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- Fwd: Fw: Waterspouts in St Thomas Harbor -REALLY
  • From: RonUSVI AT aol.com
  • Date: Wed, 1 Nov 2000 15:23:38 EST
I said wow, too!


  • From: "Catherine L. Mills" <cats AT islands.vi>
  • Date: Wed, 1 Nov 2000 08:36:16 -0400

----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Kristie Sargent" <islady1 AT yahoo.com>
To: <kristiesargent AT hotmail.com>
Sent: Tuesday, October 31, 2000 7:15 PM
Subject: Fwd: Waterspouts in St Thomas Harbor


> 
> Note: forwarded message attached.
> 
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  • From: bootsie AT viaccess.net
  • Date: Tue, 31 Oct 2000 13:32:35 -0400
 Is this a cool picture or what?????
  • Attachment: 4spouts.jpg





  • - waterspouts on st thomas usvi
    • From: "jb jerdon" <huckphotovi AT theglobe.com>
    • Date: Thu, 26 Oct 2000 12:41:37 -0700
    hello all
     yesterday oct25 2000
      waterspouts reported on sw end 
    of st thomas near the airport...cold 
    air trough interacting with easterly flow 
    causing thunderstorms and lighting,
    watersprouts are very rare seabourne tornados
    see attachment
    today is lovely 86 pc
    visit martha in antugia to see her birds
    and nice shots of the island
    http://www.huckphotovi.com
    huck
    
    
    
    theglobe.com
      Your friendly full-service integrated online community.
      http://www.theglobe.com

    JPEG image


    - Confounding!
    • From: "Dave McDermott" <superdave AT islands.vi>
    • Date: Sat, 30 Sep 2000 18:21:53 -0300
    Good evening! Joyce has decided to be a virtual no-show in the Northern Caribbean which is great news. She also has apparently decided to give Trinidada and Tobago something they haven't had in a long time: Any tropical storm! I have two friends who just moved there recently and they were laughing when they left St. Thomas saying "We don't get storms there!" Well, usually, they are right but the law of averages does average out once in a while!
     
    Joyce has been subject to low-level shearing which has been hard to detect previously. She has confounded and bewildered even the most experienced meteorologist's, most computer models, and amateurs like myself! She does help prove that we cannot usually accurately predict 3 days and beyond as the environment is constantly changing.
     
    Meanwhile, a large wave is coming off the African coast and appears very interesting already. Also, Hurricane Keith is making headlines as he churns near the Yucatan peninsula of Mexico and threatens Belize also. The memories of Mitch are still fresh in that area of the Caribbean as Keith is moving very slowly dumping huge amounts of rain not needed in such a short period of time and over mountainous terrain.
     
    Here, the US Virgin islands has partially cloudy skies with high humidity (76%) and very little wind. Pillsbury Sound (between St. Thomas and St. John) is glass-like; which only happens 6-8 times a year. Thunderheads abound but are sporadic. A quiet evening for the US Virgin Islands!  Fortunately, I haven't had to board up further and can enjoy this evening!
     
    Dave
     

    - Joyce
    • From: "Dave McDermott" <superdave AT islands.vi>
    • Date: Fri, 29 Sep 2000 08:01:28 -0300
    Good morning to all. Unfortunately, I believe it will not be a good morning on Tuesday or Wednesday next week as Joyce appears to be making a "Scary Movie" appearance of her own. Still hard to forecast as she just isn't following conventional hurricane forecasting, but then again, I've warned about that before.
    I still forecast her to make her Marilynesque turn just below Barbados!
     
    FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency) already has their Emergency Response Team-Advance in the territory which adds significance to the threat of Joyce. I'm reasonably sure they believe a direct hit is very possible. Again though, nothing is concrete at this time.
     
    The local paper (Daily News) has been running daily articles concerning Isaac and Joyce. By the way, Isaac did reach Cat 4 status! Happy it went far north of the islands. It's impact would have been devastating. Joyce will be no slouch but her relative compactness should help minimize any damage unless significant strengthening occurs. VITEMA is already active in hurricane preparations and a few long gas lines were noticed yesterday. Several grocery stores were also very active. The marine community is taking Joyce very seriously and has already started their hurricane plans. I will be active myself on Saturday.
     
    Since TD 15's emergence, Joyce seems to have taken a backseat in regards to the islands coverage as it is closer to the mainland US and hence, more of a "potential threat". It's hard to see the satellite photo's of Joyce when the forecaster's are standing in front of it! Hopefully, I can help to change that soon locally.
     
    Currently it's overcast and very humid (85%). It's raining on St. John and more is forecast for St. Croix and St. Thomas as well. Winds are very calm at the moment as is the ocean but both are supposed to pick up later in the day.
     
    Dave
     

    - Shall we be in St. Kitts?
    • From: "Linda R Barr" <lbarr AT uvi.edu>
    • Date: Wed, 27 Sep 2000 13:53:44 -0300
    Well, our birthday/anniversary trip is to St. Kitts.....leaving tomorrow.  Hmmm.  I didn't invite Joyce to my party.  We'll see if we get to stay until Monday as originally planned......

    Linda Robinson Barr
    Campus Librarian/Head of Technical Services
    Ralph M. Paiewonsky Library
    Univ. of the Virgin Islands
    2 Brewers Bay
    St. Thomas VI 00802
    linda.barr AT uvi.edu
    (340) 693-1361 voice
    (340) 693-1365 fax

     

    - Joyce
    • From: "Dave McDermott" <superdave AT islands.vi>
    • Date: Wed, 27 Sep 2000 08:38:34 -0300
    Good morning! I sure hope Gert and the GFDL model are correct in their long-range analysis of Joyce. The farther south Joyce stays on her westerly trek before turning greatly increases the chances of a direct hit somewhere in the NE Caribbean. The trough above and ahead of Joyce is keeping her from turning more northwestward at tthis time and the SW shear, which was ahead at about 52W is very weak, if there at all now. Joyce did take a slight NW jog overnight but that could temporary. On the other hand, it is still too far away to accurately forecast the path Joyce will take and proposed strength. Joyce does need to be taken seriously by anyone living in the islands as Joyce has the potential to take a "Marilynesque" turn 4-5 days down the road.
     
    Currently, the skies are overcast and the US Virgin Islands are under a flash flood watch until 6:00 pm AST as the wave which passed yesterday is kicking up alot of convection with heavy downpours and some thunderstorms. We do need the rain but not all at once as the groundsoil is not very deep and cannot handle 2-3 inches in an hour. Major runoff would occur and street flooding would be nightmarish. A little at a time.
     
    Dave
     

    - Issac/Joyce
    • From: "Dave McDermott" <superdave AT islands.vi>
    • Date: Tue, 26 Sep 2000 00:44:47 -0300
    Goodbye Isaac. Hello Joyce! Isaac is impressive but has fortunately climbed more to the north; thus bringing a big sigh of relief. On the other hand, TS Joyce brings much concern. Having formed much lower than Isaac, she has much better potential of creating havoc here in the NE Caribbean and the Central Caribbean as well. Joyce should develop slower as Isaac has taken alot of energy from the ocean and atmosphere in that area but as Isaac pulls away to the north, Joyce will have her way. I believe everyone from Guadeloupe north should pay extra attention to this storm.
     
