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The cayCompass, Cayman Net News Online and CaymanNewsService are also excellent sources for information. The Cayman Rotary is also maintaining a page linking to all kinds of news stories. In addition you can listen to Rooster 101 or Radio Cayman, the official radio station of the Cayman Islands (click on the 'Listen Live' icon), or visit the CI Government website at www.gov.ky. -Gert
The first day after a storm hit is always the worst for people off-island, since you cannot get through to your loved ones, and a lot of rumours go around. Don't believe everything you hear or read. I am confident everyone is ok on Cayman Brac and Little Cayman, they can just not get through to you without power/phone/internet. However, text messaging often seems to work in these conditions, so try that. -Gert
Sunday, November 9, 2008 15:23PM PST - Pleas for Help-forums
I have just set up a discussion forum for Cayman Brac and Little Cayman. You can post your questions/concerns there, and/or if you know or have heard something you can post it there as well or can try to answer other people's questions. If you know of any other active boards let me know and I post it here. Thanks, Gert
- - - 2008 Hurricane Season - - -
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- Still hot!
|
- From: Micho <michosch at gmail.com>
- Date: Wed, 1 Apr 2009 13:32:33 -0500
|
|
Hi everyone,
I walked to the bank yesterday from my office and regretted it dearly. I should have taken the car and cranked up the A/C! It sure is getting hot and its not even summer yet. But then again, living in the Caribbean is great :-)
Some very interesting news developing in Cayman can be found on my blog at :
Cheers
Micho
|
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- Hot!
|
- From: Micho <michosch at gmail.com>
- Date: Wed, 18 Mar 2009 07:31:57 -0500
|
|
Hi everyone,
Long time no post! Yesterday was one of the hottest days of the year so far. It reminded me that summer is not that far away and that unfortunately so is hurricane season in 10 of so weeks.
Nothing much else to report. Winter has been great, not much rain, a few very short chilly spells and generally pleasant weather.
Micho
|
|
- Merry Christmas everyone!
|
- From: Micho <michosch at gmail.com>
- Date: Thu, 25 Dec 2008 14:44:31 -0500
|
Hi everyone,
Great time to be in Cayman to celebrate Christmas & new year!
Had supper yesterday evening on the beach with the in-laws ; great weather to be outside. Nice breezes & warm non-sticky heat.
We also went to Creighton's place last night for the Christmas lights ... wow. It never disappoints.
See http://cayman.micho.org for pictures.
Micho
|
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- Winter time
|
- From: "Jarrett Nicholson" <jaroo at weststartv.com>
- Date: Sat, 13 Dec 2008 21:35:12 -0500
|
|
Winter in the Caribbean is what I like to call easy
living! NE winds 15-19 knts. Temp in the mid 80's, no where near as humid as
summer time! A little rough for fishing but it's a great time of the year for
wind surfing!
Napping in a hammock.
|
|
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- Rain
|
- From: Micho <michosch at gmail.com>
- Date: Mon, 1 Dec 2008 21:08:47 -0500
|
|
Hurricane season may be over, but it rained all day today in Grand Cayman! The whole day was dark and on/off rain. Tonight its raining like mad and I have lost satellite signal because of the heavy cloud cover.
Everyone here sure is glad the Hurricane season is over! Two close calls & two annoyances for our Island this year:
Dolly in July, Gustav in August, Ike in September & Paloma in November. More than enough if you ask me.
Thanks to everyone for your messages during the storms ; it was great to get so much support and encouragement.
Micho
=====================
My blog about life in Cayman
http://cayman.micho.org
|
|
- Cold ... sort of!
|
- From: Micho <michosch at gmail.com>
- Date: Sat, 22 Nov 2008 18:29:59 -0500
|
|
For the last 10 days or so we have not turned on the a/c and its been rather cool. 2 days ago it went down to 23 degrees (+-73f) on my car temperature gauge. The ocean is very choppy so the tourists must not be too happy. The cruise ships were at the alternate docking area all of this week because the ocean was too rough in George Town. I have seen some locals with jackets & other warm cloths. In my opinion, the weather is just fine :-)
Picture & other news on my blog at
Micho
|
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- Fw: Fwd: Fw: Cayman Brac - Aftermath of Paloma (fwd)
|
- From: Gert van Dijken <gert at vandijken.com>
- Date: Sun, 16 Nov 2008 11:47:00 -0500 (EST)
|
This was forwarded to me through a several people. It is 'Otelia's
Slideshow' on KodakGallery. See more info below.
*
**
*** Gert van Dijken ( gert at vandijken.com )
**** Caribbean Hurricane Network - http://stormcarib.com
---
Hi,
Not sure if you've seen this yet but they are very detailed with caption on
properties and a full tour island wide. Click the yellow view photo tab below.
there are 134 pics in all so click the play button once you've opened the file
and it will run the slideshow automatically.
If you can't see the pictures in this email, click here to see it in a web browser:
http://www.kodakgallery.com/ShareLanding.action?c=19hutdvt.ac365eft&x=0&y=b5tvrd&localeid=en_US
|
|
- Recovery
|
- From: William Mc Taggart <wmctagga at candw.ky>
- Date: Fri, 14 Nov 2008 14:13:47 -0500
|
|
|
|
- Digicel matching donations
|
- From: Gert van Dijken <gert at vandijken.com>
- Date: Thu, 13 Nov 2008 11:52:36 -0500 (EST)
|
|
Digicel, the largest mobile phone networks in the Caribbean, has set up a relief fund to help Cayman Brac and Little Cayman after Paloma hit them. If you have a Digicel GSM you can text "sister islands" to 5151 and CI$1 will be donated to the fund matched by another $1 from Digicel. Each text costs $1. 100% of all proceeds will be donated to Cayman Brac and Little Cayman's Relief Effort. This will only work from Digicel mobiles (they have to have a way to bill you). It is not restricted to Digicel-Cayman only, but available to all Digicel customers. You can text as many times as you want (but it will cost you $1 each time). I am waiting for instructions for international donations.
These matching funds are a great way to donate, since your contribution is doubled. So for people in the Caribbean with Digicel, better start texting! Thanks Digicel! -Gert
*
**
*** Gert van Dijken ( gert at vandijken.com )
**** Caribbean Hurricane Network - http://stormcarib.com
|
|
- Video
|
- From: "April Cummings" <acummings at cayman27.com.ky>
- Date: Wed, 12 Nov 2008 23:17:18 -0500
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|
Title: Video
Hi Gert
When Ivan hit Cayman, I was a reporter/anchor in San Francisco and your site saved my sanity. Now I'm back home in the Cayman Islands and appreciating it all the more now that Paloma has ripped through.
The revamped CITN website (www.cayman27.com.ky) is up and we've been posting video, our news stories and the Government updates on Paloma. We'll also be posting stills over the next day or two, but wanted to let people know the site is up and available.
It's a work in progress, but we felt it was necessary to go online early as the storm came through. Also, anyone with video can contact me at acummings at cayman27.com.ky and we may be able to post that video online on the site.
April Cummings
News Director
CITN
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- Pictures Cayman Brac / Little Cayman
|
- From: Gert van Dijken <gert at vandijken.com>
- Date: Wed, 12 Nov 2008 16:03:07 -0500 (EST)
|
In case you haven't seen them, a second album was added with aerial
pictures on gallery.splash.ky/paloma.
http://gallery.splash.ky/paloma
*
**
*** Gert van Dijken ( gert at vandijken.com )
**** Caribbean Hurricane Network - http://stormcarib.com
|
|
- Good news regarding communications
|
- From: Gert van Dijken <gert at vandijken.com>
- Date: Wed, 12 Nov 2008 11:43:21 -0500 (EST)
|
Mike (who is on Cayman Brac) posted the following on the Cayman Brac Bulletin Board. Good
news regarding cell phones and internet on Cayman Brac and Little Cayman.
Re: Cayman Brac new
Posted by: Mike B (208.157.146.7)
Date: November 12, 2008 09:01AM
Information for everyone
The Cell Phone system (National & International) on the Brac (and I think
Little Cayman) is working (with exception of one small "dead zone"which
will be repaired ASAP).
Cable & Wireless (now LIME) have set up cell phone charging pointsarounf
the Brac and also have set up a number of Internet Wireless locations
(complete with lap-tops for use) - so communications are taking huge leaps
ahead.
Land Lines ARE NOT WORKING as yet
Mike B
*
**
*** Gert van Dijken ( gert at vandijken.com )
**** Caribbean Hurricane Network - http://stormcarib.com
|
|
- Donations to Brac : Cricket Square on Tuesday
|
- From: Sharon Marcussen <s_marcussen2003 at yahoo.com>
- Date: Mon, 10 Nov 2008 14:14:16 -0800 (PST)
|
I believe I just heard Radio Cayman say that a container will be at Cricket Square tomorrow (tuesday) and is to be filled with donations for Brackers. They need items ranging from bbq grills and charcoal, first aid kids, to pampers, heavy duty garbage bags, wipes, matches, etc. etc. etc.
The container is to be sent on Wednesday.
- Sharon |
|
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- Aftermath
|
- From: Micho <michosch at gmail.com>
- Date: Mon, 10 Nov 2008 10:06:09 -0500
|
Internet has been down since Paloma.
I have uploaded lots of pictures from right after the storm (Saturday afternoon) to my blog at
http://cayman.micho.org
As you will see, damage in Grand Cayman is very limited ; we were very fortunate.
Micho
|
|
- Brac Relief effoert update from Hazard Management Cayman Islands (fwd)
|
- From: Gert van Dijken <gert at vandijken.com>
- Date: Sun, 9 Nov 2008 20:40:13 -0500 (EST)
|
The following was forwarded to me by Rober Corbin (
http://weatherincayman.com ). He notes that "This is the release just before Radio Cayman went back on the air so the first lines is already out of date but the rest is current."
*
**
*** Gert van Dijken ( gert at vandijken.com )
**** Caribbean Hurricane Network - http://stormcarib.com
Brac Relief Effort Update
7:45pm Sunday 9 November 2008
Residents are advised that Radio Cayman is back on the air in Cayman Brac.
Ministry of District Administration, Planning, Agriculture and Housing (DAPAH)
officials arrived on Cayman Brac last night (Saturday 8 November) and today
established a command centre at the Gerrard Smith International Airport.
From there, they will support District Administration and liaise with ministry
and other government agencies on Grand Cayman. HMCI is providing support and
coordination for these efforts.
Already, significant steps have been taken in the effort towards restoring normalcy:
• At 5:30 this evening (Sunday, 9 November), a Cayman Airways 737 aircraft left Grand Cayman for the Brac and another flight is scheduled to depart early tomorrow. These flights mean that the runway flooding has been successfully alleviated, a major enhancement in the ability to provide relief for Sister Islands residents and for those wishing to leave.
• CUC is working closely with Brac Power and Light to identify required
materials and resources. These should be shipped by barge tomorrow (Monday, 10
November). As of Tuesday, CUC will provide additional crews on the Brac to
assist with restoring power.
• A chainsaw crew was dispatched by the Agriculture Department to assist
the Brac PWD effort to clear roads. Main roads on the north side are now
passable as are those on the Bluff. Residential side streets are being worked
on and roads to all cell tower sites have also been cleared. Some sections of
roads along the south coast are clear, while others are still affected by
floodwaters. Drainage efforts are underway to relieve the situation and it is
hoped that these roads can be cleared by Monday.
