Anguilla - Local Reports (Caribbean Hurricane Network)

- - - 2012 Hurricane Season - - -

- Whales

From: Joanie Howard <joanie.howard1 at googlemail.com>
Date: Mon, 15 Apr 2013 11:10:13 +0100

A few weeks ago I posted that we had seen a pod of humpbacks while going out to dive, I attach a few pics taken by the lovely Sandy Gleed from Buffalo NY who I have been diving with recently.

As far as I know the weather is lovely in Anguillla, pretty awful here, rain and 50MPH winds.

My best to all,

Little Bay Barn

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- Rain finally

From: Joanie Howard <joanie.howard1 at googlemail.com>
Date: Sun, 31 Mar 2013 23:54:29 +0100

We got 1.25 of an inch last night and it was wonderful music to the ears to lie in bed and hear it gurgling into the cistern.

Looks like Puerto Rico is getting it now. Thanks to the Rain Dance Goddess.

A couple of pics of the finish of the big boat race coming into Island Harbour during the Festival Del Mar today.

Have a great night,

Searocks

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- Finally some sort of wetness

From: Joanie Howard <joanie.howard1 at googlemail.com>
Date: Sun, 31 Mar 2013 00:20:27 -0000

I can hardly believe it but it is finally trying to rain a bit, not particularly good news for the festival del Mar which is going on in Island Harbour as I write (see an assortment of pics from today) but beggars can't be choosers and we are grateful for any rain we can get at the moment, It will probably be a pathetic amount which I will put on tomorrows post. I have to say I went green with envy when I saw Culebra post of an inch last night and we got zilch!

Have a great night (wet?)

Searocks

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- What rain?

From: Joanie Howard <joanie.howard1 at googlemail.com>
Date: Fri, 29 Mar 2013 01:05:22 -0000

This is what rain looks like in Aguilla at the moment, it doesn't even reach the suface of the planet. St. Martin was very fortunate, we were diving Anguillita yesterday morning and could hardly see St. Martin for the rain that was falling there, whoever did the rain dance please do one for Anguilla.

Have a Happy Easter everyone,

Searocks

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- Still no rain but whales instead

From: Joanie Howard <joanie.howard1 at googlemail.com>
Date: Sat, 23 Mar 2013 21:42:30 -0000

We are still desperately dry here in Anguilla, more so on the eastern end of the island where I live. The western end seems to get some of the rain that is attracted by the mountains of St. Martin and is always greener than Island Harbour area. the current temp is 80F and the water temp on this mornings lovely dive at Little Scrub Island was 77F. Current rainfall on the Searocks for March is a meagre .24 of an inch.

However, the Gods were smiling on us today, on our way from Sandy Ground to Scrub, about a mile from Scrub I was chatting away (as one does) to one of my dive chums, the ocean was deep blue (it is very deep water around there) and pretty calm for the Atlantic when I suddenly said, I shouldn't be chatting I should be looking for Whales and I turned around and looked to the north, and there they were, a pod of Humpbacks, I estimate 10-12, I counted 8 on one suface. They were travelling fast eastward blowing as they went, we followed alongside in the boat for about 15 minutes and before they left us 2 showed us their flukes and 1 (I think it was showing off) breached and came right out of the water, leaving only it's tail in the sea. What an amazing joyful sight it was, as though someone had given us the biggest present. Sorry I didn't have my camara, the description will have to suffice. I can however post a pic of small brown dog on the porch looking for Whales.

Have a great night everyone,

Searocks

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- Huge seas again

From: Joanie Howard <joanie.howard1 at googlemail.com>
Date: Mon, 11 Mar 2013 00:05:21 -0000

I am sorry to report that this large storm mid Atlantic is sending us some very big seas that are taking the sand away in front of Gwen's at shoal bay at a tremendous rate, and this won't be the only place where it is happening. It is the first time I have been really worried that she might lose her dance floor, and the seas are not forecast to ease up for a few days yet. Still no rain except for a sprinkle, we have had .21 of an inch so far in March, and no chance of any diving either. I attach a couple of pics one from a few years ago and a couple from today to show how much of the beach, not to mention about 6 palm trees that have fallen as well, has eroded. I know the ocean will come and go as it pleases, but it is a sadness to see.

Have a good night all,

Searocks

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- 5 Minutes of RAIN

From: Joanie Howard <joanie.howard1 at googlemail.com>
Date: Tue, 5 Mar 2013 20:56:09 -0000

We had .46 of an inch of rain here on the Searocks for the whole of Feb, even the government water has gone onto rationing, however in the last 15 minutes we had a reasonable squall and I could actually here it running into the cistern and when I looked outside all the plants and trees were laughing, well, anyway smiling. The wheather has been beautiful but very very dry. Last Saturday I had lunch with my lovely guests from Vermont at Rendevous Bay and we sat and gazed admiringly and enviously on the Yatch 'A' anchored just off the beach, Saba rising above St. Martin and the Heineken Regatta in the background (see pic). designed by Phillipe Stark she is stunning and when I was diving on Sunday morning on the wreck Sarah and looked back at her from the ocean she almost looked like Concord lying in the bay sunning herself. We Then we had a magnificent sunset on Saturday night with all the colours of the rainbow, if that isn't a contradiction of terms (another pic), and lastly my friend Meta (one of the StormCarib correspondents from Bermuda) sent me this lovely photo of the Bermuda Longtail (Greater Tropic Bird) coming in to nest on the shore. So a bit of Caribbean eyecandy for everyone.

Current temp is 77F on the porch in the breeze and I am doing my rain dance.