    Since Joyce is so far out east, it is very hard to even semi-accurately predict 7-10 days in advance. This should not preclude anyone from dismissing the potential severity of this storm though. A cautious eye should always be cast east this time of year!
     
    Tonights weather has been rainy for a change with lot's of lightning and thunder. Great because we need the rain. Bad because it knocked out cable for awhile (Monday Night Football)!!
     
    The local paper (The Daily News) has been running steady 1/8 of a page arcticles on the previous few tropical waves/developing storms. However, they appear to be about 12-18 hours behind by the time they go to press. A 5 pm report should not make the next day's newspaper as events can change rapidly. Overall though, they have been doing a much more credible job this year as opposed to the last few in keeping up with current and running weather situations. The local radio stations are a different matter. The same forecast is heard on several stations for up to 6 hour periods and this is very misleading. To their credit, they have been speaking about specific coordinates of storms; something that hasn't happened before. 
     
    Dave
     

    - Isaac
    • From: "Dave McDermott" <superdave AT islands.vi>
    • Date: Sat, 23 Sep 2000 00:00:52 -0300
    As I discussed in my earlier report today, Isaac has the "potential" to become a major hurricane; possibly affecting the NE Caribbean within 6-8 days. Unlikely is a good possibility; however, the threat is still very real, even if 1870 miles away from the fringe islands of the Northern Antilles (Antigua, St. Maarten, Anguilla, etc...) and further west, the British and US Virgin Islands. As we have seen and experienced before, not every storm follows projections. And it is hard to forecast something of this possible magnitude so far away from here.
     
    More reliable information will become available in the next few days; still giving enough warning if the storm threat does materialize!
     
    Dave
     
     
     

    - Isaac
    • From: "David McDermott" <bigdave17 AT hotmail.com>
    • Date: Fri, 22 Sep 2000 13:37:00 EDT
    This report is coming via Hotmail as I am not at home. Tropical Storm Isaac 
    has rapidly burst upon the scene as our first "classic Cape Verde" storm of 
    the 2000 season. As we well know, the storms which form here are usually 
    formidable and dangerous so a wary eye must be cast on Isaac as it makes 
    it's trek across the Atlantic during the next 7-10 days towards the 
    Caribbean. Computer models predict a steady WNW track and further 
    strengthening for the next three days. If a ridge forms to the north at this 
    point and the SW shearing environment which has been "protecting" us 
    lessens, conditions would be ripe for a powerful Hurricane Isaac to move in 
    a more westerly direction thus elevating the danger level to the NE 
    Caribbean.
    
    However, it is still too early to accurately forecast past the next three 
    days. Isaac has alot of ground to cover. Directly ahead of Isaac is a very 
    small area of dry air visible on water vapor imagery which would temporarily 
    inhibit Isaac's growth. Sea surface temperatures are slightly lower where 
    Isaac is than they are a little farther south. If Isaac reaches approx. 
    40W-42W and stays on a more westerly course, this storm has the potential to 
    reach Cat. 4 status.
    
    Again, still early yet. But don't go ignore the potential either!
    
    superdave AT islands.vi
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    - TD 12?
    • From: "Dave McDermott" <superdave AT islands.vi>
    • Date: Sat, 16 Sep 2000 22:22:32 -0300
    Boy, it has been a while which is good! TD# 12 has dissipated into a strong tropical wave which means squally winds and rain for most of us in the Northern Leeward Islands. Rain, at this point, is a good thing as we have been semi-parched for quite some time. Debby has been the only significant "rainmaker" in the last few months. Makes great business for the water-tanker owners!
     
    The SW shear has been the Caribbean's protector this hurricane season. Same as with TD# 12. Now, just a strong tropical wave. I believe it will re-generate after it passes the Virgin Islands as conditions are way more favorable to the west of here. There are a few more waves coming across which bear attention, especially due to the time of season.
     
    The GDFL model and one other predicted Gordon to become a hurricane and slam into Central Florida within 48-72 hours yesterday. This computer model has been slow to the task and often maligned but correct in this instance! This shows you cannot discount anything when trying to predict Mother Nature.
     
    The tropical season has been somewhat good and quiet to the Northern Leeward Islands this year; so far. Again, no alarmiscism but stay prepared regardless!
     
    Dave
        

    - TD12...HELENE???
    • From: "james jordan" <huckphotovi AT hotmail.com>
    • Date: Sat, 16 Sep 2000 10:17:07 GMT
    WELL HERE WE GO AGAIN...
    HAD GREAT MEAL AT LATTITUDE 18.ALEX'S FOOD IS GREAT,MUSIC WAS GREAT,
    SHIRIN PLEAE SEND SDS PHOTO AGAIN
    NOW FOR MORE SERIOUS STUFF THIS DEPRESSION LOOKS LIKE TROUBLE
    ALL FORCASTS SHOW IT MOVING SOUTH OF ST CROIX
    TD12...SOON TO BE HELENE....WE ARE ALL ON OUR TOES ANY JOG TO THE NORTH AND 
    WE ARE IN TROUBLE JUST A DEPRESSION AS OF NOW...WATCH CLOSELY
    YESTERDAY WAS  FIVE YEARS SINCE MARILYN!!! NOW FOR THE UPDATE......
    
    
    AT 5 AM AST...THE METEOROLOGICAL SERVICE OF ANTIGUA HAS ISSUED A
    TROPICAL STORM WATCH FOR ANTIGUA...ANGUILLA...BARBUDA...
    MONTSERRAT...NEVIS...AND ST. KITTS.  A TROPICAL STORM WATCH REMAINS
    IN EFFECT FOR ST. MAARTEN...SABA...AND ST. EUSTATIUS.  TROPICAL
    STORM WARNINGS MAY BE REQUIRED FOR PORTIONS OF THE LEEWARD ISLANDS
    LATER TODAY.
    
    TROPICAL DEPRESSION CENTER LOCATED NEAR 16.0N  55.1W AT 16/0900Z
    POSITION ACCURATE WITHIN  60 NM
    
    PRESENT MOVEMENT TOWARD THE WEST OR 280 DEGREES AT 10 KT
    
    ESTIMATED MINIMUM CENTRAL PRESSURE 1009 MB
    MAX SUSTAINED WINDS  30 KT WITH GUSTS TO  40 KT.
    
    http://www.huckphotovi.com/hurricane99.html
    http://www.huckphotovi.com
    GOOD LUCK ALL...GOD SPEED!
    HUCK
    
    
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    - Ernesto
    • From: "Dave McDermott" <superdave AT islands.vi>
    • Date: Sat, 2 Sep 2000 22:23:01 -0300
    TS Ernesto appears to pose no threat to any of the Caribbean Islands. The SW shear has, again, protected us from immediate harm and Ernesto will eventually die out in the Central Atlantic unless conditions rapidly become more favorable.
     
    A low associated with a wave along 26W-27W is in a fairly favorable area at 10N but will take it's time to develop, if at all, due to it's low proximity. It's this same proximity, however, which bears the wary eye as the historical "high" season is almost upon us.
     
