which has produced flu like systems with various aches and pains started just around the time Alberto looked a little ominous and hasn't stopped since then. However, my knee isn't bothering me at all. Having said that, it may be the only part of my body that isn't particularily problematic right now. The good news about Debby is that although it is starting to show signs of organization ... it hasn't quite got its act together yet. Also, we should keep in mind that 50 MPH winds seldom cause much damage and it is little more than what some sailors call "blustery". That is not to say that anyone should ignore the threat. Damage and injury caused by storms like Debby is usually caused by people getting too cocky and not taking preventative measures to ensure that their vessels have been properly secured and that their homes have been prepared ... "just in case". Debby seems to be tracking due west at this point and is traveling at a pretty healthy clip of 18MPH which is a positive sign. We may not be hit by anything stronger than the outer bands unless she starts curving north within the next 12 hours or so. With a lot of luck and once this storm makes its first landfall ... it may just begin to break up and eventually blow itself out before it gets any more organized. (I am feeling optimistic today). Time will tell! Kind regards, Liane All-In-One BVI Vacations Bareboat and Crewed Yacht Charters http://www.bvivacations.com http://www.bareboatsbvi.com Phone/Fax: (284) 495-4168 |
| - Ugh! |
|
2 AM AST MON AUG 21 2000 A HURRICANE WATCH IS IN EFFECT FOR SABA...ST EUSTATIUS AND ST MAARTEN AND THE U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS. A TROPICAL STORM WATCH IS IN EFFECT FOR THE REMAINDER OF THE LEEWARD ISLANDS NORTH OF DOMINICA...AND THE BRITISH VIRGIN ISLANDS. AT 2 AM AST...0600Z...THE CENTER OF TROPICAL STORM DEBBY WAS LOCATED NEAR LATITUDE 15.6 NORTH...LONGITUDE 53.9 WEST OR ABOUT 490 MILES...785 KM...EAST OF THE LEEWARD ISLANDS. YIKES! DEBBY IS MOVING TOWARD THE WEST-NORTHWEST NEAR 18 MPH...30 KM/HR...AND THIS MOTION IS EXPECTED TO CONTINUE TODAY. GOOD! The fast she moves the better! MAXIMUM SUSTAINED WINDS ARE ESTIMATED NEAR 50 MPH... 85 KM/HR...WITH HIGHER GUSTS. SOME STRENGTHENING IS FORECAST DURING THE NEXT 24 HOURS. YUCK! Your correspondent, aSail4u AT aol.com |
| - Dubious Debby |
|
Well, folks, it doesn't look good for the home team. Storm watch is in
effect for the British Virgin Islands but hurricane watch is in effect for
the US Virgins. We are so close, the difference in the watches seems
contradictory.
Perhaps the US side is eager to upgrade their watches in order to alert
FEMA.
Debby looks pretty powerful just from her shear size in relation to our
teeny tiny islands. Mariners were out today scrambling around, other folks
heard that Chris wasn't a threat and had no idea that Debby was forming.
I don't have cable, so I stopped in bar at marina to check the cable
weather channel, a bunch of sailors piled in for the same thing.
One tourist had a fit because he wanted to watch golf. No offense, to
the golfers out there (I've been known to play myself, eons ago, plus I grew
up on putt-putt) but watching golf on TV is about as thrilling as watching
paint dry.
The rowdy sailors won out and we were able to get the Caribbean update.
The minute it was over, the golfer fan, ran over to the TV, almost like a
kid playing tag, and switched it back to golf. By now, the sailors were
demanding more drinks and music for their ears and the golfer said he
wouldn't be able to hear the golf. Someone said "What? He has to hear the
little whoosh as the ball goes by?"
I left there giggling wondering why someone would come vacation here to
see golf on TV. Maybe he was famous golfer and I failed to recognize him, he
was awful serious as if he couldn't believe we would want to watch some
weather channel about some chick named Debby.
The colorful report came on TV with all the storms highlighted in red and
orange and a graphic satellite picture that moved back and fourth while we
groaned, it looked pretty awful presented that way, but I guess it's their
time in the limelight.
Then the weatherman stepped across the screen and covered up Debby to
show off the US and we all groaned, we wanted to watch that red and orange
thing move back and fourth one more time.
