- Updates from the Islands -

- - St.Thomas (USVI) - -

- - - 2010 Hurricane Season - - -

- Striking Sunset

By "Jane Higgins" <jhigginswear at islands.vi>
Date: Fri, 22 Apr 2011 09:02:57 -0500

Good Morning Island Neighbors,

Last night's sunset was amazing. See the attached photo, this is lookingNorth by Northwest on the

Atlantic side of the west end of St Thomas, Estate Fortuna, from our deck.

The sea is flat and calm this morning. The clouds puffy and building. Thenews from Dave abouta tropical depression forming in April finally hit the weather channel. Ofcourse explaining the

very flat sea.

Have a good holiday weekend, we have so much to be grateful for. Let's lookforward to being

very ready  for storm season.

Jane Higgins St Thomas,
US Virgin Islands

jhigginswear at islands.vi

Attachment: photo.jpg
Description: JPEG image

- WATER MON CAN REST NOW

By "Jane Higgins" <jhigginswear at islands.vi>
Date: Thu, 14 Apr 2011 13:50:38 -0500

Good Rainy Afternoon,

During pre-storm season it seems like bad luck to write about the weather.

But the rain we are getting now is really worth writing about.

After the driest January and February leading into a very burned up brown

March, the rain coming down now is of delirious proportions.

THE WATER MON CAN REST NOW. The water truck has been to our house

twice in 2011, shocking news after all the downpours last fall. How did

we use that much water up?

In the last few days we've had over an inch in the rain gauge (wine

bucket) and after dumping that this morning early, now showing over

3 more inches! The gushing flow into the cistern is a magnanimous chorus.

The greening of St Thomas will be splendid and just in time for our Carnival

festivities.

As we look forward to June, we must once again prepare for what always comes.

Ms. Mermaid was right to remind us to get a battery operated AM radio, ours

failed during Tomas last season. So the list begins.

Take care, we are so thrilled to finally have rain and hope you are getting some too.

Jane Higgins

Northwest Side of St Thomas

in Fortuna facing the Atlantic

jhigginswear at islands.vi

- Dave, you can me a check too?

By "Jane Higgins" <jhigginswear at islands.vi>
Date: Wed, 8 Dec 2010 13:45:51 -0500

Looks like Super Dave the weather man is sending out Christmas checks!,

Feel free to send one my way.

Looking for a little rain now, and enjoying the really cool temperatures. It has

been gorgeous since Thanksgiving.

It is easy to remember why we live here, when you hear reports of so much

snow stateside.

Happy Holidays...

Jane Higgins
jhigginswear at islands.vi

- Update

By <9123081512 at mms.att.net>
Date: Sun, 7 Nov 2010 10:48:17 -0800 (PST)

Title: Multimedia Message

Magens Bay!

- Thunder

By "Jane Higgins" <jhigginswear at islands.vi>
Date: Sun, 7 Nov 2010 12:26:26 -0500

Around 3am we had plenty of thunder, starting seeing lightening to the west around 10:30 last night.

Received around 3 inches of rain by morning. Sunshine was minimal this morning and now it is

pale and rainy. We have a solid roof over our heads. We are so lucky.

Jane Higgins
jhigginswear at islands.vi

St Thomas ,US Virgin Islands

- More Muddy Images

By "Jane Higgins" <jhigginswear at islands.vi>
Date: Fri, 8 Oct 2010 15:33:49 -0400

Good Afternoon,

Today we saw some blue sky, heavy smoky overhanging clouds moving

in all directions, dryer roads and immense hope that there is sun at the end

of this soggy tunnel. Travelling over the mountain from town side to North side

this morning to one of our most famous beaches was uphill against little rivers, mud

on the road and rocks to dodge. Almost at the peak of the mountain

road we were stopped for a while waiting for the big maintainer to scoop

out a mudslide under a house on the upper hillside confused with weather head

wiring. The folks having the skill and patience to run those machines

obviously have calm inners. The woman in front of me honking and shaking

her fists at the guy trying to clear the road for us obviously needs some

anger management counseling. Honking creates a nasty backlash.

The North side beach area stayed calm all morning and a little

breeze made things bearable. The darkness moved in around

1:00 and the splattering wind and rain started again from West to East.

The moisture still being pulled up from South America by Otto will continue

to plague us for a while more. Any rain at all adds to the sliding rocks,

overfilled culverts and potential for muddy avalanches. The harbor is coppery,

the beaches we love the most will be closed for a while until the bacteria

dissipates. Do NOT go swimming now until we hear the water tests have come

back clear. We look forward to some Sun on Sunday and hope that Otto

zooms Northeast and cuts off his tail of moisture as he goes.

A St John friend just said that they were getting some East to West wind and rain

now and out here in Fortuna we are getting the opposite, so wondering where it

all meets in the middle?

Here is a site that a friend in Cane Garden Bay Tortola BVI just sent me. More

mud and full guts. There is allot of cleaning up to do all around us. We hope

our visitors can be patient with all of this; our beautiful paradise will soon come

back again.

Check out these photos. http://bvinews.com/bvi/more-flooding-photos/

Another neighbor that has lived in St Thomas for 29 years said that this is

the most rain we've had in a weeks time since he has lived here. Remember

Hortense?

Jane Higgins in Fortuna, Northwest St Thomas on the Atlantic Side

jhigginswear at islands.vi

- Wowee Otto

By ronusvi at aol.com
Date: Thu, 07 Oct 2010 13:20:51 -0400

I know we have spawned hurricanes in the past but Otto takes the cake! Rain coming out and in to parts never before seen! When will it stop? It has become something you can now depend on this week.

Ronnie Lockhart

- are waterfalls soothing for you?

By "Jane Higgins" <jhigginswear at islands.vi>
Date: Thu, 7 Oct 2010 13:11:59 -0400

Some may think that the sound of rushing water falls and never ending rain

is soothing. Some may think that the moment they hear a raindrop fall now,

the rush of water down hill and over the retaining wall that holds the mud

away from the house is a scary sound. We are fully saturated now.

The rushing waterfalls last allot longer than the actual showers do. Relief =

the end of the waterfall rushing sounds.

One a.m. brought us full awake with the power wash on high. Three a.m. was

the soggy search for kitty boy Buzz Aldrin. He had to have the towel dry procedure.

