- Updates from the Islands -

- - Anguilla - -

- - - 2009 Hurricane Season - - -

- Volcanic Ash

By Joanie Howard <joanie.howard1 at googlemail.com>
Date: Thu, 15 Apr 2010 22:06:40 +0100

Good Evening All,

I have a charming Stormcarib follower staying in my house on the Searocks and he says it has been raining on and off for the last few days. That sounds good to me as my cistern was only about a third full when I left the end of March and I was worried I would have to buy water again. It also sounds as though everyone else is getting rain as well, except maybe, for poor Trinidad and Tobago. I am no weather expert but it would not surprise me if we didn't get an early storm, the sea was warmer, the temperature hotter and the humidity higher for nearly the whole time I was in Anguilla, normally in Dec/Jan/Feb I can't sit on my eastern porch, the wind blows the wine glasses over etc., but that didn't happen this year except for the odd night or two here and there. I hope I am wrong, but I have taken the precaution of letting the nice Frenchman who installed all my hurricane shutters stay in my house from June to October. Desperate measures maybe! Here in the UK we have had a jet free day due to a Volcano in Iceland sending a plume of ash over most of northern Europe, Every airport has been shut down and there is organised chaos everywhere, but at least the planes are on the ground and not falling out of the sky due to ash and glass particles getting sucked into their turbines. I makes one realise how insignificant we are when mother nature burps. Lets hope Montserrat stays calm for the moment.

My best to all,

Greystoke

- RAIN - FINALLY!

By "Steve Donahue" <tainos at anguillanet.com>
Date: Tue, 13 Apr 2010 08:12:53 -0400

Halleluiah!! After 3 very dry months, the rain gods finally found us here in Anguilla! Over ½ inch last night, and now it’s been raining HARD for about 20 min.! Looks like rain/showers through Wed. Lovin’ it!

Steve Donahue

Anguilla, AI2640, B.W.I.

US Phone – 410-505-8661

Anguilla Phone – 264-497-8177

- Missing Anguilla

By Joanie Howard <joanie.howard1 at googlemail.com>
Date: Mon, 5 Apr 2010 16:25:13 +0100

Well after a very long trip Atti and I safely back in the cold wet windy snowey Lake District.

From Anguilla, I was told by a neighbour that the wind went round to the North and that there was alot of rain at sea but none on the Searocks a day or so ago, pity, I just wish I could divert what we are getting here, it is horrible, more floods. However the reason for this post is just to prove that my old 35mil underwater camara still worked, I have got my photos back and I attach some, nice to see the difference so plainly between the French and the Grey Angel fish, and as for the poor little sleeping Nurse Shark I'm afraid I woke it up!

My best to everyone the other side of the pond.

Greystoke

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- Away again

By Joanie Howard <joanie.howard1 at googlemail.com>
Date: Mon, 29 Mar 2010 00:47:44 +0100

Sadly this will be my last report for a bit, tomorrow my small Border Terrier "Bad Attitude" (Atti for short) and I take first the Link ferry to St. Martin airport then the Air Chance airbus to Paris then the train to Lille then the Eurostar through the tunnel to London and then the train north to Penrith in Cumbria and back to my other life. I have had a wonderful last day, the weather has been perfect, the almost full moon has risen and there is soft breeze blowing, I have danced the afternoon away at Gwen's Reggae Bar to wonderful music and probably had one rum punch too many as everyone kept buying them for me as I am leaving.

I hope we get some rain and that the hurricane season is kind to us, and I wish everyone the best.

I attach the sun going down the moon coming up and the wonderful Bongo player from The Scratch Band.

Searocks

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- Good Evening

By Joanie Howard <joanie.howard1 at googlemail.com>
Date: Mon, 22 Mar 2010 22:59:26 -0000

A cool blowey evening in Anguilla, we have had a few sprinkles of rain, not enough to make a difference and we have a strong easterly breeze and lots of whitecaps past the reef - good sleeping weather. On Saturday I looked out at the ocean and saw a real racehorse of a boat playing with the wind, (sorry no photo), she was a sloop and I thought probably about 100ft (she was quite far out). Well as chance would have it I was diving with the owner yesterday morning and she is 148ft and he seriously races her, she is shortly back to the Med for the summer and was off to St. Barts today. What a lovely sight she was. Now, the next thing is, I have a moral dilemma, do I show on Stormcarib what I found walking about ON my pool the other morning? Will it put people off from coming to Anguilla, let alone renting my house? Then I thought they have Rattlesnakes and Alligators in America, and Dominica talked about a Boa Constrictor the other day so what is the odd Tarantula or two? Having said that I have only seen two in 20 years. Anyway see the attached which was happily 'walking on water' eating all the drowned moths floating about, (I had had the pool lights on the night before).

A good evening to all,

Searocks

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- A Magic Day

By Joanie Howard <joanie.howard1 at googlemail.com>
Date: Sun, 14 Mar 2010 18:26:41 -0000

Today is one of those abslutely perfect days in Anguilla, there is a lovely breeze coming roughly due east, the sun is hot golden and bright, there are small puffy white clouds drifting across a blue sky above a blue blue ocean. The yellow birds have stuffed their tiny faces full of brown sugar early this morning and I have had a wonderful dive on 'Noname Reef', I was on the reef for 61 minutes at about 50-60ft and we found a little nurse shark trying to take a nap under some coral, masses of lobsters, trumpet fish, angel fish,plus all the usual reef dwellers. The seafans and seafeathers were all swaying gracefully in a gently current, and at one point a spotted eagle ray came flying right towards me out of the blue at exactly the same depth I was, I waited with my camara expecting it to turn but it didn't until it was about 5ft away and then flew off into the blue again. I say flew because eagle rays like mantas fly like birds underwater whereas the common stingrays just seem to glide. Last night I was invited to dine at the best place on the Island for pizza and a private dinner party, luckily it is just down the road from me with a proper outdoor woodburning pizza oven, it's called 'Pizza on the Rocks' and the food is delicious. I am now off to Gwens Reggae Bar at Shoal Bay to have some ribs and listen to her husband Tap's incredibly good Scratch Band. I attach the greedy yellow birds and picture of model boat racing here at Rendevous Bay with St. Martin in the background.