Have a great night where ever you are.

Searocks

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- No Rain yet

From: Joanie Howard <joanie.howard1 at googlemail.com>
Date: Sun, 24 Feb 2013 22:46:46 -0000

Still very dry here on the Searocks, a total of about half an inch so far for Feb, not enough by a long shot. Temperature perfect however, about 84F in the day time and about 10 degrees lower at night which makes for great sleeping, strong cool breeze from the north/east and of course the most beautiful of full moons. Yesterday evening I sat and watched the sun go down, the moon come up over the ocean and felt the cool breeze against my skin and was so glad I wasn't watching television.

Gwen's was great today, lots of friends, old and new, and the talented Ralph played his harmonica with the scratch band which was terrific, I wish I could somehow put the music in my post, but you'll have to go onto Utube for that, sadly Mole our Bongo player has a cut finger so we are missing him. Small Brown Dog was once again a little star and had many pats from fans and her picture taken endlessly. See pics.

Have a great night where ever you are.

Searocks

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- Spider Story

From: Joanie Howard <joanie.howard1 at googlemail.com>
Date: Sun, 17 Feb 2013 23:41:20 -0000

Another magic day here in Anguilla, blue blue sky, beautiful darker blue ocean, cool breeze and temp about 82F, a bit hazy but I think that is the Sahara Sand. We are still very dry and I'm afraid I had to bite the bullet and order a load of water which arrived delivered by the boss man himself just before I went down to Gwen's, service in Anguilla can oftentimes be exceedingly good. Gwen's on the other hand was happy chaos, more small children than I have ever seen there (I suppose it is the American half term holiday) most of them enchanting one or two one could have done without. I was brought up that children should be seen and not heard, this was not exactly the case at Gwen's today. Good fun was had by all though.

Now the wretched spider (see pics). It is one of the large spindley orange ones we get here that can jump incredibly far and run incredibly fast but otherwise as far as I know are fairly harmless. Well this particular lady spider had decided that my rain gauge was the perfect place to lay her hundreds of eggs. I had turfed her out twice, hopping around so that she didn't run over my bare toes but the day before yesterday she was back had woven two webs and was well settled so I decided it was time to seriously dissuade her. I mixed up some clorox and water and poured it into the rain gauge. She scuttled to the top and lurked, and I thought, I'm sorry but you have to find somewhere else, and then she heaved herself out and I thought I had done her in, but a few hours later when I came back from the bank there she still was, so I took a stick, brushed her off and away she went. I hope she does not return.

Have a great night everyone.

Searocks

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- Big Sea from the North

From: Joanie Howard <joanie.howard1 at googlemail.com>
Date: Tue, 12 Feb 2013 21:34:22 -0000

This is the second time this season I have noticed that when the sea becomes crystal clear and you think it is perfect for diving and snorkling the next day the torrent is raging. Sunday was flat calm and beautiful and yesterday we started to have huge rollers coming in from the north, I think it is to do with the Nor'easter that hit New England last weekend. The south side of the Island is not too bad but see the attached pics taken by my guests from Vermont of Captain's bay which incidently for you Anguillaphiles out there is the one beach on the Island where you should never swim, there is a huge undertow and have been several drownings over the years.

There will be no diving for a day or two, just as well having a cold at the moment.

A good evening to all,

Searocks

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- Trivia from Anguilla

From: Joanie Howard <joanie.howard1 at googlemail.com>
Date: Sun, 10 Feb 2013 22:13:46 -0000

Stormcarib has been quiet lately and us correspondents don't realise how many people read and enjoy our posts. Today walking the beach with The Small Brown Dog at least 4 people stopped me and said why hadn't I been reporting as often as before? I have to admit I have been slightly intimidated by alot of other correspondents who say they only report during hurricane season, and I thought I have only been boring people with this and that. Well here is a bit of this and that..

Beautiful day here today 82F, a few whitcaps and a sparkling clear sea. Gwen's was humming, lots of people and I had a wonderful dance with Trevor (aka Animal, for what reason I don't know) he is a terrific dancer. Small Brown Dog sang with the Sctratch Band to everyone's delight. I haven't been diving for about a week on account I have had charming guests from Philadelphia and now more charming guests from Vermont and the last time I went diving it was a drift dive water temp was 75F and I got very cold even though I was waring a full 3 mil wetsuite and at the moment I have a bit of a cold.

Had a lovely dinner at the Sandbar last week and attached is a pic of the sunset as I waited friends to arrive, also some proper West Indian Limes on my lime tree and small brown dog singing. Also a pic of what my wicked daughter in Boston did with the blizzard yesterday outside her back door to tease her brother!

Stay warm where ever you are and have a great night.

Searocks

P.S. had .96 of an inch of rainfall in Jan and so far .24 of an inch for Feb, the water trucks have been busy and my cistern is only just holding it's own.

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- This & that

From: Joanie Howard <joanie.howard1 at googlemail.com>
Date: Mon, 28 Jan 2013 16:22:50 -0000

StormCarib seems to be a bit light on reports currently, so just thought I would check in. We have a stiff breeze here in Anguilla today, lots of whitecaps on a beautiful blue ocean, current temp is about 82F and it is around the 75F at night which is brilliant sleeping weather. Quite a big ground sea running at the moment and the sand is still shifting dramatically at Gwen's, talking of Gwen's I saw a first yesterday (for me anyway) a frenchman dancing away in what I would call his knickers but what I think in America is called underpants, great amusement was had by all.