(Other kitty names are of course Amelia Earhart, Pratt and Whitney and Chuck

Yeager.) The dogs have a hard time doing their business in the stream called

driveway.

Tall Norfolk Pine trees are starting to show their roots from the erosion around their

base.

It is windy, grey and stormy here again just now. The wind was West to East on

last blast and the current blast is showing East to West by the tallest tree on the

North side of our property facing the sea. The sea is boiling now.

We are very very lucky here, no water in the house so far. Many I have talked

to have damage in their homes and businesses. Cleaning up over and over again

is such a drag.

Don't be fooled by the patch of blue sky, staying off the roads makes it safer

for everyone.

The aviator is getting the hangar door banging torture today.

It is much cooler now. There will be no swimming in the sea for at least a week

after all this muddy runoff. There is no clear blue sea around us.

Take care, let us know how you are doing, don't drive if you don't have to.

Jane Higgins West End Fortuna facing the Atlantic
jhigginswear at islands.vi

St Thomas ,US Virgin Islands

- RIGHT NOW BIG STORM

By "Jane Higgins" <jhigginswear at islands.vi>
Date: Thu, 7 Oct 2010 11:16:00 -0400

A little while ago it was sunny and the garden was calling for a big cleanup.

NOW IT IS LIKE A CAT 1.....Blowing like stink from all directions and raining

sideways. Glad I'm not driving in this.

Zero visibility. Hoping the landings are smooth.

Jane Higgins
jhigginswear at islands.vi

St Thomas ,US Virgin Islands

- Flood Warning for STT

By Delia Jones <delia6667 at yahoo.com>
Date: Thu, 7 Oct 2010 05:01:18 -0700 (PDT)

Good Morning! Update. NWS just issued another Flood Warning and Flash Flood 
Warning for STT until 12 30 today. Radar shows another bands of severe 
thunderstorms approaching STT! Guts overflowing and more mudslides! Be careful 
if you must drive. Delia Jones

- Tropical Update From Northside

By Delia Jones <delia6667 at yahoo.com>
Date: Thu, 7 Oct 2010 03:17:00 -0700 (PDT)

Good Morning St. Thomas! Good Morning to you Jane. I enjoy your informative 
reports. The NWS in PR, has once again issued an EAS Flood Warning for STT, STJ 
at 3 30 am due to ST Storm Otto's SE outer bands being pulled across STT as 
Otto barely moves N at 2 mph. And, no I did not wake up at 3 30 on my own. I 
was awakened to the blasting of my NOAA Hazard radio's emergency siren.  
Warning remains til 7 30 am. Flood watch remains in effect til tonight. Expect 
3-4 inches of rain today. Be Safe!  $$ Delia Jones

- Tropical Update For St Thomas.

By Delia Jones <delia6667 at yahoo.com>
Date: Wed, 6 Oct 2010 16:52:27 -0700 (PDT)

Good Evening St. Thomas! After receiving approx. 7.75 inches of rain yesterday, 
we had up to 2 inches again today due to now Subtropical Storm Otto. Otto's 
wake is pulling moisture from a Low to our S and SW through STT probably 
through Friday am. Therefore, tomorrow will bring to 3 inches of more rain in 
an already saturated STT, so Flood Watch has been extended to Thursday pm. 
Expect wind gusts from S or SSE at 25 to 35 mph. More flooding and mudslides 
possible! Be safe!  $$ Delia Jones.

- Loads of Rain Wrecks Havoc

By "Jane Higgins" <jhigginswear at islands.vi>
Date: Wed, 6 Oct 2010 11:46:10 -0400

Good Morning,

Sleep last night was a bonus for most. Saturated ground produced waterfalls

allover St Thomas last night with each wave of showers. Winds were off and on

gusting from all the directions we least expect it. Not really knowing when the

rain was going to let up created high anxiety for some of us.

A friend on Skyline drive near the center of St Thomas experienced

flooding in her newly remodeled kitchen due to rain pushed in under the roof

line from the West. We are completely conditioned to receiving our bad weather

from East to West but when it changes course it comes as a shock.

A 150 foot long retaining wall collapsed on top of a car and poured mud into the

egress area for an apartment building up Crown Mountain Road.

The guts and drainage ditches around the airport overfilled and flowed mud

across the ramp. A pilot trying to drive home last night from the airport to

the North side had to turn around and spent the night at the hangar.

There are reports of hundreds of people still stranded in San Juan that should have

arrived in St Thomas yesterday. Anytime the wind comes from the wrong

direction it creates problems for the major airlines to land the larger craft.

The general aviation planes handle these wind direction issues fine. It is all

about the length of the runway and getting stopped with the wind to your tail.

Our schools are closed now and we are expecting more rain. It is the saturation

that is the problem, we really can't take much more. Every time a shower passes

more rocks and mud follow gravity's path.

Right now there is a slight breeze, but gusts come and go and have that little

whistle that remind us of other times. We are hoping for some drying out today

and that the radar picture is an exaggeration. The system to the Southwest of

Puerto Rico seems to be feeding this line of moisture up thru our islands and

into the Atlantic. What will change this pattern? Times like these seeing Sahara

Dust move in would be a gift.

Take care and let us know how you are doing.

Jane Higgins
jhigginswear at islands.vi

St Thomas ,US Virgin Islands

- Invest 97L Update.

By Delia Jones <delia6667 at yahoo.com>
Date: Wed, 6 Oct 2010 03:38:18 -0700 (PDT)

Morning Again St Thomas! On my deck watcing another band of thunderstorms and 
winds starting again. Them my NOAA Hazard weather radio set off Warning Alarm, 
issuing another Flash Flood Warning for St Thomas, Which floods are occuring, 
guts have topped and streets flooded, making streets dangerous to travel on. 
Mudslides have occured. NWS predict 3 to 4 more inches of rain and gusty winds 
today again, causing more severe flooding! NWS says roads extremely dangerous! 
Seen not 1 car. Delia Jones

- Invest 97L Maybe Otto..

