- Updates from the Islands -

- - Bermuda - -

• From: "Greg Wojciechowski" <gwojo at bsx.com>
• Date: Fri, 26 Jan 2007 15:25:50 -0400

Good afternoon,

The schools have closed at 12:00, Ferry Service has been cancelled, the
causeway linking the west to the east end of the Island has closed at 1:30
as the  winds howl.

Businesses are still open as are the banks and the Bermuda Stock Exchange.

For all of us,  we are settling in for a winter blow--par for the course in
the Mid-Atlantic and Bermuda takes this type of storm in stride, I wonder if
I will still be saying that after my ride home tonight on my moped!!!!  The
following are the latest observations and forecasts for your information

Have a great weekend!

GW

Marine Synopsis -
Storm force winds and gusts to hurricane force are now affecting the area.
Winds will slowly ease below storm force this evening and below gale force
early Saturday morning.
Today -
  Winds westerly 45 to 55 knots, with occasional gusts to 70 knots in
showers....  Scattered showers with fair to poor visibility, slight chance
of thunder and hail, showers easing later.... Seas increasing, inside the
reef 3 to 5 ft... Outside the reef 20 to 25 ft...  Sunrise: 7:17 am.
Tonight -
  Winds west-north-westerly 40 to 50 knots gusts to 70 knots, easing 30 to
35 knots overnight...  Isolated showers with fair visibility... Seas inside
the reef 3 to 5 ft... Outside the reef 20 to 25 ft...  Sunset: 5:47 pm.


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• From: "Greg Wojciechowski" <gwojo at bsx.com>
• Date: Fri, 26 Jan 2007 08:41:00 -0400

I trust that you all had a great holiday season and best wishes for 2007.  I
thought I would share today's Bermuda forecast with you.  Seems like this
should be a mid-August forecast but there you go.

You never know what will develop out here in the middle of the Atlantic!!!

today -  Winds westerly 35 to 45 knots, with occasional gusts to 65 knots in
showers, increasing west-northwesterly 40 to 50 knots with gusts to 70 knots
at times...  Scattered heavy showers with fair to poor visibility, slight
chance of thunder and hail, showers easing later. Occasional gusts to 70
knots in squally showers... Seas increasing, inside the reef 3 to 5 ft...
Outside the reef 20 to 25 ft...  Sunrise: 7:17 am.

Tonight - Winds west-northwesterly 40 to 50 knots gusts to 70 knots, easing
30 to 35 knots overnight...  Isolated showers... Seas inside the reef 3 to 5
ft... Outside the reef 20 to 25 ft...  Sunset: 5:47 pm.

Should be a howling cold night here in Bermuda.

Have a great weekend!

Greg

This information is strictly private, intended only for the person or entity to 
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• From: "Marion Dyer" <mdyer at myhome.bm>
• Date: Thu, 30 Nov 2006 18:15:43 -0800

• From: "Marion Dyer" <mdyer at myhome.bm>
• Date: Thu, 26 Oct 2006 10:15:44 -0700

• From: "Greg Wojciechowski" <gwojo at bsx.com>
• Date: Mon, 18 Sep 2006 14:35:01 -0300

Greetings All,

Although all the Bermuda correspondents enjoy posting and keeping in contact
with everyone--its doesn't seem quite fair that we should be doing it again
so soon due to a storm!!!

Well Helene certainly has exploded in strength over the last 24 hours. As
with Flo, the forecasters and their forecasts seems to be a bit divergent,
with Bermuda in the balance--that said--we are watching, and are more or
less still prepared (some houses are still boarded).  Of course we hope that
she sails right by to our east!

Its beautiful today in Bermuda, bright and sunny.  The trees still look a
bit licked and we could use a good rain shower to wash the residual salt
away--but we don't want it from Helene's rain bands!!!

All the best,

Greg



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• From: "Greg Wojciechowski" <gwojo at bsx.com>
• Date: Tue, 12 Sep 2006 09:25:40 -0300

Good morning All.

A short report to say that its business as usual today.  Schools should open
tomorrow and the airport this afternoon.  Hamilton, the commercial hub is
open as usual.

Well done Bermuda and thanks to you all again for keeping tabs on us during
the storm and its approach.