We are still very dry .71 of an inch so far in January and I may have to buy water this week which I hate to do as it spoils the taste of the rainwater for a bit. The moon was and still is spectacular, I attach a rather bad pic of it coming up over Island Harbour when it was full, my little camara just doesn't do full moons!

I hope the season is going smoothly for all and wish you a happy Feb.

Searocks

P.S. Also attached is a moment of quiet for the small brown dog, taken a second before the proverbial s--- hit the fan!

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- Tiny bit of rain

From: Joanie Howard <joanie.howard1 at googlemail.com>
Date: Fri, 11 Jan 2013 18:59:45 -0000

I am very glad to report that in the last 3 days we have had .36 of an inch of rain here on the Searocks, not nearly enough but better than a slap in the face with a wet fish as they say! We have had strong winds all week, St. Martin radio said we had gusts up to 34MPH yesterday, they have dropped quite alot today though, steady at about 15-24MPH. The current temp is 82F and at night it drops to about 75F which is perfect for sleeping. Seas are roughish but the fishing boats have been out so not too bad.

On Wednesday we had an extraordinary dive on the Pipe (which goes out to sea from the desalinisation plant) we saw nearly everything in minature as it seems to be a nursery for eels, lobsters, fish of all kinds, even saw a Burr Fish which is not common these days, there was however, one drawback, a large Remorra (sucker fish) decided to fall in love with one or other of us and tried to attach itself, quite disarming I have to say, it did manage to make contact with Dougie's knee which he said was the most disgusting sensation he had ever had, I had picked up a large Pen Shell in defence which managed to keep it about 3ft away from me. I have never been so harrassed by a fish diving before!

I attach a couple of pics to take the thought of the Remorra away.

All the best,

Searocks

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- December Rainfall

From: Joanie Howard <joanie.howard1 at googlemail.com>
Date: Wed, 2 Jan 2013 14:19:42 -0000

It is a bright blue and white day here this AM, quite a big ground sea came up yesterday and the waves coming in from the north are breaking and boiling on the reefs. The current temperature is 80F and there is a good strong breeze, the bad news is that here on the Searocks we only had .65 of an inch of rain during the whole of December. Not enough and there doesn't look like there is any coming soon from the Satellite picture.

As an aside, life can be quite onerous for the Small Brown Dog, during her afternoon constitutional yesterday afternoon she found she had to stand in as Matron of Honour for a lovely couple from Alabama who were getting married on the point, see pics!

Have a great day,

Searocks

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- Happy New Year

From: Joanie Howard <joanie.howard1 at googlemail.com>
Date: Tue, 1 Jan 2013 02:16:52 -0000

Happy New Year Everyone from the small brown dog and Anguilla, it has been a great day here, lovely breeze the water temp out on our dive at Dog Island this Am was 82F, it is currently 78F and what's left of the moon has just risen, a magic night, I am off to search for bubbly, fireworks and music.

All the very best,

Searocks

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- Happy Christmas Everyone

From: Joanie Howard <joanie.howard1 at googlemail.com>
Date: Thu, 20 Dec 2012 17:43:53 -0000

Just wanted to wish the best to all for the coming Holiday Season, the 2 pics I attach are of a wonderful sunset about 10 days ago, the bright one was looking to the west and the fainter one was looking east at the same time, I don't think I have ever seen the sky so beautifully lit up. God's paintbox indeed.

Today we have a sparkling day in Anguilla, light breeze from the east and a slight chop on the Atlantic. The current temp is 82F. If I survive the end of the world tomorrow (according to the Mayan Calendar) I hope to be in touch again soon.

Best Wishes to all on Stormcarib, and special thanks and wishes to Gert and Dave for making it all possible.

Searocks

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- Have we finished another Hurricane Season?

From: Joanie Howard <joanie.howard1 at googlemail.com>
Date: Mon, 3 Dec 2012 00:25:48 -0000

It is very still here tonight, only just the smallest hint of a breeze and it feels thundery to me, there is rain about but not falling here on the Searocks, the current temperature in the house is 78F but it feels hotter. The mosies have been relentless recently and I have been burning cobras which do help.

We had a lovely dive this AM with Dougie on the Oosterdiep Wreck, lots to see and I attach a lovely pic of Dougie tickling a little stingray that was trying to remain invisible, also one of the Killi Killi (American Sparrowhawk) perched on top of one of my Neem tree's, no doubt looking for an unsuspecting yellow bird to swoop upon. Gwen's had more people today than I have seen it so far this season and The Scratch Band was making some wonderful music, young and old were dancing.

I am not quite sure the fat lady is singing yet, the weather does not seem to have settled into its winter pattern and looking at the Sat pictures there is this and that about. A ground sea is picking up as I write and I can hear the waves pounding on the reefs.

I wish a great night to all,

Searocks

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- Magic Days

From: Joanie Howard <joanie.howard1 at googlemail.com>
Date: Mon, 26 Nov 2012 00:39:46 -0000

Anguilla has been lovely for the last week or so, this evening the sun set gently in the west and an almost full moon rose in the east at roughly the same time, there is a soft breeze from the east, the mosies are about as we had about two and a half inches of rain about 10 days ago. I have had family staying (son, daughter-in-law and 2 grands) for the last week over Thanksgiving and much to the childrens horror we had lobster instead of turkey. However both the children and the lobster were very good.

The island is generally quieter than I have known it at this time of year, but Gwen's had quite a few people this afternoon and the music was fantastic as Keith came and played his Sax with the Scratch Band. So very good dancing.