    Dave
     

    - ERENSTO
    • From: "jb jerdon" <huckphotovi AT theglobe.com>
    • Date: Sat, 02 Sep 2000 03:17:52 -0700
    HELLO AGAIN
    THIS ONE LOOKS LIKE IT WILL PASS NORTH...ACCORDING TO NAVAL OPERATIONS...NOAA HAS IT STILL LISTED AS TD8...
    GUESS ITS TAKES TIME TO UPDATE! BEAUTIFUL MORNING OUT
    STILL AND PARTLY CLOUDY.MULTICOLORED CLOUDS AT SUNRISE
    ERNESTO SHOULD PASS US....WATCHING LOW PRESSURE AREA
    FOLLOWING..
    NEW SITE ADDRESS
    http://www.huckphotovi.com
    old address still works
    http://members.theglobe.com/huckphotovi
    huck
    ps
    this gert and super dave on st thomas just before debbie
    
    
    
    
    theglobe.com
      Your friendly full-service integrated online community.
      http://www.theglobe.com

    JPEG image


    - Looking East!
    • From: "Dave McDermott" <superdave AT islands.vi>
    • Date: Fri, 1 Sep 2000 22:24:17 -0300
    It's that time of season where we look with wary eye's towards the East and Southeast. Right now, there is a strong wave approx. 850 miles ESE of the northern Leeward islands which has potential for development. However, the southwesterly shear environment it will move into will inhibit significant strengthening and also pull it to the NW. It still bodes watching though.
     
    There is a low at approx. 8N25W which, over time, could prove interesting. Now is not the time to become complacent because it has been relatively quiet. Awareness is a good thing.
     
    Dave

    - Slowly heating up??
    • From: "Dave McDermott" <superdave AT islands.vi>
    • Date: Tue, 29 Aug 2000 22:33:35 -0300
    Not much out there since the "excitement" of Hurricane Debby. The east bears watching though as we are entering the most active tropical system time period historically speaking. Right now, there is a 1012 low at 11N26W although possible development will be slow. There is a huge wave, satellite imagery-wise, coming off the coast at the moment and a few smaller one's behind it. As in last year, the bulk of the activity will manifest itself within the next 6-8 weeks.
     
    The weather here has been peaceful. We still could use alot more gentle rain though!
     
    Dave
     

    - Quiet on the Caribbean Front!
    • From: "Dave McDermott" <superdave AT islands.vi>
    • Date: Fri, 25 Aug 2000 19:56:35 -0300
    Fortunately, Debby has degenerated into a strong wave and the likelihood of her regenerating isn't that promising. However, she must still not be discounted until she moves over solid land and falls apart or disintegrates over open water.
     
    Nothing of real mention looking towards the east; just a few minor waves with no real convection to speak of which is welcome news, especially at this time of year! Let's all keep our fingers crossed (and toes) and hope the shearing environment stays in place! Cable and power finally back to normal as far as I have seen. Quiet, hazy night this eve. Great to be back to normal!
     
    Dave
     

    - Bye Debby!
    • From: "Dave McDermott" <superdave AT islands.vi>
    • Date: Wed, 23 Aug 2000 18:53:03 -0300
    The remnants of Debby passed by last night and more rain and wind came from that than the eye itself. Putting the house back together today as most Virgin Islanders are and counting our blessings. I must say though, the shuttering that went up on Monday will not come down from this house until mid-November! only damage was to some landscaping and minimal at that. To the residents of St. Croix, it appeared to be just a another day with some clouds and minimal rain. Officially, St. Thomas picked up about 1.93 inches of rain which really isn't much here. We needed it bad anyway; we just didn't need a hurricane attached to it. Bye Debby!
     
    TS Alberto is finally dying and headed towards, of all places, Iceland! Something doesn't seem right when a tropical system winds up in Iceland But then, I guess I can't seem to think of a better area for it to go: the cold North Atlantic!
     
    Not much else is on the horizon looking towards the African coast. A mid-way wave has a 1012 low along 16W40N but definitely unimpressive. A larger wave is just off the coast but no deep convection or organization which is good. We are coming into the "active" time of the hurricane season so we should be aware and not let Debonair Debby to lull us asleep.
     
    There are several large waves in Western and Central Africa which will merit attention once they make it to the coast like the one I mentioned in a report back on August 10th which eventually turned into Debby.
     
    Thanks to all who send there e-mails as your questions and comments make this all worthwhile.
     
    Dave 

    - Debby's tail!
    • From: "Dave McDermott" <superdave AT islands.vi>
    • Date: Tue, 22 Aug 2000 21:55:14 -0300
    After a relatively quiet afternoon, even as the eye passed, the evening has been more active. Several thunderstorms have made their way through and the rain I was wishing for came down hard uncovering a leak or two in the house. We have had gusts over 50 mph again this evening and the wind is still whipping along. Very humid and visibility is about 4-5 miles. From the Doppler radar, it appears we will get more of the same as Debby exits the area. Curfew has been lifted and nothing unusual to report except a fire (auto?) down by Sapphire Beach. Police and fire trucks are on the scene.
     
    The islands in the way of Debby must prepare quickly as she appears to be gaining strength and covers a large area. We dodged a docile Debby here but she is going to be a mean lady coming your way.
     
    Dave
     

    - WOBBLY ...DEBBY... THANK THE LORD
    • From: "huck" <huckphotovi AT theglobe.com>
    • Date: Tue, 22 Aug 2000 20:07:48 -0300
    WOW
    THE RAINS HAVE FINALLY STARTED...INTENSE PELTING RAIN,LIGHTING THUNDER FROM
    THE RAIN BANDS FOLLOWING ATTACHED IS SAN JUAN RADAR PIC
    WORSE THAN DURNING THE STORM
    HUCK
    ST THOMAS
    
  • Attachment: jualoc_756x484.jpg

  • - She's passed now!
    • From: RonUSVI AT aol.com
    • Date: Tue, 22 Aug 2000 14:06:56 EDT
    Seems Debby has passed now. Sure some rain may come, but looking for clear 
    skies! Here are some more pics.
    Ronnie in St. Thomas
    
  • Attachment: Debby G 100PM Tide rising, some white caps.ZIP

  • - Debby
    • From: "Vince Bitowf" <vpb AT viaccess.net>
    • Date: Tue, 22 Aug 2000 14:17:17 -0300
    All utilities are still on here on the east end.  The wind has picked up a
    bit (or maybe shifted so that my condo isn't shielded from it), but very
    little rain.  No damage that I am aware of.
    
    

    - Debby
    • From: "Vince Bitowf" <vpb AT viaccess.net>
    • Date: Tue, 22 Aug 2000 14:17:17 -0300
    All utilities are still on here on the east end.  The wind has picked up a
    bit (or maybe shifted so that my condo isn't shielded from it), but very
    little rain.  No damage that I am aware of.
    
