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- Updates from the Islands -- - Cayman Islands - - |
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| - Cleanup Photos | |
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| - Cayman Islands Press Release |
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Good morning, we would appreciate if you could post the attached message on your website. thanks you! Nicole La Valette Acting General Manager Cayman Islands Tourism Association
Media Contacts: Hurricane Michelle passes the Cayman Islands.Grand Cayman, B.W.I. - November 6, 2001 --After a stormy weekend, the Cayman Islands awoke to beautiful blue skies, balmy breezes, and a temperature of 80 degrees. The Cayman Islands National Hurricane Committee has issued the "All Clear" for the Cayman Islands following the passage of the Hurricane Michelle effective 11:00am, November 5, 2001. Throughout the last few days the three-island destination monitored and tracked Hurricane Michelle in anticipation and preparation for what the weather system might deliver. With high seas, rain and winds, the residents and businesses prepared for Michelle even though it was only predicted to pass by to the west of Grand Cayman. Early on Sunday morning, the weather system passed some 140 miles to the west of Grand Cayman. The hurricane did not approach the Cayman Islands directly and the conditions were not severe enough to delay or cause the cancellation of any scheduled air service to the country during the time that it passed the Cayman Islands. All international flights to and from Grand Cayman's Owen Robert's International Airport operated as scheduled during the weekend. The Cayman Islands Department of Tourism and its private sector partners have begun the process of evaluating and assessing the damage caused by the storm surge and wave action as this Hurricane passed through the northwest Caribbean. Marine conditions throughout the weekend caused coastal damage on the northwest coasts of Grand Cayman and throughout the harbor in the capital of George Town. Some properties and buildings along the Seven Mile Beach area and in the vicinity of Northwest Point, West Bay sustained waterfront damage. The Cayman Turtle Farm, located in Northwest Point has suffered significant damage and is closed to the public at this time to facilitate the clean up and recovery efforts. Throughout Sunday, November 4, 2001, island residents and volunteers relocated many of the farm's turtles to a safer habitat. In addition a number of properties along North Church Street, Harbour Drive and South Church Street experienced varying levels of damage. As a result, some of these streets are impassable in a number of areas due to debris and the clean-up effort. All other attractions including the Botanic Park and Pedro St. James were not affected and continue to be open for business as usual. Most hotels, restaurants, watersport operations, condos, airlines and car rental agencies are open and are serving the visitors on Islands, as well as encouraging visitors to the Islands. The Department of Tourism is asking persons with travel plans to the Cayman Islands to contact their intended property for up-to-date information on specific conditions or by calling the Cayman Islands Tourism Association at 345-949-8522 or the Sister Islands Tourism Association at 345-948-2266. Persons who wish further information in regards to the conditions within the Cayman Islands should visit www.caymanislands.ky. Located 480 miles south of Miami in the quiet western Caribbean, this trio of tiny islands is a premier destination for discriminating travelers, honeymooners and families. World renowned for its beaches and diving sites, and ranked as the world's fifth largest financial center, the Cayman Islands offer exciting recreational opportunities along with friendly, high quality, modern service. To learn more about the Cayman Islands, visit www.caymanislands.ky or call your local travel agent or the Cayman Islands Department of Tourism at 1-800-346-3313. # # #  FINAL US RElease Nov 6.doc
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| - Michelle Update |
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What a difference a quiet(er) night makes. Obviously crews from the Public Works Departments and also the private utilities labored throughout. Progress is astounding in some areas. Roads that were seemingly impassable only 24 hours ago are now open. I am not sure how repairs are going in West Bay and in the vicinity of the Turtle Farm, however, I can say that the progress in George Town has been amazing. Harbour Drive and North and South Church Streets, all of which were either damaged or covered in waste yesterday, are flowing well with traffic today. Asphalt has been patched in the two worst hit areas and you would not believe that it was the same road in some of the pics I posted yesterday. Kudos to the crews for their hard work and amazing progress. At the same time, private homes, bars, restaurants and hotels all toil away. Piles of waste and rubble have been building outside of the hardest hit areas awaiting collection or removal. As progress is made and clean up continues, the awesome power of the wave impact becomes more apparent. And so too does the respect for nature!!! As work continues, I will try and post more reports and pictures. |
| - Looking brighter! | |
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| - Fwd: Hurricane Photos from Matthew Redican |
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Matthew Redican e-mailed that he has photos on his web page ... http://www.redican.ca/pages/Michelle.htm |
| - More pics and Update |