• Approximately 14 days’ water supply remains in the reservoir, and the
Water Authority, through the ongoing marine effort, is shipping generators, an
effort which will recommence tomorrow. The water distribution system must be
checked, a process that requires electricity and one which must be completed
before phased restoration of water can begin.
• Medical facilities remain operational from shelter locations. Some 12
medical professionals have been dispatched to Cayman Brac to provide relief for
resident staff.
• Biggie’s Restaurant and Kirkconnell’s Supermarket are operational this evening. Food and water are sufficient and food supply levels will be maintained.
• A vessel, the Carib Eagle, has been loaded with supplies donated by Cayman Imports, Progressive Distributors, Maedac, and private families. Two more of Adrian Brigg’s vessels departed for the Brac, one loaded with 8000lbs of ice, the other with general supplies. The Cayman Aggressor left with PWD staff and private security personnel, and from the Red Cross, 600 tarpaulins and 200 hygiene kits.
• Both gas stations, West End Texaco and Tib Mart in Watering Place, have
reopened for business, and are fully functional, with adequate stocks of
gasoline.
• Police and fire services on Grand Cayman have dispatched officers to
backup personnel based on Cayman Brac.
Grand Cayman residents are again reminded of the importance of coordinating the
Paloma relief effort, in spite of our great concern for the Sister Islands’
welfare. The most urgent needs must be taken care of first and it is essential
to avoid unnecessarily using the limited transportation capacity.
The public is therefore again urged to comply with the following guidelines
when preparing donations:
• Know what you could possibly donate, have everything ready, and stay tuned to media announcements telling you when and where you can drop them off.
• At this time, DO NOT BRING THOSE ITEMS to any advertised delivery point. Instead, wait until there is an official government announcement identifying what goods are needed, and where people should deliver them.
• BUT, if your family on the Sister Islands has asked you to send essential, non-perishable supplies specifically for them, go ahead and deliver them to any advertised delivery point.
|
|
- Brac Damages
|
- From: William Mc Taggart <wmctagga at candw.ky>
- Date: Sun, 09 Nov 2008 17:25:57 -0500
|
Good evening all,
As quickly as Hurricane Paloma 'spun up' into a Cat 4 hurricane she has
'spun down' to a depression centered over Cuba. In her wake she left
destruction to property in Cayman Brac, and Little Cayman.
Pictures tell the story of major damages to property in Cayman Brac,
but thankfully no loss of life. I
attach some photos, thanks to my
brother Roy and Glenda, who flew over in his Cessna 180 to assist with
airlift and supplies. We are planning a trip tomorrow to both islands.
I will take more pictures and post them.
Hopefully, Paloma will have used up all of the moisture in the Western
Caribbean, and the approaching cold front will bring us some cooler
weather with no chance of another storm forming.
Have an enjoyable evening.
William
--
Local Weather Information
http://www.wunderground.com/weatherstation/WXDailyHistory.asp?ID=I90580545 My Station
http://www.weatherincayman.com/ Several Local Weather Stations
http://www.gov.ky/portal/page?_pageid=1142,1481932&_dad=portal&_schema=PORTAL Official Weather Forecast
|
Click on the pictures below for enlargement
|
|
- picture of Brac damage
|
- From: "Helen LeRoy" <helen at bractime.com>
- Date: Sun, 9 Nov 2008 15:14:59 -0600
|
Attached is a pic of Billy’s supermarket on the north
side of Cayman Brac I received via email.
Helen LeRoy
"Island
Time" on the Brac
www.bractime.com
Helen at bractime.com
|
Attachment:
Billy's Nov 2008.jpg
Description: JPEG image
|
|
- Cayman Brac
|
- From: Gert van Dijken <gert at vandijken.com>
- Date: Sun, 9 Nov 2008 16:04:04 -0500 (EST)
|
This was posted on the Pleas for Help board -
http://help.stormcarib.com/list.php?2
Re: Cayman Brac
Posted by: Carolyn Shroy
Date: November 09, 2008 01:44PM
This is about Cairb Sands and Moses K. Carib Sands has a lot of roof
damage not sure which units or what the inside looks like. Its still very
hard to get around. Moses K. is fine but his house lost it's roof. There
are people hurt but no major injuries.
This info came from my mother who is one of the managers at Brac Reef
Beach Resort.
*
**
*** Gert van Dijken ( gert at vandijken.com )
**** Caribbean Hurricane Network - http://stormcarib.com
|
|
- Busy day in the Cayman Islands
|
- From: "Chris McTaggart" <cmctagga at candw.ky>
- Date: Sun, 9 Nov 2008 01:30:42 -0500
|
Good evening SC Family and Friends,
As promised I would update on this day after I got off work…here
I am, late, but I had to have a nap!
Busy day it was indeed and certainly as you can imagine lots
of information and talk about the event we experienced. The biggest talk of
course was about the devastation that was still taking place on the Sister
Islands even when we were starting a day’s work. I will elaborate further
on…..
The office day started with a regrouping to discuss the
startup operation which went very well and was more importantly implemented
very smoothly. We got our aircraft back to home base all at around 4:00 pm and
then continued to operate flights to Miami and Jamaica to stabilize the service
from yesterdays unplanned cancellations. To summarize, everything ran and
continuing to run smoothly through the planned longer than usual night
operation.
Our Twin Otter which services the daily inter-island service
returned back to Cayman around 3:30 pm and was dispatched to Little Cayman and Cayman
Brac. Due to the fact that there is no power in Cayman Brac, the stop in Little
Cayman first was to pick up the standby runway lights (used in Little Cayman
only for emergency operations at night) so that the aircraft could do flights
later in this evening into Brac. First and second flight piloted by Captain
Harrison Bothwell, carried essential workers, government personnel, and the
most important items needed. A third flight was setup but I am not sure if it
operated as before I went to nap I got reports that rain showers were
approaching the Brac area which would add difficulty to the operation. Thanks
goes out to the entire Cayman Airways Express Team led by Manager Captain Johan
Bjuroe for an immediate and smooth implementation for the much needed relief
flights to the Sister Islands. A full days Express Operation to is scheduled to
continue tomorrow. Mainline Cayman Airways is set to resume full normal
published schedule flying as well.
Now this email post could get so long I am going to have to
summarize a lot of the reports:
LITTLE CAYMAN – As weird as it may sound and as close
as the Sister Islands are to one another, Little Cayman feared much better than
Cayman Brac and that is based on reports from actual persons on both islands.
Just like the Brac, Little Cayman’s main damage was along the north coast
area. The north coast had 90% of the electrical poles and lines flattened and
heavy vegetation damage. I am told that there was damage to some homes on the north
coastline but I have not heard of any catastrophic damage. The south coast experienced
one home totally destroyed and others minor damage, some light poles and of
course vegetation as well and the resorts which are all in this area reported
no damage. This was quite obvious when resorts in Little Cayman called to find advise
that their tourist occupants wanted to know if they could continue their
vacation without having a problem getting out on their booked flight later in
the week. I guess some of our Little Cayman posters will be able to post later
and advise more details on specific and individual damage observed as it does
take days to evaluate and recognize it all.
CAYMAN BRAC – I can only begin this report by repeating
the words of many from the Brac this morning “Paloma did Cayman Brac what
Ivan did to Grand Cayman and probably worse”. The reports of the Brac
poured in all day, from personal phone calls to me from persons in the Brac
that earlier on in the day had been reading my posts on SC on what was
happening in Grand Cayman, to friends, family of friends, and my own airline
employees who work and live there. I can only tell you folks it is very hard to
describe in words what was told to me, typing it all would take hours, and the
word “Devastation” would be repeated over and over again. I have
been told many times today by many Brac residents that 90% of the structures in
Cayman Brac were heavily damaged, and in some cases demolished. When I reported
earlier this morning that the Seaman’s Center roof was blown off I did
not realize that there were actually people inside and it was being used as a shelter.
Later this morning this was confirmed to me and also learnt that some
individuals were injured as a result, but minor. The Aston Rutty Center,
another shelter, along with the West End School also did receive some roof and
other damage as well. The airport terminal received a lot of damage as well and
all the communication and weather equipment for the operation of the Control
Tower which is housed on the top of the cab was all blown away. All runway wind
instruments and wind socks are nonexistent. The runway conditions this morning
relative to water, as it does have a pond which parallels its south side, beginning
at the western end had water from its south edge inward to the centerline about
a foot deep, for approximately 2000 feet. In addition, for the remaining
distance, water a couple inches deep, covered the runways south edge inward
about 15 feet. This water mainly came from an overflowing pond but to
complicate the matter, the special runway drainage port to the sea was blocked
from actually draining due to the heavy seas crashing on the shoreline. For
those of you not familiar, the airport is located on the extreme western end of
Cayman Brac, and the runway begins just 50 feet in from the water’s edge.
The water was one issue, but the entire runway was filled with debris ranging
from construction wood, roofing shingles, lots of roofing nails, and other materials.
Every apron flood light pole had snapped off and were all over the entire area
in front of the terminal. Public workers worked diligently, after it was safe, to
move all the poles from the apron area and cleared the first 3500 feet of the eastern
end of the runway of all debris for the preparation of the first Twin Otter
aircraft arrival this evening. I understand that workers will be cleaning out
the drain port at the end of the runway tomorrow which will allow the standing
water to recede from the runway quickly and the pond to return to a normal
level. Jet operation into Cayman Brac is not going to take place or be possible
until full cleanup of the runway and ramp is completed, and the authorities
give the okay. I realize this is getting long so I will stop here for now as I
am sure other posters will add more information too, especially on specific
topics.
MISC – I had so many calls from overseas today requesting
information on specific locations and I did promise to find out what I could,
but unfortunately 2 callers showed up as “Unknown Number” so I was
unable to call them back when I got the information. Hopefully they will see this
post next time they visit the site.
Grand Cayman – (1) Kaibo Area – There is no
reported damage from this area or the surrounding Rum Point and Sand Point
areas. (2) South Sound – Again no damage reported in this area except for
vegetation and no there was no storm surge or flooding issues.
I must close this post now, but before I go I must make
important mention in reference to the devastation in Cayman Brac in particular,
just like after Ivan, the importance of our National Airline has once again
proven itself to its country and people. Yes it does have a price for its
security, but each and every local and resident should be proud to sing out “We
need it, we love it, we support it, we benefit from it, our country deserves
it, so we shall always protect it”…..Cayman Airways!! Sir
Turtle you are Caymanian pride, and I had to add this paragraph of recognition
for you, me, and the rest of our airline family.
Good Night SC Family and friends, and please pray for the
recovery, comfort, and safety of our Sister Islands residents.
Warmest regards,
Chris
|
Attachment:
Captain Chris McTaggart.vcf
Description: Binary data
|
|
- Relief supplies for sister islands
|
- From: "Ellen Schwartz" <lilellen at hotmail.com>
- Date: Sat, 8 Nov 2008 23:45:33 +0000
|
Harbour house marina will be accepting relief supplies from noon til 6 pm for
delivery to the sister islands for departure first thing monday morning.