Life is good.

Searocks

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- Hot

By Joanie Howard <joanie.howard1 at googlemail.com>
Date: Fri, 5 Mar 2010 13:55:28 -0000

Good Morning from Anguilla, where it is hazy, humid and hot, having said that it is still magic to be here. The proverbial ground sea is running again, the water is all churned up, disappointed snorklers (not to mention divers) littered all over the beaches. We seem to have had this pathetic south east breeze for the last couple of weeks, the touble with it is that it is warm, not like our usual north/east cool one. I suppose, however, a warm breeze is preferable to no breeze. On a different note, have a look at the attached photo to see what coasted past the reef yesterday morning. How the other half live! (if you want to know more about her google 'Philippe Starck motor yacht A)

Best to all,

Searocks

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- Grey and Turquoise

By Joanie Howard <joanie.howard1 at googlemail.com>
Date: Thu, 25 Feb 2010 01:44:13 -0000

Another strange weather day in Anguilla, the wind has shifted round to the north west, bright sunshine, high humidity, which is unusual here, then heavy showers, and I do mean heavy, see photo below taken about 4PM. However yesterday was lovely and we had a beautiful dive, I resurrected my old Sea & Sea 35mil underwater camara and it seemed as though all the fish came and posed for me, Atlantic Spade fish, Barracudas, Turtles, Stingrays and even a Queen Trigger fish which is quite rare to see. A rare treat was catching a glimpse of a large pod of about 30 Bottlenose dolphins travelling from West to East just off the outer reef, Dougie Carty whom I dive with says he saw them also in the channel between Anguilla and St. Martin. My fishermen friends tell me the whales are around, I heard one singing while diving at Dog Island the other day but haven't seen any yet.

A good evening to all,

Searocks

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- A Grey Day

By Joanie Howard <joanie.howard1 at googlemail.com>
Date: Sat, 20 Feb 2010 21:13:59 -0000

We do not have many grey days in Anguilla but today has been one of them and according to my trusty dive computer the temperature is 77 degrees, that's air temp. Yesterday I measured my cistern -only 3ft- so I bit the bullet and ordered water for only the second time in 20 years, then wouldn't you know we got at least an inch of rain last night and it has been raining off and on all day - Murphy's Law I call it! Last week we had an enormous ground sea and we have got another at the moment but I won't bore everyone by moaning about no diving, I attach a photo of what it has done to the palm trees and beach in front of Gwens on Shoal Bay East. On an different note I have been watching the tiny crested humming bird feeding off the Aloe flowers which are in bloom at the moment, it is exquisite with its shimmering emerald crest. Occaisionally it gets chased by the larger more common humming bird and then you really do see the 'Green Flash'.

Best to all,

Searocks

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- LARGE SEA SWELLS FORECAST

By "Steve Donahue" <tainos at anguillanet.com>
Date: Wed, 10 Feb 2010 10:00:17 -0400

Forecasts currently call for an intense low pressure system to form off the central US East Coast by this time tomorrow, and move ESE across the Atlantic over the next several days. This low is expected to bring N to NW (NOTE: not NE this time) swells of 14 – 16 feet (based on 3 forecasts) and possibly 18 feet (1 forecast) to Anguilla starting mid- or late Friday. If the forecast holds true, this could bring large swells into Road Bay. Expect the current small craft warnings to be extended, and rough seas for several days – but light to moderate breezes. Check for current SXM forecast Friday morning at http://www.weather.an/forecast/sxmindex.asp

Steve Donahue

http://www.anguilla-weather.com

- Breeze is back

By Joanie Howard <joanie.howard1 at googlemail.com>
Date: Tue, 9 Feb 2010 23:07:50 -0000

Evening everyone from Anguilla. It has been a magic day above the water, pretty murky below, we have had a big ground sea coming from the north since Saturday last, courtesy of the storms in America, the breeze thankfully is shifting, albeit taking it's own sweet time, back to the east hopefully north/east by tomorrow morning. Yesterday was hot, hardly any clouds and what pretended to be a breeze coming from the south/east, a real day to burn, more what I am used to in June/July/August than February. When I was hanging out the laundry this AM I looked up and there were two pelicans flying in as perfect symmetry as the Angel fish were swimming last week, high against a blue blue sky on a thermal, they must have been doing it just for fun as there are no fish up there and it was too high to be trying to spot them, a lovely sight. We could use a shower or two, cistern is half full, but I think we are luckier than some of the Islands further south who really seem to be suffering. Below is a pic of the Searocks taken from Shoal Bay this afternoon with Scrub Island in the distance.

Searocks

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- Underwaterworld

By Joanie Howard <joanie.howard1 at googlemail.com>
Date: Wed, 3 Feb 2010 01:46:34 -0000

Good Evening all. It has been a typical winter day in Anguilla, beautiful sunshine, the odd shower and a stiff breeze that has swung around to East South East again. We had a lovely easy relaxed dive this AM, the visibility better than it has been for a while, I reckon about 80ft in all directions, we were on Deep South Reef and the wreck of the Oosterdiep, there were plenty of lobsters laughing at us as they knew we couldn't catch and eat them, a couple of rays. a lovely little Hawksbill Turtle and two of the prettiest French Angel fish I have seen swimming in perfect symetry between the seafans and seafeathers (covered incidently with Flamingo Tongues) along with the usual stalking 'Cudas'. The coral and sponges etc., looked reasonably healthy and there were plenty of all the usual fish and one miniature speckledy moray. The air temp was 82 and 78 in the water (getting a little chilly!). The attached photo shows what it really means to be 'on line'.

Best to all,

Searocks

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- Haiti

By Joanie Howard <joanie.howard1 at googlemail.com>
Date: Fri, 29 Jan 2010 23:40:16 -0000

Good Evening to all from a windy Anguilla, it has been two sparkling days, I wonder if the Sahara sand has eased up a bit because it has been clear as a bell. The seas are rough with plenty of whitecaps and the wind is strong but I can see Prickley Pear and Little Scrub more clearly than for the last month. I think Debbie's reports/pictures from Haiti are very moving and good, and one hopes that the donations given have reached the people that need them.