    

    - ITS HERE...DEBS BLOWING NOW
    • From: "huck" <huckphotovi AT theglobe.com>
    • Date: Tue, 22 Aug 2000 13:50:13 -0300
    HELLO ALL
    JUST CAME FROM OUTSIDE...REALLY BLOWING NOW MAYBE 45MPH. STILL NO RAIN
    REALLY JUST DRIZZLE,BUT STINGING. WINDS FROM THE SW...3-5FT WAVES AT
    MORNINGSTAR BEACH.POWER STILL ON BUT NORTHSIDE OUT; FEEDER 7
    MANDAHL PEAK AREA.STILL HAVE DOORS OPEN, ALL THREE OF THEM BECAUSE WINDOWS
    BOARDED.REPORTS SAY CENTER IS WOBBLING,CAT IS IN MY LAP;SHE LIKE TO BE THERE
    WHEN I AM ON LINE...I THINK SHE LIKES THE MOUSE...
    WIND IS HOWLING. THE PELICANS AND GULLS ARE STILL ABOUT.CURFEW STILL IN
    EFFECT! MUST SIGN OFF TO GO PICK UP GAIL FROM THE REEF,I'LL BE BREAKING THE
    LAW.... NO BIG DEAL ONLY 1/2 MILE.
    CORDS 18.5N 64.4W  1:45PM 8/22/00
    HUCK
    HTTP://WWW.HUCKPHOTOVI.COM
    
    

    - Quiet Debby
    • From: "Dave McDermott" <superdave AT islands.vi>
    • Date: Tue, 22 Aug 2000 13:11:56 -0300
    Debby is passing by here with not much in the way of rain or winds which is great except we could use some rain! We had a very short period of 50 mph + wind gusts but that was about it. The wind has turned around now so the eye has made it's pass.
     
    Our first heavy rain, on the east end of the island, was about 11:05 am with power already having been out for approx. 3 minutes. Very little wind at that time and visibility was 2-3 miles at best. A heavy, yet narrow band of rain went through about 12:00 pm along with the first gust higher than 38 mph. No high winds were really sustained for any period of time though. Very erratic.
     
    Power has dropped a total of three times but has been restored quite quickly for a storm situation. The phone lines, at least out here, have never gone out. No rain at this time; just some minor wind gusts. Time to let the dogs out of the house so they can return to the yard!
     
    The Turks and Caico's and the Bahama's should watch this storm closely as it is time for her rapid intensification to start I believe. We were lucky as we have been in regards to previous storms of mention; Georges and Lenny. Now is not the time to let our guard down as we have 6-8 weeks of deep season left.
     
    Dave
     

    - picture - pictures
    • From: cmapr AT motorcycler.com
    • Date: Tue, 22 Aug 2000 12:41:35 -0400
    Hey fellows, here is another link to follow up if you like to see 
    Debbie up close and personal through doppler images but in 
    animated mode (last four hours). Updated by the hour it gives you 
    the doppler image just east of Anegada to just east of DomRep.
    
    http://www.wx.com/nbr/ssanim.cfm?radar=JUA
    
    Or you can try this next link for a slightly different doppler shot that 
    is updated a little more frequently and covers just about the same 
    area with no animation.
    
    http://www.intellicast.com/LocalWeather/World/Caribbean/PuertoRic
    o/SanJuan/BaseReflectivity/
    
    Hope everyone comes out OK!
    
    Best Wishes from San Juan...-= Luis =-
    =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
    Christian Motorcyclists Association - Puerto Rico
            http://www.cmausa.com
    =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
    
    

    - Eye
    • From: Max Schanfarber <max AT maxivirginislands.com>
    • Date: Tue, 22 Aug 2000 12:43:58 -0400
    Title: Eye
    Got the eye...nice and calm and now the power goes out.
    Go figure
    --
    Max R. Schanfarfer
    http://www.virtualstthomas.com

    - Some more shots
    • From: RonUSVI AT aol.com
    • Date: Tue, 22 Aug 2000 12:25:38 EDT
    Here are two more pics. The wind is coming from the west. TWC says she is now 
    north of us. Haven't closed my last door yet! Doesn't look like I may have 
    to. Hope not!
    Ronnie in St. Thomas
    
  • Attachment: Debby E 1130AM.ZIP

  • - Where's Debby...?
    • From: Max Schanfarber <max AT maxivirginislands.com>
    • Date: Tue, 22 Aug 2000 11:28:00 -0400
    For being out only 40 miles it's still quite.
    I'll leave the color commentary to Big Dave.
    -- 
    Max R. Schanfarber
    http://www.virtualstthomas.com
    
    

    - Where's Debby...?
    • From: Max Schanfarber <max AT maxivirginislands.com>
    • Date: Tue, 22 Aug 2000 11:28:00 -0400
    For being out only 40 miles it's still quite.
    I'll leave the color commentary to Big Dave.
    -- 
    Max R. Schanfarber
    http://www.virtualstthomas.com
    
    

    - Some pics
    • From: RonUSVI AT aol.com
    • Date: Tue, 22 Aug 2000 11:00:05 EDT
    Here are some pictures of Debby so far. I suppose since she is moving so fast 
    that she will be here and hit and run! No prelim's just hurricane! Since it 
    is 11 am and no sign other thaan these pics.
    Ronnie
    
  • Attachment: Debby A 545AM.ZIP

  • - WOW...DEBBY???
    • From: "huck" <huckphotovi AT theglobe.com>
    • Date: Tue, 22 Aug 2000 10:02:33 -0300
    HELLO FROM ST THOMAS 
    I BEEN MONITORING THE WEATHER SINCE 5 AM.. LITTLE NEW AS OF YET
    GUSTS HAVES JUST PICKED UP,SOME RAIN BANDS???,SHOWERS MOSTLY.
    WENT OUT TWICE THIS MORNING NO ONE AROUND...STREETS EMPTY..
    CURFEW IN EFFECT...LOTS OF DISSCUSSION ON RADIO ABOUT THIS... 
    EVEN OUR GOVERNOR 
    QUITE CALM NOW. SAN JUAN  RADAR SHOWS HEAVY RAIN ON TORTOLA.
    STAY TUNED  FOR MORE
    http://www.huckphotovi.com
    
    huck jordan
    beverely hills west
    st thomas
    
    

    - Not much!
    • From: "Dave McDermott" <superdave AT islands.vi>
    • Date: Tue, 22 Aug 2000 08:29:08 -0300
    I thought we were supposed to have a hurricane! All boarded up and nowhere to go. Debby has veered more northerly and as a result, we haven't seen anything but a few gusts to 28 mph and virtually no rain. Lots of haze and I have seen some rain over by Tortola and even St. John but nothing but sprinkles here on the east end. We are the dry end of the island anyway! I'm sure everyone is happy the storm is not going to have a significant impact. Still, we should experience some higher wind conditions and a few good feeder bands within the next 4-6 hours. As fast as she is going, conditions should improve rapidly.
     
    No reports of any damage at this time. Electricity is still on as is phone service. I haven't slept yet so I'll be cat-napping through the day. Happy birthday to bikinibeach in St. Maarten! Funny, I had Lenny on my birthday last year!
     
    Puerto Rico looks in pretty good shape also. Down the road though, the mainland should start making some preliminary preparations. This could be a monster when and if it reaches.
     
    Dave

    - Well she's near!
    • From: RonUSVI AT aol.com
    • Date: Tue, 22 Aug 2000 08:16:49 EDT
    Some wind looking to pick up, a light drizzle crossed the harbor. As far as 
    my calculations, it should still be noon.  
    Still judging from those satellites we should be under fire, but not. Took 
    some pictures but it looks like a regular beautiful day in the Virgins!
    Ronnie in St. Thomas
    
    

    - Debbie not here yet!
    • From: RonUSVI AT aol.com
    • Date: Tue, 22 Aug 2000 05:13:12 EDT
    It's 5 am, after the two o'clock advisory I figured she was at 330 miles out 
    or approx. 11 hours. This would mean the eyes arrival at 1 PM Tuesday. Now at 
    5 am she's approximately 140 miles out or 7 hours away which would mean Noon. 
    Which will it be?
    