By Delia Jones <delia6667 at yahoo.com>
Date: Wed, 6 Oct 2010 02:46:05 -0700 (PDT)

Good Morning St Thomas!  Well, maybe not so good. May I say rain! Invest 97L, 
which is approx 230 miles N of us, brought torrential thunderstorms. Wind gusts 
were reported up to 52 mph at airport, maybe higher. I believe a transformer 
blew on Northside because heard a loud bang and we have been without 
electricity since about 8 pm. As of 11 pm, we had 6.55 inches of rain, the 5th 
most recorded amount of rain in St Thomas history in a day. Flood Warning 
remains in effect until Thursday. Guts flooded. Delia

- Driving Upstream

By "Jane Higgins" <jhigginswear at islands.vi>
Date: Tue, 5 Oct 2010 14:12:36 -0400

Good Afternoon,

There was a brief respite of rain around noon so I went down the hill 3 miles

to UVI for my Zumba class. The road was dry with some debris but all looked

pretty good. Almost a drastic mistake on my part. Coming

back up the hill after watching the sideways rain during that hour of

sweaty fun became the challenge of driving upstream. We live on the

other side of one of the steepest hills on the island called Blackpoint Hill.

Driving up the river thru leafy muddy debris in the almost dusk like light

was creepy enough, but it is always the other cars I worry about. The pickup

truck that was trying so hard to get up the same hill in front of me stalled out

and it was a push to the floor of my car to get me past that backward rolling

vehicle. Visibility was about 25 feet and the downhill ride was almost as exciting as

the uphill push. Now we have a true river formed that was once our West End

road flowing west to east and down the hill ready to catch anyone coming up.

Please be very careful coming back to the west end this afternoon, suggest you

keep it in a very low gear or 4 wheel drive if you have it. Our little dirt lane is

now a creek bed.

The wind was swirling light from the West, and then the last bit of blowing sideways

rain came from the south over the hill behind our house. There is no sea to see,

just grey.

The dogs and kitties are thrilled to have me back, as the thunder boomers begin

again. Take care and let us know how other parts of the Virgin Islands are doing.

The goods news is the latest Delta flight just landed simultaneously with a passing

clear moment. We are hoping all will be safe in the skies today. An Anguillan

pilot just returned to confirm the reports we've be hearing about gusty rainy weather

there.

Winds at the airport right now according to my aviator husband are 20mph with gusts

to 33 mph at this moment,that is changing constantly. LIAT just did a missed approach

and the weather that chased me up the hill from East to West has now changed directions

and has turned back to give the runway another power wash from west to east. This

will create last second decisions about runway approaches until this is thru.

BE CAREFUL.

Jane Higgins
jhigginswear at islands.vi

St Thomas ,US Virgin Islands

- Dark and Soggy

By "Jane Higgins" <jhigginswear at islands.vi>
Date: Tue, 5 Oct 2010 09:10:09 -0400

Good Morning Soggy Islanders,

It is as dark as dusk this morning on the Northwest Side of St Thomas facing the

flat Atlantic. The cloud banks are hovering over the horizon creating a rippling

effect as far North as you can see. In the last 48 hours we've had at least 4 inches of

rain and the saturation levels left from a very wet summer leave us wondering if

any more trees will just bend over like they did during Earl's visit. The newly

replanted pineapple plants are loving this constant moisture.

My husband just called after driving the easy 3 miles downhill to the airport

and said it was the slowest ride he has ever had. No visibility , pouring rain

and rocks starting to pop off the hill onto the road. The road side lake by

the west end hangars and soccer field is crossing the road now.

Radar has been fooling us for days and now the blobs are co-mingled. There is

the slightest wind at the tops of the trees, it is much cooler now than it has been

in weeks. When will this system move out ? Sounds like my friends in Anguilla have

filled cisterns, thanks for the updates, please keep them coming. Hoping the

mountains of St Maarten are holding.

The pool and back wall cistern will be downloaded again today into the main

cistern. Stay safe and dry. Slow moving systems like this can surprise the driver

with rocks sliding and guts overflowing.

Jane Higgins Fortuna, St Thomas

jhigginswear at islands.vi

- Must be October, Our rainiest month

By "Jane Higgins" <jhigginswear at islands.vi>
Date: Fri, 1 Oct 2010 12:40:11 -0400

Good Soggy Afternoon,

We've had at least 4 inches of rain this morning since the thunderstorms started

passing by at 4 a.m. The thunder came in long bowling booms and the dogs huddled.

The pool is overfilled and am now downloading the pool and back cistern into the main

cistern. All the normal rivers in the road and driveway are cutting their way downhill

and the radar looks nasty enough to change my plans for the day. Reports from the north

and east side concur that it is a good day to stay in.

There is no horizon right now and a tiny breeze among the raindrops. The Atlantic has that

steely ice rink look. It is cooler now, the African Iris and orchids love this gloom.

As Dave says it ain't over yet. Looking into the next week makes me wonder why I don't own

a raincoat (the garbage bag with cutouts has no fashion sense) and clogs.

This kind of weather is why we know we'll always have some backup to our solar system,

going hybrid with several energy sources works best for us.

Stay dry and pay attention, should be the normal wet October we are used to.

Jane Higgins , the West End Rainforest, Fortuna , Atlantic Side
jhigginswear at islands.vi

St Thomas ,US Virgin Islands

- Icky Igor Gone Mon, Scorpion Tea

By "Jane Higgins" <jhigginswear at islands.vi>
Date: Wed, 15 Sep 2010 20:23:55 -0400

Good Evening,

Not sure about you but we seem to be having some gusts here that may reflect

Igor's whereabouts. Hoping Steve from Anguilla is right by saying that they are not

feeling a thing...as gusty winds in Anguilla are an everyday thing.

We feel that the temperature has dropped and the horizon was very clear

today,so no dust today. Igor seems to be tightening up and his eye seems

to be less distinct? That is how we see it here. We assume we will have to feel

something no matter how far way he is as he is one big huge storm.

PLEASE BERMUDA.................DO EVERYTHING YOU CAN TO BE READY.

This is not a test. This is the real deal coming your way. Take care, be ready.

Meanwhile, a cup of sleepy herb tea became a bath for a baby scorpion last night...

life in the tropics is never ever dull, that is for sure.

Stay safe, and don't let down your guard until at least November 15, it ain't over yet.

WE HAVE A ROOF OVER HEADS, IMAGINE IF YOU DIDN'T DURING A STORM?

REMEMBER HAITI.