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Cayman has enjoyed the fisrt full day of sun today, a welcome change from the rains of the last ten days. Crews from various government departments have been working hard to clean up downtown. Several businesses remain closed along the waterfront as access is limited and there is still danger from occasional waves and the rubble littering the streets. I did wander along the north side of town and up North Church Street a couple of hours ago. Damage there is along the same lines as on the southern end of town. Burger King has had its car park rearranged courtesy of the wave action. Much of the asphalt has been lifted and parking bumbers and sidewalks littler the area. At Bob Sotos the doch is but a splinter. The dive shop appears OK however the tank filling station and some storage areas appeared damaged. The public launch adjacent to the shop survived for the most part, having suffered only minimal surface damage to the asphalt. However, the dock is gone and thus utilization of the ramp will be a lot harder. Further up West Bay Road several condo complexes report damage to ocean front and ground floor units. I have not had time to venture onto the beach, however those I have spoken to say that there has been significant changes in the form of the shoreline. Some report massive sand deposits whilst others say that erosion has been terrible. Since I posted earlier I have had the chance to have additional photos developed (the earlier ones were digital). I have attached a few, including some showing damage to areas referenced earlier such as Windsor Village, Grand Old House, Smith's Cove, West Wind Building and the harbour front. Many thanks to all who wrote after my last report. We all appreciate the concern, support and well-wishes. Tim. |
| - Clean Up | |
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| - Reality check |
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Having read the reports from others and spent the better part of Sunday on bike and foot traversing the western end of Grand Cayman, I can confirm there is extensive damage from South Sound to Northwest Point. Yesterday started with assisting with turtle rescues. Although I did not venture out to the Turtle Farm due to the congestion and other people's feedback, we did spend time a few miles around the coast. I am not sure how things fared as the day went on, however, at 10am Cobalt Coast was losing the planks on its dock and further around there were waves coming into aparments at the neighbouring complex. We rescued a number of smaller turtles in the 10 pound range and saw several that others had collected, battered and bruised, but alive. One full-sized adult was tossed close, however not close enough to save. He did get sucked back by another wave, only to be tossed back to the shoreline. Despite our efforts, we couldn't get close enough to pull it to safety, however, it did appear to be very much alive, and the right wave may have pulled him back to sea, with luck. Venturing south, there are several areas the water crossed the road completely. As the day went on, and the weather worsened, we resorted to bike travel. Starting at Windsor Village and working north... Windsor Village had several units gutted. There is furnature scattered throughout the complex, a couple of large TV sets on the lawn and in the pool, and the dock is totally gone. Waves contined to batter front units leaving water over a foot deep in some. Mercury Crescent was extensively damaged. I didn't venture onto the complex as there was just too much water, however, items scattered around the property had obviously originated inside some of the units. Smith Cove is unrecognizable. The beach has been thrown up towards the road and all that remains is rocky outcrops. The Grand Old House was also seriously damaged. The dock is all gone as is most of the patio. Again, water damage extended into the building. The adjacent apartment complex, having recently been completely renovated, also suffered a lot. As we watched waves lifting up the parking lot, another wave lifted a rental car and carried it a full 20 feet up the road. At Portugese Point, homes on the waterfront side were extensively damaged. Flood water ran through the ocean front units smashing doors and windows and ripping apart large sections of the buildings. Most are totally uninhabitable. The Blue Parrot lost the entire patio and most of the bar. The roof collapsed on what remained of the bar area and much of the surroundings were destroyed. The adjacent fuel terminals, earlier the focus of a suspected fuel leak, were flooded. Water over 3 foot deep sat in and around the fuel containers. Sunset House lost the entire bar and patio. The pool area has lost all the railings and several hotel rooms were flooed through. The Seaharvest restaurant was flooed. Even hurricane shutters couldn't hold back the force of the waves which smashed through the main door entrance. Houses all along the South Church Street waterfront were damaged to a greater or lesser extent. Water traversed the road in several areas making cyclers and walkers the only moveable traffic. At Seaview there was extensive damage to the bar and dive shop. A large pickup truck was lifted out of the parking lot and onto the wall by the bar. Parrots Landing, Edens Rock and Paradise Dive Shops were all washed through. At Eden Rock dive tanks littered the waterfront, several of them hissing from apparent ruptures. The road by Paradise was ripped up and large chunks of road and wall were transported several feet into neighbouring property. More tanks were scattered through town as far north as the old bakery - over half a mile away! At Queensgate House the parking lot basement was over a foot deep in water. Cars down there were waterlogged and a minivan had apparently been lifted by the rising waters and floated into a support post and neighbouring car. Throughout town there was damage to property, roads and more. This morning the Public Works Department was out working at cleaning up as I came through at 7am. Some areas would be passable now, however, as a precaution, barracades remain in many areas. I have posted a selection of photos of damage. In general they follow the order of my text above. All in all, the damage is widespread and extensive. Wave action was the worst I have seen in my 30 years in Cayman and I found noone who could remember damage of this level, with the exception of the 1932 hurricane. This morning is going to be the start of a long day for many, and for others, the start of a very long recovery process. But for the first time in 10 days, the process will be by the light of the sun in clear blue skies!!! |