Greg

• From: "Marion Dyer" <mdyer at myhome.bm>
• Date: Mon, 11 Sep 2006 18:35:43 -0700

• From: "Susan MacLachlan" <bdawatch at gmail.com>
• Date: Mon, 11 Sep 2006 19:11:22 -0300

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• From: "Greg Wojciechowski" <gwojo at ibl.bm>
• Date: Mon, 11 Sep 2006 16:29:54 -0300

Good afternoon All,

It is getting brighter in Bermuda now--Flo is to our north.  We have be very
lucky with this storm.  There are reports of some damage (lifted garage
roof, tornadoes destroying roofs) but not what it could have been.  Power is
back on in our Parish as I mentioned earlier (well done to BELCO) and I have
every confidence that by tomorrow things will be almost back to normal.

It is still gusty but the winds are easing.

All in all, we are breathing a sight of relief and I believe that all of the
preparations have paid off--I will send some photos and post Flo information
as I get it.

Again thanks for all of your support throughout the storm!  Hopefully TD 7
just skirts righ by (far to our east)

Greg

• From: Greg Wojciechowski <gwojo at bsx.com>
• Date: 11 Sep 2006 15:06:13 -0300

Good Bye Flo
Power has been restored in Smiths Parish (well done ).  The sky is beginning to 
lget brighter...All things considered we have been very lucky.  A few healthy 
gusts are coming through but the worst appears to be over.  Now clean up 
begins.  Greg
--
Sent from my Treo

• From: "Tricia McAllister" <tricia_mcallister06 at hotmail.com>
• Date: Mon, 11 Sep 2006 14:58:07 -0300

_________________________________________________________________

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• From: Greg Wojciechowski <gwojo at bsx.com>
• Date: 11 Sep 2006 11:46:18 -0300

Good afternoon..the wind seems to have shifted to the west and seems to have 
picked up with some very strong/loud gusts.  Power is still out and I just hear 
a loud crack from the giant Royal Poinciana tree in our front garden..Flo seems 
to be hanging around!  Will write more later.  Greg
--
Sent from my Treo

• From: "Anne and Marcus" <mdkaek at ibl.bm>
• Date: Mon, 11 Sep 2006 10:36:40 -0300

• From: Greg Wojciechowski <gwojo at bsx.com>
• Date: 11 Sep 2006 09:42:28 -0300

Flo
hurricane force winds out in the Harbour..branches coming down in the garden.

Thanks for ckecking in Eric.

Greg

--
Sent from my Treo

• From: Greg Wojciechowski <gwojo at bsx.com>
• Date: 11 Sep 2006 09:05:14 -0300

Flo going by now

Outside..strong gusts..I'd say to hurricane force..sounds like jets flying over 
head..leaves and foliage flying around..Flo is 60 miles west of us now.  
Experiencing the worst of Flo now..time for breakfast!  My mates Gerry and 
Jenny are WITH power in Southampton!!!!  Lucky ones they are!!!  All the best.  
Greg

--
Sent from my Treo

• From: "Tricia McAllister" <tricia_mcallister06 at hotmail.com>
• Date: Mon, 11 Sep 2006 09:29:10 -0300

We still have power at our house, but I don't know about others.

Hope everyone is holding out well.
Trish

_________________________________________________________________

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• From: "Marion Dyer" <mdyer at myhome.bm>
• Date: Mon, 11 Sep 2006 04:36:01 -0700

• From: Greg Wojciechowski <gwojo at bsx.com>
• Date: 11 Sep 2006 07:26:28 -0300

Flo is here

You can hear a constant roar of the wind and we are experiencing some strong 
gusts now.  Where I live we are sheltered by a hill..I am certain that South 
Shore is taking a licking now.

All the best.  Greg
PS power is still out
--
Sent from my Treo

• From: Greg Wojciechowski <gwojo at bsx.com>
• Date: 11 Sep 2006 07:20:10 -0300

Flo is here

You can hear a constant roar of the wind and we are experiencing some strong 
gusts now.  Where I live we are sheltered by a hill..I am certain that South 
Shore is taking a licking now.

All the best.  Greg

--
Sent from my Treo

• From: "Anne and Marcus" <mdkaek at ibl.bm>
• Date: Mon, 11 Sep 2006 06:51:35 -0300

• From: "Tricia McAllister" <tricia_mcallister06 at hotmail.com>
• Date: Mon, 11 Sep 2006 06:28:36 -0300

Good Morning,

_________________________________________________________________

• From: Greg Wojciechowski <gwojo at bsx.com>
• Date: 11 Sep 2006 04:34:04 -0300

Well.. The power is now out in Smiths Parish and the wind has picked up...I 
just noticed that TD 7 has formed and is heading our way!!!  Sounds like the 
beginnings of an interesting week.  Will touch base a bit later..  Greg