The current temp is 82F and the ocean is still pretty warm, I am debating whether to wear my wet suit diving or not which is not usually an issue. Talking of diving, had a wonderful one on the Commerce wreck on Friday along with my son and co-correspondent Steve from Anguilla who took a lovely pic of a chain moray(attached), and I haven't see one of those in a long time. I attach a few pics, small brown dog having her swim and happiness is lying in a hammock at Gwen's listening to the music.

A very good night to all, and I echo T&T in hoping that the fat lady sings soon.

Searocks

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- Rain

From: Joanie Howard <joanie.howard1 at googlemail.com>
Date: Wed, 14 Nov 2012 00:47:44 -0000

We have had 1.30 inches of rain here in the last two nights, nothing like St. Lucia but very welcome just the same. What interested me was that I measured my cistern on Sunday and the rain we have had has raised it about 1ft, just shows the ratio of the roof to the cistern, I hadn't realised there was such a big difference, my cistern is a bout 35000 gallons so for you mathematicians out there how big does that make my roof. Sorry but it is beyond my tiny brain!!

A very goodnight to all,

Searocks

- Rememberance/Veterans Day

From: Joanie Howard <joanie.howard1 at googlemail.com>
Date: Sun, 11 Nov 2012 17:15:28 -0000

I am a little bit after the 11th minute of the 11th day of the 11th month, but somewhere in the world the time will be right. As President for the Womens Section of The Royal British Legion for Cumbria, I just wanted to remember our fallen soldiers, airmen and sailors in both world wars, so I have attached The Exhortation and the sun going down in both Anguilla and Cumbria.

Today we have a strong breeze pretty much from the east and some reasonably sized waves breaking on the reef from the north and the current temp in the shade is 84F. No rain though.

My best to everyone,

Searocks

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- A good Day

From: Joanie Howard <joanie.howard1 at googlemail.com>
Date: Thu, 8 Nov 2012 23:52:44 -0000

Today in Anguilla has been beautiful, but hot, present temp is 82F. However today I have danced to the first time the Scratch Band has played at Gwen's this season and played tennis with an old friend from Alaska. So that has to be good. We have had about .06 of an inch of rain in the last 2 weeks, we need more, but having said that my Oleanders are stunning at the moment, see pics, who would have ever thought, when I built my house in 1989 the scrub on the searocks was about shoulder height and gardens in Anguilla were unthought of. Times change. I hope everyone has a good night and anyone who has not had a good day I wish you a better one tomorrow.

Searocks

P.S. Small Brown Dog enjoyed the music as well!!

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- Total Scheme of Things

From: Joanie Howard <joanie.howard1 at googlemail.com>
Date: Fri, 2 Nov 2012 23:04:10 -0000

Good evening to all that read this post,

This evening I have sat on my gallery watching the sun go down in the west (glass in hand needless to say) with whats left of the moon rising behind me in the east, the hills of St. Martin to the south and the wide Atlantic to the north, I have listened to my cousin William Howard, the pianist of The Schubert Ensemble playing a Mendelssohn piano concerto on my ipod and felt very blessed. For my cousin Alex in Beijing it will be the start of a new day, my friends and relatives in the UK will be experiencing the dark of the night, my friend Connie in Salt Lake City will be seeing the sun starting to go down, and on it goes. The message this sends to me is 'how infititesimal is all this in the total scheme of things'. I am very privileged to be a custodian of Palm Trees in Anguilla and ancient Oak trees in The English Lake District, not to mention the odd Oleander and Daffodil, I say custodian as I feel one never really owns anything, just looks after it for a while.

It has been a beautiful day in Anguilla, hot but with a good breeze blowing thankfully again from the East, current temp 82F according to my dive computer, and no rain to speak of.

I wish everyone a very good night,

Searocks

- A beautiful Moon

From: Joanie Howard <joanie.howard1 at googlemail.com>
Date: Wed, 31 Oct 2012 00:11:51 -0000

I wish a very good evening to all along the Eastern Seaboard of America

I am well aware that alot of you have had a pretty awful day or two with Hurricane Sandy. I just wanted to give you a taste of Anguilla tonight. A huge blood red moon rose over Scrub Island an hour or so ago, courtesy of the Sahara sand cloud, I assume, now it is high and silvery and shimmering over the huge waves coming into Island Harbour, we have amazing rollers arriving from the north/northwest again courtesy of Sandy, see pics. taken earlier today. When you have mopped up, cleaned up and got things back to normal, come and visit us in the Caribbean and refill your tanks. We need you to come, and you will need to recharge with beauty and peace. Having said that, we still have one more month of the hurricane season to go, so bear that in mind.

I hope all gets back to normal soon and wish you all my best.

Searock

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- Clear water

From: Joanie Howard <joanie.howard1 at googlemail.com>
Date: Sun, 28 Oct 2012 21:48:14 -0000

Lovely day in Anguilla but we certainly know there is a storm about somewhere the humidity is way up and a warm wind is blowing from the south to south/west. The ocean on the north side is as clear as I have seen it for a long long time, see pics. I wish everyone well and safe up and down the eastern seaboard of America, remember the boy scouts marching song 'Be Prepared', and hope that Sandy does not do too much damage.

A good evening to all,

Searocks

P.S. sorry I couldn't resist the pic of the two small brown people with nearly all 6 feet off the sand, it is such a happy photo.