It was breezy in the morning by afternoon, it was pretty hot and airless,
tonight seems to have brought on the calm before the storm with humidity
being felt. A few moments ago a gentle breeze began rustling the mango trees
out front. A fishy smell is permeating the air, not sure what that means at
all.
I wonder what fish do for a hurricane, go out to sea? Do they group
together and have big parties like us, during the storms?
|
| - ...ALBERTO STRENGTHENS TO HURRICANE INTENSITY FOR THE THIRD TIME... |
|
Awful Alberto just doesn't want to go away! He keeps hanging around like
some jilted lover, just blowing up occasionally for show. (I had an
ex-lover, that acted just like him!)
Now we have Crazy Chris on the horizon, could become a true hurricane
(or a himmicane) hard to tell which, with a name like that, but either way,
it doesn't look good, to have one form that close to home.
Things are eerily quiet here, with gentle breezes wafting by, in the
west-southwest of the westernmost west-northwest in the north-northwest West
End. (That's a mouth full, eh?)
Between the carnival and Tuesday's Fool Moon Party at Bomba's, folks are
pretty wore out around here. I don't know if we have the energy to weather
a storm!
But that could all change, stay tuned for the latest and greatest.
By the way, if you ever dared to dream of being a broadcaster, here's a
great exercise. See if you can say this OUT LOUD three times, rapidly!
WEST-SOUTHWEST OF THE WESTERNMOST
WEST-SOUTHWEST OF THE WESTERNMOST
WEST-SOUTHWEST OF THE WESTERNMOST
Now try this one.
WEST-NORTHWEST
WEST-NORTHWEST
WEST-NORTHWEST
If you survived this far, you are now ready to read the weather report.
AT 5 PM AST...2100Z...THE POORLY DEFINED CENTER OF TROPICAL
STORM CHRIS WAS LOCATED NEAR LATITUDE 17.0 NORTH...LONGITUDE 56.8
WEST OR ABOUT 325 MILES...525 KM...EAST OF ANTIGUA AND BARBUDA IN THE LEEWARD
ISLANDS.
CHRIS IS MOVING TOWARD THE WEST-NORTHWEST NEAR 13 MPH
...20 KM/HR...
AT 5 PM AST...2100Z...THE CENTER OF HURRICANE ALBERTO
WAS LOCATED NEAR LATITUDE 35.1 NORTH...LONGITUDE 48.3 WEST
OR ABOUT 1105 MILES...1780 KM...WEST-SOUTHWEST OF THE
WESTERNMOST AZORES ISLANDS.
ALBERTO IS MOVING TOWARD THE NORTHNNORTHWEST NEAR 8 MPH ..13 KM/HR.
|
| - Don't Stop The Carinival! |
|
On Monday the news said Alberto was strengthening and on Tuesday he was
weakening. This morning brought news that he was not a threat to land and
by this afternoon, it was "too early" to determine if he was a threat to
land.
I am not sure if I am reading the news or the gossip columns!
But the general concensus here is, the carnival must go on!
AT 5 PM AST...2100Z...THE CENTER OF HURRICANE ALBERTO WAS LOCATED NEAR
LATITUDE 18.8 NORTH...LONGITUDE 47.0 WEST OR ABOUT 980 MILES...1575
KM...EAST OF THE LEEWARD ISLANDS.