    It's hardly blowing here in the town area although on the satellite image it 
    appears that we should be in the thick of things! Always baffles me, what we 
    see on the satellite Vs what's outside! Wish it was bright enough to take a 
    picture, another hour maybe.
    Ronnie in St. Thomas
    
    

    - Debby Goes Hurricane As It Nears Antigua and Barbuda
    • From: "Ronnie H. Knight Samuel" <rsamuel AT funleather.com>
    • Date: Tue, 22 Aug 2000 02:09:04 -0400

     
    Caribbean Nationals here goes the latest Advisory as issued by the National Hurricane Centre:
     

    591
    WTNT32 KNHC 220545
    TCPAT2
    BULLETIN
    HURRICANE DEBBY INTERMEDIATE ADVISORY NUMBER 10A
    NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE MIAMI FL
    2 AM AST TUE AUG 22 2000
     
    ...DEBBY STRENGTHENS TO A HURRICANE AS IT NEARS ANTIGUA AND
    BARBUDA...
     
    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...AND FOR THE
    COAST OF THE DOMINICAN REPUBLIC FROM PUNTA PALENQUE TO CABRERA.
     
    A HURRICANE WATCH IS IN EFFECT FOR NORTHERN HAITI NORTH OF PORT AU
    PRINCE.
     
    A TROPICAL STORM WATCH IS IN EFFECT FOR THE SOUTHEASTERN BAHAMAS.
     
    AT 2 AM AST...0600Z...THE CENTER OF HURRICANE DEBBY WAS LOCATED NEAR
    LATITUDE 17.5 NORTH...LONGITUDE  61.7 WEST OR JUST SOUTHEAST OF THE
    ISLAND OF BARBUDA IN THE NORTHERN LEEWARD ISLANDS.
     
    DEBBY IS MOVING TOWARD THE WEST-NORTHWEST NEAR 20 MPH...32 KM/HR...
    AND THIS MOTION IS EXPECTED TO CONTINUE TODAY.  THIS MOTION WILL
    MOVE DEBBY DIRECTLY OVER THE NORTHERN LEEWARD ISLANDS TODAY.
     
    REPORTS FROM AN AIR FORCE RESERVE HURRICANE HUNTER AIRCRAFT INDICATE
    THAT MAXIMUM SUSTAINED WINDS HAVE INCREASED TO NEAR  75 MPH...120
    KM/HR...WITH HIGHER GUSTS.  SOME ADDITIONAL STRENGTHENING IS
    POSSIBLE DURING THE NEXT 24 HOURS.
     
    TROPICAL STORM FORCE WINDS EXTEND OUTWARD UP TO 175 MILES ...280 KM
    ...MAINLY TO THE NORTH OF THE CENTER.
     
    THE LATEST PRESSURE REPORTED BY THE HURRICANE HUNTER IS 994 MB
    ...29.35 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.
     
    REPEATING THE 2 AM AST POSITION...17.5 N... 61.7 W.  MOVEMENT
    TOWARD...WEST-NORTHWEST NEAR 20 MPH.  MAXIMUM SUSTAINED WINDS...
    75 MPH.  MINIMUM CENTRAL PRESSURE... 994 MB.
     
    Cheers,
    Ronnie.
    Internet / Systems Engineer
     
    Suite 201 Lauriston
    Collymore Rock
    St. Michael
    Barbados, West Indies
    BGI
     
    Suite 016-517
    7296 NW 44th Street
    Miami, Florida, U.S.A
    33166
     
    [encrypted email solutions]
     
    Tele: + [305] 423 2155 x.185
    Fax: + [508] 448 0228
     
    The Web Site For Caribbean Folk !
     

    - Waiting for Debby
    • From: RonUSVI AT aol.com
    • Date: Tue, 22 Aug 2000 01:49:22 EDT
    Sounds like a movie, but here we sit waiting, understanding she should be 
    here by morning. This is the part that kills, a lose lose situation, you wait 
    and hate it, when it finally arrives you really don't want it, when gone 
    you're happy for a short while until you have to deal with the after effects.
    Right now, there are a few small gusts, and some sprinkles of rain. Boring 
    enough to take a nap until it picks up!
    Will update as we progress, if I can.
    Ronnie
    
    

    - Debby
    • From: "Dave McDermott" <superdave AT islands.vi>
    • Date: Tue, 22 Aug 2000 01:14:08 -0300
    8 millibars! That was some drop in pressure over a three hour period! However, the wind speed did not increase and the forward speed dropped a little. That part is not good. Satellite photo's are looking more impressive as time progresses. 
     
    St. Thomas is under curfew as of 12:00 am until whenever the Governor lifts it. If the storm passes quickly and damage is minimal, it could be lifted as early as Wednesday afternoon. Unfortunately, I'm not of the opinion we'll get off that easy. We currently have an 83% chance the center of Debby will pass within 65 nautical miles today. St. Croix has an 84% chance. If it stays a bit south, we will get the Northern and Eastern quadrants. Not good at all. If it goes a bit north, we'll be alot better off. Either way, it will be close!
     
    Power is still on and there was a period of uneasy calmness for the last half-hour. Even the 1/2 moon came out and some stars but the wind has picked back up. Will send periodic reports until power goes out. Until then, good luck to all!
     
    Dave
     

    - debby
    • From: "huck" <huckphotovi AT theglobe.com>
    • Date: Tue, 22 Aug 2000 00:01:00 -0300
    hello all...
    st thomas updatesat 11pm   17.2N  61.0W
    breezy with a few rain bands about 10pm
    nhc report follows...000
    WTNT42 KNHC 220235
    TCDAT2
    TROPICAL STORM DEBBY DISCUSSION NUMBER  10
    NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE MIAMI FL
    11 PM EDT MON AUG 21 2000
    CORRECTION...INITIAL WIND SPEED IS 60 KNOTS
     
    THE CENTER IS RELOCATED NORTHWARD BASED ON RADAR IMAGES FROM
    GUADELOUPE AND ON A RECENT AIR FORCE RECON FIX.  EXCEPT FOR SHIFTING
    THE FIRST 24 HOURS OF THE FORECAST TRACK NORTHWARD BY ABOUT 30 N
    MI...THERE IS LITTLE CHANGE TO THE FORECAST TRACK FROM THE PREVIOUS
    ADVISORY.  A RIDGE TO THE NORTH OF THE STORM IS EXPECTED TO CONTINUE
    TO FORCE A WEST-NORTHWESTWARD MOTION THROUGH 72 HOURS AND THE
    GFDL...UKMET...GFDL RUN OFF OF NOGAPS...AVN AND FSU EXPERIMENTAL ALL
    SHOW THIS.  ONLY THE UKMET HINTS AT A TURN TOWARD THE NORTH AND THIS
    IS AFTER 72 HOURS.
     