Jane Higgins in the West End, Fortuna, facing the choppy Atlantic
jhigginswear at islands.vi
St Thomas, US Virgin Islands

- hint of winter, hospitality,have nots and hurricane hunters

By "Jane Higgins" <jhigginswear at islands.vi>
Date: Tue, 7 Sep 2010 15:20:24 -0400

Night before last we experienced a hint of winter with a tiny bit of cooling

breeze, swaying trees, clear sky and plenty of stars. At 2:30 am this morning

loads of thunder shook us back into the reality of storm season. What

was left of Gaston was blowing out some energy and now appears to have

ruined what was a sunny day. The seas are up, the sky is washed into the

horizon, fast moving feather metal clouds and blowing rain seems to be

on the menu now.

We had some reports of how true hospitality during unsettled weather

works. One of our best hotels opened up all the lobby bars, called

the guests into mingle ,play board games, watch movies and have

some fun during last weeks visit from Earl. At the same time another

big name franchised hotel with guest rooms along outdoor walkways

gave their guests brown bag lunches around 2pm and sent them to be

alone in their rooms without any information and certainly no fun planned.

Those guests of course will probably not return to that hotel. Hospitality is

simply good manners. I wonder where the manager of the big name franchise

hotel learned his?

There are some folks STILL without electricity on St Thomas as of this

afternoon. It is obvious that if you can prepare yourself with a

generator as part of of your storm survival tools, you should. It only takes

one fallen tree to wipe out a small neighborhood from the convenience

of the plug in type.

A friend from St Croix talked to a hurricane hunter there today and they

are leaving island, as we have the all clear now for about 12 days we hope!

That is the GOOD NEWS.

Stay alert, Dave is usually right.

Jane Higgins in Fortuna facing the Atlantic, West End St Thomas

jhigginswear at islands.vi

REMEMBER HAITI donate to
www.usvihaitianrelief.org

- Gaston

By Ronnie <ronusvi at aol.com>
Date: Tue, 7 Sep 2010 14:32:47 -0400

We've got remnants. Thankfully he didn't reorganize. Can do that after these 
remnants pass some wind and rain now but not much yet. 

Ronnie Lockhart

Sent from Ronnie's iPhone

- TD Gaston?

By Delia Jones <delia6667 at yahoo.com>
Date: Sat, 4 Sep 2010 12:42:55 -0700 (PDT)

Afternoon STT! Gaston will probably upgraded to a TD by 8 pm advisory by 
NWS-NOAA. At 2 pm, he was located at 16N 46W, approximately 980 miles from 
Lesser Antilles, moving 12 mph. MBs 1008. Computer Models have Gaston a tad to 
our South, directly over us or 1 is a tad North. I hope not S, because NE 
Quandrant is always the worst side of storm! Delia Jones

- Update

By 9123081512 at txt.att.net
Date: Sat, 4 Sep 2010 14:29:50 -0500

Good Afternoon St Thomas! Gaston will probably upgraded to a TD by 8 pm 
advisory by NWS-NOAA. At 2 pm, he was located at 16N 46W, appr

--
==================================================================
This mobile text message is brought to you by AT&T

- Update

By 9123081512 at txt.att.net
Date: Sat, 4 Sep 2010 14:25:24 -0500

Good Afternoon St Thomas! Gaston will probably upgraded to a TD by 8 pm 
advisory by NWS-NOAA. At 2 pm, he was located at 16N 46W, appr

--
==================================================================
This mobile text message is brought to you by AT&T

- To Gaston or not Gaston

By Ronnie <ronusvi at aol.com>
Date: Sat, 4 Sep 2010 14:33:23 -0400

We have to sit and wait to see if he reforms. 80% chance right now. He? If 
resurrected, we may see him by Tuesday or Wednesday. 

Ronnie Lockhart 

Sent from Ronnie's iPhone

- POWER GUILT AND SAHARA DUST.

By "Jane Higgins" <jhigginswear at islands.vi>
Date: Sat, 4 Sep 2010 12:20:13 -0400

Good Morning Islanders,

There are still some friends and neighbors without power since Monday at 7:30 am,

we feel guilty about that, we've had power since late Tuesday. The questions you

ask when greeting someone these days is "everything okay? did you get power

yet?", then when you get the glare back you know you should not have asked. There

are folks staying in hotels to get a shower and relief from the heat. Driving from west

end to east end yesterday and back a different way gave a clearer view of the trees

and foliage that is missing after Earl. He just didn't sound that scary really. But

the spareness of leaves and trees leaves us all more exposed to the sun and ambient

light. A few huge old iguanas in our bush are working hard at getting all warmed up

again and waiting for the dainty new foliage that should appear soon.

Looks like the dust from the Sahara put Gaston on a back burner and we hope

he remains a boring passing rain blotch.

We put the two solar panels for the swimming pool back up just now but will wait

for more positive news to put the remaining panels up. This gives them a chance

for a major cleaning before re-installation.

The attached picture is from the Virgin Islands DAILY NEWS Sept 1 edition,

as reported earlier our road to the main road blocked in four families and we worked

with our neighbors to clear it. See my quote. Our chainsaw saved the day for

the neighbors.

It is hazy with a slight breeze here on the north side of Fortuna in West End St Thomas

facing a pretty calm Atlantic with a slight swell. And real hot that is for sure.

Let us know your feelings about the next 10 day window, have to be in Orlando

for a trade show on Thursday and hoping for some clarity soon.

Back to raking and chopping bush.

Jane Higgins

jhigginswear at islands.vi

St Thomas

Attachment: after Earl.jpg
Description: JPEG image

- Gaston

By Ronnie <ronusvi at aol.com>
Date: Thu, 2 Sep 2010 14:25:45 -0400

Looks like we will be Gaston soon. Should send him back to Algiers. 

Ronnie Lockhart

Sent from Ronnie's iPhone

- Question for Anguilla

By "Jane Higgins" <jhigginswear at islands.vi>
Date: Wed, 1 Sep 2010 14:54:02 -0400

Hi Steve in Anguilla,

Can you say how folks in Welch's Village might have fared?

We have friends there. thanks

Jane Higgins
jhigginswear at islands.vi

St. Thomas, US Virgin Islands

- Earl The Lumberjack.....Emailing: IMG_0367

By "Jane Higgins" <jhigginswear at islands.vi>
Date: Wed, 1 Sep 2010 08:45:02 -0400

Good Morning,

The picture attached depicts the blocked road out we experienced yesterday.