Weather permitting boats will depart 1st thing monday morning for cayman brac
"Sent via BlackBerry."
|
|
- Southern Cross Club, Little Cayman (fwd)
|
- From: Gert van Dijken <gert at vandijken.com>
- Date: Sat, 8 Nov 2008 17:32:04 -0500 (EST)
|
Info from Little Cayman.
*
**
*** Gert van Dijken ( gert at vandijken.com )
**** Caribbean Hurricane Network - http://stormcarib.com
---------- Forwarded message ----------
Date: Sat, 8 Nov 2008 14:29:20 -0800
From: Craig Buck <tvlbuck at cox.net>
To: gert at gobeach.com
Subject: Southern Cross Club, Little Cayman
I've been in contact with staff at Southern Cross Club on Little Cayman. Just wanted to
pass on that all structures, facilities, staff and guests at the club have weathered
Paloma surprisingly well. The piers were saved (planking removed prior to the storm) and
the dive boats rode out the storm in fine condition. Lost a few palm trees and some
shingles, but everything is safe and sound. Guests sheltered in the bungalows with
"storm coolers" of drinks and food as well as cell phones for everyone with
emergency numbers loaded. They celebrated the passing of Paloma with a breakfast of Eggs
Benedict. As soon as power is restored new guests will be accepted.
Craig
|
|
- Cayman Brac / Brac Reef Beach Resort info (fwd)
|
- From: Gert van Dijken <gert at vandijken.com>
- Date: Sat, 8 Nov 2008 16:10:08 -0500 (EST)
|
More news from the Brac and Little Cayman...
*
**
*** Gert van Dijken ( gert at vandijken.com )
**** Caribbean Hurricane Network - http://stormcarib.com
---------- Forwarded message ----------
Date: Sat, 8 Nov 2008 11:21:38 -0800 (PST)
From: Care Shroy <care_shroy at yahoo.com>
Subject: Cayman Brac / Brac Reef Beach Resort info
Hello,
My mother is Kathy Shroy one of the managers of Brac Reef Beach Resort. I
have been in contact with her off and on over the past 6 hours. She said
that Brac Reef is a total loss. What is still standing will have to be torn
down.The Lobby, office, gift shop, spa, bar, and restaurant are all
completely demolished. They lost the roof off of the top floor's rooms and
have major damage to the bottom floor's rooms. The staff housing has roof
damage but isn't too bad off.
The 30 tourists who stayed at the hotel are all fine the other 10 who went
to a shelter are also safe. If you could post this on stormcarib for their
families that would be great..They are planning to fly them out this
afternoon as long as they can get the plane in.
I also heard from Perry McLaughlin that all 200 people who stayed on
Little Cayman are safe. There is a lot of damage to the roads but it looks
like they got lucky as far as major damage goes.
Thanks for all your hard work to keep us updated.
Carolyn Shroy
|
|
- Cayman Brac update (fwd)
|
- From: Gert van Dijken <gert at vandijken.com>
- Date: Sat, 8 Nov 2008 14:11:47 -0500 (EST)
|
Info from Ellen who lives on Grand Cayman.
*
**
*** Gert van Dijken ( gert at vandijken.com )
**** Caribbean Hurricane Network - http://stormcarib.com
---------- Forwarded message ----------
Date: Sat, 8 Nov 2008 16:09:26 +0000
From: Ellen Schwartz <lilellen at hotmail.com>
To: gert at gobeach.com
Subject: Cayman Brac update
Hearing bits & pieces from the Brac. Carib Sands roof blown off (not sure
which block). Police station lost it's roof.
Of course power lines, debris, etc. everywhere. Lots of houses gone - Brackers
are going to definitely need our assistance when this is completely gone -
ASAP!!!
Ellen Schwartz
TRAVEL PROS
Added later:
Brac Caribbean - heavily damaged. Billy's Supermarket - heavily damaged.
Houses on the South Side of the island - heavily damaged. Moses & Mabry's
houses on the Bluff - lost roofs.
|
|
- cayman brac (fwd)
|
- From: Gert van Dijken <gert at vandijken.com>
- Date: Sat, 8 Nov 2008 14:08:28 -0500 (EST)
|
Got the following from Mark McMurtry
*
**
*** Gert van Dijken ( gert at vandijken.com )
**** Caribbean Hurricane Network - http://stormcarib.com
---------- Forwarded message ----------
Date: Sat, 8 Nov 2008 10:44:54 -0800
From: Mark McMurtry <mark at coconutpalms.com>
To: gert at gobeach.com
Subject: cayman brac
Hi Gert, I have property on the Brac and am trying my best to get info. Cel phones are
working there and i have talked to several people. The west end looks like a "war
zone". Most damage caused by wind not surf. My property in on the N-E and the storm
seemed to pass closest the the S-W, but no one can get out that way yet due to down trees
and power lines. Mark K. on the N-W side said 1/2 his house is gone, but his little dumpy
shed is fine, go figure.
All my best to our friends there. Hope to be there soon..
Mark McMurtry
|
|
- Little Cayman info (fwd)
|
- From: Gert van Dijken <gert at vandijken.com>
- Date: Sat, 8 Nov 2008 13:53:56 -0500 (EST)
|
I received the following info from Pia Hall.
*
**
*** Gert van Dijken ( gert at vandijken.com )
**** Caribbean Hurricane Network - http://stormcarib.com
---------- Forwarded message ----------
Date: Sat, 8 Nov 2008 18:24:52 +0000 (GMT)
From: PIA HALL <pia.hall at btinternet.com>
To: gert at gobeach.com
Subject: Little Cayman info
I have been in contact with several people on Little Cayman (both on the North
and South sides). There are no reports of any injuries. Initial reports
indicate that most of the damage is localised and in general moderate given
the strength of Paloma. There are however reports of a few properties suffering
significant damage.   There are power poles down throughout the island and
the roads are difficult to navigate and in some places completely blocked.
Storm surge does not seem to have been a major issue.Â
Â
Pia Hall
|
|
- CAYMAN BRAC
|
- From: mike barcroft <mbar-cyb at candw.ky>
- Date: Sat, 08 Nov 2008 11:13:54 -0500
|
|
I am sure that Moses K and local Govt are now out doing full assessments so will not comment on damage - I am sure it was significant in places on the Brac and Little. Also so glad to hear that Little Cayman folks are OK and there are, as far as I know, no reported casualties on the Sister Islands.
Big TY to Chris McTaggart for offer of help in communicating - one good thing about where I work is that we have first class Back-Up Genset and excellent Data/Net/Comms links - which all worked as expected. Chris - u are much better employed getting the aircraft back in place, restoring ops ASAP and regaining soem normalcy for the Islands again.
Big thanks to District Admin for lending me a cup of sugar this morning - needed that coffee badly and it was not going to be the same without sugar - and I think also my strange request caused a little mirth and smiles - everyone I have seen so far - kids and adults, has been in remarkable humour and good spirit. I always said thast the Brackers were toughies - I am sure that we will pull together and get the place ticking over agin ASAP.
Selfishly now - I am anxious to see how my house fared but that may take a while yet due to felled trees, cables, debris etc.
MB
---- Msg sent via LIME Webmail - http://www.time4lime.com/
|
|
- Cayman Brac info
|
- From: "Chris McTaggart" <cmctagga at candw.ky>
- Date: Sat, 8 Nov 2008 08:52:47 -0500
|
Hi All, I just got word from the Brac that they are still
having winds in excess of 100+ MPH and there is a lot of damage. The Aston
Rutty Center roof did not blow off it was the Seaman’s building. I was
told there is not a leaf on a try, so it sound like they had our “Ivan”.
Oh…here is more text from Little Cayman….Power poles down, lines,
trees, some home damage, most major resorts are okay as far as they can tell
however no known fatalities. I am getting calls from Cayman Brac and too much
information to type, major damage to homes, seas are washing through homes on
the west and south side with sea water right through.
So much info is coming in to me by phone and they are still
in high winds and sounding so scared, Winds were recorded at 6:00 am 155 MPH on
Cayman Brac but I am sure we will here even more later. I can’t keep up
with the calls folks, I can only say for now they are going to need help.
British warship on standby south of Cayman Brac awaiting subsiding conditions
to proceed in. I got to get to work and get my airplanes back to Grand Cayman
as we too will be providing maximum assistance to the sister islands and I need
to get my flight crew regrouped.
I will post later after what I suspect will be a very busy
day.
Best regards to all and my best wishes to everyone in Brac
and Little Cayman.
Chris
|
Attachment:
Captain Chris McTaggart.vcf
Description: Binary data
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- Update
|
- From: "Ann" <annabar at candw.ky>
- Date: Sat, 8 Nov 2008 13:40:52 +0000
|
We are lucky ! Wb beach seems ok from where we are and the birds are out so
things must be back to normal! Debris outsideis minimal. We lost power at 7am
this morning. Hope Brac is ok
Regards
Ann
Ann Smith
1 345 525 8800
Sent from my BlackBerry® device
|
|
- Message to Mike at CYB
|
- From: "Chris McTaggart" <cmctagga at candw.ky>
- Date: Sat, 8 Nov 2008 08:14:28 -0500
|
Hi Mike…I see you posting live on Storm Carib from the
Brac, thanks so much I was hoping someone would be able to keep even small
updates coming from over there. I know you all must have taken a big hit and
communication will be minimum after, but my cell is 916-7000 call me if you
need to relay any information to the site or anyone else.
Regards, Chris
|
Attachment:
Captain Chris McTaggart.vcf
Description: Binary data
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|
- 08 hrs Prospect - all is well on GCM
|
- From: Sharon Marcussen <s_marcussen2003 at yahoo.com>
- Date: Sat, 8 Nov 2008 05:13:28 -0800 (PST)
|
Woke up at 6.15 - the creaking of shutters and wind had totally died
down, I thought that something was wrong with my ears and took a quick
look outside to find it dead calm! Phew.
It is now about 8 am local time, quiet and still in Prospect, no remnants of the shrieking winds and sideways rain of last night. Hardly any wind at all now, lots of birds preening on wires.
Power is fine, internet is fine, TV is fine, running water is back although pressure is low.
Some small debris. No major damage that we have seen so far in the local area.
Flooding of the road and garden has abated very considerably. The ground is like a sponge, totally waterlogged. Neighbours trickling out and congratulating each other on getting through with minimal damage, clean up operations beginning and damage assessments being made, if any.
According to Radio Cayman there are some power lines down in certain areas of GCM. Crews need to get to them, so residents are urged to stay off the roads.
Paloma (now cat 4) is now hammering Little Cayman, where reports are trickling in about roofs
blowing off and people waiting to be rescued. Not sure if the reports are from LC or Brac.
- Sharon
|
|
|
- CAYMAN BRAC
|
- From: mike barcroft <mbar-cyb at candw.ky>
- Date: Sat, 08 Nov 2008 08:07:43 -0500
|
|
Paloma seems now to be backing off (at least on North Side); Pressure is rising and Wind Speeds distinctly lower.
Unconfirmed reports that roof of Aston Rutty Centre (Main Shelter in middle of Bluff) has blown off - will try to clarify ASAP but comms with others on CYB right now is not all that easy.
Major amounts of significant debris on North Side Rd (Stake Bay area) - seems as though we took a major hit here. Am dreading that drive back to see how my house fared later today!
Can continue to post due to gr8 Genset and very effective comms/data connections.