|
| - Alberto report #3 - Tuesday morning |
|
|
Title: Alberto report #3 - Tuesday morning
Hi guys, Its been 12 hours since my last post and I'm still not convinced that Alberto will bypass the BVI altogether. When I woke up today, my knee has swollen and aching again. Of course, that doesn't mean anything other than we are in for nasty weather and not necessarily Alberto ... but I have my suspicions. I love all the computer models and expert information available on the web. Its great stuff. However, I sometimes think people put too much stock in predictions. To "predict" is to offer a prophesy or foretelling of future events. Nowadays, we have a lot of sophisticated equipment to help the experts and laymen alike do just that. It is the interpretation of the information received which is important ... and that's the rub. I am no expert in the field of meteorology by any means whatsoever. I have only lived through a half dozen hurricanes which actually affected the BVI (some worse than others) and at least 8 others which threatened ... but brushed by us (harmlessly) instead. However, I have learned to listen to my body during hurricane season and it is telling me something different from what most of the models have (so far) predicted. It also depends on "which" model you choose to believe. I look at all of them but have always taken stock in the model found at: http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/ftp/graphics/AT03/AL0300P.GIF This gives me pause to recognize that even the experts don't necessarily agree with one another. Why? With all their sophisticated equipment, one would think that the predictions should all be pretty much the same. But that is clearly not the case. I have only one thing which can sway my opinion one way or the other. My body parts! Although aching somewhat, my knee is not screaming at me YET. If it starts to, I am going to batten down the hatches and the rest of the more experienced and educated naysayers will just have to forgive my foolish paranoia. I am a coward when it comes to mother nature. She can be full of nasty surprises when she decides we are becoming too sure of ourselves. I was laughed at last November when I told people to keep an eye out for TD 16. It became Hurricane (backdoor) Lenny which did a great deal of damage in the Caribbean and some isand (St Martin for instance) are still cleaning up the mess. I was scoffed at when I boarded up the house prior to Bertha in 1996. The eye of that "smallish" hurricane thundered through here in July (which had been unheard of until then) and passed directly over Tortola. I was told by a lot of "experts" and folks who have lived here a long, long time that neither one of them were any threat at all. In both cases, my knee told me very differently. Thankfully, I paid attention to my knee and was well prepared just in case. I can't say that the BVI will be hit by Alberto, but my body is telling me that we won't necessarily escape its affects either. It is the degree to which we will be affected that matters and I don't think anyone ... not even the experts can predict that. We are just a speck in the ocean. Since it is only the validity of an aching knee which gives me pause for concern and upon which I base my prophecies ... I expect I will be made fun of once again. So be it. I'd rather be wrong anyway. Latest update for 11:00 a.m. shows the hurricane is still 1000 miles away from the Leeward Islands so much can still happen to divert it north. Don't change your travel plans yet! Wind Force: 80 MPH 17.4 N 45.9 W Travelling at 13MPH 29.06 MB In the meantime, keep a good thought! Kind regards, Liane All-In-One BVI Vacations Bareboat and Crewed Yacht Charters http://www.bvivacations.com http://www.bareboatsbvi.com Phone/Fax: (284) 495-4168 |
| - <no subject> |
|
Hi Everyone, The 11:00 p.m. report for Alberto was at 16.7 N and 44.0 W. Although many people have reassured me that it is headed north, I am not really convinced ... at least not yet. I haven't seen any vast changes in the direction of this hurricane. It has only gone .7 degrees north since yesterday morning and that's not enough to convince me that Alberto will head north and burn itself out in the mid Atlantic. I've seen hurricanes do dipsy doodles in the past. It could go either way and it could come straight across in a westerly direction ... which would be most unwelcome. It is still too soon to make any solid determinations as far as I'm concerned, although I truly hope the experts are right. I will admit that for whatever reasons, my fingers and knee are feeling much better today. Could be that the lousy weather we had yesterday caused the aches and pains rather than any preliminary effects caused by Alberto. A reader wrote me today inquiring as to why I felt I had to clean the house in order to prepare for a hurricane??? She felt it seemed an odd thing to do. I suppose if you've never been through it, the whole impact of the aftermath of a hurricane is a mystery. Its because if we are affected by this hurricane, we probably won't have power for several days. After Lenny, it took a week or more on parts of Tortola and we weren't really hit that hard! With the ongoing power problems we have experienced on Tortola for the past 6 months, I hate to think what it may be like with the added strain of downed power lines or transformers. Who knows how long we could be without power? That means no vacuum, no water (pump won't work) and no lights. I hate a dirty house ... so I started cleaning from top to bottom just in case. I'm waiting to see a REAL change in direction before I let down my guard. All-In-One BVI Vacations Bareboat and Crewed Yacht Charters http://www.bvivacations.com http://www.bareboatsbvi.com Phone/Fax: (284) 495-4168 |
| - Awful Albert |
|
...ALBERTO CONTINUING ITS TREK ACROSS THE OPEN ATLANTIC...
THE 11 AM AST POSITION...16.3 N... 41.7 W.
MOVEMENT TOWARD...WEST NEAR 15 MPH.
MAXIMUM SUSTAINED WINDS... 90 MPH.
MINIMUM CENTRAL PRESSURE... 979 MB.
HURRICANE FORCE WINDS EXTEND OUTWARD UP TO 25 MILES
FROM THE CENTER...AND TROPICAL STORM FORCE WINDS EXTEND OUTWARD UP TO 105
MILES...165 KM.