Searocks

P.S.Where are all these wierd adds for Viagra etc., on Stormcarib coming from?

- Rough Seas

By Joanie Howard <joanie.howard1 at googlemail.com>
Date: Mon, 25 Jan 2010 21:14:31 -0000

Steve was spot on yesterday this is what the Atlantic looked like from my porch this AM, wind has shifted around to normal North East gusting to 27knots according to St. Martin radio, lovely sleeping weather about 73 degrees at night, 84 in the daytime, no diving for the moment though.

Searocks

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- ROUGH SEAS

By "Steve Donahue" <tainos at anguillanet.com>
Date: Sun, 24 Jan 2010 10:29:22 -0400

While the sea is flat calm this morning, seas will start building tonight and Monday to possible 10 – 12 foot seas from the north by Tuesday morning. The north facing beaches will be most affected, with east winds by Tuesday in the range of 17 – 22 knots – higher in possible squalls. Bathers and small craft should exercise caution.

Steve Donahue

Anguilla, AI2640, B.W.I.

US Phone – 410-505-8661

Anguilla Phone – 264-497-8177

- Cold Front

By Joanie Howard <joanie.howard1 at googlemail.com>
Date: Sat, 16 Jan 2010 03:52:05 -0000

Good Evening from a cold wet and blowey Anguilla. It has been overcast pretty much all day and was definitely sweatshirt weather, I don't know how much rain we've had but I hope about an inch, I will measure the cistern tomorrow, rough seas and another ground sea coming in this time from the north west and the temperature of the sea is definitely cooler. Had a wonderful dive last Tuesday though, off Anguillita, saw shark, stingrays, 2 speckledy morays, highhats, jacknife, french angels and 5 octopi (octopuses?).

I hope Haiti is not having this weather, it doesn't look so on the satelite, as the poor people sleeping rough will have cold to contend with as well as everything else. It is difficult to know the best way to donate, I have done so through www.unicef.org.uk/haiti-donate, but last year after the devastating flooding I tried to donate through the Lambi Fund for Haiti and when they hadn't cashed the cheque after 4 months I cancelled it, so I hope everyone's small or large donations of what they can spare get to the right place. Why is it that Haiti seems to get so very many tradgedies? they just come one after another. Our thoughts are so much with them.

Searocks

- Yellow Birds

By Joanie Howard <joanie.howard1 at googlemail.com>
Date: Sat, 9 Jan 2010 21:29:33 -0000

A beautiful day here in Anguilla, the ground sea has laid down, the ocean is every shade from aquamarine to navy blue to turquoise, it is still fairly murky below the surface though, and although the dive boats have been out I have had to miss going on account of a troublesome molar (not a clever idea to dive with a hurting tooth), maybe next week. My yellow birds have been in feeding frenzy over the sugar bowl, they have obviously not heard about the price of sugar. I have up to twenty at a time and they really are incredidibly greedy, the greater humming bird has been around and also some finches, I hear the black night herons, called 'gawlins' here, squarking as they fly past the house at dusk to roost in the bush, occaisionally I find a pile of feathers and know some lucky cat has found supper half asleep. The Pelicans and Frigate birds have been riding the thermals high above Island Harbour. I send my commiserations to all those in North America and Europe who are struggling to stay warm, and thank my lucky stars that I am here.

Searocks

- Happy New Year

By Joanie Howard <joanie.howard1 at googlemail.com>
Date: Thu, 31 Dec 2009 22:26:07 -0000

It is a fairly wet and wild evening here in Anguilla, we have had winds gusting up to 24 knots from the North East, big rollers coming in from the Atlantic (but not as big as two days ago when they were like small hills in the ocean, breaking even where there were no reefs). It doesn't look like we are going to see the blue moon or the partial eclipse as there is plenty of cloud cover at the moment. Happy New Year everyone.

Searocks

P.S. There was a kite surfer today, though, at Shoal Bay East having a whale of a time! So there's always a silver lining for someone.

- Christmas Greetings

By Joanie Howard <joanie.howard1 at googlemail.com>
Date: Thu, 24 Dec 2009 21:42:15 -0000

A very Happy Christmas to everyone who contributes to Storm Carib from an overcast Anguilla (and we still have a huge ground sea coming in from the north). I attach a picture, not taken today I hasten to add, of God's paintbox taken from my porch looking West. In case anyone has missed reading about it we have a full moon and a partial lunar eclipse on New Years Eve, May 2010 be peaceful, prosperous and hopefully hurricane free.

Searocks

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- Ground Sea

By Joanie Howard <joanie.howard1 at googlemail.com>
Date: Mon, 14 Dec 2009 16:15:21 -0000

A beautiful sparkly day but a big ground sea kicked up last night, the surfers out there would love the rollers coming in off the Atlantic, not good for divers though (of which I am one) nearly zero vis. Strong south east wind, I wouldn't call it a breeze, but cool and sunny. I attach my Border Terrorist to wake up Miss Mermaid's Kitties.

JH, Sea rocks

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- showers today

By Joanie Howard <joanie.howard1 at googlemail.com>
Date: Wed, 9 Dec 2009 17:47:12 -0000

Finally, I and my small Border Terrier 'Atti' were deposited safely in St Martin last week by an on time Air France airbus, met, picked up and transported from Queen Juliana airport by Frankie Connors 'Link' ferry straight to Anguilla, definitely the way to come. It has been beautiful weather, though today is a little cloudy with showers (good for the cistern), and I can't say enough how good it is to be back. It is very interesting to read Steve's statistics and I have to admit that the sea is warmer than my pool, really quite acceptable, as usually old West Indians like me don't swim between December and March without a wet suit! To all our snowbirds in the States, stay warm I believe there are terrible winter storms in the midwest and New England.

Regards to all from The Searocks.

- IS IT HOTTER THIS YEAR?