MB
Msg sent via LIME Webmail - http://www.time4lime.com/
|
|
- Peaceful Morning
|
- From: "Chris McTaggart" <cmctagga at candw.ky>
- Date: Sat, 8 Nov 2008 07:53:36 -0500
|
A Pleasant Good Morning Storm Carib (SC) Family and Friends,
As my brother stated before me; What a difference a few
hours have made. Well as I thought I did end up losing DSL Sync last night at
around 12 midnight and I kept resetting over and over and just could not get
back connection. Never lost power more than a few surges and dips here and
there, so although I bicker about the energy cost, my hats off to you CUC and
your power staff as you provided great service. The internet problem I think
was just related to the high winds or possible moisture conditions most likely
at some point of connection as I did not lose land line or cell service, so
congrats to you too C&W. The water went off early in the day just after noon
time and I understand it was due to a broken line so the crews could not work
in the weather conditions which is understandable, I had to shut down too cause
I couldn’t fly in it J
So I am sorry I was unable to do any further updates after
around 11:00 pm last night due to no internet but my last post pretty much
covered the height of the storm. I monitored outside closely up until around
1:00 am when I could see the winds starting a slow decrease and the gusts
subsiding. Decided to go finally watch a DVD, I had to wait to burn a new movie
off the internet (he he Cinema not open), but when I hit the couch the only
part of it I remember was “Universal Studios Presents”….hhhmm,
wonder what they presented. Guys, I CRASHED, and needed it, almost 48 hours
without an eye shut dealing with work and the energy of the storm. Well here I
am re-energized after a good nap.
My gosh will you guys look at what our little disturbance off
the Managua coast 3 days ago has now become, A Category 4 Major Hurricane after
passing Grand Cayman and now pounding or Sister Islands. Firstly my best wishes
and blessings go out to all my friends in Cayman Brac and Little Cayman and I
am hoping and praying that you all are okay. WE have experienced Paloma and I
tried to pass on the experience through it all, so did many other fellow
posters, but now we must focus on trying to get word from the other Islands on
what is happening. If anyone gets any news, please no matter how small, post it
so we all will know. We can take the days ahead and post the stories and
pictures about it all, but let’s try to get news from the Sister Islands.
I just got a text to plan for a regrouping to evaluate the
airlines facilities in order to plan startup, so throughout today I don’t
know how much time I will have to post. I will promise to pass on my days
observations at least later on this evening and pass on any news of importance.
So I am going to stop here and take the time to wish each and everyone of you a
great day. Again my Prayers and Best Wishes go out to everyone in the Sister
Islands.
Much SC Family Love
Chris
Ps: I cannot forget to once again thanks my friends at the
National Hurricane Center for the professional job you do keeping us all
updated on progress during these times, and the long hours you all put in doing
so. Thanks again for the personal calls yesterday showing your concerns and
giving direct updates. As we say in the islands “You da best” and
you are certainly a part of our SC Family.
|
Attachment:
Captain Chris McTaggart.vcf
Description: Binary data
|
|
- 8 am
|
- From: "Andy McAlpine" <grandpalmltd at candw.ky>
- Date: Sat, 8 Nov 2008 07:53:16 -0500
|
|
Title: 8 am
All nice and calm here in Gov Harbour – debris all over the front but the canal is calm now – what a night and thankfully everything remained intact here. Does anyone know if / when the airport will open and whether flights will resume in and out ? Thx - Andy
|
|
- It's gone!
|
- From: <jaroo at weststartv.com>
- Date: Sat, 08 Nov 2008 07:37:28 -0500
|
I woke up to now power around 5.30 this morning. Back at
my mother's house behind the WB fire Station, power water
and internet! Things on the frive didin't look bad at
all. WE GOT LUCKY IN WB. Not sure what the rest of the
island looks like but once I lear the hurricane supplies
form the floor I'll go for a drive and have a look. Might
be a wave to surf this afternoon.
My thoughts are with thise in the Brac and Little Cayman
right now!
|
|
- Update
|
- From: mike barcroft <mbar-cyb at candw.ky>
- Date: Sat, 08 Nov 2008 06:51:32 -0500
|
|
Pressure 962.1 and falling at indicated rate of 16.8 per hour - wind out of N-NE and highest gust 108.4 MPH.
Somewhat rugged out there!
Wind howling and horizontal sheets of water in the air, blowing down the street like sideways waterfalls
MB
---- Msg sent via LIME Webmail - http://www.time4lime.com/
|
|
- Calm After Storm/Prospect Area
|
- From: Arthur McTaggart <arthur at mctaggart.ky>
- Date: Sat, 8 Nov 2008 06:19:53 -0500
|
Hi,
Amazingly we still have power in the Prospect/Marina Drive area.
Unfortunately lost Internet and landline at 8:45pm last night at my
house. Mobile phone service hasn't wavered at all as I'm able to post
via my data connection on it.
The winds were tremendous, and brought back some of the traumatic
memories of Ivan.
Right now winds quieting down, can't wait for water to be turned on.
Dawn is breaking, and I can see the debris all over. Clean up time.
The river that was running down Marina Drive has subsided.
My heart and prayers are with my friends and family in the Brac and
Little Cayman.
I understand Bodden Town in Cumber Ave has had significant flooding.
Most roads are quite clear, a few trees in streets, a few utility
wires down. West Bay Road is relatively clear. I've also heard the
seas are relatively calm on the west coast.
More later, as time permits,
Arthur
--
Sent via iPhone 3G, please pardon any typographical errors.
|
|
- Paloma
|
- From: William Mc Taggart <wmctagga at candw.ky>
- Date: Sat, 08 Nov 2008 06:19:31 -0500
|
Location: Crewe Road, Grand
Cayman-near airport
What a difference a few hours can make. I retired to the couch last
night at 11pm watching Fox News, winds howling, moderate rainfall,
shutters rattling and wake at 5:30am and all is QUIET.
I check the weather and discover Paloma is now a Cat 4 Hurricane with
115 knot (135 mph) winds, and now near Cayman Brac and Little Cayman.
YIKES!! Keep safe Cayman Brac and Little Cayman, it will be a rough
ride.
Current conditions
Cloudy
North West Winds 5-10 knots
Temperature: 77°F
Humidity 87%
Rainfall 0.11" (since midnight)
Total for Month 13.35"
Barometer 1007.3 hPa 29.75 in
Later
William
--
Local Weather Information
http://www.wunderground.com/weatherstation/WXDailyHistory.asp?ID=I90580545 My Station
http://www.weatherincayman.com/ Several Local Weather Stations
http://www.gov.ky/portal/page?_pageid=1142,1481932&_dad=portal&_schema=PORTAL Official Weather Forecast
|
|
|
- Over?
|
- From: Micho <michosch at gmail.com>
- Date: Sat, 8 Nov 2008 06:11:37 -0500
|
Good morning everyone,
Its 6:10 am here in George Town and the sun will be up in 30 or so minutes. That's when we will see what really happened.
From what I can see near our building, the palms & trees are in decent shape and the parking has dried up ; its still windy, but does not seem to be any more rain.
Ill take lots of pictures and post them to my blog later today.
Micho
http://cayman.micho.org
|
|
- 12:15
|
- From: "Andy McAlpine" <grandpalmltd at candw.ky>
- Date: Sat, 8 Nov 2008 00:15:04 -0500
|
|
Title: 12:15
Storm here in Gov Harbour is still whistling thru our lanai. Water level is the same for the last few hours. We were expecting a surge around 10-11 but no signs of it. Lots of debris at the front of the house but no real damage that we can see. The lanai is holding out well, despite the strong gusts. I think the worst is behind us. Andy
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- Grand Harbour update
|
- From: Julie Hughes <julescanadian at mac.com>
- Date: Fri, 07 Nov 2008 22:58:46 -0600
|
Greetings from Grand Harbour
I can't tell you what a relief it is to have power and internet this
late. The storm is at its closest point of approach right now,
according to the website. The water level has receded a bit more
since my last post, however, we are still wary of a post passing
surge.. Does anyone have information on a post-passing storm surge for
the North Sound?
Kind regards,
Julie
|
|
- Still dry - Prospect 23.25 hrs
|
- From: Sharon Marcussen <s_marcussen2003 at yahoo.com>
- Date: Fri, 7 Nov 2008 20:26:57 -0800 (PST)
|
No flooding of our house this time around. Phew. Its heading for Sister Islands, good luck to you guys there.
Still rattling away outside but no immediate danger, so going to get some shut-eye.
- Sharon
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- 10:45pm : South Church Street
|
- From: robinson at candw.ky
- Date: Fri, 07 Nov 2008 22:43:33 -0500
|
74F 91% 1001Mb again... Must be quite a pressure gradient.
As the rest of the condo survived Ivan without shutters we've some of ours
partially
open this time - much less claustrophobic - maybe we'll try the transparent
shutters
at some point.
Still big (and noisy) winds but rain only moderate. Funny direction this is
coming
from, opened the front door to adjust the shutters there and the front of the
house is
dead calm. Shutters at the back of the house are rattling like an old train
though....
Hope East End isn't getting it too badly. The 10pm advisory has the centre 25
miles
away from EE with a 30 mile radius of H-force winds. Morritts beach will be in
Bodden town or on the Queen's Highway by morning....
The Pirates Week visiting musicians and the the Seattle Seafair Pirates will
have a
few different storeis to tell from this trip.
|
|
- Update
|
- From: "Ann" <annabar at candw.ky>
- Date: Sat, 8 Nov 2008 03:28:07 +0000
|
Hi again we still have power on w bay road and intermittent internet. Seas not
too bad here beach side. overall not as bad as expected. We even BBQ'd about
6ish. Hope worst is past. This has been the very longest day ! Totally
shuttering down for the night now
Best of luck for LC
Regards
Ann
Ann Smith
1 345 525 8800
Sent from my BlackBerry® device
|
|
- The 9 to 9:30 PM update
|
- From: "Chris McTaggart" <cmctagga at candw.ky>
- Date: Fri, 7 Nov 2008 21:44:02 -0500
|
Hi again folks,
Well still have power and I keep losing the internet
intermittently with surges and it takes a while before it comes back up. The night
is getting extremely stormy and I mean a big difference since my last post. The
NHC guys surprised me with a call and an email telling me that they were
monitoring my posts and confirmed my observations and changes were actually
real and accurate. I feel honored to hear from such professionals that took
timeout from their busy monitoring schedule to make contact with me. Thanks
Julio and Rob.
The winds have picked up tremendously and exactly what Julio
and Rob said to expect (see a copy below) is actually right on schedule time
and now a reality.
Greetings from the Hurricane Center Chris.
Fasten your seat belt, it's going to get really bumpy tonight! (On
the phone said expect worst at 9:00 to 2:00)
The winds are now steady out of NNE (020 degrees) at just
over 70 plus MPH and gusting higher – Hurricane force for sure, however
there seems to be a lull in the heavy rain and it is now just medium intensity
and I can see the lights of the airport glowing more clearly, so visibility I
would estimate at 1 to 1 ½ miles. Temp and Dew Pt constant at 73F. Total
rainfall for day now at 4.3 inches…..by the way 10.45 inches total in 7
days.
Hold on…wind switch NNE right around to the SW for
approximately 1 minute and now back to the NNE, that was fun, did it 3 times consecutively.