    RECON REPORTS THAT THE SURFACE PRESSURE DROPPED 8 MB IN A COUPLE OF
    HOURS TO 996 MB.  THIS AND WHAT LOOKS LIKE A NORTHERN HALF OF AN EYE
    WALL FEATURE ON THE GUADELOUPE RADAR ARE THE FIRST SIGNS THAT DEBBIE
    MAY ACTUALLY BECOME A HURRICANE.  THE INTENSITY FORECAST IS SIMILAR
    TO THE PREVIOUS ADVISORY BRINGING THE WIND SPEED TO 75 KNOTS IN 24
    HOURS.
     
    FORECASTER LAWRENCE
    stay updated at
    http://www.huckphotovi.com
    
    good luck all
    huck jordan
    
    

    - DEBBY...
    • From: "huck" <huckphotovi AT theglobe.com>
    • Date: Mon, 21 Aug 2000 23:52:49 -0300
    HELLO ALL...
    11PM  REPORT FROM ST THOMAS . BREEZY WITH SOME RAIN BANDS ON  THE SOUTH SIDE
    ABOVE MORNINGSTAR BEACH.PRETTY QUIET NOW,SERIOUS DOWNPOUR DURING HALF TIME
    MONDAY NITE FOOTBALL 10PM.NEW UP DATE BELOW...
    
    
    
    WTNT42 KNHC 220235
    TCDAT2
    TROPICAL STORM DEBBY DISCUSSION NUMBER  10
    NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE MIAMI FL
    11 PM EDT MON AUG 21 2000
    CORRECTION...INITIAL WIND SPEED IS 60 KNOTS
    
    THE CENTER IS RELOCATED NORTHWARD BASED ON RADAR IMAGES FROM
    GUADELOUPE AND ON A RECENT AIR FORCE RECON FIX.  EXCEPT FOR SHIFTING
    THE FIRST 24 HOURS OF THE FORECAST TRACK NORTHWARD BY ABOUT 30 N
    MI...THERE IS LITTLE CHANGE TO THE FORECAST TRACK FROM THE PREVIOUS
    ADVISORY.  A RIDGE TO THE NORTH OF THE STORM IS EXPECTED TO CONTINUE
    TO FORCE A WEST-NORTHWESTWARD MOTION THROUGH 72 HOURS AND THE
    GFDL...UKMET...GFDL RUN OFF OF NOGAPS...AVN AND FSU EXPERIMENTAL ALL
    SHOW THIS.  ONLY THE UKMET HINTS AT A TURN TOWARD THE NORTH AND THIS
    IS AFTER 72 HOURS.
    
    RECON REPORTS THAT THE SURFACE PRESSURE DROPPED 8 MB IN A COUPLE OF
    HOURS TO 996 MB.  THIS AND WHAT LOOKS LIKE A NORTHERN HALF OF AN EYE
    WALL FEATURE ON THE GUADELOUPE RADAR ARE THE FIRST SIGNS THAT DEBBIE
    MAY ACTUALLY BECOME A HURRICANE.  THE INTENSITY FORECAST IS SIMILAR
    TO THE PREVIOUS ADVISORY BRINGING THE WIND SPEED TO 75 KNOTS IN 24
    HOURS.
    
    FORECASTER LAWRENCE
    
    HOPE EVERY ONE STAYS SAFE,WE ARE BOARDED AND READY???
    http://www.huckphotovi.com
    
    huck jordan
    
    

    - Debby
    • From: "David McDermott" <bigdave17 AT hotmail.com>
    • Date: Mon, 21 Aug 2000 11:47:23 EDT
    This is superdave AT islands.vi but I am sending this from the road;hence 
    hotmail account. The Coast Guard has closed the port of St. Thomas effective 
    8:00 am tomorrow am as hurricane warnings have been posted. This means there 
    will be no cruise ship visits here until this coming Sunday at least. Debby 
    has increased her forward speed and is on a more westerly heading and the 
    eye is projected, at this time, to pass just south of St. Croix. This means 
    however, the northern qaudrants will affect all of the Virgin Islands. With 
    her intensity also picking up, this will not be a pretty picture. The winds 
    will be higher over the mountainous areas (where I live!. I will be home 
    today by 3:00 pm to finish my preparations. The only good thing about her 
    forward speed is she'll be gone in a hurry instead of traveling 10 mph and 
    pounding us as she goes by.
    
    Traffic is heavy. I observed long lines at the gas stations and the 
    supermarkets. I was at the lumber yard at 7:15 am and not much concern was 
    shown then. But it is now. Curfew will be in effect, probably by 12:00 pm. 
    Then, it's a waiting game.
    
    Dave
    
    ________________________________________________________________________
    Get Your Private, Free E-mail from MSN Hotmail at http://www.hotmail.com
    
    

    - DEBBY
    • From: "huck" <huckphotovi AT theglobe.com>
    • Date: Mon, 21 Aug 2000 07:07:07 -0300
    GOOD MORNING ALL
    HANG ON TO YOUR HATS THIS ONE IS DANGEROUS ALTHOUGHT IT MAY ONLY BE  A CAT 1 HURRICANE. IT LOOKS LIKE  A DIRECT HIT ON THE VIRGIN ISLANDS...BE PREPARED, WATER,BATTERIES, FOOD ETC
    MORNING CORDINATES VARY NHC HAS HER AT 15.6N  54.7W AT 5 AM
    NAVAL OPERATIONS PUTS HER AT 15.4N  53.9W
    YOU CAN STAY UPDATED AT
    http://www.huckphotovi.com
    http://members.theglobe.com/huckphotovi
     IT IS 7 AM NOW AN A BEAUTIFUL DAY ALTHOUGH A BIT BREZZY
    MESSAGE TO GERT HOPE YOU WILL BE OK SEND MAIL WHEN YOU ARIVE IN ST MARTIN
    HUCKPHOTOVI AT HOTMAIL.COM
                                                                    HUCK
                                                                    ST HTOMAS

    - Debby
    • From: "Dave McDermott" <superdave AT islands.vi>
    • Date: Mon, 21 Aug 2000 06:27:22 -0300
    Not a good time for my mail server to have problems! A hurricane watch has been posted for many of the NE islands including Puert Rico. This is a large storm and could further develop down the line into a massive one after it leaves the Caribbean. Not good news there. The wave behind Debby has calmed down a bit so our attention is focused on hurricane preparedness. So far, it appears Debby will be a storm like Hurricane Bertha was in 1996. However, we have seen them intensify rapidly before and, especially in St. Thomas, we have experienced the destruction a so-called "Category 1" system can wreak. Bad memories there.
     
    The weather right now is pretty fair with breezy conditions. Expect to get first heavy dose of rain late tonight. I will be finishing up my preparations this evening as I expect a curfew to be instituted no later than 3:00 pm tomorrow if Debby maintains her track and intensification. Yesterday, there was a good amount of people in hardware and retail stores getting supplies and with the hurricane watch being posted, today and tonight will probably be zooey! Cruise ship cancellations have started already and will post those tonight. Good luck to all.
     
    Dave
     

    - Debby
    • From: "Dave McDermott" <superdave AT islands.vi>
    • Date: Sun, 20 Aug 2000 07:44:02 -0300
    It appears Gert may be in for an up-close and personal experience with a hurricane while he is on vacation! TD# 7, at this time, is forecast to turn into Hurricane Debby within 72 hours and be virtually right on top of the BVI's and St. Thomas at the end of that forecast period. As one of the forecasters noted however, 72 hour projections can have errors of up to several hundred miles. Let's hope the several hundred miles is to the north!
     