--
Sent from my Treo

• From: "Greg Wojciechowski" <gwojo at ibl.bm>
• Date: Mon, 11 Sep 2006 05:05:37 -0300

Tonight -
  Winds east-southeasterly 35 to 50 knots, increasing 50 to 65 knots...
Periods of widespread rain, showers, scattered thunderstorms, possible
tornadoes. Large and dangerous waves, 6 to 8 ft storm surge... Seas
increasing, inside the reef 3 to 6 ft... Outside the reef 20 to 30 ft...
Sunset: 7:32 pm.
Monday -
  Winds south-southeasterly 60 to 70 knots gusting 80 knots, veering
southwesterly 35 to 50 knots by afternoon, westerly 20 to 30 knots
overnight...  Periods of widespread rain, showers, scattered thunderstorms,
possible tornadoes. Large and dangerous waves, 6 to 8 ft storm surge... Seas
inside the reef 3 to 6 ft... Outside the reef 20 to 30 ft, decreasing...
Sunrise: 7:00 am; Sunset: 7:30 pm

Appears we have been granted somewhat of a reprieve--Flo's CPA is now around
70 miles to the west of this this am--that will make a big difference as can
be seen in the above local forecast (compared to earlier forecasts)

Greg

• From: "Anne and Marcus" <mdkaek at ibl.bm>
• Date: Mon, 11 Sep 2006 05:00:48 -0300

• From: "Greg Wojciechowski" <gwojo at ibl.bm>
• Date: Mon, 11 Sep 2006 05:00:41 -0300

Good early morning All,

Just woke by heavy rain splatter hitting the window and a few heavy gusts.
Flo is still just about 100 miles to our SE and she's heading in--the big
winds are yet to arrive.

Hopefully I will be able to drop more news later in the am.

Have a great Monday!

Greg

• From: "Tricia McAllister" <tricia_mcallister06 at hotmail.com>
• Date: Mon, 11 Sep 2006 01:18:44 -0300

Its early morning here in Bermuda, or late night for some.

_________________________________________________________________

• From: "Greg Wojciechowski" <gwojo at ibl.bm>
• Date: Sun, 10 Sep 2006 22:10:26 -0300

Good Evening to All--

A few gusts coming through now.  I heard a report that a tornado touched
down and did some damage to a roof earlier this evening--the fun begins!!
It has gotten really humid over the last 3 or so hours, Flo is approaching
she's now around 140 miles to our south east.

Unbelievably, I just saw the moon poking through a break in the clouds.

I am going to say good night and will touch base in the morning.

Thanks again for all the kind emails!

Good night--

Greg

• From: Gert van Dijken <gert at vandijken.com>
• Date: Sun, 10 Sep 2006 20:40:19 -0400 (EDT)

I received the following update+pictures some time ago...

*
**
*** Gert van Dijken ( gert at vandijken.com )
**** Caribbean Hurricane Network - http://stormcarib.com/


---------- Forwarded message ----------
Date: Sun, 10 Sep 2006 07:42:42 -0300
From: Tricia McAllister <tricia_mcallister06 at hotmail.com>
To: gert at gobeach.com
Subject: Bermuda - Flo

Good Morning,
Found your site this weekend, and how great !!  Saw a lot of the same thing
we were saying about Bermuda and Flo being posted.

The pictures are of the north shore and Ely's Harbour, where we stand watch.
 This morning is not really worrisome yet - up here in the de north end,
its slightly breezy, very little water movement so far, but humid.
Overnight we had not even a half inch of rain accumulate in the bucket
outside.

Every once and while a firm breeze runs through.

Most boaters secure there boats in this harbour, but don't pull them out of
the water, as it is considered a protected harbour on the north shore, at
least as protected as you can get, so I can always send some photos of
during and after if you like.  We are right on the water, up high and the
down again so protected a bit from the wind.  We are waiting patiently to
see how we make out, as this is our first hurricane in this home, but by far
not our first on the Island.  We are dreaming of one of those near misses of
nothing, but sometimes dreams don't come true.

Thanks and we will be watching and can send info while we are up and running
if you like.