Barometer has bumped back up to 999 mb and Cloud Base recordings are at 200 feet.
Helen posted her appreciation earlier to Gert and I will add
to it, as he has been now a long time friend of mine who knows truly that we
love every minute of what he does to make this the greatest home to all of us…WE
ARE FAMILY J
Taking a five, maybe watch a bit of a DVD, listen for any
changes going on outside and will post later.
Chris
|
Attachment:
Captain Chris McTaggart.vcf
Description: Binary data
|
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- South Church Street
|
- From: robinson at candw.ky
- Date: Fri, 07 Nov 2008 20:59:47 -0500
|
Power on South Church Street went off around 5pm, and came back at 8:30.
Walkers road didn't go off at all. Well done CUC, maybe I won't biatch about
the
November bill as much as usual.
Still very wet and windy, too dark to see the sea state but the reported gusts
of
80mph+ I believe.....
|
|
- Update 8.45 pm - Prospect, GCM
|
- From: Sharon Marcussen <s_marcussen2003 at yahoo.com>
- Date: Fri, 7 Nov 2008 17:50:50 -0800 (PST)
|
Wind gusting is intermittent and very hard now. Strong wind pretty much all the time, very eerie sound when I step out.
Not much debris around my place, but then its dark and flooded (rain).
Power is fine, with the occasional dip. Internet ditto, also WestTel tv is fine. No running water.
My porch is sheltered, so I have looked out occasionally with a powerful flashlight to check flooding levels (believe me, I am very very careful), and the general flooding level outside is slightly higher than it was the last several hours.
Shutters are creaking! Attic is ready if I have to go up there, so far no flooding of the house.
Just listened to Radio Cayman, no new developments.
- Sharon
Prospect
|
|
|
- Grand Harbour Update
|
- From: Julie Hughes <julescanadian at mac.com>
- Date: Fri, 07 Nov 2008 19:50:03 -0600
|
Hi all,
Just a quick note to advise that the water level - if this is
possible, seems to have receded slightly from my previous report.
Only slightly, but still, it has not gone up :-)
Kind regards,
Julie
|
|
- PLEASE DONATE
|
- From: helen chawe <helenchawe at yahoo.com>
- Date: Fri, 7 Nov 2008 17:24:52 -0800 (PST)
|
Everyone reading these blogs, how important are they too you while we sit here waiting for the storm to pass? I know how important they are to me, my family/friends and visitors. This is a voluntary website and Gert, bless his heart, is the man updating all this information for us to find the latest and greatest news.
Please go to the home page and show your appreciation, I would hate for this website to close due to lack of funds.......
Any amount will help.... THANK YOU IN ADVANCE
Chat again soon,
Helen
|
|
- FW: Update
|
- From: Chelsea Doxey <foxeydoxey1987 at hotmail.com>
- Date: Fri, 7 Nov 2008 17:13:58 -0800
|
Hey Gert and everyone reading these message boards!!
Chelsea reporting for Grand Cayman here. I last spoke to my cousin in West Bay at about 5:30 this evening via MSN Messenger. She told me it was windy and getting cold, but no big rain. Then my dad messaged me about a half ago saying the rains in Prospect were picking up. I'm currently in FL for school, but will try my best to keep everyone informed about happenings in Cayman when other local reporters aren't able to do so.
Good luck everyone!!
See how Windows® connects the people, information, and fun that are part of your life Click here
|
|
|
- Update from Grand Harbour
|
- From: JULIE HUGHES <julescanadian at mac.com>
- Date: Fri, 07 Nov 2008 16:49:30 -0800
|
Hello from Grand Harbour! Glad to hear that Paloma is still on track to skirt
the East end of the Island, rather than a direct hit. Hang in there East End!
So far the winds are ferocious, but we are hanging in there. The water level
in the Canal at Grand Harbour has not yet breached the canal wall. It is
currently as high as the top step. This is the highest point reached for
Gustav.
Does anyone have further information about the storm surge expected in this
area? How far down the Canals do the 'battering' waves typically go? I am
about a mile from the Sound entrance, practically beside Hurleys. I am hoping
the wave action will be minimal.
We still have power and internet - Thank you CUC!! We desperately need it!
Good luck everyone!
Julie
|
|
- Paloma
|
- From: William Mc Taggart <wmctagga at candw.ky>
- Date: Fri, 07 Nov 2008 19:24:38 -0500
|
Location: Crewe Road, Grand Cayman,
Near Airport
Winds are still howling accompanied by heavy rains. Rainfall recorded
now 7" since midnight. total for the month 12.3". Unfortunately my
anemometer is not reading correctly, as the winds are definitely
stronger that is being measured by the instrument. I would estimate
winds at 50-60 mph from N-NE with higher gusts. Pressure 29.59in.
The latest NHC bulletin puts Paloma 30 miles south of the Eastern end
of Grand Cayman, and heading for an encounter with Cayman Brac and
Little Cayman.
Power still on, internet still working, albeit I have been having the
same issues as Capt. Chris with the modem losing connection and my
having to reset it.
Keep safe!
William
--
Local Weather Information
http://www.wunderground.com/weatherstation/WXDailyHistory.asp?ID=I90580545 My Station
http://www.weatherincayman.com/ Several Local Weather Stations
http://www.gov.ky/portal/page?_pageid=1142,1481932&_dad=portal&_schema=PORTAL Official Weather Forecast
|
|
|
- Hurricane Paloma
|
- From: "Dee MacKenzie" <weedee at candw.ky>
- Date: Fri, 7 Nov 2008 19:11:07 -0800
|
Paloma was just upgraded to a Cat. 3 but all is still
relatively quiet on Cayman Brac (North Shore). The rain has been pretty
much non-stop since last night and very heavy at times but the winds have not
really picked up much yet in the Stake Bay area. It is now a waiting
game.
Dee MacKenzie
Stake Bay, Cayman Brac
|
|
|
- Paloma now cat 3
|
- From: Sharon Marcussen <s_marcussen2003 at yahoo.com>
- Date: Fri, 7 Nov 2008 16:06:50 -0800 (PST)
|
Forgot to mention its 7 pm local time.
- Sharon
|
|
|
- 7pm update
|
- From: helen chawe <helenchawe at yahoo.com>
- Date: Fri, 7 Nov 2008 16:06:42 -0800 (PST)
|
Its now a cat 3! Can you believe that, still have power here in GT. Not all areas from what i can make out but mostly.
Stay safe....
Chat again soon,
Helen
|
|
- Paloma now cat 3
|
- From: Sharon Marcussen <s_marcussen2003 at yahoo.com>
- Date: Fri, 7 Nov 2008 16:05:41 -0800 (PST)
|
I'm in Prospect.
It's dark now.
The road outside my home has been like a fast-flowing river the last couple of hours, being whipped by the wind into small waves and being pressured to move towards the south coast. Hard gusts of wind, its apparently about 115 mph now with gusts of slightly higher speed. Strengthening still possible.
Just before it got dark I saw some birds being thrown about by the wind..
I heard something a few minutes ago on Radio Cayman about "evacuation of low-lying areas". Not sure I want to go out there or take my chances. Not sure if it was Radio Cayman or BBC or something.
Forecast path has changed since this morning. Radio Cayman says storm surge of 5-7 feet expected, with wave action. Huge waves along coast. People along coast urged to move to second floor or higher, taking food. Not sure if the flooding will be
sudden or gradual - does anybody have a clue?
Power has been a bit on and off, but is now stable again. At 115 mph!! Kudos to CUC.
Internet (C&W) still fine. Not sure about TV, I have dismantled it and cleared the bottom 3-4 feet of my home in anticipation of possible flooding. No water, pressure has been low the whole day, we have our tubs filled.
Paloma is expected to hit us in GCM in about an hour or so, according to Radio Cayman. Should move away by tomorrow morning, with luck.
Be safe out there.
- Sharon
Prospect
|
|
|
- storm
|
- From: Donna Sjostrom <cireba at mac.com>
- Date: Fri, 07 Nov 2008 18:45:29 -0500
|
It is 6:40pm - they say the winds are around 50p-60mph with higher
gust. But if this is just half of what we are going to get - up to 100
or more - WOW!
I am in Omega Bay on the Patrick's Island canal. The wind and rain are
whipping down the canal at north/northeast. Probably 3-4 foot waves in
the canal. I can see across at a dock and the water is over their dock.
I was told high tide is 10pm. Will be glad when this is over like so
many others. At least we have power and internet for now, but no
water. Although we have some stored.
Hopefully we will have power later and can make a report in a couple of
hours.
Stay safe to all!
Donna
|
|
- CAYMAN BRAC - 6.30 PM
|
- From: mike barcroft <mbar-cyb at candw.ky>
- Date: Fri, 07 Nov 2008 18:31:44 -0500
|
|
Lost of rain (all day long) but no breeze to talk about - overcast, grey and miserable. Watching Paloma and GCM and wonder what "she" will bring us here on the Sister Islands.
Guess that we will know soon.
MB
Msg sent via LIME Webmail - http://www.time4lime.com/
|
|
- Sundown
|
- From: Micho <michosch at gmail.com>
- Date: Fri, 7 Nov 2008 18:26:12 -0500
|
|
The sun has set on Grand Cayman
We lost power in George Town around 5pm and are on the generator now at my office.
Wind is howling and its getting worse ... I think! Cant see anything outside. :(
Now for some movies on the laptop and hopefully some sleep under my desk.
Micho
|
|
- Big Surge - Lost Internet
|
- From: "Chris McTaggart" <cmctagga at candw.ky>
- Date: Fri, 7 Nov 2008 18:15:40 -0500
|
Just letting you know I had a big surge and cut of power
momentarily causing the lost of internet sync. I don’t know if this may
continue and possibly loose it permanently. Lights flashing as I write, so
making it short. Things are really starting to deteriorate even more, stronger winds,
gusts, and heavy rain. No actual readout at this time.
Posting now in short updates, even if it’s just a
small note to let you know connection is still active.
Chris
|
Attachment:
Captain Chris McTaggart.vcf
Description: Binary data
|
|
- Update
|
- From: "Gene Thompson" <gene at thompson.com.ky>
- Date: Fri, 7 Nov 2008 17:57:00 -0500
|
Gert
All is good so far. Still have power on West Bay Road
and in George Town. Quite nasty now. We are on West Bay Road and
wind is NNE 60 knots with gusts to 77 knots. Pressure is 989 and falling
fast. Rain so for today is over 5 “. So far so good and the
next 8-10 hours will be the worst and then it should start to decrease.
Looks like it is going to pass just east of the GCM.
Regards
Gene
|
|
|
- Winds UP and UP
|
- From: "Chris McTaggart" <cmctagga at candw.ky>
- Date: Fri, 7 Nov 2008 17:54:57 -0500
|
Just another quick update: Seeing winds more steady N=NE in
the vicinity of 65 mph, higher gusts, heavy rains, with visibility down to ¼ to
½ mile maximum. Barometer 998 and still falling. Getting erratic readings sometime
not sure of the accuracy now but sure looks and sounds even stronger. Light
outside is getting very minimal so visual reference will now start to get less
for me to make observations. Is there any persons online from the eastern or
northern side of the island, I would like to know what’s happening on
that side and also what are the conditions in the sister islands.