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- A lovely evening

From: Joanie Howard <joanie.howard1 at googlemail.com>
Date: Sun, 21 Oct 2012 22:10:02 +0100

The air is clear, Prickly Pear and Dog Island quite distinct on the western horizon, the sun is just thinking about going down, the sea, although there is a bit of a ground swell running, is that lovely deep blue of the late afternoon, and the sun of course is shining on among other things the trees which are all green and washed by Raphael. It is the first time I have been able to appreciate the beauty again of Anguilla as some generous person gave me the mother of all colds on the plane/train and I have been in my bed for the last three days. I have also seen the Anguillian Cuckoo (I think the black billed one) for the first time ever. We have had .06" of rain in the last couple of days to keep everything fresh and the trade winds are blowing nicely.

For fans of Gwen's I went for lunch today and she and Tap are just waiting for the season to start, I think the whole of Anguilla is. Times have been hard here this year like everywhere else. Small brown dog enjoyed being at the bar again, meeting up with her small brown girlfriend again and checking out her Anguillla emails (see pics). The only thing that is not so good is that Isaac did alot more damage to the beach at Gwens as well as other places on the island, alot of sand is gone, and it is not just on Anguilla some of the other islands as well, maybe this season (not over yet) of many storms with big seas running has done more damage to the coastlines than usual. I will check it out and report, and interested to hear what other people say about their islands.

A very good evening to everyone,

Searocks

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- Back again

From: Joanie Howard <joanie.howard1 at googlemail.com>
Date: Thu, 18 Oct 2012 13:15:24 +0100

Thanks to Air France and their Airbus, small brown dog and I were safely delivered to St. Martin yesterday. It was a long two days travelling and Atti was brilliant. We left Penrith in the Lake District 10AM Tuesday, into London Euston at 13.15 then walked to St. Pancreas Station and got onto the 1503 international Eurostar for Lille Europe arriving 17.36 where we had to change onto the highspeed French TGV (a double decker) for Paris Charles de Gaul airport, happily Lille has a park next door where Atti could have a run do what she had to do and pick up her French emails. We got to the airport at 19.23 where we spent a luxurious and very expensive night at the Sheraton Hotel, up at 6AM Wednesday for an 8.30 check in for the St. Martin flight, 8 hours in the air then the Link ferry (which very surprisingly was there) to Anguilla. The amount of escalators, stairs, moving walkways and several miles of walking we had to negotiate was endless and Atti only got into her little carry bag just before boarding the plane. She is amazing.

This morning it is overcast and no breeze, we have had a couple of showers overnight and the temp is currently 81F and it is sticky, I suppose the remains of TS Raphael.

I greet everyone whereever you are and wish you all a great day. I am so happy to be back.

Searocks

- WHEN WILL IT END?

From: "Steve Donahue" <tainos at anguillanet.com>
Date: Mon, 15 Oct 2012 09:32:50 -0400

Had a mostly quite night but starting at sunrise, had frequent downpours – heavy but quick. Received 0.75 in. in just about 2 hours with some heavy downpours. Seas are still rough but wind seems to be lessening – but based on satellite, still more to come. See video of seas at Maundays Bay, West End below.

http://youtu.be/WYrEl3S3LuU

Steve Donahue

www.anguilla-weather.com/

Anguilla, AI2640, B.W.I.

US Phone – 410-505-8661

Anguilla Phone – 264-497-8177

- RAFAEL - NON-EVENT

From: "Steve Donahue" <tainos at anguillanet.com>
Date: Sun, 14 Oct 2012 09:26:22 -0400

Rafael passed about 25 miles off our west coast late last night and was a non-event. We did have a wind gust of 32 mph around 6:00 PM, but by midnight, the rain had pretty much stopped, winds were about 10 – 15 mph – gusts in mid-20’s, and by 2:00 AM, the barometer started to rise. Still showers in the are with the wind now out of the SW, but I did see a small patch of blue sky short time ago. Based on radar, looks like clouds all day, but rain should hold off.

Steve Donahue

www.anguilla-weather.com/

Anguilla, AI2640, B.W.I.

US Phone – 410-505-8661

Anguilla Phone – 264-497-8177

- RAFAEL FORECAST CHANGE

From: "Steve Donahue" <tainos at anguillanet.com>
Date: Sat, 13 Oct 2012 17:18:06 -0400

MAJOR CHANGE - The 5:00 PM NHC forecast has now moved the track of Rafael much closer to Anguilla – in fact, as of now passing 30 miles to our West about midnight. Winds are strongest in the SE quadrant, so we can expect winds from the SW to start and then SE as they strengthen, along with swells on the south shore probably in the 10 – 14 ft. range. Current winds are 50 mph (the center is 60 miles to our SW) but when it passes us, winds will be building to 60 mph. A recent pass by the hurricane hunter was showing S to SE winds of 45 mph about 30 miles SE of the center with higher gusts.

Unless things change, we should expect moderate to heavy rain rest of tonight, with winds building to 50 mph or higher steady. We could have some gusts well over 60 mph from the SE.

Stay safe and keep a close eye on this storm – all these changes have occurred in the past 3 – 4 hours. More later..

Steve Donahue

www.anguilla-weather.com/

Anguilla, AI2640, B.W.I.

US Phone – 410-505-8661

Anguilla Phone – 264-497-8177

- PLANE CRASH/WEATHER

From: "Steve Donahue" <tainos at anguillanet.com>
Date: Sat, 13 Oct 2012 16:31:33 -0400

Local radio in Anguilla just reported missing pilot Kirby Hodge and 2 others were just found alive after 4:00 AM crash of Rainbow Airlines flight this morning in VI. Great news – let’s hope the fact are right.

Had another light shower go through, but only gave us another 0.2 in. or so – total of ¾ inch for the day. Had some gusts in the mid-20 mph range from the east – nothing great. More heading our way, but no one down south is reporting any significant rain. But lots of clouds.