Regards and Best wishes
Tricia McAllister and family

_________________________________________________________________
Don't just search. Find. Check out the new MSN Search!
http://search.msn.click-url.com/go/onm00200636ave/direct/01/

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• From: "Anne and Marcus" <mdkaek at ibl.bm>
• Date: Sun, 10 Sep 2006 21:37:04 -0300

• From: "Greg Wojciechowski" <gwojo at ibl.bm>
• Date: Sun, 10 Sep 2006 20:00:30 -0300

Good Evening All--

Just made my last rounds and we are ready.  The streets are very quiet (as
they should be) and eveyone is now bunkered down and ready for Flo's early
morning arrival.  We have been told to prepare for a Cat 2 storm that will
be at its closest point of approach at 8:00 tomorrow morning.  Here's the
blurb from our local weather service:

Tonight -
 Winds east-southeasterly 35 to 50 knots, increasing southeasterly 50 to 60
knots...  Widespread rain, showers, scattered Tstorms, possible tornadoes.
SW swell, storm surge affecting all coastal areas, destructive wave action
especially on south shore... Seas increasing, inside the reef 3 to 6 ft...
Outside the reef 15 to 25 ft...  Sunset: 7:32 pm.
Monday -
Winds southeasterly 75 to 85 knots, with higher 100 knots gusts, becoming
southerly mid morning then southwesterly in afternoon. decreasing westerly
40 to 50 knots by evening & northwesterly 25 to 35 knots overnight...
Widespread rain, showers, scattered Tstorms, possible tornadoes. SW swell,
storm surge affecting all coastal areas, destructive wave action especially
on south shore. Swell becoming W by evening... Seas increasing, inside the
reef 5 to 7 ft... Outside the reef 30 to 40 ft...  Sunrise: 7:00 am; Sunset:
7:30 pm.

( 30-40 feet!!!!!!)

At present its quiet outside--a sprinkle now and then and patchy gusts--We
know this is not indicative of what is to come over the next 12 hours!!

Attached are the last photos prior to sundown--the first is the usual John
Smith Bay location (I hope I can get there tomorrow) and the other is the
very lovely village of Flatts looking toward the Bermuda Aquarium and the
inlet into Harrngton Sound.

Not much more to report--Have a great evening all.  Bermuda is ready for
Flo.   As its dark, it will be hard to give further reports--but if things
get saucey and I can provide information later this evening I
will--otherwise--power and comms permitting I will write more tomorrow.

Greg

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• From: "Marion Dyer" <mdyer at myhome.bm>
• Date: Sun, 10 Sep 2006 15:39:42 -0700

• From: "Greg Wojciechowski" <gwojo at ibl.bm>
• Date: Sun, 10 Sep 2006 17:23:24 -0300

Just a quick update--the electric company have announced that there will not
be a scheduled power outage at midnight.

Hopefully the power will stay on throughout Flo's visit to Bermuda.

G

• From: "Susan MacLachlan" <bdawatch at gmail.com>
• Date: Sun, 10 Sep 2006 17:09:20 -0300

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• From: "Greg Wojciechowski" <gwojo at ibl.bm>
• Date: Sun, 10 Sep 2006 17:01:29 -0300

Hello,

Just a short message to pass along two photos sent to me from a mate Chris.
The photos show Ariel Sands Beach (west of the photos from John Smiths Bay)
and Hungry Bay.

These photos were taken within the last hour.  Thanks for the photos Chris,
get your bathtub filled with water!

Greg

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Attachment: Hungry Bay Sept 10.JPG
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• From: "Greg Wojciechowski" <gwojo at ibl.bm>
• Date: Sun, 10 Sep 2006 16:15:41 -0300

Good afternoon All--

Well Flo is a funny one--I was just over at John Smiths Bay Beach and the
sun poked through!!!  That said as you will see from the attached photos
there is a storm clearly approaching and we are just in the middle of a
break in the action, check the photo of the waves breaking on the south
shore reef 200 or so yards off the beach.  The rain has stopped for the
moment.  The NHC satellite clearly shows the spot we are in at present and
what's in store!

 http://members.northrock.bm/~ehetzel/weather/

Have a look at the above for weather observations from Hinson's
Island--Thanks Eric!

As my co-correspondent mentioned earlier--the electric company will be
taking power down this evening--so fill your bathtubs with fresh
water---make some blcoks of ice and take a hot hot shower while you can!!!

Will touch base in a few hours!

All the best and thanks again for all of your emails and kind thoughts and
wishes--it's great to know that we are not out here on our own!!!