Well, folks, there are several things I don't like about this storm.
First of all the unpolitically correct name has too many syllables to have
fun with. Now, Lefty Lenny, (last November) that was nifty. But what goes
with ALBERTO? Awful Albert sounds cutesy, but Awful Alberto? It just
doesn't click.
Anyhow, the next thing I don't like about Awful Albert is the hurricane
force winds are 210 miles in DIAMETER. That means we are bound to feel it
come near us. If the tropical wave passing us now brings these gusty winds,
I can only imagine what comes next.
To get the full effect, go look at my favorite satellite picture. This
is the best I have found thus far on the Internet. If you look at mine and
think you have one better, let me know.
The scary thing about this picture, is the scale of us to Awful Albert.
The hurricane is bigger than my thumb nail, yet our island is smaller than a
pin prick.
Am I scared? You bet. By the way, I'm offering a great deal, on
purchase of a 30' sailboat.... If interested, email me.
OK, here's my bestest link to the picture of Awful Albert, tell me if you
find a better one.
http://www.intellicast.com/Tropical/World/UnitedStates/AtlanticAnalysis/
yours truly,
aSail4u AT aol.com
just a teeny tiny itsy bitsy dot, in a vast open ocean
|
| - Monday August 6th, 2000 |
|
Alberto..... THE 5 AM AST POSITION...16.2 N... 40.3 W. MOVEMENT TOWARD...WEST-NORTHWEST NEAR 15 MPH. MAXIMUM SUSTAINED WINDS... 90 MPH. MINIMUM CENTRAL PRESSURE... 979 MB. Even though the storm is quite a ways from us, today's local weather here on Tortola reminds me of pre-hurricane winds. It is so gusty and breezy with a partial cloud cover. Today I was going to dust at my home office, but now there is no need to at all, the wind is blowing at 35-40 knots and mother nature has dusted for me! From ASail4u AT aol.com 2000 miles from reality and where only hurricanes and hangovers make the difference!!! |
| - <no subject> |
|
|
Title: <no subject>
Hi folks, I woke up this morning with aching fingers and my right knee throbbing. With dread in my heart, that was my cue to finally check out the weather sites. I haven't done that since last November when Lenny came knocking on our back door. Alberto's current track brought a deep moan from the pit of my stomach. Although still a long way off and recognizing the fact that anything could (and hopefully will) happen ... I don't like it one bit! Alberto is taking what has become an all too familiar track. I plan to thoroughly clean the house, get my propane tanks filled, stock up on water, batteries and books and invite my friends over for a big BBQ. I just loaded my freezer with all sorts of goodies ... so this storm is no doubt my fault. I got too cocky. Sometimes, optimism doesn't pay. The big August Festival parade is tomorrow. Maybe that will take our minds of the drudgery of hurricane preparations, if only for a while. We have about 5 or maybe 6 days (by my reckoning) before we get slammed ... if we get slammed. Lets hope for a really big pressure system to suddenly develop out there and blow this thing away! Will keep you posted on what's happening at my end of Tortola. Kind regards to all, Liane Le Tendre All-In-One BVI Vacations Bareboat and Crewed Yacht Charters http://www.bvivacations.com http://www.bareboatsbvi.com Phone/Fax: (284) 495-4168 |
| - Saturday August 6th, 2000 |
|
BULLETIN
TROPICAL STORM ALBERTO ADVISORY NUMBER 4
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE MIAMI FL
11 PM AST FRI AUG 04 2000
...CORRECTED FOR MAXIMUM SUSTAINED WINDS...
...ALBERTO MOVING WEST-NORTHWESTWARD ACROSS THE EASTERN TROPICAL
ATLANTIC...
AT 11 PM AST...0300Z...THE CENTER OF TROPICAL STORM ALBERTO WAS LOCATED
NEAR LATITUDE 13.4 NORTH...LONGITUDE 27.5 WEST OR ABOUT 235 MILES...380
KM...WEST-SOUTHWEST OF THE SOUTHERN CAPE VERDE ISLANDS.
Well, folks, Carnival is in full swing on Tortola. Recent rains produced
impromptu swimming from booth to booth at the sometimes flooded carnival
village. Today the weather is balmy and breezy with sunshine.
Stay tuned.....
|
| Back to top |