By "Steve Donahue" <tainos at anguillanet.com>
Date: Wed, 9 Dec 2009 11:38:09 -0400

With the lack of hurricanes this year to cool down sea temperatures, we here in Anguilla are still suffering the summer heat. Below is a 6 year average temp. chart showing the warmer temperatures this year. Wondering if other islands are experiencing the same thing? And our sea temps. Last week were 82 – 83 F vs. 78 or 79 F in previous years this time of year. Cheers,

Steve Donahue

steve_at_anguilla-weather.com

Anguilla, AI2640, B.W.I.

US Phone – 410-505-8661

Anguilla Phone – 264-497-8177

- NOVEMBER DRY AND HOT!

By "Steve Donahue" <tainos at anguillanet.com>
Date: Tue, 1 Dec 2009 08:50:03 -0400

I read Culebra’s report about rain and thought I’d post on the conditions just 140 miles to their east. This has been the driest and hottest year since I’ve been keeping records – 1998. November gave us a paltry 2.20 in. of rain, bringing our total for the year to only 17.85 in. – just about ½ of our average 36.46 in. The driest year prior to this was 2007 with 29.66 in. My 35,000 gal. cistern – normally full by this time of year – is just over 1/3 full. And Nov. was also hotter than normal – 81.3 average vs. about 79.5 for past Novembers. I’m guessing the warmer temps. are due to the fact that with no hurricanes this year, the sea is not cooling as fast as in past years.

See ya’ all next year! Cheers,

Steve Donahue

Anguilla, AI2640, B.W.I.

US Phone – 410-505-8661

Anguilla Phone – 264-497-8177

- More remnants of Ida

By Joanie Howard <joanie.howard1 at googlemail.com>
Date: Sun, 22 Nov 2009 22:27:22 -0000

As things seem relatively quiet in Anguilla have a look at our weather here. www.bbc.co.uk/cumbria and go to 'floods'.

Greystoke

- Remnants of Ida

By Joanie Howard <joanie.howard1 at googlemail.com>
Date: Fri, 20 Nov 2009 11:40:53 -0000

A couple of pictures of what Ida has just done to us here in the north west of England, in Sleathwaite we had 8 inches of rain in the last 24 hours and they recorded a gust of wind on Dun Fell of 90 MPH, serious floods in Cockermouth and Keswick, people having to break through their roofs to be rescued by RAF seaking helicopters and sadly one of our policemen unaccounted for after a bridge collapsed in Workington. On better note I and my small Border Terrier leave for Anguilla in 10 days courtesy hopefully of Air Chance, we have had some rain there recently but apparently not nearly as much as St. Martin and I hope my cistern is at least half full.

Greystoke

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- WHERE DA RAIN?

By "Steve Donahue" <tainos at anguillanet.com>
Date: Tue, 17 Nov 2009 08:58:42 -0400

Alas, all of the rain our friends 70 miles or so to our east have had the past 2 days got lost somewhere in the Anagada Passage, ‘cause it never made it this far. We had distant thunder in every direction all around us, but no significant rain (the east end supposedly got some heavy showers). Yesterday was a grand total of 0.15 in., with 0.30 so far today, but it now looks like it’s done. We are still on track for the driest year since I’ve been keeping records – 17 in. so far in 2009, vs. average 38 in. Our cisterns could have really used some of this rain. Good luck with the cleanup to our west.

Steve Donahue

Anguilla, AI2640, B.W.I.

US Phone – 410-505-8661

Anguilla Phone – 264-497-8177

- MAJOR SEWLL EVENT

By "AXA Severe Weather Notice" <steve at anguilla-weather.com>
Date: Fri, 30 Oct 2009 11:59:50 -0400

What the Netherlands Antilles Meteorological Service calls a “major swell event” is forecast to start building in Anguilla late Sunday/early Monday from the northeast.. We should expect 3.0 to 3.5 m. swells building from the north and northeast (we already have NE swells this morning), which will start affecting the north shore of Anguilla early Monday, peaking on Tuesday. With a wave period of 12 seconds, beach erosion on the north side could occur – possibly serious in some areas. Expect small craft advisories issued on Sunday for seas, but fortunately winds are forecast to be light.

Continue to monitor the local forecasts for any changes.

Steve Donahue

Anguilla, AI2640, B.W.I.

US Phone – 410-505-8661

Anguilla Phone – 264-497-8177

www.anguilla-weather.com

- ANNUAL RAIN TOTALS

By "Steve Donahue" <steve at anguilla-weather.com>
Date: Sat, 10 Oct 2009 17:32:01 -0400

With no serious rain in sight, Anguilla is on track to have the driest year by far since I’ve been keeping records – 1998. So far this year we’ve had 14. 2 in. vs. an annual average of 38.16 in. Even if we get the average for Oct., Nov. and Dec., it will only bring us up to less than 28 in. – 1 inch less than our driest year in my records (29.09 inches in 2004). Every month this year has benn less than the average – several by more than 50%. The water delivery trucks are lovin’ life!

Steve Donahue

Anguilla, AI2640, B.W.I.

US Phone – 410-505-8661

Anguilla Phone – 264-497-8177

- Rain?

By Jed Lindblad <jedsshed at gmail.com>
Date: Sun, 4 Oct 2009 09:30:52 -0400

We have a blob just to our east that may produce some much needed rain for our thirsty plants and cisterns!

That is a good thing, but futher to the east is that big blob tracking our way. I wouldn't be surprised to see it turn into an Invest in the next day or so. Keep up your guard and watch this one closely!

- Invest 90L

By Jed Lindblad <jedsshed at gmail.com>
Date: Fri, 2 Oct 2009 04:48:17 -0400

I though Invest 90L was up in the central Azores headed north, but no matter what the Invest I.D. is, the current track posted this morning shows it skimming just to the north of our Islands. I am curious what the 8:00AM track shows!