Greg

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• From: "Susan MacLachlan" <bdawatch at gmail.com>
• Date: Sun, 10 Sep 2006 15:04:55 -0300

• From: "Marion Dyer" <mdyer at myhome.bm>
• Date: Sun, 10 Sep 2006 10:59:37 -0700

• From: "Anne and Marcus" <mdkaek at ibl.bm>
• Date: Sun, 10 Sep 2006 14:19:07 -0300

• From: "Greg Wojciechowski" <gwojo at ibl.bm>
• Date: Sun, 10 Sep 2006 13:58:49 -0300

Good afternoon All,

Great map Susan, thanks for that--it really helps everyone visualize the
shape of the Island, we are just short of 2 miles wide at our widest point.
Luckily Bermuda is very hilly so we are fortunate in respect of storm surge,
though low lying areas are at risk.  The photos I am posting are being taken
from the South shore.  If you look at Susan's map and find Flatts Village (I
live nearby) then look across the Island to the south--that is where John
Smiths Bay is located.

Its 1:26 now and it is getting nasty out.  Flo is very different from other
systems we have had which have arrived blew and then were gone. Flo is
dropping alot of rain already, (even in Devonshire as my mate Chris has
informed me!!!).  The roads are getting flooded in places and there is
thunder and lightening.  This is all 24 hours before the hurricane impacts
us--I think we are in for a long day, night and Monday!

Again, here are several photos taken from John Smiths Bay looking east--I am
trying to stay in the same position so you all have a point of reference.
The conditions on the South Shore are getting very sloppy and the wind is
increasing.

It's around 80 degrees at present 96% humidity and the winds are gusting to
27 knots from the east.

Will touch base over the next few hours!

Greg

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• From: "Susan MacLachlan" <bdawatch at gmail.com>
• Date: Sun, 10 Sep 2006 13:10:21 -0300

• From: "Marion Dyer" <mdyer at myhome.bm>
• Date: Sun, 10 Sep 2006 08:56:32 -0700

• From: "Greg Wojciechowski" <gwojo at ibl.bm>
• Date: Sun, 10 Sep 2006 12:11:29 -0300

STRENGTHENING IS THEREFORE FORECAST AND FLORENCE COULD
BE A STRONG CATEGORY 2 HURRICANE WHEN IT IS NEAR BERMUDA.

The latest fix puts Flo at 52 miles from Bermuda at 10:00 am tomorrow
morning.  Generally this adjustment would make us breath a little
easier--but Flo is huge and seems to be strengthening now--so

Over the last hour things have changed again.  It's dark and we have had
thunder and lightning.  The winds have picked up.

I will pop out to snap a few more photos to share.

All the best,

Greg

• From: "Greg Wojciechowski" <gwojo at ibl.bm>
• Date: Sun, 10 Sep 2006 11:12:01 -0300

Good Morning--

Well what a difference a few hours make.  Things have changed significantly
since I last wrote.  First--Flo is no longer a lady in waiting and has
become what forecasters have been predicting, a hurricane.  As a result
Bermuda is now under a hurricane warning.

As NHC reports conditions in Bermuda are definately on the decline even tho
Flo is still a couple of humdred miles to our South.  Although Flo is
expected to pass 40 miles to our west, it will be more or less a direct hit
for us given her size.

As my co-correspondents have reported--conditions are gray and the wind is
picking up.  The rain has eased since yesterday.

I attach two photos.  Both are from John Smiths Bay in Smiths Parish.  As
you can see the swell has built since yesterdy and the surf is breaking high
on the beach.  By tomorrow this picture will look very different.

We are all ready for Flo's arrival and are still crossing our fingers that
she doesn't strengthen too much prior to reaching us.  That said, tomorrow
nevertheless will be a very sloppy day here.

Until the next report--

Greg

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Attachment: Flo JSB Sept 10.jpg
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• From: "Marion Dyer" <mdyer at myhome.bm>
• Date: Sun, 10 Sep 2006 04:21:07 -0700

• From: "Susan MacLachlan" <bdawatch at gmail.com>
• Date: Sun, 10 Sep 2006 08:01:15 -0300

• From: "Anne and Marcus" <mdkaek at ibl.bm>
• Date: Sun, 10 Sep 2006 07:15:30 -0300

• From: "Greg Wojciechowski" <gwojo at ibl.bm>
• Date: Sun, 10 Sep 2006 01:37:11 -0300

Good Evening All,

Presently, all's calm.  A few "puffs" of wind from time to time--but other
than that a normal night, there is a building swell on the south shore.
Although Flo is expected to strengthen--she hasn't yet.. I think Bermuda is
holding a collective breath of hope(I dare say relief).

Bermuda has been vigilant.  We are ready.  Lets' see what tomorrow brings!