We live at the dead end of a country gravel/mud road with four houses on it.

There is one way out to the main road that is the one way out to town.

The white house you see in the picture thru the fallen trees is on the other side

of the road to town. Two huge genip trees came down within feet of our power

lines at the end of our little mud road.

The best part of the aftermath of any storm is the neighborhood checkup.

All of the neighbors walked out early Tuesday morning to see if the road was clear

and when seeing it was not, joined together with handsaws,

machetes,clippers, snippers, and a ton of sweat to get it done. My husband's

chainsaw was the late comer; after an overhaul, made it to the event in time to

cut down the widest trunks that a hand tool would never have been able to do.

The feeling you get when you are all working together, gabbing about how it

went and chewing on a fallen genip (tastes just like a sweet tart)

makes up for allot of the hassle of island living during hurricane season.

Earl was a lumberjack. With winds straight north to south most of the time,

we were able to leave our east door shutters cracked open for a little air and

light. The high speed whistling that we've heard from past experiences didn't

seem to happen, and we were feeling like Earl was being kind to us. When

we took a look outside during calmer times we realized he must have had his

moments. We lost multiple trees, they just cracked in half on the south

side of our house, and fell south due to the north wind, very lucky there, any

falling towards the other direction would have ended up on our roof. Our 9 year

old lime tree was bent over to the ground, a saturated trunk looking like a big

noodle, same for our taller Christmas bush, a few ropes, rocks and stakes

and they are standing again. We noticed that the sugar and humming birds

were looking for their feeders. Flying in the gusts of wind, the little birds look like debris.

Speaking of debris, this is not the time you want a swimming pool.

Most of the action started around Monday at 4 a.m., and the power was out

from 7:30 am Monday til later in the afternoon on Tuesday. We were very happy

to have the generator. We used it for several hours later Monday to cool down

the fridge and run the water pump. Being able to flush, take a quick cold shower,

and drink a cold beer make a generator worth every dime. We played gin

rummy for hours and will leave the deck and score card out for Fiona. (It is

2345 to 2235 right now !) Never knowing how long the powerless aftermath will

last you never run that generator for too long at a time.

We hear that Anegada BVI got slammed really hard, but folks are safe. Tortola

had quite a jump up in the harbor and their are some damaged boats. The airplanes

that went to Ponce were tied down and safe according to a pilot that flew over them

yesterday afternoon.

We are completely saturated, that is the issue now; we've had a very wet summer,

and any rain that Fiona brings will uproot more trees, cause landslides and make

it truly dangerous to drive. Today is another day of clean up, clearing drains,

hoping for some sun to dry anything out, keeping the drill going.

Sorry to see that Fiona has slowed to 12 mph in forward momentum, not good at all,

(remember Hortense?) but her northern push seems to be earlier

than Earl's as she chases him. Betting Dave is right and that Earl will just add Fiona to

his strength , hoping he sets his GPS to the east into the middle of the Atlantic.

What was a furious north sea yesterday has calmed to 1-3 ft seas today. The horizon

is hazier than yesterday afternoon. You can still hear running water in the guts.

Fiona will want her attention too.

Stay safe and let us know how you are doing.

Jane Higgins in West End Fortuna, the Atlantic Side, St Thomas US Virgin Islands

jhigginswear at islands.vi

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- IMG00451-20100831-1405.jpg

By "Terrie Pantusco" <pantusco at aol.com>
Date: Tue, 31 Aug 2010 18:33:33 +0000

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- St thomas, East End

By "Terrie Pantusco" <pantusco at aol.com>
Date: Tue, 31 Aug 2010 18:33:03 +0000

Estate Nazareth. Only have email access via phone now but will post more photos 
later. Big cleanup now ! We lost all our power transformers here on my street. 
Thank god for generator!! Terrie Pantusco, Caribbean Saloon
Sent on the Sprint® Now Network from my BlackBerry®

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- The morning after

By Ronnie <ronusvi at aol.com>
Date: Tue, 31 Aug 2010 07:30:20 -0400

Things look good. Downed trees. One capsized boat that I can see. Slight wind. 
Now to look out for Fiona!
Ronnie Lockhart



Sent from Ronnie's iPhone

- sorry about the sort of duplicate post

By ronusvi at aol.com
Date: Mon, 30 Aug 2010 17:34:01 -0400

- Now it really starts

By ronusvi at aol.com
Date: Mon, 30 Aug 2010 17:32:20 -0400

He is north of us on the way to Pueto Rico. Wind and rain has picked up. White caps in the harbor, still coming from the west. Now a Cat4!! We will be okay in an hour or so.

Ronnie Lockhart

- This is it

By ronusvi at aol.com
Date: Mon, 30 Aug 2010 17:25:32 -0400

Seems like it's finally picking up. Wind much strong, rain, white caps in the harbor! Earl is directly north of us. Cat4!! OMG, what a change. Hopefully it will be done soon.

Ronnie Lockhart

- Another shot

By Ronnie <ronusvi at aol.com>
Date: Mon, 30 Aug 2010 11:21:38 -0400



Sent from Ronnie's iPhone

- Earl

By Ronnie <ronusvi at aol.com>
Date: Mon, 30 Aug 2010 10:53:27 -0400

A few minutes ago. It comes and goes so far!

Ronnie Lockhart



Sent from Ronnie's iPhone

- Wake Up Call

By "Jane Higgins" <jhigginswear at islands.vi>
Date: Mon, 30 Aug 2010 06:59:55 -0400

Good Morning,

Not sure if there was much sleep involved, have been up since 2:30 am

listening to wind and seas build. Then out on the deck by 5:30am for

last minute run around the house and dog walk.

The airport reports 38mph winds and gusts up to 42mph. Really don't

want to know what 90mph feels like. We are encouraged by

Earl's trip to the north.

The power is blinking off and on , sending now...Seas very rough,

grey skies and plenty wind. Rain is misting.

Take care and stay safe.

Jane Higgins
jhigginswear at islands.vi
the northwest side facing the Atlantic,

Fortuna
St. Thomas, US Virgin Islands

- Here we go

By ronusvi at aol.com
Date: Mon, 30 Aug 2010 05:34:03 -0400

Winds picking up. Gusts here an there. Shutters to be closing. Hope all goes well for everyone. Will report what I can.