Chris
|
Attachment:
Captain Chris McTaggart.vcf
Description: Binary data
|
|
- Wind & Rain
|
- From: William Mc Taggart <wmctagga at candw.ky>
- Date: Fri, 07 Nov 2008 17:50:39 -0500
|
Location: Crewe Road, Grand Cayman,
near airport.
Conditions continue to worsen as Paloma make its way towards Grand
Cayman. Now just 40 miles South, (4pm bulletin) the storm is packing
105mph winds and is now tracking NNE (020) at 6mph. Looks like the
storm will pass just to the south east of Grand Cayman on its way to
Cuba. Keep safe Cayman Brac and Little Cayman.
Winds are howling outside accompanied with heavy showers. The back yard
is flooded and water is seeping into the basement/rec-room. It happens
whenever we have lots of rain in a short time frame. Thankfully
electricity is still on, so I have running water, as I have a cistern.
Not certain how much longer power will be on, but CUC says they will
keep it running as long as it is safe to do so.
Keep safe everyone.
William
--
Local Weather Information
http://www.wunderground.com/weatherstation/WXDailyHistory.asp?ID=I90580545 My Station
http://www.weatherincayman.com/ Several Local Weather Stations
http://www.gov.ky/portal/page?_pageid=1142,1481932&_dad=portal&_schema=PORTAL Official Weather Forecast
|
|
|
- Update from Grand Harbour
|
- From: JULIE HUGHES <julescanadian at mac.com>
- Date: Fri, 07 Nov 2008 14:43:22 -0800
|
Hi all,
Well, the winds sure are picking up here - I am shocked to hear they are only
55MPH - the winds may double what we have now. The canal at Grand Harbour now
looks like the North Sound on a relatively calm day - wave action for sure, but
not high. The water level is over the docks on both sides of the canal as far
as I can tell. It's getting hard to see even a couple lots down across the
canal at this point, due to the horizontal blowing rain. So far we have
repaired a broken shutter and a leaking door, both on the wind facing side of
the house. Hope the power lasts because we are using our wetvac!!
Take care all,
Julie
|
|
- IMG00101.jpg
|
- From: "Ann" <annabar at candw.ky>
- Date: Fri, 7 Nov 2008 22:13:36 +0000
|
Latest from 7 mile beach. Rain is getting heavier and we are BBQing.
Regards
Ann
Ann Smith
1 345 525 8800
Sent from my BlackBerry® device Attachment:
IMG00101.jpg
Description: JPEG image
|
|
- Update
|
- From: "jaroo" <jnicholson at dmsbroadcasting.ky>
- Date: Fri, 7 Nov 2008 22:01:44 +0000
|
Power still on here in the Shores area of West Bay. We lost the internet awhile
ago. Water still on. Its getting pretty windy! Looks like the worst is yet to
come!
I'll update later.
Sent from my BlackBerry® wireless device from Cable & Wireless bMobile
|
|
- Winds now intensifying continuously
|
- From: "Chris McTaggart" <cmctagga at candw.ky>
- Date: Fri, 7 Nov 2008 17:00:03 -0500
|
I am going to just send short updates as often as I can. I
suspect power loss within next few hours as I am getting some surges again.
Winds are really noticeably and steadily increasing in the
last half hour, real gusty, and short rapid bursts which are a direct
indication that the storm is closing in. Rapid bursts in wind gusts are more prominent
due to closer gradients of circulation nearer the center. Squall bands are also
currently being experienced which is magnified by the winds which gives the
impression of really heavy rains and reduced visibility. Its 4:30 and seems like
6:30-7:00 reference a normal day.
Current Data:
Winds N-NE at 55 gusting to 65 mph / Heavy Rains / Visibility
½ mile or less / Cloud Base fluctuating 2-400 feet / Temp = 73F / Dew Pt = 73F
/ Barometer 999 mb and falling / Total Rain for day 3.7 inches
Conditions outside are now indicating to me that this storm
may now be making a turn NE bound, this is very confusing to see such changes
outside as I type. Does anyone have any accurate data source to verify a turn.
I am not hearing any transmission updates from the authorities on the scanner.
Be back soon
Chris
|
Attachment:
Captain Chris McTaggart.vcf
Description: Binary data
|
|
- Video
|
- From: Micho <michosch at gmail.com>
- Date: Fri, 7 Nov 2008 16:16:31 -0500
|
|
Just uploaded a video to Youtube. You can see the wind action quite well here in George Town.
You can also hear my Lovebird Bijou in the background :-)
Still have power & Internet. Congrats to our local ISP & Utility
Micho
|
|
- Good link showing real-time weather at the Airport:
|
- From: Graham Pearson <grahambda at yahoo.com>
- Date: Fri, 7 Nov 2008 12:28:47 -0800 (PST)
|
Good link showing real-time weather at the Airport:
|
|
- GT
|
- From: Micho <michosch at gmail.com>
- Date: Fri, 7 Nov 2008 15:27:44 -0500
|
|
Still have electricity here in George Town ; making popcorn right now in my office :-)
Lots of wind but not all that much rain right now. The wind has picked up again.
The cranes for the new government building seem (thankfully) solidly in place and are not even moving with the wind.
Micho
|
|
- Time added
|
- From: "Chris McTaggart" <cmctagga at candw.ky>
- Date: Fri, 7 Nov 2008 15:22:55 -0500
|
Closest point of crossing 6 miles west, which is forecasted
to occur at 6:00 pm local time based on current data…….Chris
|
Attachment:
Captain Chris McTaggart.vcf
Description: Binary data
|
|
- Quick Update
|
- From: "Chris McTaggart" <cmctagga at candw.ky>
- Date: Fri, 7 Nov 2008 15:17:22 -0500
|
Hi All,
The winds are now noticeably intensifying and the gusty gap
factors are closer together. Current position of Paloma as of 3 pm local time
is 60 miles south of Grand Cayman moving NNE at 6 mph. Sustained winds of 90
mph. Closest point of center reference to Grand Cayman passage with current
movement is 6 miles west.
Until next update
Chris
|
Attachment:
Captain Chris McTaggart.vcf
Description: Binary data
|
|
- Pictures of current state
|
- From: Graham Pearson <grahambda at yahoo.com>
- Date: Fri, 7 Nov 2008 11:57:17 -0800 (PST)
|
Hi All,
Biggest concern is the surge, as you can see by the pics on the web album we live just 3 ft above the sea level and 10ft from the canal edge :-(
http://picasaweb.google.com/grahambda/HurricanePalomo#
I'll add to the album over the next few hours (till we lose power).
Regards, Graham
|
|
- Just getting time now to post
|
- From: "Chris McTaggart" <cmctagga at candw.ky>
- Date: Fri, 7 Nov 2008 14:50:13 -0500
|
Hello Storm Carib,
I have been none stop since my last post and to be honest
never got to lie down, I had to go right back to work and was there until final
operation was shut down before noon. After that I have been here at home trying
to communicate with personnel and staff to ensure a contact time and point just
in case communications became a problem after the passage of Paloma. So here I
am after business is finally complete trying to update the outside on the
current experiences here in Grand Cayman.
It is quite obvious everyone is where they are suppose to be
now as the road outside is empty, without the wind you would probably hear a
cat meow in West Bay or East End ( two opposite ends of the island) just to
paint the picture of an empty feeling. The winds have been steadily picking up
and more frequent bands of heavy rain showers. We are seeing steady winds out
of the E-NE at 45 MPH and gusts as high as 60 mph. Paloma is now obviously
starting to put the real effects on the island and it’s just the
beginning. Current actual readings are:
Winds E-NE (54 degrees) at 45 gusting to 60 mph / Cloud Bases
at 400 Feet Overcast / Visibility (est) 1.5 miles in heavy rain / Temp = 74F / Dew
Pt =74F / Pressure 1003 mb and falling steadily
The radio scanner is on and very quite which means things
overall must be okay all around. Communications heard are just the Hurricane
Committee members making their usual hourly check in reports from different
areas and shelters on the island. I understand the electricity is off already
to the east of the Red Bay Area and I see the fluctuations in the lights here
on Crew Road near the airport. I will post as much as possible when changes occur
as long as I have power.
Best regards to everyone.
Chris
|
Attachment:
Captain Chris McTaggart.vcf
Description: Binary data
|
|
- Paloma
|
- From: William Mc Taggart <wmctagga at candw.ky>
- Date: Fri, 07 Nov 2008 14:49:15 -0500
|
Location: Crewe Road, Near Airport
Paloma continues towards the Cayman Islands with 90mph winds
After a brief period of about 1 hour of light drizzle,
conditions continue to deteriorate and the winds and rains have once
again returned with a vengeance. Looking out of my window I see some
broken limbs down, flooding in the yard and an avocado pear hanging on
to the stem and swinging 'violently'. surprising it hasn't fallen yet.
I am aware that electricity is out in the Prospect/Patrick's Island
area. Other areas may be without power also. We just experienced a
surge. I expect we will lose power shortly.
So far 4.55" Rain for the day. Winds 35-45 mph with higher gusts.
Temp:75°F Baro: 1004 hPa 29.65in
Total Rainfall for Month 9.65"
Will post again later if power is on.
William
--
Local Weather Information
http://www.wunderground.com/weatherstation/WXDailyHistory.asp?ID=I90580545 My Station
http://www.weatherincayman.com/ Several Local Weather Stations
http://www.gov.ky/portal/page?_pageid=1142,1481932&_dad=portal&_schema=PORTAL Official Weather Forecast
|
|
|
- Intensification
|
- From: Steve Roney <cregneebaa at yahoo.co.uk>
- Date: Fri, 7 Nov 2008 19:48:20 +0000 (GMT)
|
Looks like an eye is clearing and Paloma is now intensifying quickly
Anyone no when power is going off? |
|
|
- first landscape casualty
|
- From: "John Ferguson" <caribblue at gmail.com>
- Date: Fri, 7 Nov 2008 13:48:28 -0500
|
I have some large yellow bamboo growing.....over 30 feet tall, now the leaves are gone and the iguanas are holding on for dear life....one big patch has been uprooted and crashed down over my gates....more to come i think....wind picking way up in West Bay
--
Aurabest,
John Ferguson
West Bay, Cayman Islands
ALPCA #10599
myspace.com/caribbluz
|
|
- Paloma
|
- From: "Ann" <annabar at candw.ky>
- Date: Fri, 7 Nov 2008 18:29:12 +0000
|
Its amazingly calm hard to believe another storm when we all thoiught it was
over. This is a pic of 7 mile beach
Regards
Ann
Ann Smith
1 345 525 8800
Sent from my BlackBerry® device Attachment:
IMG00096.jpg
Description: JPEG image
|
|
- a bit windy
|
- From: Steve Roney <cregneebaa at yahoo.co.uk>
- Date: Fri, 7 Nov 2008 18:18:07 +0000 (GMT)
|
OK STorm is 60 miles SOuth and going 6 mph, you do the math.
Hurricane winds now extend 25 miles out , so around 3.5 hours before they come. Hope it doesn't slow more
Estimate around 45-50 mph winds and gusts, lots of rain, puddles are deep already.
I have a nice view of the North Sound as our neighbours chopped down all the mangrove a couple of weeks ago.