| - A few reassuring words | |
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| - Sunny Skies | |
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| - Northside was spared |
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Today, we had wind and high tides, but we were spared in this storm. There is a small amount of debris in the street, but it is from plants and the sea not from houses. I haven't checked Rum Point and Cayman Kai since this afternoon; but as of this afternoon, there was no damage there either (other than a small amount of pier damage at Rum Point). We went in town today and saw the damage. A cabana on Public Beach had collapsed. The pools in the hotels were full of sand. The Marriott lost its beach again. It is sad. |
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Sunday 7:45 pm This afternoon we had a drive to West Bay. Going thru town was not a choice as it is completely blocked off. I do not know what they are going to do about businesses opening or people traveling to work tomorrow. You have heard the report. They have announced that some schools will be closed. Also the fuel leak from the gas terminals are under control. The 7 Mile Beach road was passable all the way almost to the Turtle Farm area, where the police had the road blocked. We were able to walk into this area. And what a mess. The homes that have been damaged or destroyed is terrible and of course the Cracked Conch Rest. - water went thru the building. The Tortuga Rum Cake Factory also had water through it. But the Turtle Farm, you could not even tell it was a turtle farm unless you read the sign. Looks to me to be totally destroyed. Many people were, I was told, helping to pick up the turtles to put them in pens away from the farm. It took, they told me, 4 to 5 men to pick up the big ones. Many turtles were found about 1/2 mile up the coast line. Many I was told were killed by the force of the seas, as well as all the eggs. The Turtle Farm Road was covered with sand and debrie from the houses there and of course stuff that came in from the sea.These hurricanes and the sea are dangerous elements not to be taken for granted!!! We were wondering why we had not heard from Frank. Well he was busy this morning. I saw him this evening at his house there by the Turtle Farm. His house was also damaged. He said it could have been worse. The sea is calming down now and it seems we will be FINALLY coming out from under this cloud of rain! Thank God no lives have been lost. Thanks to all of you who have e-mailed your support and concern over the pass week. Caymanians are strong people and will have all repaired quickly! You folks north of us - good luck and hope you keep safe. Donna |
| - 5.30 pm update, Sunday 4 Nov | |
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| - Update from West Bay |
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3:30 4 November (Frank Banks) Sorry you haven't heard from me but I have been very busy. Sending in a report while the ocean was surging through the building one floor below me just didn't quite happen, although I started to do so once or twice. Thanks for the kind emails received. The Turtle Farm area has been bashed very hard, including my place, with the apartments below me completely gutted. As of about 2:30 my building (Westwood Villas) still appeared structurally sound, but part of my balcony is gone and the sea was still pounding unabated. Downstairs, the walls are stripped down to bare block and completely trashed. The house next to the boat launch has been completely demolished, and the all oceanfront properties from Dolphin point to the Turtle Farm have been badly damaged or in some cases destroyed. The sea came up with a vengeance at about 7:30 am as it swept through my yard. It wasn't too bad for a couple of hours, but around 9 it got bigger, the hurricane shutters downstairs finally caved in as the sea started sweeping all the way across the road. To give you an idea of what we were looking at (and still are)at one point a wave came in that chased us up the ridge to Connie Edwards' house, with the water coming up about two thirds of the way up the driveway. What happened today was far worse than the 1989 Northwester, and based on what the older folks are saying is the highest the sea has been since the 1944 Hurricane. Thank God that the winds were not a factor and that it didn't happen at night. Michelle missed us, and I shudder to think what would have happened if she had come any closed, never mind given us a direct hit. Most people had no clue what was about to happen, and it gives me no comfort to say "I told you so". Let's pray for the people of Cuba and the Bahamas who are now facing a direct hit from Michelle. I am going back to my place now to see how things are going. Keep your fingers crossed. I have attached a picture showing Turtle Farm Road road around 11:00 this morning. Frank Banks __________________________________________________ Do You Yahoo!? Find a job, post your resume. http://careers.yahoo.com Hurricane5.JPG
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| - Michelle's Damage Photos | |
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| - More bad news from Cayman | |