Ronnie Lockhart on Synagogue Hill

- Terie caribbean Saloon post

By PANTUSCO at aol.com
Date: Mon, 30 Aug 2010 00:54:15 EDT

Ok, Gert, luv ya..... and I (thanks to Gert) have had this "Hurricane Correspondent" status for MANY years but I ONLY do it when the S*** hits the fan...... Well I just walked my dogs and got a wind gust that freaked out my 20lb sheltie badly..... he almost fell down ! Anyway, we are all ready for this but whoever thinks this may be nothing has never been through years of experience here. NEVER let your guard down but hope and pray for the best. More to come....Best to all of you and much xoxoxoxo"s :-) Terrie, Caribbean Saloon

- Pissarro Pink Sunset

By "Jane Higgins" <jhigginswear at islands.vi>
Date: Sun, 29 Aug 2010 19:52:55 -0400

St Thomas was the home of a the young Camille Pissarro,

the famous impressionist that then moved onto France to

finish his artistic journey. Tonight we had a Pissarro sunset

for sure; brilliant pink, periwinkles, aquas and all smoky blues.

It was spectacular.

We are gusty for sure, 15-25 mph winds all afternoon have helped

cool down the continuous job of walking the perimeters, securing

one more thing one more time.

Our good neighbors just helped us move the solar

panels down from the roof and into the guest shower stall, and

they all fit pretty neatly. Seems like a hassle but well worth it when the

electric bill comes.

We cooled down nicely watching the swirling in the tallest pine

treetops and glad we are ready.

Looks like Earl has moved north abit and we hope he decides

to keep going. The slowing down of forward momentum is worrisome,

from 21, to 18 , to 17, and now 14 mph it not a good sign but

am more worried about those that will have to face Earl in a few more

days.

We expect ports will be closed for at least the next 36 hours.

Let us know how you are doing, and stay safe.

Jane Higgins in Estate Fortuna on the Atlantic Side, St Thomas

jhigginswear at islands.vi

- Red Sky This Morning

By "Jane Higgins" <jhigginswear at islands.vi>
Date: Sun, 29 Aug 2010 10:12:15 -0400

Good Morning,

Dawn broke with a red sky and lumpy clouds to the northeast of us. The Atlantic is up,

you can hear waves breaking below from our deck at 650 feet. Now we are feeling a slight

breeze that will help while we are on the roof taking down the solar panels.

It ain't easy being green!

Will the neighbors bring in their dogs during the storm?

Might as well be ready for the rest of the season and look forward to a day at home

tomorrow. Let us know how it goes as it goes on your island.

From the North West Side of St Thomas facing the Atlantic,

Fortuna.

Jane Higgins
jhigginswear at islands.vi

REMEMBER HAITI donate to
www.usvihaitianrelief.org

- let's hear from Barbuda Please

By "Jane Higgins" <jhigginswear at islands.vi>
Date: Sat, 28 Aug 2010 22:41:19 -0400

I'm with Steve in Anguilla, we need to hear from Barbuda soon...

expecting Earl to do what we want instead of what he is going to do

makes us abit delusional.

The two cells seemed to have pulled together to create a larger sloppier

picture at this point. Let us know how your weather is now.

We are STILL and calm and it appears to have cooled down abit

in last hour. The seas north and south are looking like ice skating

rinks. Some puffy clouds to the east and a large vapor platter surrounds the

moon.

Keep in touch, we need your input now.

Some cruise ships have cancelled calls for next two days here.

Jane Higgins Fortuna, West End St Thomas
jhigginswear at islands.vi

- Planes are ready are you?

By "Jane Higgins" <jhigginswear at islands.vi>
Date: Sat, 28 Aug 2010 10:21:57 -0400

Good Morning,

Reality hit today when my aviator husband spent most of the morning

on the phone with pilots and mechanics discussing their plans to fly out on

Sunday afternoon to safer airstrips. The crush to pack local hangars tight

with aircraft is the puzzle lovers challenge every year.

And now he has fired up the generator.....so serious is the game this weekend.

The Atlantic could not be any flatter. It was 86 degrees by 8:15 this morning,

and the sweaty work begins again.

The weeks of outside clean up will pay off today. The best case would be

a sloppy smack, but as saturated as we are now after the rainiest summer

in memory, any amount of rain will run off and pool up quickly.

Stay in touch, let us know how you are doing, be ready now.

Jane Higgins in Fortuna, West End,

Facing the Flat Atlantic, St Thomas,

Virgin Islands

jhigginswear at islands.vi

WE ARE THANKFUL FOR A ROOF OVER OUR HEAD

REMEMBER HAITI

www.usvihaitianrelief.org

- Earl

By ronusvi at aol.com
Date: Fri, 27 Aug 2010 18:15:41 -0400

Chicken Littles are out there already squawking. Have to give it a day or so to see what he is up too. No need ofr panic. Hope my generator guy was here today!

Ronnie Lockhart

- Sahara Horizon, hot and sweaty

By "Jane Higgins" <jhigginswear at islands.vi>
Date: Thu, 19 Aug 2010 16:55:26 -0400

Good Afternoon,

When the temp showed 86 degrees earlier this morning we knew we

were in for some sweating today. There is no horizon now, just Sahara

dust. We've had a couple of light passing showers cool things

down abit. We are looking forward to some calmer weather for

a few days now with all eyes towards Africa.

Not many of us use air conditioning in our homes , and sweating into

the keyboard on the computer desk is becoming common now.

The good news is, a tiny breath of a breeze is moving the genip tree that

is covered in chatting parakeets.

Stay cool .

Jane Higgins

Fortuna, West End

St Thomas

jhigginswear at islands.vi

REMEMBER HAITI donate to
www.usvihaitianrelief.org

- LOTS OF THUNDER AND RAIN

By "Jane Higgins" <jhigginswear at islands.vi>
Date: Mon, 9 Aug 2010 14:39:58 -0400

GOOD AFTERNOON,

WE JUST HAD 2 HOURS OF VERY CLOSE THUNDER, TEMPS DROPPED DRAMATICALLY,

AND IN A VERY SHORT TIME AT LEAST 2 INCHES OF RAIN CAME STRAIGHT DOWN.