- Azores High

By Joanie Howard <joanie.howard1 at googlemail.com>
Date: Sun, 27 Sep 2009 19:21:53 -0400

I don't want to tempt fate as I know that one of Miss Mermaid's himmicanes could arrive at any time, but as things seem relatively quiet on the western front, just thought I would send a photo of how the Azores High is affecting us in the North of England right now. Amazing how the weather around the Azores influences both the Caribbean and north western Europe. I am no meterologist but I have watched the weather fom a yachting and hurricane perspective for many years. I used to help my husband run a charterboat, (now sadly gone to the happy hunting ground - the husband not the charterboat) out of Yachthaven, St. Thomas in the 60's, and having a foothold in Anguilla I still keep a keen eye. We have had dry weather here in the Lake District for the last couple of weeks, after non-stop rain since mid July, and it has been glorious. Leaves are turning, red squirrels devouring the Beech nuts and it is getting a bit chilly at night.

But, don't put the tennis balls (for your cistern down pipes in case of a storm) away just yet though everyone, and remember Tom Lehrer and the Boy Scouts Marching song "Be Prepared".

Greystoke, U.K.

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- Clear as a bell

By Jed Lindblad <jedsshed at gmail.com>
Date: Sat, 26 Sep 2009 08:13:12 -0400

Last week at this time, we were enjoying some much needed rain. The other bonus is the Saharan Air Layer is non-existant in our area now.

The sea is calm, the water is clear and warm and the beaches are calling my name!

As soon as I finish my chores around the house, I will answer their calls :)

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- Rain, rain, rain!

By Jed Lindblad <jedsshed at gmail.com>
Date: Sun, 20 Sep 2009 08:21:47 -0400

Up until yesterday morning, we have recorded a total of 12.2" of rain on Anguilla since January. This is 10.8" below normal for us, so you can imagine how dry it's been! The water trucks have stayed busy most all year supplementing our cisterns.

I am happy to say that starting early yesterday morning, we received a few showers and by yesterday afternoon and evening we got a real downpour or two. I show 1.4" of rain for the 24 hour period starting around 5:30 yesterday morning. I don't know where this came from, but it's all smiles around here now!

As for Invest 98L, it appears to be falling apart and they still predict that it will curve well north of the Islands. But thinking back to Erika, one of the early tracks brought her to within 6 miles of Anguilla. Later she was going to be a couple of hundred miles north of us and when it was all said and done, Erika passed to our south.

Conditions here can change quite drastically, so don't drop your guard yet!

- Erika

From: Joanie Howard <joanie.howard1 at googlemail.com>
Date: Thu, 3 Sep 2009 17:15:08 -0400

Being a snowbird and only in Anguilla in the winter months I feel a bit of a fraud, but would like to say that my cistern on the Searocks in Island Harbour is still needing filling (probably Captain Tom in Welches Village as well). What is of concern to me however is that here in the north of England we have had six inches of rain in the last few weeks courtesy of Bill and Danny, mud everywhere, I am permanently in my wellington boots, and I suspect Erika will creep up the Eastern coast of the U.S. whiz across the Atlantic and dump another deluge here in the English Lake District. Roll on November when I and my small Border Terrier 'Bad Attitude' go back to Anguilla.

Keep prepared everyone, there is still a bit to go.

JH, Greystoke UK

- WHERE DA RAIN?

From: "Steve Donahue" <steve at anguilla-weather.com>
Date: Thu, 3 Sep 2009 10:42:42 -0400

We have had hazy sunshine here all morning – and only a brief shower last night (0.04 in). Blue skies above and to our north and west. There were some dark

clouds to our southeast earlier, but none made it this far. Doppler shows rain 50 – 75 miles to our south (see below). From the satellite loop, it appears Erika is

falling apart right on our doorstep to the east. So the water tankers continue to deliver water all over the island, raising clouds of dust from the dry roads as

they pass by.

Steve Donahue

Anguilla, AI2640, B.W.I.

US Phone – 410-505-8661

Anguilla Phone – 264-497-8177

Websites – www.anguilla-weather.com & www.anguilla-diving.com

- GOOD BYE ERIKA

From: "AXA Severe Weather Notice" <steve at anguilla-weather.com>
Date: Wed, 2 Sep 2009 18:48:52 -0400

So Erika decided to be nice to Anguilla, and since 11:00 PM last night, moved in a SW direction instead of the anticipated NW. So she is now crossing the islands

at Guadeloupe with 40 mph winds. Shouldn’t really bother us being almost 100 miles to our south, but we can still hope for some much needed rain. Nothing

coming out of the sky so far today. In fact, there’s a nice, almost full moon to our east. I’m sure the water delivery trucks are happy.

Here’s what the storm did today:

No further updates on this storm.

Steve Donahue

Anguilla, AI2640, B.W.I.

US Phone – 410-505-8661

Anguilla Phone – 264-497-8177

Websites – www.anguilla-weather.com & www.anguilla-diving.com

- CORRECTION - TS ERIKA UPDATE

From: "Steve Donahue" <steve at anguilla-weather.com>
Date: Wed, 2 Sep 2009 08:17:10 -0400

The EOC for Anguilla HAS BEEN activated, and will go to Stage 2 at 8:30 AM

Steve Donahue

Anguilla, AI2640, B.W.I.

US Phone – 410-505-8661

Anguilla Phone – 264-497-8177

Websites – www.anguilla-weather.com & www.anguilla-diving.com

- TS ERIKA - UPDATE

From: "AXA Severe Weather Notice" <steve at anguilla-weather.com>
Date: Wed, 2 Sep 2009 07:47:09 -0400

Well, the little low pressure we had to our east at this time yesterday skipped right through tropical depression stage right to TS Erika. Latest forecast

shows a very close passage or direct hit on Anguilla. Based on 5:00 AM NHC report, Erika’s closest approach will be 20 miles to our NE. Good

news is that most of the wind is in the north east quadrant. However, the loop radar out of Antigua shows a SSW movement of the system over

the past few hours, which could bring it closer or south of us – putting us in the NE quadrant of the storm.

As seems to happen so often with storms that visit us here, this thing could go anywhere – but strengthening IS NOT forecast before it passes us.

Based on what we know now, look for rain to start late today/early Thursday – heavy at times. There are no forecasts of high seas/swells, but

expect rough seas through Thursday. Winds will probably be in the 30 – 50 mph range, strongest from the NE moving around to the NW or west.

So far, no forecasts are saying there will be any strengthening prior to it’s passage of Anguilla. We’ll start feeling TS force winds early Thursday,

with passage here early/mid-day Friday (based on 5:00 AM movement of 5 mph.)