    Little activity was noted yesterday among the people of the island but, with a probable hurricane watch being issued later today for portions of the NE islands, it will start to pick up, especially at the gas stations, supermarkets, and lumber yards.
     
    Dave
      

    - TD #7
    • From: "Dave McDermott" <superdave AT islands.vi>
    • Date: Sat, 19 Aug 2000 18:15:36 -0300
    Goodbye Alberto! Still alive and kicking but due to finally meet his demise over cooler waters in the next 3-5 days. Goodbye Chris for the time being. Now, we have TD #7, soon to be TS Debby. Current projections take it south of St. Croix although this would station the US Virgin Islands in the strongest quadrants of the storm. Some models forecast it to be hurricane strength within 48 hours and the others, just below. Dry air ahead should slow it's intensification but after it passes that narrow area, it should pick up rapidly. Either way, the NE Caribbean should take this threat seriously. Chris was just a reminder of the time of season. This storm, I believe, is for real.
     
    No sense of urgency yet here in St. Thomas. I feel the populace will not take any intense action until tomorrow evening or Monday morning. Hopefully, this will not have to be.
     
    Dave
     

    - Chris
    • From: "Dave McDermott" <superdave AT islands.vi>
    • Date: Fri, 18 Aug 2000 18:08:25 -0300
    Hurricane Alberto is still kicking with no potential threat to any land masses for the time being although the Azores might be getting a little gun-shy. Tropical Storm Chris is developing slowly and the center of circulation is ill-defined. The computer projections still take it to the north of the Leeward Islands regardless although a little farther south than 24 hours ago. Intensification can be rapid as evidenced by an earlier storm which rose from depression to hurricane status in just 6 hours!
     
    Interests in the NE Caribbean should be monitoring Chris as the center could positively form farther south or east than anticipated which would require Tropical storm watches and warnings to be posted. The anticipated weather conditions would include squally rain showers with potential flash flooding. If Chris follows the earlier projections though, a few rain showers will be about all this area would receive.
     
    Further east, a wave with a 1012 mb low at approx. 10N37W is worthy of careful watching due to it's low lattitude, neutral weather conditions for development, and the time of hurricane season. This one could be interesting. Let's hope not.
     
    Dave

    - TD #6
    • From: "Dave McDermott" <superdave AT islands.vi>
    • Date: Thu, 17 Aug 2000 23:05:35 -0300
    The oldest tropical storm of August since 1900 (Alberto) and the newest tropical depression of the year 2000 (TD #6) are the topics of interest at this time.  Alberto is projected to loop himself and finally become extratropical by late next week. A virtual month-long tropical system!
     
    TD #6 is now looming ever closer to the Lesser Antilles. Projections take it a couple of hundred miles north of the NE Caribbean Islands (BVI's and the USVI) with only some rain and thunderstorms possible. However, according to the latest discussions, it IS possible the NE Caribbean Islands could experience tropical storm force winds and rain if the ridge north of here is stronger than believed which would force (soon to be tropical storm Chris) in our westerly direction. All interests in the NE Caribbean should monitor this developing storm.
     
    Dave
     

    - Alberto and East
    • From: "Dave McDermott" <superdave AT islands.vi>
    • Date: Wed, 16 Aug 2000 22:45:43 -0300
    Wow! Alberto appears to want to live forever! Now the third longest-living cyclone in the month of August since 1900! And still not finished yet! Fortunately, he is not near or threatening any land masses. Again, the unpredictability of tropical systems manifests itself with Alberto!
     
    The tropical wave stretching along 43W is getting it's act together albeit slowly. We need to pay close attention to this one and the wave along 25W which is the wave I spoke about earlier in the week.
     
    Tonight is a beautiful night here in St. Thomas and has been enjoyed by all! If only they all could be this complacent!
     
    Dave

    - Super evening!
    • From: "Dave McDermott" <superdave AT islands.vi>
    • Date: Mon, 14 Aug 2000 21:45:45 -0300
    All is quiet on the Eastern Caribbean front. Tonight is one of the clearest and driest evenings we've had in a long time. A virtual full moon, 10-15 kt. winds from the NE, and a dry, no-haze atmosphere are the ingredients for a comfortable evening, both visually and atmospherically.
     
    Again though, the height of the hurricane season is approaching and we must keep a wary eye open and not be lulled to sleep by it's early inactivity. An evening like this, however, makes it very easy to temporarily forget.
     
    Dave

    - Heating Season
    • From: "Dave McDermott" <superdave AT islands.vi>
    • Date: Thu, 10 Aug 2000 22:22:35 -0300
    We, in the NE Caribbean, are happy to say goodbye for good to Hurricane Alberto after an interesting week, both locally and meteorologically. A relatively, for this time of year, calm period is forecast for the next 4-5 days here in the US Virgin Islands. However, a weak low has developed at approx. 12N26W but appears insignificant at this time. No deep convection is apparent on satellite imagery but the areas ahead of this wave/low are favorable for future development. If this wave stays on it's current course, things could get interesting next week. Right now though, I am looking with great interest at the possible wave which will be the third in line to come off the African coast within the next 3-6 day if it survives the trek. 
     
    Today, we had .49 inches of rain in a one hour span which is badly needed. Many people are buying water (Approx. $300.00 for 5,200 gallons) as our rainfall for the last few months has been dismal. However, the islands appear to be more interested in the possible sale of the local electrical company (WAPA) to Southern Energy, Inc. than anything in the tropical arena, beneficial or otherwise!
     
    Alberto has left the scene; I hope this doesn't put the populace into hibernation.
     
    Dave  

    - Alberto
    • From: "Dave McDermott" <superdave AT islands.vi>
    • Date: Tue, 8 Aug 2000 07:34:42 -0300
    Alberto continues to beguile the hurricane forecast model computers at this time as well as us amateurs! It appears Alberto will pass, at least for now, closer to the NE Caribbean than previously calculated as the trough to the north didn't pick the storm up as projected. Although vastly improved, hurricane forecasting has, and will continue to have, it's unpredictable moments. Again, "Back-Door Lenny" from last November comes to mind.
     
    The local paper (The Daily News) had a small headline on the front page of yesterdays edition but buried the story on page 11. The VI Emergency Management Agency did not mobilize over the weekend but were tracking Alberto's progress. No lines for supplies were evident although a closer than predicted path will probably scare some into picking them up.
     
    Dave

    - Alberto
    • From: "Dave McDermott" <superdave AT islands.vi>
    • Date: Mon, 7 Aug 2000 06:38:27 -0300
    Well Alberto, if anything, has raised the awareness levels here in the Virgin Islands. More concern was shown yesterday by the general public. At that time, it did look like Alberto would take a more westerly course. Now it appears it will veer to  the northwest and miss us completely. Right now, we have light rain as the lower portion of a split tropical wave is passing over us. I'm somewhat dissappointed here so far as I expected alot more rain from this system.
     
    The sinister looking wave from yesterday which had just came off the coast of Africa no longer looks impressive. I believe Alberto took what atmospheric energy there was at this time of year for itself leaving cooler waters and drier air.
     