EARLIER IN THE MORNING THE RAIN CAME IN SWIRLING MOTIONS, ALLOT FROM THE

SOUTH.

WHATEVER JUST PASSED SOUNDED LIKE IT INTENDS TO BUILD UP.

STAY DRY. WE SEE BLUE SKY TOWARDS THE EAST.

ENJOY THE COOLER AIR.

JANE HIGGINS IN FORTUNA

NORTHWEST SIDE FACING THE

ATLANTIC ST THOMAS

jhigginswear at islands.vi

REMEMBER HAITI donate to
www.usvihaitianrelief.org

- BLOB BY S.AMERICA

By "Jane Higgins" <jhigginswear at islands.vi>
Date: Wed, 4 Aug 2010 09:01:41 -0400

Good Morning,

Today another really hot day started at around 5:30 am with not a hint of breeze. Had

to open the entire house up looking for cooler air.

Thanks to Super Dave for validating me on the blob by Venezuela, I saw a perfect

circle forming a few days back and no one mentioned it. It is roasting here on land

and sea and the swimming pool is a hot tub now.

Stay focused, keep picking things off those decks, move the potted plants further out,

harvest the fruit daily, in a few weeks you will be so glad you did.

Let us know how you are preparing.

When watering the potted lemon tree from cistern water while the water pump

was running on solar energy this morning, it came to me how much closer to

independence island folks are then allot of the "real" world.

Stay cool.

Jane Higgins

Fortuna, Atlantic Side

St Thomas West End

jhigginswear at islands.vi

REMEMBER HAITI donate to
www.usvihaitianrelief.org

- Colin

By ronusvi at aol.com
Date: Tue, 03 Aug 2010 11:22:48 -0400

As far as I see it, Colin will pass to our North. We should get some rain and errant winds. It's blowing a little already!

Ronnie Lockhart

- HOT HOT ICKY HOT

By "Jane Higgins" <jhigginswear at islands.vi>
Date: Tue, 3 Aug 2010 10:04:35 -0400

Good Morning,

Yesterday and last night were the hottest it's been in a while. It was a record breaker

at 92. This all adds up to a great environment for you know

what. We are keeping an eye towards the East, and the North sky at this moment

turned steel grey within a matter of minutes. Wish we could turn the fans past their

highest speed!

Pay attention... procrastinators better get with the prep program fast now.

From steely cloudy Fortuna,

St Thomas West End

Jane Higgins

jhigginswear at islands.vi

REMEMBER HAITI donate to
www.usvihaitianrelief.org

- DUST, SUNSHINE AND A Big DC3 Adventure

By "Jane Higgins" <jhigginswear at islands.vi>
Date: Sun, 25 Jul 2010 12:16:54 -0400

GOOD MORNING SUNSHINE AT LAST.....

Looks like Sahara Dust and sunshine are going to help dry things out around here.

If the dust keeps the storms away it is a good dust. We have had plenty plenty

rain for now, and looking the greenest we've ever seen it in July. The fruit trees

are bursting with huge genips, mangoes, starfruit and more. The parakeets are

happy chattering and chewing away at all.

The attached photo is a vintage DC 3 that my pilot/mechanic husband is flying to

Wisconsin in right now. Many islanders have stories of DC 3's in the Caribbean.

We moved to St Thomas because of Four Star Air Cargo's DC 3s, a closed chapter

now.

My husband Jay was invited to be the on board mechanic for Ron Alexander's

DC3 N28AA flight to up to the EAA International Fly In in Oshkosh Wisconsin this week.

Literally thousands of antique, restored , military and some handbuilt airplanes descend on

Oshkosh every year about this time. The WEATHER will be the big story this year.

EAA = Experimental Aircraft Association, see www.eaa.org.

Jay invited Uncle Ted (from S.Carolina) and they started their DC3 adventure yesterday

flying from Thomaston Airport, Georgia to Bloomington , Indiana arriving early evening

last night. They have now landed this morning in soggy Oshkosh, Wisconsin. The Oshkosh

grass landing strips are saturated and surrounding campgrounds and parking

areas are marshy. The Alexander DC3 is part of the show so has space reserved on

the strip and tarmac. EAA has their hands full with drying out the field and they are hoping

that Mother Nature cooperates.

Weather and aviation are co-partners. Let's hope the showers go south for them.

FLYING magazine is featuring the Alexander DC3 trip in their coverage of the EAA show this year.

Stay tuned to Jay and Ted's big adventure. For more information on this special DC3 see

http://www.sunshineskies.net/n28aa4.html

Embrace the sunshine, with warm humid regards,

Jane Higgins

Fortuna, Northwest side of St Thomas USVI

jhigginswear at islands.vi

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- Rain continues

By ronusvi at aol.com
Date: Wed, 21 Jul 2010 18:30:47 -0400

Was a beautiful morning, turned to rain in the afternoon. Watch out Turks and Caicos and the Bahama chain! It's your turn.

Ronnie Lockhart

- 3 RIVERS AND SOME SUN

By "Jane Higgins" <jhigginswear at islands.vi>
Date: Wed, 21 Jul 2010 14:02:56 -0400

Good Afternoon,

We are hoping for a dryer day than yesterday, but the sunshine is turning to grey soup pretty

fast right now. We received at least 9 inches of rain over the last 32 hours here on the west

end of St Thomas in Fortuna. The sea was flat yesterday as the storm clouds started building

up and racing for some magnetic point towards the northwest . The speed of the build up

was fantastic and full of electricity. The phone lines are now full of static and I hope this email

gets thru.

Attached is a photo of our driveway forming 3 rivers and spilling down into our lower yard, the

poor lime tree in the center of it all will need some new soil filled in after this is all over. We will

not need to pressure wash those steps now, that is for sure.

Many times we have seen these fast flowing streams build up around our house over the last

10 years, but yesterday was the first time we had waterfalls coming off the 7 foot wall above

our driveway. We are hoping that the next wave is not quite so wet.

Take care and stay dry.

Jane Higgins

jhigginswear at islands.vi

in St Thomas West End facing the Atlantic

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- Rain

By ronusvi at aol.com
Date: Wed, 21 Jul 2010 11:10:59 -0400

There has been so much rain thus month and last month, wonder what our years' rain will end up. Cars were looking to float away. Saw folks in waist deep water wading while their cars had water up to the side mirrors! Hope everything will recede today.