A tropical storm warning has been issued for Anguilla by the Government of Antigua (weather bureau), and for St. Martin by the Government

of Netherlands Antilles. The Anguilla EOC has not been activated as of right now, but that could change based on later NHC forecasts. As

always, continue to monitor the NHC forecasts at http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/index.shtml, with the next update issued at 8:00 AM, then every

6 hours – advisories every 3 hours.

Steve Donahue

Anguilla, AI2640, B.W.I.

US Phone – 410-505-8661

Anguilla Phone – 264-497-8177

Websites – www.anguilla-weather.com & www.anguilla-diving.com

- TROPICAL DISTURBANCE

From: "AXA Severe Weather Notice" <steve at anguilla-weather.com>
Date: Tue, 1 Sep 2009 08:57:36 -0400

Not much change in the past 24 hours with Invest 94L, and still not a depression (may change at 2:00 today with a hurricane hunter flight through the storm).

Slowed to 10 mph, still moving WNW and 400 miles to our east. At this point, keep an eye on the forecast, but let’s hope we at least get some rain from the

system starting sometime tomorrow thru Thursday.

Continue to monitor this system at http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/index.shtml with the next update at 2:00 PM, then every 6 hours.

I will be sending no further updates unless there is a major change.

Steve Donahue

Anguilla, AI2640, B.W.I.

US Phone – 410-505-8661

Anguilla Phone – 264-497-8177

Websites – www.anguilla-weather.com & www.anguilla-diving.com

- TROPICAL ACTIVITY

From: "AXA Severe Weather Notice" <steve at anguilla-weather.com>
Date: Mon, 31 Aug 2009 08:29:16 -0400

Invest 94L is now some 600 miles to our east, still traveling west-northwest at 15 mph. The NW turn that many models predicted yesterday still has not

happened, and as it is over 200 miles south of us, this needs to happen soon – and be a sharp turn. The system was intensifying this morning and is expected

to become tropical depression Erika today or tomorrow (but from the looks of it, it already is TD Erika – see below). The models seem to be in agreement

that it will go to our NW, but a turn to the NW needs to happen shortly for that to happen. It appears right now that worst case will be maybe tropical force

winds and rain late Wednesday/early Thursday. For all of us hoping for some rain, the bad news is that most of the rain activity is to the north of the system,

so if it does go to our north, bye-bye rain. We should know a lot more tomorrow morning, but keep in mind that the models are all over the place, and this

thing could go anywhere, and be nothing or a hurricane (doubtful).

Continue to monitor this system at http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/index.shtml with the next update at 2:00 PM, then every 6 hours.

Steve Donahue

Anguilla, AI2640, B.W.I.

US Phone – 410-505-8661

Anguilla Phone – 264-497-8177

Websites – www.anguilla-weather.com & www.anguilla-diving.com

- INVEST 94L 950 MILES TO THE EAST

From: "AXA Severe Weather Notice" <steve at anguilla-weather.com>
Date: Sun, 30 Aug 2009 10:14:27 -0400

The NHC is issuing updates on storm 94L, forming 950 miles to our east, and giving it a better than 50% chance of development. Several models call

for it to travel to our north with no problems, and others to cross the northern islands between Guadeloupe and Anguilla. It should be noted that the models

calling for it to go to our north have predicted that it would have already made a sharp turn to the north – which has not happened. It is currently traveling

WNW at 15 mph. Based on this fact, we need to watch this storm. Good news it is 950 miles to the east traveling at 15 mph, putting it about 3 days away.

It would need to develop really quickly to be a serious threat – which is not expected. BUT…a few models call for it to be a hurricane in 3 – 4 days.

In any event, expect tropical depression Erika by sometime Monday.

Continue to monitor this system at http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/index.shtml

- SEA SWELLS FROM HURRICANE BILL

From: "Steve Donahue" <tainos at anguillanet.com>
Date: Wed, 19 Aug 2009 11:22:15 -0400

All the forecasts for Bill say it will not impact the islands “…except for maybe some swells”. Trouble is, not much info on what the impact of these swells will be.

Wind Guru calls for 12 ft. swells with a period of 12 seconds from the east, starting tonight, peaking during the morning hours. The NWS Marine Forecast for the Anegada passage (to our east and further from the storm) calls for 8 - 12 foot seas tomorrow (no direction given). Another site has 12 foot seas starting from the east by slowly coming around to the ENE mid-day Thursday. Note that these are swells on the open seas, not necessarily as they will appear on beaches – but expect some pretty rough surf..

This morning, on the southwest coast at The Cove, tidal pools were already forming well up on the beach from the swells, which if it continues, will lead to some beach erosion. I would say the south coast will feel the worst of any impact we have here in Anguilla.

Keep an eye out early Thursday morning for waves/beach erosion.

Cheers,

Steve Donahue

Anguilla, AI2640, B.W.I.

US Phone – 410-505-8661

Anguilla Phone – 264-497-8177

Websites – www.anguilla-weather.com & www.anguilla-diving.com

- GOOD BYE, ANA

From: "Steve Donahue" <steve at anguilla-weather.com>
Date: Mon, 17 Aug 2009 07:42:03 -0400

So all of a sudden at midnight last night, with Ana supposed to be 100miles + to our south, the barometer drops from 1013.5 to 1010.5

in 3 hours, and the wind goes from a nice breeze to 34 knot gusts by 3:00 AM. Sure am glad I ignored the forecasts and secured my

boat yesterday!. Graph below shows wind gust (blue) and barometer (gray) for 24 hours. But only 0.10 inches of MUCH NEEDED rain

out of the whole mess.

Steve Donahue

Anguilla, AI2640, B.W.I.

US Phone – 410-505-8661

Anguilla Phone – 264-497-8177

Websites – www.anguilla-weather.com & www.anguilla-diving.com

- ONLY GOOD NEWS TODAY!

From: "Anguilla Severe Weather Alert" <steve at anguilla-weather.com>
Date: Sun, 16 Aug 2009 09:04:35 -0400

Time to go enjoy your Sunday.