Steve Donahue

www.anguilla-weather.com/

Anguilla, AI2640, B.W.I.

US Phone – 410-505-8661

Anguilla Phone – 264-497-8177

- PRETTY QUITE/PLANE CRASH

From: "Steve Donahue" <tainos at anguillanet.com>
Date: Sat, 13 Oct 2012 11:47:56 -0400

Just some drizzle/light to moderate rain and will probably keep up for a day or so – cloud cover probably 2 or 3 days. Winds are steady at about 14 – 18 mph, seas are still pretty calm. So far, we’ve only had 0.46 in. of rain – most of that earlier this morning. Don’t expect any problems from Rafael.

We are hearing reports that local AXA pilot Kirby Hodge with Rainbow Airlines has crashed somewhere between St. Thomas and St. Croix, with the fuselage being found, but not Kirby. Also hearing that his nieces were on board, but apparently missed flight. Don’t know if weather related. Sad – he will be missed.

Steve Donahue

www.anguilla-weather.com/

Anguilla, AI2640, B.W.I.

US Phone – 410-505-8661

Anguilla Phone – 264-497-8177

- CALM BEFORE THE STORM

From: "Steve Donahue" <tainos at anguillanet.com>
Date: Fri, 12 Oct 2012 18:22:53 -0400

By 8:00 PM, we should have new TS Rafael moving towards us from the SE according to the latest from the NHC. We had this beautiful sunset tonight with calm winds, but we can see thunderstorms now to our east and south. Going to be a wet one I think!

P1020397 (Medium).jpg

Steve Donahue

www.anguilla-weather.com/

Anguilla, AI2640, B.W.I.

US Phone – 410-505-8661

Anguilla Phone – 264-497-8177

- TROPICAL STORM RAFAEL?

From: "Steve Donahue" <tainos at anguillanet.com>
Date: Fri, 12 Oct 2012 10:02:04 -0400

A low pressure system about 360 miles to our SE (moving NW at 10 -15 mph) is showing some signs of development and will probably become a TD or TS sometime today/tonight. All models (see fig. #1 below) forecast the system to pass over or very close to AXA Sat./early Sunday. Barbados and Dominica are already reporting gusty winds and moderate/heavy rain bands. I expect TD/TS warnings may be posted for AXA by Sat. Wind Guru is forecasting seas from the SE of 13 feet – I think a bit high because weather buoys near the storm are showing seas of only 8 ft. But based on current satellite (see fig. #2 below), heavy rain bands to the east of the low and the NW movement, doubtful the system will pass us by.

So for us, starting early Sat. thru Sunday, I would expect gusty winds in the mid-30 knot range (higher in gusts), moderate to heavy rain showers and swells on the southern/SE facing beaches in the 8 – 10 ft, range. Probably TS warning by Sat. As always, this could all change and if it does, I will advise. Time to find a good book!

storm (Small).JPG

FIG. #1 FIG. #2

Steve Donahue

www.anguilla-weather.com/

Anguilla, AI2640, B.W.I.

US Phone – 410-505-8661

Anguilla Phone – 264-497-8177

- Interesting?

From: Joanie Howard <joanie.howard1 at googlemail.com>
Date: Mon, 24 Sep 2012 20:50:13 +0100

The night before last there were reports on the BBC News of various people having seen strange green or gold lights low on the horizen travelling at the speed of military jets. The MET office said it was probably a piece of space debris entering the atmostphere, or possibly man made debris falling back to earth. I just wonder if it was Gert's sattelite, which seems to be among the missing?

A good night to all,

Little Bay Barn

- From Bermuda this AM

From: Joanie Howard <joanie.howard1 at googlemail.com>
Date: Thu, 6 Sep 2012 12:47:53 +0100

My friend Meta who lives near Somerset Bridge in Bermuda sent me this email today.

"As usual the trees are at their peak even still flowers on the Poinciana (Flamboyant)....all will be cleaned out. Guava, lime, avocado, all in full fruit.

Don't like the slow slow movement. Not looking forward to this weekend.

Storm shutters, orchids and kitchen to sort today. Then out with the dark stormy.

This one is scary.

Our shore was quiet yesterday I even had a cool swim to wash away the sweat but the waves were serious to the SSW.

One lone longtail (greater tropic bird) still with fledgling in the nest."

Fingers crossed for Bermuda, I do hope Leslie doesn't give them too much of a battering.

My best to all,

Little Bay Barn

P.S. the attached pic is what Bermuda sunset looked like from Meta's dock a few days ago when my grandchildren were staying for Labour Day.

Attachment: !cid_6F5827D8-0A95-48C1-99DD-C2993DB5D245.jpg
Description: JPEG image

- MORE EARTHQUAKES

From: "Steve Donahue" <tainos at anguillanet.com>
Date: Sun, 2 Sep 2012 09:23:55 -0400

Small earthquake last night. Anybody noticed that we have had 9 earthquakes just north west of us (due north of the Virgins) in the past 7 days that were greater than 4.0? Nothing prior since June. Sure hope it doesn’t mean the big one is coming.

Steve Donahue

www.anguilla-weather.com/

Anguilla, AI2640, B.W.I.

US Phone – 410-505-8661

Anguilla Phone – 264-497-8177

- Goodbye Isaac

From: "Jed Lindblad" <jedsshed at gmail.com>
Date: Thu, 23 Aug 2012 08:03:40 -0400

With the exception of some gusty winds and a shower or two, the passing of Isaac some 140 miles to our south early this morning was uneventful. I expect we’ll see more short showers off and on during the day today as we pick up some of the “tail-spin” from Isaac’s journey west.