We are situated at the North Sound end of snug habour, will keep in touch while we go, unsure when power will go
Steve |
|
|
- It's time
|
- From: "Jarrett Nicholson" <jaroo at weststartv.com>
- Date: Fri, 7 Nov 2008 12:47:50 -0500
|
|
Well I can't prepare any further. I've done all I
can do. Lets hope that things go well tonight. I'm in the Shores in West Bay,
windy, get winder all the time. No rain at the moment.
|
|
|
- Cayman Brac
|
- From: "Bonnie Edwards" <bracbooks at gmail.com>
- Date: Fri, 7 Nov 2008 12:15:33 -0500
|
We are leaving to hunker down at the Animal Storm Shelter soon and
will not be online to report. Glad you have other reporters from the Brac! Keep safe, everyone!
Bonnie and Gene Edwards
|
|
- Fwd: [HURR] - Paloma
|
- From: JULIE HUGHES <julescanadian at mac.com>
- Date: Fri, 07 Nov 2008 09:12:13 -0800
|
Hi everyone,
This is my first post - I am in the Grand Harbour area, on the canal. The
water level is a bit up, but still under our docks, so that is good. Spent the
morning outside cleaning up the yard, while getting lashed by driving rain,
this made it very difficult to see. I guess Paloma caught us all by surprise.
My big concern right now is the construction going on around me. Contractors
have not sufficiently prepared for this one, in my opinion. There is a lot of
'future projectiles' lying about the various construction sites.
Good luck everyone and stay safe.
Julie
|
|
- Latest from Me!
|
- From: helen chawe <helenchawe at yahoo.com>
- Date: Fri, 7 Nov 2008 08:22:00 -0800 (PST)
|
Hello Everyone,
Well it has got a bit brighter around here, although wind is picking up and raining heavily, although no more than a gail force wind like in UK! So all those Brits here are used to that!!!
Took me an hour and a half to get back to the airport this morning from Bobby Thompson! Would have been quicker if I had walked!!
THANK YOU THANK YOU to all the staff at Cayman Airways, Delta and American Airlines, and the Owen Roberts Airport staff you worked tirelessly through the night to get people off this island. With such a quick surprise like this it really did run smooth. WELL DONE. Although they may not have said it your passengers did appreciate what you did for them. It was very calm at the airport so that is always a good sign of a job well done!
So I'm now home and all ready, baths, bottles, kettle, saucepans and jugs all filled with water and a new pot of coffee is on! And not forgetting I've had a shower! A girl has to look and smell her best in times like these!! ha ha.
Bruno has been walked although he wasn't too happy about the deep puddles but loved getting dry and 2 biscuits when we got home! Of course a storm is coming so he is in his bed snoring! Typical, next time I'm coming back as my dog!!
Girls in Boston, I'm going to have a Baileys with you later, only got the original so will have to make do with that! May even have it in my coffee!
Hope everyone is at home now and getting some rest, I think I may head off to bed before it gets worse so I am awake for that!
Chat again soon,
Helen
|
|
- Paloma Update
|
- From: Graham Pearson <grahambda at yahoo.com>
- Date: Fri, 7 Nov 2008 08:11:31 -0800 (PST)
|
Well what a scramble
from a unnamed depression just a
couple of days ago to
full fledged potential Cat 3, this
one really caught us by surprise,
went to secure the boat down at Harbor
House this morning and it was a zoo, significant
flooding in the yard with trucks
and trailers trying desperately to get the boats out of water and secured. Literally wading
in thigh high water and the North sound looks like a boiling tempest.
Mood as turned from excitement last night to real concern, we are all off the roads as of 11:00am with the exception of emergency y vehicles
and those with passes to denote
essential services.
Lots of vehicles on the road earlier trying to find and park
on high ground, rows of cars parked on the bye-pass and the bridge behind the Ritz
Hotel.
I live on one of the canals at the back
of Seven Mile Beach the water
is starting to rise, we only live 3 ft above the
water level on a ground floor condo so starting to move as much as can on the kitchen counter tops. Itʼs going to be
long day and night.
Stay safe everyone.
Graham Pearson
|
|
- Lots of rain and wind
|
- From: Micho <michosch at gmail.com>
- Date: Fri, 7 Nov 2008 11:06:46 -0500
|
Its almost here!
I just uploaded a bunch of pics to my blog
http://cayman.micho.org
Its very windy and raining like mad. People are still driving around for last minute preparations.
We are all snug now and ready! Lets hope for the best. Stay stay.
Micho
|
|
- It's windy out.
|
- From: Charles Jackson <cjackson.1981 at gmail.com>
- Date: Fri, 7 Nov 2008 10:53:05 -0500
|
Hi All,
I've just been out in the storm on my scooter, moving myself from the
party last night to the home today. The wind is a killer with the
rain; it feels like bits of ice hitting your lips. On the journey, all
of 2 miles if that, I did notice lots of water in patches everywhere.
Like other correspondents have said already, the soil is saturated and
there is no where for the water to go.
The wind has picked up considerably, branches are starting fall off
the trees and land in the roads. Traffic is a nightmare, everything is
gridlocked so I hope everyone has got themselves sorted because the
"Dove" that is Paloma is here! I'm located at Lakeside, apparently
7ft above sea level, however I reckon closer to the shore things are
going to get seriously "wet".
Friends in South Sound have indicated that they have boarded up and
left for safer places, not surprisingly.
Tomorrow we will be heading off to Seven Mile Beach for some surf. I
can't wait but first things first. Lets get through this blustery day
first.
Charles Jackson
|
|
- Paloma
|
- From: William Mc Taggart <wmctagga at candw.ky>
- Date: Fri, 07 Nov 2008 10:27:36 -0500
|
Location Grand Cayman, near Airport
Good morning,
Since retiring to bed at 2:30 this morning, and awoken by the noise of
the wind rattling the shutters, conditions have deteriorated and the
winds are now much stronger especially in heavy squalls. I have
recorded 3.24" since midnight.
I had to go on the road this morning and it is congested in the area
near the airport and the stop lights at Crewe Road Esso. Lots of
flooding now from an already saturated ground. I am now home and in
lock down mode.
The 10am bulletin is now posted and Paloma is now a 75knot/85 MPH
hurricane 75 miles SSW of Grand Cayman and bearing down on us. If the
current forecast track holds, we will be in eye wall or experience the
eye. Yikes!!
Several American Airlines and Delta flights landed a short while ago,
they are now leaving.
Cayman Airways has ceased all flights now and their aircraft are
positioned elsewhere to return as soon as conditions will allow. Thanks
to Cayman Airways for their hard work. I am sure Capt. Chris (my
brother) will post later.
At this time we are experiencing a break in the rain.
Be safe everyone. Will post later as able.
William
--
Local Weather Information
http://www.wunderground.com/weatherstation/WXDailyHistory.asp?ID=I90580545 My Station
http://www.weatherincayman.com/ Several Local Weather Stations
http://www.gov.ky/portal/page?_pageid=1142,1481932&_dad=portal&_schema=PORTAL Official Weather Forecast
|
|
|
- water going off.
|
- From: helen chawe <helenchawe at yahoo.com>
- Date: Fri, 7 Nov 2008 06:32:57 -0800 (PST)
|
FYI WATER IS GOING OFF AT 11AM, FILL THE BATHS UP!!!!!!
Chat again soon,
Helen
|
|
- Good Morning
|
- From: helen chawe <helenchawe at yahoo.com>
- Date: Fri, 7 Nov 2008 04:29:39 -0800 (PST)
|
Well I have been home and trying to sleep for the past 4 hours and will back at the airport soon. The airport is due to stay on schedule and remain open until 10.30am.
Like I said last night IF YOU DO NOT HAVE A TICKET DO NOT COME TO THE AIRPORT! There are no available flights left.
Looking at this wonderful website during the night, the storm Miss Paloma was coming as close as 0.7 miles off the west coast, so now its saying 11miles. I dont want to get excited but every little bit helps away from us! Also last nights predictions were saying a Cat 2/3 when it gets here now it may be a Cat 1/2. Like I said every little bit helps.
Ladies in Boston, need another bottle of Baileys yet? Hope not! I should have told you to buy 2 each last night!!
Thank you to everyone sending me emails of support etc, can't email responses personally, no time! However its great to hear from you but being so busy in a short amount of time I have to get one email done, this one. It reaches more people and my family all over the world in England, New Zealand, Australia and America.
Met some great people at the airport evacuating! Keep us in your prayers when you are watching and keep glued to this website as you will get more information from here than any tv show!
Ok gotta go...... back to work!!!
Chat again soon,
Helen
|
|
- CAYMAN BRAC - SOUTH SIDE
|
- From: "mike barcroft" <mbar-cyb at candw.ky>
- Date: Fri, 7 Nov 2008 06:04:00 -0500
|
A wet and sometimes windy night that does not bode well for
finishing up last minute outside things at first light – at least on the
Sister Islands we will have that luxury for most of today (given current
forecast). Right now, no rain – so I am hoping that at least I may get
through outside work without getting soaked wet through.
Some stalwart tourists have stayed – last flights (as
far as I know) left Brac and Little Cayman yesterday evening – just hope
the “stayers” know what they may have let themselves in for.
Even in the dark, seas look and sound higher and rougher.
Did not like that seemingly ominous dip closer to the Sister Islands
taken between 0100 and 0400 Advisories
I expect to be in “lock down” mode at the office
by 2.00 PM and will continue to report whenever I can throughout today, tonight
and tomorrow.
ALL IN THE CAYMAN
ISLANDS – BE VERY
SAFE
MB
ALL MESSAGES FROM THIS
SENDER HAVE BEEN SUBJECT TO FULL NORTON ANTI-VIRUS PROTOCOLS
|
|
|
- Stong wind & lots of rain
|
- From: Micho <michosch at gmail.com>
- Date: Fri, 7 Nov 2008 05:54:05 -0500
|
Here on Grand Cayman, its raining very heavily and the wind is quite strong!
According to satellite images, this storm is quite close!
Ill be posting here & blogging at http://cayman.micho.org every few hours as long as we have power & internet connectivity.
Micho
|
|
- Thanks for your message Gert!
|
- From: "Chris McTaggart" <cmctagga at candw.ky>
- Date: Fri, 7 Nov 2008 03:05:11 -0500
|
Hi Gert,
Thanks for your message that I received as I completed my
last post. I will do my best to keep you all and the site as informed as
possible. I just hope we don’t lose power too early , but I will try to
use my BlackBerry to send short update emails as I can if it happens.
From all of us in Cayman. thanks for your kind wishes and
comments.
Have a great one!
Chris
|
Attachment:
Captain Chris McTaggart.vcf
Description: Binary data
|
|
- I am here just extremely busy - 2 a.m. Update
|
- From: "Chris McTaggart" <cmctagga at candw.ky>
- Date: Fri, 7 Nov 2008 03:00:18 -0500
|
Good morning Storm Carib and a big hello to all.
I have been so very busy over the past 24 hours at the
airline trying to prepare my crew and aircraft for as much flights as possible
since we had Paloma sneak up on us. We all knew of the disturbance to the south
of Grand Cayman from days ago as we were experiencing days of rain from it, however
the rapid change in status of this area definitely snuck up on us as we
continued or already normal busy work days.