First of all, Ana is looking like it will pass well to our south – probably Guadeloupe about 120 miles south of us – with winds of 40 – 45 knots. And at that distance, probably won’t even get any rain. All the models call for this track, and at only 36 hours to our east, wouldn’t expect much change. Also, it appears AXA is no longer in tracking cone.

More good news with Bill. Though it’s still 1,800 miles to out east and about 5 days away, all the models have it going well to our north, and based on the latest NHC info, will be no closer than about 200 miles north of us – maybe as a cat 2. Look some swells on the north shore, but that’s about it.

Unless there is a major change with Bill, no more reports. Continue to monitor both these storms at: http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/index.shtml

Have a good day!

Steve Donahue

Anguilla, AI2640, B.W.I.

US Phone – 410-505-8661

Anguilla Phone – 264-497-8177

Websites – www.anguilla-weather.com & www.anguilla-diving.com

- IT'S GOING TO BE A WILD WEEK!

From: "Anguilla Severe Weather Alert" <steve at anguilla-weather.com>
Date: Sat, 15 Aug 2009 08:41:00 -0400

There are now 2 threats out there to worry about – reformed TD#2 (now TS Ana), and probably later today, TD#3.

TD#2 first. This was downgraded yesterday but gathered enough strength to be renamed TD#2 last night, and now Tropical Storm Ana this morning. Best guess by forecasters is a high end tropical storm mid-day Monday passing very close to Anguilla – we are right in the center of the 5 day cone. Good news is they have it slightly to our north, and the highest winds are to the north of the storm. Also, if this trend continues, the largest swells will be on the north coastline – 10 feet or so based on the latest marine forecast. Bad news - watch this one very closely – models have it everywhere from falling apart up to a cat 2 hurricane. A Tropical Storm watch may be required for AXA later today - Anguilla Disaster Management has issued Bulletin #1 on Ana, so appears they are getting prepared. As always, prepare for the worst, hope for the best.

Right on the heels of TS Ana is Invest 90, which will probably be TD#3 sometime today. But this system is still some 1,900 miles to our east, and has a long way to go –so a lot can change. Good news here is that the models are now shifting this system a little north of Anguilla, but still pretty close. We’ll know a lot more about this system in the next day or 2, but this could easily be a Cat 2 hurricane by the time it reaches 63 degrees west, possibly passing over the islands.

As always, continue to check the NHC website at http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/index.shtml for both of these storms.

Steve Donahue

Anguilla, AI2640, B.W.I.

US Phone – 410-505-8661

Anguilla Phone – 264-497-8177

Websites – www.anguilla-weather.com & www.anguilla-diving.com

- TD#2 GONE, NO CHANGE INVEST 90

From: "Anguilla Severe Weather Alert" <steve at anguilla-weather.com>
Date: Fri, 14 Aug 2009 08:33:50 -0400

8:00 AM AST, 14 August, 2009

Some good news! TD#2 was downgraded last night to a tropical low, but there was some reorganization overnight. Looks like it will

just be a tropical low passing well to our north, but we are within the 5 day cone for this storm.

Not a lot of change with Invest 90, which will probably become Tropical Depression #3 this weekend, and then the first named storm

(better than 50% chance based on NHC forecast). One change is ALL major models (SEE BELOW) have it heading to the northern

islands as a cat 2 hurricane on Wednesday/Thursday. BUT...it's still a long way out, and we should all wait until Sunday when the NHC

will have a better idea of what this storm is doing. They should also post the "5 day probability cone" at that time so we can follow it a

little closer. As always, continue to check the NHC website at http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/index.shtml for both this storm and TD#2

- 5:00 PM STORM UPDATE

From: "Anguilla Severe Weather Alert" <steve at anguilla-weather.com>
Date: Thu, 13 Aug 2009 18:04:33 -0400

As of 5:00 PM, Tropical Depression #2 is no more. May comeback, but doubtful.

Concerning the system out there everyone is watching, the chances of becoming a hurricane in 48 hours went from 30% – 50% this morning to greater than 50% as of 2:00 PM. From the NHC:

A TROPICAL DEPRESSION COULD FORM FROM THIS SYSTEM DURING THE NEXT COUPLE OF DAYS AS IT MOVES WESTWARD AT 10 TO 15 MPH. THERE IS A HIGH CHANCE...GREATER THAN 50 PERCENT...OF THIS SYSTEM BECOMING A TROPICAL CYCLONE DURING THE NEXT 48 HOURS.

- Anguilla Regatta

From: "Ann L. Phelan" <ann at bonairecaribbean.com>
Date: Thu, 13 Aug 2009 12:09:30 -0400

Cheers from hot and windy Bonaire,

Please take a moment to click on my blog www.anguillabliss.com. I just downloaded some fun photos from my work trip to Anguilla.

Enjoy

Ann Phelan

Caribbean Wind & Sun Vacations "creating dream vacations since 1988"

www.bonairecaribbean.com

www.antiguacaribbean.com

Skype: caribchakita
Twitter: phelana

Please ask me about travel insurance to protect your vacation investment.

- TD#2 WEAKENING,INVEST90 FORMS

From: "Steve Donahue" <steve at anguilla-weather.com>
Date: Thu, 13 Aug 2009 08:14:00 -0400

Good Morning!

Continue to watch TD#2, but it seems to be dying out. Best guess as of now it will pass to our north as a tropical storm, with maybe 50 knot winds at the center – not much for us – maybe a little rain if we’re lucky! But we are in the 5 day cone for possible tropical storm strike.

The system off the coast of Africa that developed yesterday has now been identified as Invest 90, and continues to develop. All models and forecasts I’ve seen have it intensifying, and coming our way, arriving next Wednesday. Where? Way too early to tell. But here’s a quote from one of the more reliable weather services in the US as of a few hours ago:

“Invest 90L has a good potential to eventually become a major hurricane, possibly as early as Monday. The consistency in the model guidance has been remarkable, and in addition, the low latitude track Invest 90L should take will place it in higher sea surface temperatures and not be influenced as much by the dry Saharan Air Layer.