I was hoping for a little more rain from this system since we are still about 2¾” below normal for the year. It appears at this time that TD 10 will track well to our north, so I don’t expect we’ll see much rain at all from that system. BUT….TD 10 is still 3 days east of us, so we still need to keep an eye on it!

Stay safe.

$Description: Description: C:\Users\Jed and Pauline\Pictures\Lauras Trip\IMG_4893.JPG$

Jed Lindblad

- ISAAC UPDATE

From: "Steve Donahue" <tainos at anguillanet.com>
Date: Thu, 23 Aug 2012 07:35:37 -0400

Whoa – thought this thing was outta here? Went to bed with calm winds and moon out. Bands of showers started about midnight and wind was blowing low 20’s with higher gusts. Then around dawn, we were getting steady winds mid/upper -20’s with gusts in 38 – 42. Then had a squall come through at 7:00 with a gust of 46, blowing deck furniture all over. The barometer fell from 1008.9 mb last night down to 1006.2 around 4:00 am. And we are over 200 miles north of the center – this is one big storm. Out to try to get some pictures.

Steve Donahue

www.anguilla-weather.com/

Anguilla, AI2640, B.W.I.

US Phone – 410-505-8661

Anguilla Phone – 264-497-8177

- WEATHER FOR ANGUILLA

From: "Steve Donahue" <tainos at anguillanet.com>
Date: Wed, 22 Aug 2012 11:39:50 -0400

A flash flood warning has been issued for Anguilla, but I don’t believe it. Right now there is hazy sunshine (had some distant thunder early this AM) and moderate N or NNE winds of about 15 mph. Doppler radar from both French Metro Weather and The Weather Channel show most of the rain/showers to the south of the system, and nothing really threatening to our east. Also, Wind Guru is calling for 20 ft. seas on Thursday, but everything else out there calls for about 8-12 ft. – which is more likely – especially with St. Martin between us and the storm passage to the south. But we still need to keep watch. Looks like both Funtime and No Fear have pulled all their charter boats – don’t know about public ferries. As of now, all US flights are en route and scheduled to arrive St. Martin, but it appears that WinAir and Anguilla Air Services are not flying.

Cheers,

Steve Donahue

www.anguilla-weather.com/

Anguilla, AI2640, B.W.I.

US Phone – 410-505-8661

Anguilla Phone – 264-497-8177

- Isaac

From: "Jed Lindblad" <jedsshed at gmail.com>
Date: Wed, 22 Aug 2012 06:51:21 -0400

So far this morning it’s a little breezy, but only slightly overcast. The latest track brings Isaac about 125 miles south of us around 7:30 tomorrow morning and still only a Tropical Storm, not a Hurricane. In the next couple of days, we should get some much need rain. Those to our west should keep on top of this storm since it is predicted to get to hurricane status after it passes by us.

$Description: Description: C:\Users\Jed and Pauline\Pictures\Lauras Trip\IMG_4893.JPG$

Jed Lindblad

- INVEST 94L/T.S. ISAAC?

From: "Steve Donahue" <tainos at anguillanet.com>
Date: Mon, 20 Aug 2012 08:34:41 -0400

This storm is now about 1,100 miles to our east, and (good news for us) most reports have backed off forecasts for strengthening of this low into a hurricane before reaching the islands, and possible swing to a WNW direction. The rapid strengthening into a TD or hurricane by the time it reaches the islands now looks unlikely, and will probably be a tropical storm or weak TD by the time at passes 100 – 150 miles to our south around Antigua or Guadeloupe. The storm is large but most storm activity is to the south. Based on current information, we should expect some showers on Wed. with possible gusty winds, but beach erosion should not be a problem. As always, continue to monitor at http://www.nhc.noaa.gov , but no further updates unless any changes in direction/strength. Now we need to monitor Invest 96 several 100 miles behind this storm.

Cheers,

Steve Donahue

www.anguilla-weather.com/

Anguilla, AI2640, B.W.I.

US Phone – 410-505-8661

Anguilla Phone – 264-497-8177

- TS GORDON????

From: "Steve Donahue" <tainos at anguillanet.com>
Date: Thu, 9 Aug 2012 09:25:48 -0400

A tropical disturbance (Invest 92L) – located 1,800 miles to our east-southeast – has the potential to become our next named storm later today/tomorrow, and could possibly affect the Islands late Saturday. Right now, models are all over the place but seem to concentrate around St. Lucia/Barbados. Crown Weather Service is calling for landfall late Sat. around St. Lucia (300+ miles south of us) with 45 - 55 mph gusts and heavy rains. Environmental conditions remain favorable over the next few days to allow some strengthening, but still to only possible tropical storm strength by the time it reaches the islands. We should keep an eye on this system, but right now, looks like little/no impact for Anguilla.

No further updates unless changes that may affect us.

Steve Donahue

www.anguilla-weather.com/

Anguilla, AI2640, B.W.I.

US Phone – 410-505-8661

Anguilla Phone – 264-497-8177

- Rain and The Olympics

From: Joanie Howard <joanie.howard1 at googlemail.com>
Date: Wed, 8 Aug 2012 12:54:08 +0100

I looks from the satellite as if the whole northern Caribbean is getting some rain from Ernesto's tail, lets hope so, also I just wanted to say the very best of luck to Shara Proctor from Anguilla who is in the final of the longjump tonight.