Good night all--

PS

XM radio signal is still coming in loud and clear!!!!

• From: Errol McLean <emclean at northrock.bm>
• Date: Sat, 09 Sep 2006 23:41:08 -0300

Bermuda in Waiting

Yes Bermuda is getting ready for Florence.
Now all we can do is sit and wait hoping Florence will not be a big one.

• From: "Marion Dyer" <mdyer at myhome.bm>
• Date: Sat, 9 Sep 2006 19:01:23 -0700

• From: "Anne and Marcus" <mdkaek at ibl.bm>
• Date: Sat, 9 Sep 2006 20:42:08 -0300

• From: "Marion Dyer" <mdyer at myhome.bm>
• Date: Sat, 9 Sep 2006 13:30:44 -0700

• From: "Greg Wojciechowski" <gwojo at ibl.bm>
• Date: Sat, 9 Sep 2006 16:52:25 -0300

Good Afternoon All--

As my co-correspondent has reported--we are now seeing the beginning of
Flo's arrival, its gray and raining lightly.  Winds are light to fresh on
the beaches.  NHC has not yet upgraded her status so Flo is still a lady in
waiting.

Attached are two photos I snapped on my rounds today.  One shows about 20
boats waiting to be hauled from Harrington Sound at Devil's Hole in Smiths
Parish.  As you can see, we are taking Flo seriously.  The other shot is
looking east from John Smiths Bay in Smiths Parish.  The ocean is more
churned than usual.  Unfortunately this is nothing compared to what I expect
to see tomorrow afternoon and Monday.

Otherwise, we are definately in the final stages of prep.  During my travels
I noticed many more boarded houses this time compared to shortly before
Fabian's arrival.  That is good.

Will keep the news coming.

Have a great Saturday night!

Greg

PS--

Thanks to all of you that have dropped me and thus all of Bermuda your very
thoughtful and encouraging words of support!!!!

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• From: "Marion Dyer" <mdyer at myhome.bm>
• Date: Sat, 9 Sep 2006 11:55:28 -0700

• From: "Greg Wojciechowski" <gwojo at ibl.bm>
• Date: Sat, 9 Sep 2006 12:59:39 -0300

Good Afternnon All--

Its now almost 1:00 pm here on our lovely Island and one can tell that
something is in the air--the breeze is freshening and a southeasterly swell
is building on our South Shore.   Its a very warm and humid day.  Flo has
winds of 70 now and the Bermuda Government has issued a tropical storm
warning for us.

Bermudians are paying very close attention to this storm--I have just come
home from buying a chainsaw and have seen lines at the gas pumps, the
grocery stores, the water store and many boarded up windows.  We are getting
prepared for a long and stormy couple of days---

Will report more.

All the best-

Greg

• From: "Greg Wojciechowski" <gwojo at ibl.bm>
• Date: Sat, 9 Sep 2006 07:07:54 -0300

Good Monring All!

Well Saturday brings us a very different picture.  Thankfully everyone here
has taken this storm seriously and has or is in preparing.  Last night I
re-positioned my boat to a "hurricane hole" where fingers crossed,  she'll
ride through Flo smoothly.  The ride down North Shore was calm and peaceful.
South Shore was still rather quiet though I'm sure that will very quickly
change over the next 12-24 hours.  Government has posted high surf warnings
on our beaches.

Its a calm, still, beautiful morning here.  Some high cloud building in from
the SE though and by looking at the sky one can tell that the weather is
begnning to change.

Here is Monday's forecast from the Bermuda Weather Service (BWS)

Monday -
Winds easterly 80 to 90 knots gusting 110 knots, becoming westerly 40 to 60
knots in the afternoon & 20 to 30 knots in the late evening becoming
northeasterly 15 to 20 knots overnight...  Widespread rain, showers,
scattered thunderstorms, and possible tornados developing with fair to poor
visibility. High and dangerous seas. Storm surge flooding is possible...
Seas increasing, inside the reef 5 to 7 ft... Outside the reef 30 to 40 ft..

Flo is beginning to develop as the forecasters predicted.  Today's CPA fix
has her passing to the WEST at 10 miles early Monday afternoon (that's just
abut a direct hit!).  Bermuda weather is predicitng 30-40 foot seas outside
the reef at the height of the storm.  Luckily for Bermuda our reef line is
our safety net and protects us from high surf though waves inside the reef
can be large and in some places damaging during a powerfl storm.   The
ultimate impact of Flo will certainly depend on how close and on which side
of our island she passes, both have been changing with each advisory.