Ronnie Lockhart

- Invest 97L

By Delia Jones <delia6667 at yahoo.com>
Date: Wed, 21 Jul 2010 03:50:40 -0700 (PDT)

Morning St Thomas! The large Tropical System, Invest 97L remains over St 
Thomas. This trough is from 23N 65W to 16N 67W. This system, combined a deep 
upper moisture layer, can  cause heavy rainfall and gusty winds today! NWS has 
issued Flash Flood Watch til 8 00 pm AST. Last night at 11 30 pm, a vehicle hit 
water in the road and crashed in front of my home. Be careful!

- Re: Invest 97L - Correction from St. Thomas

By Delia Jones <delia6667 at yahoo.com>
Date: Tue, 20 Jul 2010 05:55:33 -0700 (PDT)

Morning All,

We are under a Flash Flood Watch not warning. Also, the NWS has extended this FFW until 8:00 pm this evening. Further, it appears these thunderstorms will linger through Wednesday. Then another Wave or area of significant moisture is expected to come in late Wednesday night and early Thursday morning and will continue through Thursday evening.

Looks like a very wet week for us here in St. Thomas and surrounding local areas of USVI and Puerto Rico.

Delia Jones, St. Thomas, USVI

- Invest 97L

By Delia Jones <delia6667 at yahoo.com>
Date: Tue, 20 Jul 2010 05:37:35 -0700 (PDT)

Good Morning St. Thomas.

It seems Invest 97L has become better organized with NOAA giving it a 40% chance of development from the 10% yesterday. Although its current location varies from model to model, I will go with the conservative one that has this vigorous Tropical Wave at 18.4 N 67W. Regardless of Latitude and Longitude of the center of this Tropical Wave whether it is slightly North of St. Thomas, this vigorous Tropical Wave located near Puerto Rico is producing a large area of thunderstorms accompanied by lightening across St. Thomas and adjacent waters. The thunderstorms across our area have become more concentrated, but at present there is little to no signs of surface circulation. And, as I am typing this report, I just heard extremely loud thunder accompanied by a very close lightening strike.

Invest 97L is moving west-northwestward at 5 to 10 mph. And, regardless of development, we are experiencing locally heavy rainfall and gusty winds that will more than likely affect our area throughout the day and possibly into tomorrow due to an upper level moisture trough converging with the Wave. NWS has issued a Flash Flood Warning for U.S. Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico. And, while driving to work this morning, the streets were already flooding and I saw several large boulders that had fallen into the road. Be careful out there!

Delia Jones, St. Thomas, USVI

- MICRO BURST JUST NOW!

By "Jane Higgins" <jhigginswear at islands.vi>
Date: Wed, 23 Jun 2010 13:28:57 -0400

Wow! About 5 minutes ago all was still and grey, and then POW!!!!

A burst of wind and rain from all directions that I have never seen come

on so strong and so quickly. It blew rain thru my house to the back

interior wall thru the open patio doors!

And now it is completely calm.

These bursts are very tricky for landing a plane.

We have had so much rain at this point, easy to say the soil is saturated

and the mold is growing wild. We did enjoy some hours of sunshine today;

enough to let me send you this message via solar power.

Take care, stay dry and hope Haiti doesn't get all the rain we did.

Jane Higgins, northwest side of St Thomas

jhigginswear at islands.vi

REMEMBER HAITI donate to
www.usvihaitianrelief.org

- Invest 93L

By Delia Jones <delia6667 at yahoo.com>
Date: Mon, 21 Jun 2010 17:53:24 -0700 (PDT)

Good Evening from St Thomas. It appears the Tropical Wave, also known as Invest 
93L, will mainly pass South of us. However, the rain and thunderstorms we are 
experiencing tonight are a product of the outer feeder bands of this TW. Due to 
8 inches of rain in last 48 hours, saturated soil may cause more flooding and 
erosion. Be safe! Cordelia Jones. STT.

- Morning From St Thomas!

By Delia Jones <delia6667 at yahoo.com>
Date: Mon, 21 Jun 2010 03:19:53 -0700 (PDT)

Is that the Sun I see this am? Welcome sight!  There is, however, another 
Tropical Wave to the Southeast of us located at 14N 62W, moving northwest at 10 
kts. This TW is producing thunderstorms and squally weather, but somewhat 
disorganized. NHC gives 20 percent chance of cyclone formation. Even so, it is 
possible this TW could bring more rains and wind to USVI in couple days. 
Cordelia Jones. STT.

- A few more pictures

By ronusvi at aol.com
Date: Sun, 20 Jun 2010 21:51:02 -0400

- Waterfalls, full cisterns, overflowing pool

By "Jane Higgins" <jhigginswear at islands.vi>
Date: Sun, 20 Jun 2010 11:27:06 -0400

Good Soggy Morning...

We water lovers are so excited about the 3 1/2 " of rain we've received

from around 6pm last night. Add that to the 6" we had in the previous 48

hours and we feel like we've hit the aqua lottery. The traditional mini

falls surround our house, with enough time between downpours we are

not seeing any new erosion. The pool is to the top and the rain is

down to sprinkles now. We had a baby category 1 around 8:30 a.m. today

that slammed the doors and poured rain in from every direction, that

blast was brief but enough to top off the auxiliary cistern again.

I will look in the archives to see if we've had this kind of rain in past

mid-Junes. It gives us enough water to pressure wash more mold.

The clouds seem to be pushing northward and we see it raining into the

Atlantic, anything to bring our ocean temperatures down now would be

very welcome.

Let's keep our thoughts with the Haitians that may have to deal with this

rain in very trying circumstances. The storms look like they are splitting

to north and south and maybe Haiti will get a break.

The sugar birds are competing with the tree frogs in volume today, it

is just dark enough that the frogs are blasting their dusk songs.

We are so much luckier than many on our planet. Stay safe and dry today.

Jane Higgins , from West End Fortuna, facing the steel grey Atlantic,

St. Thomas, US Virgin Islands

jhigginswear at islands.vi

REMEMBER HAITI donate to
www.usvihaitianrelief.org

- Waterfalls, full cisterns, overflowing pool

By "Jane Higgins" <jhigginswear at islands.vi>
Date: Sun, 20 Jun 2010 16:20:09 -0400