… I think it is very possible that Invest 90L will most affect the Leeward Islands as early as Tuesday and Wednesday from Guadeloupe northward through Anguilla and then westward through the Virgin Islands. With that said, residents and vacationers throughout the Leeward and Windward Islands, as well as the US and British Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico should keep extremely close tabs on the progress of Invest 90L.”

Everyone needs to watch this system over the next few days to see what it does. Get updates every 6 hours starting at 5:00 am daily at:

http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/index.shtml

Cheers,

Steve Donahue

Anguilla, AI2640, B.W.I.

US Phone – 410-505-8661

Anguilla Phone – 264-497-8177

Websites – www.anguilla-weather.com & www.anguilla-diving.com

- TROPICAL WEATHER HEATING UP

From: "Steve Donahue" <steve at anguilla-weather.com>
Date: Wed, 12 Aug 2009 08:38:03 -0400

There are 4 systems out in the Atlantic, but 2 just to the east won’t affect us, Tropical Depression #2 way to the east may develop but is currently tracking well to our north…AND a system that is just moving off the African coast that right now needs to be watched closely. Unlike TD2 that came off too far north to concern us, this system is further south, and will probably become an Invest storm today – all conditions are favorable for development. Several models show this system as developing quickly into a hurricane, and heading in our direction. Based on these same models, it could be here mid-week next week. Wave swell forecasts show 20 – 25 foot swells from the southeast starting late next Tuesday. This system needs to be watched – especially later this week, when we will know more. See details at http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/index.shtml . Note in the forecast “…less than 30% chance of becoming a hurricane in 48 hours”. This has to do with the storm just forming, NOT with the future possibility of developing long term.

But let’s hope that one or 2 of these systems brings us some much needed rain! Cheers,

Steve Donahue

Anguilla, AI2640, B.W.I.

US Phone – 410-505-8661

Anguilla Phone – 264-497-8177

Websites – www.anguilla-weather.com & www.anguilla-diving.com

- NEW TROPICAL DEPRESSION???

From: "Steve Donahue" <steve at anguilla-weather.com>
Date: Mon, 10 Aug 2009 08:38:37 -0400

“Invest99” – a broad area of low pressure located just to the southwest of the southern Cape Verde Islands and well to our east – is being watched by the NHC for signs of development. Most – but not all – models have this system going to our north as a possible tropical depression. The system could bring some rough seas to the north facing beaches early next week – but way too early to tell.

Interested parties should monitor this system at http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/index.shtml

Cheers,

Steve Donahue

Anguilla, AI2640, B.W.I.

US Phone – 410-505-8661

Anguilla Phone – 264-497-8177

Websites – www.anguilla-weather.com & www.anguilla-diving.com

- Last Day in AXA

From: "Ann Phelan" <ann at bonairewindsurfing.com>
Date: Sat, 8 Aug 2009 12:27:37 +0200 (CEST)

I was at Cove Bay late yesterday and saw a wild and angry sea. Big waves
and choppy water. I did not go in so sat and reflected on life..a serene
setting not a soul in sight.

Today the air is very heavy and humid and hardly a breathe of air here in
Mead's Bay.

I head back to Bonaire today after a week covering Regatta and of course
having much time to play. Check out my blog www.anguillabliss.com in the
days to come for dining reviews, villa site inspections and more.

Good Morning

- Weather

From: "joaquin gumbs " <biggstar4u at hotmail.com>
Date: Sat, 8 Aug 2009 04:17:14 +0000

Great night nothing much to talk about, just great weather here.
Sent from my BlackBerry® wireless device from LIME.

- Bonaire in Anguilla

From: "Ann Phelan" <ann at bonairewindsurfing.com>
Date: Thu, 6 Aug 2009 18:10:06 -0400 (AST)

-- The boat races were GREAT today. It was a Mead's Bay quick 2 hour round
trip. It was a close race but Blue Bird won. The lime at Mead's Bay was
fun. I wagered with some old West Indian guys and won naturally. So, I
bought the Guinness's. Haaaaaaaaaaa

Dinner at Trattoria Tremonte with some nice women I met. Then Pumphouse
for their last night of the summer.

The weather was very overcast, gusty winds and HOT at Mead's Bay

Heading back to Bonaire Sat.

- Bonaire Weather Spotter in Anguilla

From: "Ann L. Phelan" <ann at bonairecaribbean.com>
Date: Sat, 1 Aug 2009 17:46:56 -0400

Am in Anguilla for Carnival and Regatta. Flight from BON to SXM piece of Cake. Dutch Antilles Express is getting their act together. Well done DAE. Crossing on Shauna Ferry from Dutch side was rough. Anguilla is sunny about 27c

Cheers from Anguilla

Ann Phelan

Caribbean Wind & Sun Vacations "creating dream vacations since 1988"

www.bonairecaribbean.com

www.antiguacaribbean.com

Skype: caribchakita
Twitter: phelana

Please ask me about travel insurance to protect your vacation investment.

THINK BEFORE YOU PRINT - to participate in an eco concious society please consider your personal office needs. Conserve paper and avoid waste. Think please before you print. Thank you.

><((((º>
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- Windy windy windy!

From: "joaquin gumbs " <biggstar4u at hotmail.com>
Date: Tue, 21 Jul 2009 01:04:51 +0000

Great night in axa very windy ne winds just about 15 to 20 mph nothing to 
complain about
Sent from my BlackBerry® wireless device from LIME.

- BATTEN DOWN DA' HATCHES!

From: "Steve Donahue" <steve at anguilla-weather.com>
Date: Sat, 18 Jul 2009 09:26:29 -0400

Looks like some heavy weather will be moving in starting late today/tonight, easing off some late Sunday/early Monday, then more on Monday. Right now, looks like some heavy showers (yeah! – we need it!), waves in 10 – 14 ft. range from the east, and winds in the mid-20’s – higher in squalls. Should start to clear out late Tuesday and Wednesday. Current satellite is below:

Steve Donahue

Anguilla, AI2640, B.W.I.

US Phone – 410-505-8661

Anguilla Phone – 264-497-8177

Websites – www.anguilla-weather.com & www.anguilla-diving.com