Today, Bermuda will finish battening down the hatches, we have had plenty of
warning and we are using it wisely.

Will report more as the day goes on.

Have a great Saturday!

• From: "Marion Dyer" <mdyer at myhome.bm>
• Date: Fri, 8 Sep 2006 18:23:29 -0700

• From: "Anne and Marcus" <mdkaek at ibl.bm>
• Date: Fri, 8 Sep 2006 21:24:50 -0300

• From: "Greg Wojciechowski" <gwojo at ibl.bm>
• Date: Fri, 8 Sep 2006 17:54:36 -0300

Just a quick update--the Government of Bermuda has issued a Hurricane watch
for our Island.

• From: "Greg Wojciechowski" <gwojo at bsx.com>
• Date: Fri, 8 Sep 2006 16:43:11 -0300

Good Afternoon,

As my Bermudian co-correspondent mentioned--people are most certainly
stocking up on essentials now, Hamilton is very busy.

Latest glance at the satellite pictures on NHC show that Flo is beginning to
wind wind wind--so it appears that she is beginning to act like a storm---We
are still holding our breath that Flo passes a comfortable distance to our
east, but due to the size of the system we are fairly confident that we will
get some weather.

The Bermuda Government EMO I understand are meeting and I would guess that
appropriate watches and warning if necessary will shortly be issued.

Meanwhile--I am taping windows!!!!

Will write again as new information is available!

Greg

• From: "Susan MacLachlan" <bdawatch at gmail.com>
• Date: Fri, 8 Sep 2006 15:21:56 -0300

• From: "Greg Wojciechowski" <gwojo at bsx.com>
• Date: Fri, 8 Sep 2006 12:12:57 -0300

Good Afternoon,

The 11:00 release from the NHC hasn't really helped clarify exactly what Flo
has in mind for us.  Though a look at the satellite loops seems to indicate
that Flo is trying to get organized.  In any event--we are still hustling
about getting prepared as this is a large system and by the looks of things
we will get weather from it.

Otherwise, it is warm and sunny with a nice southerly breeze, temp is 84 and
humidity is 74 water temp is 83.

We'll just have to watch how Flo develops.  One thing is certain she is the
topic of conversation in Bermuda today!

Greg

• From: "Susan MacLachlan" <bdawatch at gmail.com>
• Date: Fri, 8 Sep 2006 09:07:16 -0300

• From: "Greg Wojciechowski" <gwojo at bsx.com>
• Date: Fri, 8 Sep 2006 08:21:54 -0300

Good Morning All!

Well there's good news and not so good news to report this morning---the
good news is that for the last two reporting periods, Flo has not
strengthened as Forecasters first thought she would.  The not so good news
is that she is still predicted to gather strength and come within 20 miles
of our beautiful island  Monday morning when sustained winds are predicted
to be 90knts with higher gusts.

This morning conditions are quite nice, 80 degrees, humidity is a bit high
at 84% and the winds are gentle out of the south at 9 knts.  The waters in
the Sounds and North Shore have a slight ripple but nothing compared to what
they will look like come Sunday through Monday!

A friend works in the wholesale business and mentioned that the retailers
were stocking up on all the essentials for a storm and that residents were
now very focussed on getting prepared.  Bermudians are no strangers to rough
weather as we do experience "robust" winter storms and the occasional
tropical systems.  Thankfully as my Bermudian colleague who reported earlier
mentioned--our houses are built of stone and can withstand a healthy blow.

This weekend will be very busy for us, boats will be repositioned to safe
harbour or pulled, houses battened down and all preparations rushed to
completion prior to sundown on Sunday.

Flo is still a distance away and we have watched these systems do some very
strange things when they get into our waters, but that said, we never let
our guard down as memories of Emily are still too fresh!

Will keep the information coming from our perspective as long as we can.

Have a great Friday!


Greg

Bermuda (32.37N, 64.68W):
The approximate Closest Point of Approach (CPA) is located near 32.3N, 64.4W
or about 19.7 miles (31.6 km) from your location. The estimated time of when
the center of the storm will be at that location is in about 77.1 hours
(Monday, September 11 at 10:06AM EDT)

• From: "Marion Dyer" <mdyer at myhome.bm>
• Date: Thu, 7 Sep 2006 15:49:25 -0700

• From: "Greg Wojciechowski" <gwojo at bsx.com>
• Date: Thu, 7 Sep 2006 17:40:09 -0300

Bermuda (32.37N, 64.68W):
The approximate Closest Point of Approach (CPA) is located near 32.7N, 65.7W
or about 64.2 miles (103.3 km) from your location. The estimated time of
when the center of the storm will be at that location is in about 98.7 hours
(Monday, September 11 at 7:42PM EDT). Be patient for the map to be generated
below. (If you get a 'broken' image, try reload/refresh).