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| - photos | |
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| - storm |
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Sunday 2 pm Since that last mid morning squall we have been rain free - but the wind was still blowing. But recently the wind has died down - but coming from the SW moving slow to the West. Unfortunately I do have some bad news about distruction. Last nite we were in the Harbour and were in awe of the waves. Well... just returned from there and there is much distruction. Water has come up each of the roads that lead to the harbour for about a 1/2 block. There is much debrie in these waves now and I am sure the shops along the waterfront had to have some water damage. The harbour waves are just really STRONG and large. Police have the whole harbour blocked off you can not get within at least a 1/2 block for safety. THe railing around Hog Sty Bay is gone. I was told, now remember this was what I was told, Sunset House Bar has been moved to the parking lot - putting it nicely. Cracked Conch and Dive Tech have major damage. Like I said last nite it was fun and awesome, but now it is not funny. There is to much damage and we have not heard anything about the condos and hotels on 7 Mile Beach or what the wave action is there. Also Texaco has a leak into the sea so the diesel fumes are all over George Town and south to the teminal. I just hope there is no more damage or that the sea does not get any larger. We need some reports from the West Bay area. Road are passable other wise except for these areas of damage. If I hear any more, I will let you know. But as far as the weather it is still over cast, no rain in a while and the wind has died down a bit. Donna |
| - Wind and Rain on the Northside |
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About 45 minutes ago, we started getting wind and rain. We took a drive around. Rum Point is different from the rest of the Northside. While the sea water on North side was (and is) still fairly calm, the water on North Sound was rough. There were waves and very high tides at Rum Point. The water came up to the pier at Rum Point and the pier itself was damaged. So far, there isn't much other damage. There is standing water in a few spots between Rum Point and Kaibo. A few coconuts leaves fell down.. The rain is picking up. Being outside wouldn't be much fun. |
| - Michelle | |
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| - storm |
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Sunday 9am Well we survived the nite. The winds this morning are out of the SW - as my weather monitor says and probably at least 20 mph winds or more and more in the gusts. I just heard a plane leave so planes are flying out. They say we will get better today - we will see. It is overcast - no rain yet - and very very breezy. I have heard that George Town Harbour is worse than last nite. Tide is now rising. Haven't heard any other reports. I know that I do not have any damage from the winds last nite - other than my tomato plants are leaning over and need propped up - but all other trees still standing!!!! We had some brownouts in the electricity last nite - about three that I counted - just a flicker and back on - just enought to flip off the A/C and only thing I see that probably was affected was my coffee pot - but luckly I have another one :) Hope Cuba and tha Bahamas are ready for this one! Good Luck Until Later Donna |
| - Only a gentle breeze on the Northside |
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Reading the reports from the other parts of the island makes me feel like we're in a different part of the world. We got some lightening around 1am and thought it was going to start. It stopped after 5 minutes and that was it. The water is still calm. There is only a gentle breeze. The empty glass that we forgot to bring in didn't even fall over. I don't know if we'll get the storm as it moves Northeast. |
| - Michelle | |
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| - CAYMAN BRAC |
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NOVEMBER 4, 2001 6 A.M. WOKE TO HIGH WINDS AND HEAVY RAIN. THE WINDS ARE VERY VERY GUSTY AT TIMES. AND WE RECEIVED ANOTHER 3 INCHES OF RAIN YESTERDAY AND THIS A.M. TO ADD TO THE 13 WE ALREADY HAD FOR A TOTAL OF 16 INCHES INCH LAST MONDAY. LOCALIZED FLOODING, NO INJURIES. MORE LATER CAROL FROM CAYMAN BRAC CAYMAN ISLANDS, B.W.I. |
| - Michelle | |
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| - Michelle | |
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| - Nasty surprise this morning | |
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| - storm |
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Sunday 4:30 am I am up because the wind is really blowing and it is raining,thunder and lightening. The wind is out of the S and occasionally SW. Which means it is shifting around toward the west which is bad for our west coast. I hope it holds off until daybreak. The sat. pix looks very different, there does not seems to be an eye. I hope this is good news! Until later. Donna |
| - Update | |
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| - storm |