As I started the busy day today one of my flight crew
members, F/O Basil Hamaty, walked into my office after checking in for his
flight and said, your prediction back in June is a reality. Confused by his
statement and not remembering I said to him; explain what you mean. He then asked
me if I did not recall saying back during the Summer Simulator Recurrent
debriefing in June that we were going to have a busy Hurricane Season, 3
threats to the Cayman Islands, and the last one is going to be the most
concerning as it will come from the south as late as November. As he explained
it certainly all came back to me as well about making the statement, but more
so I was amazed that he took note of my comments and referenced back to me now,
which is months later. I was so busy with work each and every day that here we
are in November with Paloma who I was expecting, but still snuck up on me.
Well today was an extremely busy day as it started immediately
with the planning of flights based on the projected forecast. Things changes so
rapidly with each update throughout the day which meant continuous meetings to
adjust flight schedules and times based on new forecasts. We have been
operating flights since day break this morning and will operate continuously throughout
the night until 10:00 am when we send the final flights out of Grand Cayman to
Miami and Tampa. Aircraft will remain in these cities until we have the all
clear after Paloma passes. I finally left the office tonight (this morning
actually) at 1:45 am after ensuring the rest of the mornings operation was in
place, but had to jump on the ole’ puter and let everyone know that I was
just busy and unable to start posting any earlier. We plan to cease operation
at 10:00 am tomorrow so after I get all finally buttoned down I will do my best
to keep a constant flow of updated information to Storm Carib as long as I have
power. I have a BlackBerry which will be my back up to email short notes to the
web site if we lose all power, just to let everyone know how things are.
My brother William made a post earlier at around 12:45 am
and nothing much has changed since then. I am sure he will do his best also to
make sure posts are made as much as possible. I have noted however that the winds
have increased slightly since his post and gusty characteristics are now becoming
noticeable. We continue to have light rain and for those who are not aware, the
islands for the past week have been having days of heavy rain so the ground is
already fully saturated and areas of water accumulation are already present.
I will stop here, get to bed, back to the airport office at
7:00 am for final wrap up of flights, and I will post again tomorrow as soon as
I have everything personally secure. Until then, everyone have a great day and
for the local viewers to the site, please stay safe!
Best regards to all,
Chris
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Attachment:
Captain Chris McTaggart.vcf
Description: Binary data
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- Paloma
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- From: William Mc Taggart <wmctagga at candw.ky>
- Date: Fri, 07 Nov 2008 01:23:12 -0500
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Location: Crewe Road, Grand Cayman
Good morning everyone,
I have been so busy I haven't had a chance to post for some
time.
It is 12:45am as I write, and I just
completed my preparations after having to assist family members in
getting their homes secured which included our retail hardware store
Uncle Bill's and my wife's place of business. Whew I am beat.
Enjoying bulla and cheese and Kola Champagne soda now. :-) I have one more
window to pull the shutters across which I'll do in the morning.
Paloma continues to march on slowly
towards the Cayman Islands. The rains began at about 6pm and it has
been a steady drizzle with the occasional heavier downpour. I recorded
.90" yesterday, and since midnight, .21" has fallen. Paloma continues
to strengthen and the 10pm update has it passing directly over Grand
Cayman as a Cat 2 or 3 hurricane. I sure hope that forecast doesn't
hold true. At the 8pm update, the report stated that Paloma had
increased forward speed to 12mph which would put it in here mid morning
Friday, that put me into 'high gear' to complete my preparations as I
was planning to have at least half of Friday to complete preparations.
The forward speed slowed to 8mph at the 10pm bulletin.
The 1am update is now posted and has Paloma's center
located near Lat. 17.5 North... Long. 81.8 West or 125 SSW of Grand
Cayman moving North at 8mph. Winds are 75mph with higher gusts.
I will keep my station running as long as the power is on and
telephone/internet is working, and report when able.
Current Conditions:
Cloudy with rain.
Winds 10-15 knots
Temperature 75°F
Humidity 93%
Rainfall .21"(since midnight)
Total Month: 5.32"
Barometer: 1010 hPa 29.83in.
William
--
Local Weather Information
http://www.wunderground.com/weatherstation/WXDailyHistory.asp?ID=I90580545 My Station
http://www.weatherincayman.com/ Several Local Weather Stations
http://www.gov.ky/portal/page?_pageid=1142,1481932&_dad=portal&_schema=PORTAL Official Weather Forecast
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- Update of Airport
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- From: helen chawe <helenchawe at yahoo.com>
- Date: Thu, 6 Nov 2008 21:04:52 -0800 (PST)
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Hi
Well their are 4 evacuation flights for tonight one at 10.15pm, 10.55pm ( which is now delayed to 2.30am), one at 2.40am and the next one at 3.15am. However, when one is delayed it has a knock on effect, so all will be delayed.
Cayman Airways have just made an anouncement to say unless you have a ticket or boarding pass all flights are booked and all persons waiting in the airport to try and get on flights must return home or to their hotels. There are no flights available anymore!
I have to say it was organised here tonight with no panic, few grumpy ones! but we always get them!! ha ha.
Ladies in Boston, have another stiff drink! and keep watching this website, If I can't send a message someone will! So far it is raining steadily but ok so far.
Airport is due to close at 10am but it will not surprise me if that changes very soon! Will try and keep you all updated when i can....
Chat again soon,
Helen
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- moving
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- From: "Jarrett Nicholson" <jaroo at weststartv.com>
- Date: Thu, 6 Nov 2008 19:37:05 -0500
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It's started to move a bit faster, north at 12mph.
That's going to cut down any time that we have in the morning for last minute
prep. I have a some stuff to take care of first thing. I just hope I have time.
Let's get it gone and get the airport open asap!
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- Hurricane warning
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- From: Micho <michosch at gmail.com>
- Date: Thu, 6 Nov 2008 17:42:52 -0500
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Hi everyone,
Since 4pm, the Cayman Islands are under a hurricane warning.
As of right now it looks like we are in for a rough ride unless it turns during the night.
People are definitely taking this seriously ; groceries are packed and there are lineups at the gas stations.
Thanks to everyone for the messages of encouragement.
Micho
My blog about life (and hurricanes) in Cayman
http://cayman.micho.org
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- Getting close
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- From: Micho <michosch at gmail.com>
- Date: Thu, 6 Nov 2008 15:09:56 -0500
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Hi,
There are already stories of lineups at gas stations. Don't wait if you have not done so yet.
I have a feeling we may be in for a nasty storm ... I sure hope I am wrong. I especially loath the idea of taking down the massive 6ft satellite dish once again. Arrgh!
Currently cloudy in Grand Cayman. Moderate wind ; nothing "special".
Micho
Frequent hurricane updates on my blog at:
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- Paloma and Pirates
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- From: "John Ferguson" <caribblue at gmail.com>
- Date: Thu, 6 Nov 2008 09:57:09 -0800
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I have received this word:
"
Ok, just received word that all Saturday's events have been postponed and will now take place on Saturday, November 15 at the same time and same place! The only difference is that the Trial of the Pirates will also take place at the end of the day followed by the fireworks!!"
also,
"ALL EVENTS scheduled for Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Monday are cancelled for those nights but are being pushed to happen from Tuesday onwards."
Just ran up to get my salad and the lines are already forming at the gas station on Walkers Road. We are trying to get the cars finished at work, customers can pick them up and finish any preps they need to do...I will put up shutters that have been taken down and have my Pirate Brethren around for support!!! Good luck everyone, could get breezy tomorrow/Saturday...Stay safe
-- Aurabest, John Ferguson West Bay, Cayman Islands ALPCA #10599 myspace.com/caribbluz |
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- TS Paloma
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- From: helen chawe <helenchawe at yahoo.com>
- Date: Thu, 6 Nov 2008 05:21:13 -0800 (PST)
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Well, I thought my friend was joking yesterday when she mentioned a possible "storm". She wasn't! After all this wet weather we have been having I didn't think that we would be effected.
Lets just watch this and see what happens. I have been prepared all season so nothing really to do, maybe move the furniture up the stairs again if needed.
Not sure about Pirates Week yet, it is starting today but it may have to be cancelled, I hope not, although no official news on that yet. No extra flights, yet, from the island I will be working at 10am so no doubt I will find out then if there is more going to be put on.
Chat again soon,
Helen
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- The Dove
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- From: Micho <michosch at gmail.com>
- Date: Thu, 6 Nov 2008 07:20:29 -0500
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Good morning,
Its still raining in Grand Cayman! Not much right now, but puddles everywhere. It has rained so much recently that the ground is completely saturated and cant take anymore.
That tropical depression is now TS Paloma (Dove in Spanish) Lets hope the dove changes course and goes elsewhere.
Last night we went to top up hurricane supplies and fill up gas. Not much action yet in the groceries, but if the current course continues, by tonight I would expect lots more preparations going on.
Micho
My blog about life in Cayman
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- Bitter
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- From: "Jarrett Nicholson" <jaroo at weststartv.com>
- Date: Wed, 5 Nov 2008 19:07:41 -0500
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I'm going for a drink, I can't believe the luck of
this! Anyway looks like a trip to stock up the food box. The occasional can of
corn beef has made it's way in the fridge. I just hope that this
things goes away. I'm glad we have shutters. Oh yea.... tropical weather
disturbances suck!
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- Category 2 ... maybe
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- From: Micho <michosch at gmail.com>
- Date: Wed, 5 Nov 2008 18:55:23 -0500
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Good evening,
According to the Doc Masters at WeatherUnderground, this storm could reach Category 2 by the time it gets to Cayman.
I just finished putting the shutters back up (in the rain) and will go do some shopping & fill up gas before everyone else decides to tomorrow night if its still on track towards us.
I put some pics of all the recent rain we have received on my blog :
Micho
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- Me too!
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- From: "Tara Thompson" <cheekytaz at candw.ky>
- Date: Wed, 5 Nov 2008 12:39:31 -0500
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Title: Me too!
Jarrett, we too have booked vacation and are supposed to fly out to Miami on Friday. I wonder if we might be able to get off island.
I was here for Hurricane Michelle in 2001 and remember that it missed us by about 150 miles south-west, but we experienced tropical storm force winds which caused plenty of damage to South Sound properties - I was staying at Caribeean Courts at the time, and the swimming pool and car park were trashed. When we are subjected to the north-east quadrant of storm, we can expect some pretty damaging effects - although not generally life threatening.
Buckled down everyone, it looks like we might be in for some pretty rough weather.
:-(
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- Rain!
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- From: Micho <michosch at gmail.com>
- Date: Wed, 5 Nov 2008 12:37:31 -0500
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Hi everyone,
It has been raining here virtually every day in the last week and a half. Now we may be in for a tropical storm! Stay tuned.
Last night I was watching US election coverage and just as the station was going to predict the winner ... Zap! It started to rain like mad and I lost satellite signal. Doh!
Micho
My blog about life in Cayman
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- Change of Plans
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- From: <jaroo at weststartv.com>
- Date: Wed, 05 Nov 2008 11:36:30 -0500
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I planned a vacation this late in the season in hopes that
a storm wouldn't ruin my plans. So I planned for 2 weeks
in Nicaragu 10-24 of Novmeber..... well I guess I've
learned a lesson and with the airlines being so helpful
(NOT) it looks like plans are chaning.
I some times wonder if the winter would be worth the trade
of not having to deal with this dam storms.... oh yea,
it's been raining for a month as well!
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