Just updated at 5:00 EST.  Forecasters have Flo being at 95kts at this point
on Monday evening.

Looks like it is going to be a very busy weekend here on our lovely Island!

Greg

• From: "Greg Wojciechowski" <gwojo at bsx.com>
• Date: Thu, 7 Sep 2006 14:48:56 -0300

Good Afternoon All,

At this stage, all eyes in Bermuda are closely watching Flo who is currently
forecast to pass within 83 nm of the Island on Monday morning.  Of course we
are hoping that this long range forecast will prove wrong but nevertheless
we are beginning to plan and think ahead about preparations.

You wouldn't think something was brewing by our weather today.  Bermuda is
hot and humid under a bright blue sunny sky.

Will keep information coming as we get it!

Let's hope Flo gets herself tired out and just limps quietly past us!

Greg

• From: "Greg Wojciechowski" <gwojo at bsx.com>
• Date: Wed, 6 Sep 2006 14:01:20 -0300

Good day All!

As you can imagine all eyes in Bermuda are now on Flo swirling around to our
Southeast, we are all just hoping that the long range forecasts turn out to
be as unreliable as many of the forecasters say they are--

Other than Flo, it is a perfect day here in Bermuda and we hope the weather
continues in this manner!!

Fingers crossed for us all that we skate through the '06 season without any
unwanted visitors!

Greg

• From: "Susan MacLachlan" <bdawatch at gmail.com>
• Date: Wed, 6 Sep 2006 11:24:14 -0300

• From: "Greg Wojciechowski" <gwojo at bsx.com>
• Date: Wed, 23 Aug 2006 11:32:14 -0300

Hello all--

We certainly hope Debby decides not to visit our shores--of course that
said--we are keeping a cautious and watchful eye to the East!

The weather here has been beautiful and everyone is enjoying their summer,
its perfect August weather!

All the best

GW

• From: "Greg Wojciechowski" <gwojo at bsx.com>
• Date: Thu, 10 Aug 2006 16:32:06 -0300

Bermuda checking in,

Its been a sizzling summer until last night when we had a front come though
and what a racket it created.  Very vivid lightening and thunder--the kind
that the crack and roll could be heard long after the initial flash.
Luckily no reports of any direct hits, which is welcomed news for all of our
electrical devices!

We received a very welcomed 1.75 inches of rain but had to endure an
overcast grey Bermuda day which is unusual for us this time of year.  That
said, we are grateful to have our water tanks topped up!

So far all has been quiet on the horizon and hope that it stays that way
until the end of the season for us all!

Enjoy your summer.

GW

• From: "Greg Wojciechowski" <gwojo at bsx.com>
• Date: Mon, 19 Jun 2006 15:49:03 -0300

Greetings All,

Summer has arrived, the Bermuda Weather Service is predicting a high of 81
today.  The sun is bright, the water is warm and the breezes are light.  Its
a perfect time to be here.

The Newport Bermuda Offshore race is currently underway with about 265
yachts heading toward the Island, according to the official website for the
race, the leaders are approximately 100nm off our shores.  Needless to say
the balance of the week will be very lively and festive here in Hamilton!

All looks quiet on the horizon for the moment and we hope it stays that way
here and for the rest of our friends down south for the balance of the
season.

GW

• From: "Marion Dyer" <mdyer at myhome.bm>
• Date: Tue, 16 May 2006 12:35:21 -0700

• From: "Greg Wojciechowski" <gwojo at bsx.com>
• Date: Fri, 12 May 2006 10:48:48 -0300

Greetings all,

Bermuda checking in once again after a long, cool, windy winter.  Spring has
arrived and with it our usual spring like weather.  On Wednesday night we
had a squall line that passed through our area which produced (much needed)
rain and strong winds.  Bermuda's Weather Service said as the line went
through the wind swirled and interacted with the land mass and other wind
currents and created a "gustnado"  never heard of one of those before but it
sure sounds groovy!!!

Weather is fining up for us and the water temperature is on the rise.  The
Wahoo are biting and our visitors look happy now that they can get here
using JetBlue!!

Fingers are crossed for a pleasant, quiet summer season for us all.

GW