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Saturday 11 pm early this evening we went to George Town Harbour - what an AWESOME site. The waves were breaking over the harbour road and over the cars that were still driving past. The waves are rolling in in great speed and make a wonderful site. The only thing that bothers me is that the wind has not come from the west yet and when and if it does, does that mean the waves will get bigger??? It was high tide when we were there - so thus the height of the waves. They were crashing and spraying in the air higher than the telephone poles. The visitors gazebo on the North terminal is getting a beating. Looks like the roof tiles are ripping off so there has to be other damage being done that we can not see yet. I took video of it until my battery went dead. I am anxious to view it. We had a pretty good squall an hour or so ago and the wind in my area is really whipping from the south it seems. I can just imagine it is very rough at Ocean Club. With the storm now turning to the east, a little to soon for us, means we will probably get into the tropical storm force winds, where if it had stayed more north maybe we would have gotten out of this mess! This is the most wind this evening that we have gotten in the past many days. We will see what the morning brings. Will report later or in the morning. Batten down the hatches!!! Donna |
| - Update | |
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| - michelle | |
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| - Update | |
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| - Hurricane Update 7:15 | |
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| - still calm on the Northside |
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We drove around and it was a normal Northside day, aside from the flooding at Cayman Kai. The police station didn't have any storm flags up. The water remained very calm all day. It rained a little off and on, but nothing serious. Judging from the other reports, the weather seems like a totally different island. At Rum Point, they were busy setting up for the triathelon tomorrow. The swim should be really nice : the water is clear. The bike course has a few flooded spots. The run has four flooded spots at the beginning. Near Kaiku, there are hidden potholes under the water, so runners should watch their footing. I'm glad the others reported. We would have gone in town, but changed our minds after reading the reports. |
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Saturday 6:15 pm About 5 pm I ventured into GeorgeTown to see if the Harbour was rough. Boy was I surprised. The waves were so big and crashing on to the Harbour road with cars still traveling along the road and unaware that every other wave was crashed onto the road. Then the police arrived to stop traffic. Further up at the port entrance by the church the water was running across the road. This is as bad as I have seen in a good Norwester! High tide is soon and the waves should be even larger or at least coming onto shore. I then traveled to Ocean Club on the South coast. I was most amazed at the sea. It was very rough with large waves. But these waves at that time were not coming onto the property of Ocean Club. The wind was very strong - an umbrella would have be torn or blown inside out and apart. In the last couple of hours it has started to rain as well. Upon leaving Ocean Club and returning home (inland near Harbour House Marina) I was surprised that the wind was not as strong at all. We may venture down to the harbour here shortly. I have only heard stories of water over the road at Holiday Inn and waves crashing at Dolphin Point. So we will have to let others in that area give a true report. Most of this afternoon while I was at work, we did not get any rain and I was surprised on my way home how much of the water from this morning had gone down on some of the roads, don't misunderstand, some roads are still very flooded!!! More later. Donna |
| - Hurricane Michelle |
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Hurricane Michelle is passing about 180 miles to our west as I write (2.30pm Sat 3 November). I took some time out today, to go up the west side of the island to inspect the damage. Here's my brief report: The waves are similar in size to Hurricane Mitch in Oct 1998 and similar damage seems to be occurring. At Smith's Cove, I witnessed wave swash reaching nearly to the road, whilst in George Town, the waves were crashing on to the road in the Harbour area, creating something of a spectacle for tourists and locals alike. Debris, including sand, rocks and flotsam and jetsam, had been washed on to the road.Further north, Burger King car park was once again being pounded by very large waves. Along the West Bay road (Seven Mile Beach) there is much evidence of road flooding (mainly from rain, but some sea flooding) especially at the new Holiday Inn location where the road was partially blocked and covered in sand. Meanwhile, at North West Point, home of the Turtle farm and the Cracked Conch restaurant/DiveTech, I witnessed the most spectacular waves crashing on to the ironshore and beyond. DiveTech's cabana and boardwalk had both suffered extensive damage, with boards ripped up and washed away. On the island as a whole, the main problem is the high amount of precipitation, which has been falling non-stop since last Sunday 28 October. This has created problems of flooding in low-lying areas, making transportation difficult, especially on foot, by bicycle or non-4WD vehicles. Fortunately, the Caymans id not very elevated , so relief rainfall has been minimal. Winds are not very strong and there is little or no damage from gusts at this point. James Woollard __________________________________________________ Do You Yahoo!? Everything you'll ever need on one web page from News and Sport to Email and Music Charts http://uk.my.yahoo.com |
| - Michelle | |
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| - storm |
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Friday 6:30 pm I guess it is here as I am sitting in my office unable to get to my car without getting totally soaked. It is RAINING - and from what I can tell blowing as well since the rain is coming down sideways!! Can't really tell you to much more until I get out of here and maybe I will just have to brave it and get soaked. Hope the road are not to flooded on the way home! Will report more later. Donna |
| - Flooding getting worse | |
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