    Dave

    - alberto
    • From: "huck" <huckphotovi AT theglobe.com>
    • Date: Sun, 6 Aug 2000 19:50:28 -0300
    well here we are again
     looks like we might be out of the woods on this one or on the beach...
    still maintaining  my pages
    weather can be found at
    http://members.theglobe.com/huckphotovi/hurricane99.html
    dot com is soon to come just waiting on nic
    tropical  storm formation expected on system just north of us
    according to naval ops 18.5n 64.8w  wont affect us
    will be on line   main page updated also
    http://members.theglobe.com/huckphotovi
                                                                               huck
                                                                               beverely hills
                                                                               st thomas usvi

    - Alberto
    • From: "Dave McDermott" <superdave AT islands.vi>
    • Date: Sun, 6 Aug 2000 08:37:01 -0300
    Once again, Alberto appears to be moving a little farther north than predicted which is good news for the Virgin Islands. Most of the official discussions and models see it the same way although after 48 hours, there seems to be some disagreement. We could definitely use some rain but not a hurricane! Yesterday, I checked my generator's readiness, filled up the truck and jeep with gas, as well as several gas cans. Also checked battery supplies and ordered 2 propane tanks to be delivered Monday.
     
    St. John discussed it's readiness in the paper yesterday. They appear to have all of their ducks in a row. I hope so as they are more isolated after a storm than St. Thomas or St. Croix as there is no airport and are treated stepchildish already.
     
    A sinister looking wave is poised to exit the African coast soon. It's that time when we start really paying attention to these, even is SST's are still a little cool and the coast is so far away. Closer to home, we have a disturbance close by to the ENE expecting to bring us some heavy rain after midnight tonight and tomorrow. Definitely could use it.
     
    A new site was sent to me this morning concerning the weather here in the NE Caribbean. It's address is www.stormvi.com and is maintained by a local. An excellent needed addition, especially for locals.
     
    Dave

    - Alberto
    • From: "Dave McDermott" <superdave AT islands.vi>
    • Date: Sat, 5 Aug 2000 07:15:38 -0300
    Alberto already is an interesting beginning to the 2000 named storm season. It appears the computer models vary widely, especially in 3-6 day projections. If the ridge weakens to the north, then Alberto will move more WNW and probably eventually curve North. If the ridge remains in place and some other air weaknesses are shored up, we will see a more direct Westerly track. This is somewhat disturbing for us here in the NE Caribbean. This would put Alberto roughly passing under the Virgin islands but not by much and leaving little room for damaging fluctuations.
     
    Still, it is early yet. No real mention of the storm by the populace here. There was intense interest from the boating community and I know of two boats leaving today just in case. After all of the storm action we have had here since 1995, some of us are gunshy. But it is still better to be safe than sorry later.
     
    As I do yearly, I wonder how much coverage the USVI will get from The Weather Channel in the event a storm gets dangerously close. As I said before, this is what alot of residents rely on as well as radio.
     
    Dave

    - Calm before the storm
    • From: "Dave McDermott" <superdave AT islands.vi>
    • Date: Wed, 26 Jul 2000 00:39:27 -0300
    It's still early as far as an active tropical season (Atlantic) is concerned but do not allow yourselves to be lulled to sleep. The conditions these last 6-8 weeks have been more of a spring-type climatology in the tropics, Caribbean, and the Eastern Seaboard than a typical summer climatology. A very large patch of dry, sinking air has really helped to inhibit tropical formation as well as westerly shear; unusual at this time of year. However, as the most active (traditionally) part of the season draws near, contentment should not enter any part of the Caribbean as well as the East Coast.
     
    Here in St. Thomas, US Virgin Islands, there has been a copious amount of media coverage in the last few weeks dedicated to hurricane preparation and survival. Seminars have been held, meetings among government agencies, etc...By the same token, Hurricane Supplication Day, (Monday past) was very lightly observed by the populace; probably because it's not one of the many VI Government holidays anymore due to budget constraints. A Danish holiday first observed in the early 1700's to pray to be spared from storms, it has lost alot of it's significance among the new generations. Most used the holiday as a normal 3-day weekend in past years. Not what it was for! On a brighter note, even FEMA has contributed extremely helpful information and tips as well as providing monetary assistance to help bring a few of our public schools up to code; not only for a possible hurricane strike but an eventual earthquake as well. Yes, we live in a zone 4 earthquake zone also; the same classification as San Francisco, CA as I'm aware of. I have personally felt 6 tremors in the last 10 1/2 years. A magnitude quake of 6.8 or higher occurring close by will cause extreme damage here due to undercode hillside building and poor construction. Not to mention the possible accompanying tsunami.
     
    Let's keep our fingers crossed for all that Mother Nature has to offer. While beautiful, do not underestimate her!
     
    Dave 

    - TD #2
    • From: "Dave McDermott" <superdave AT islands.vi>
    • Date: Sun, 25 Jun 2000 23:16:00 -0300
    Well, TD #2 has supposedly hidden itself in the ITCZ but I believe, based on all current information that I have read, it will regenerate itself. Hopefully not though. The last few years tropical developments have put the most experienced meteorologists and the NHC back to school in certain instances as the weather has not been as "patternable" as in past decades.
     
    Page 6 of our local newspaper, "The Daily News", has two hurricane related articles today. No mention of TD #2 anywhere in the articles or on the weather page (14). A media oversight at the least, even if it is still 3-4 days away.
     
    Dave

    - TD #2
    • From: "Dave McDermott" <superdave AT islands.vi>
    • Date: Sat, 24 Jun 2000 11:47:46 -0300
    Another storm season is upon us and who is making a far eastern Atlantic appearance but TD #2. Sea surface temperatures are marginal at best across it's track until, if it stays together, it reaches a couple hundred miles east of the Lesser Antilles. Assuming that is marginal also but, at that time, it could be a Category 1 or 2 after reaching that area. The current track is also subject to conjecture after the next four days but I'm not real happy as this started way south and has no steering currents as yet to take it anywhere but west or slightly west/northwest.
     
    Other than the VI Government (Vitema) and Federal officials, there are not many residents of St. Thomas who would be ready until the last minute, if then, for such an early season storm. Our local emergency management team has held several seminars on hurricane preparedness already and have declared themselves ready if the need arises. A very positive note compared to previous years! Also, with our recent history of hurricane "hits or near hits" (Marilyn, Bertha, Georges, and "wrong-way Lenny" to name a few), this territory is in a much better state of prepareness. Building codes have been strengthened, agreements with the marine industry and the Department of Planning and Natural Resources for safe-havens have been agreed upon for boaters, our government is better organized (in this area), and Federal officials have unceasingly been promoting hurricane awareness.
     
    Unfortunately, our local population doesn't take hurricane season seriously until August or September. Hopefully, this early TD #2 will wake them up as never before.
     
    Dave 

    - hurr???not now
    • From: "jb jerdon" <huckphotovi AT theglobe.com>
    • Date: Thu, 01 Jun 2000 03:28:59 -0700
    hi 
    well i guess its time to up date...
    http://members.theglobe.com/huckphotovi
    caribbean news
    hurricane2000
                        huck from stt
    
    
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