Little Bay Barn

- Forget hurricanes here's the Caribbean Olympics

From: Joanie Howard <joanie.howard1 at googlemail.com>
Date: Mon, 6 Aug 2012 21:50:18 +0100

Last night I watched Jamaica win gold and siler in the 100 meters, amazing, and I have just watched Granada's Kirani James win the 200 meters, with Santos of the DR in second and Trinidad and Tobago in third, I feel very proud of being a supporter of the Caribbean. I am proud of Team GB but I am also immensely proud of our Caibbean athletes.

Hope the conveyer belt off the African coast goes quietly through our Islands.

Stay ready and a very good night to all,

Little Bay Barn

- From a distance

From: Joanie Howard <joanie.howard1 at googlemail.com>
Date: Tue, 31 Jul 2012 22:49:41 +0100

I had an email 24 hours ago from my lovely housekeeper Ruth in Anguilla saying my pool was low and there was only about 4ft of water in my cistern, with guests arriving next week she asked what should she should do. I said hang on a day or so as it looked like 'some rain coming' and I asked her to email me and let me know what was happening so that I could put a report on Storm Carib. This morning I got an email which was very short but sweet, all it said was.

"Lots and lots of rain!" I'm afraid I can't tell you anymore at the moment.

The predictions for 99L look a bit like a spaghetti Eastern, they seem to be going everywhere, but the SAL looks like it could keep it more to the south at the moment, lets hope it slides through the Islands without strenthening too much.

A Goodnight to all,

Little Bay Barn

- Mud Puddles!

From: "Jed Lindblad" <jedsshed at gmail.com>
Date: Tue, 31 Jul 2012 06:50:18 -0400

Finally! Some significant rain in our area! The West End recorded 0.83 inches yesterday, which lowered our deficet to 1.75 inches for the year to date. The rain started back up about 4:00 o’clock this morning, so hopefully, today will make a dent in the

-1.75”. Yesterday was a little breezy, but I have heard no reports of damage. Today’s rain has started out calm and steady. Let’s hope it stays that way!

Keep an eye on Invest 99L! That could turn out to be an entirely different story.

Stay safe…..

- Jetstream

By Joanie Howard <joanie.howard1 at googlemail.com>
Date: Mon, 16 Jul 2012 22:04:34 +0100

Good Evening Everyone,

I was so pleased to see a report from Steve in Anguilla, at least I know he is still kicking but the heavy haze doesn't sound too good. We have been suffering from Atlantic depressions all summer here, rain and more rain, consequently mud and damp etc., etc., also the north of America has been suffering from a heat wave and drought. This according to the weather correspondent of The Times is all due to the jetstream which is not in it's usual position, according to him/her the only thing that will dislodge it and improve conditions both here and in the States is a large Atlantic hurricane. I am not sure that I like the sound of this, it would seem we are between a rock and a hard place. Lets hope the Gods are kind and send a huricane that misses the Caribbean and east cost of the US but dislodges the Jetstream to where it should be. I think I could be asking for alot, in the meantime stay ready for whatever comes.

Yesterday, by the way, was St. Swithins day and according to legend "St Swithins Day if dost rain, for 40 days it will remain." It was dry here until about 10PM, then poured so make of that what you will.

My best to all,

Little Bay Barn

- LOTS OF DUST!

By "Steve Donahue" <tainos at anguillanet.com>
Date: Sun, 15 Jul 2012 12:50:55 -0400

A fairly heavy dust storm from the Sahara moved in late yeaterday/overnight and we can just make out the outline of St. Martin 10 miles away. Looks like it's going to rain outside but the sky above is all blue. Be around for another day or so. Still need rain – bad! Whooping 0.01 in. Sat., 0.03 in. today.

Steve Donahue

www.anguilla-weather.com/

Anguilla, AI2640, B.W.I.

US Phone – 410-505-8661

Anguilla Phone – 264-497-8177

- Anguilla from across the pond

By Joanie Howard <joanie.howard1 at googlemail.com>
Date: Thu, 5 Jul 2012 14:25:45 +0100

Just had a report from my friendly informant on the Searocks, she said they did not feel the earthquake though others did, but very briefly, some shaking and noise. She has not heard of any damage. The rain situation has been dire, no rain for a month, everything bone dry, then they got a bit yesterday and some more last night. I was particularly pleased to hear that as my pool boys had managed to leave my hose filling the pool a couple of weeks ago and gone off to do somebody else's pool and then, surprise surprise, forgotten to come back and turn mine off, emptied the cistern, but luckily did not burn up all the wires on the pumps, I had to get loads of water - expensive - and no doubt some of my plants will have died from not being watered. Needless to say I was not best pleased.

Here it has been the other side of the coin, wettest June since records began, we have had no summer at all in the north and more rain and floods forecast, this is fault of the jetstream, I understand, which is lurking farther south than normal.

I hope everyone had a good 4th of July and I attach a couple of pics taken at 10PM last night with the cloud and mist lying on the fells (not to mention small brown dog looking for something disgusting to eat).

My best to all,

Little Bay Barn

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- Remeber this?

By Joanie Howard <joanie.howard1 at googlemail.com>
Date: Fri, 25 May 2012 22:13:01 +0100

While trailing through some old papers I found the attached, why I kept it I'm not sure except Louis did alot of damage in Anguilla, to me but more to others. I pray we don't see another sat pic like this, the hurricane season seems to be upon us already. I make no apologies for quoting the Boyscouts marching song again "Be Prepared".

A goodnight to all,

Little Bay Barn

Newspaper Article.jpg

- Anguilla fix

By Joanie Howard <joanie.howard1 at googlemail.com>
Date: Thu, 17 May 2012 23:02:59 +0100

So sorry for two posts on the same day, but some good friends who are both talented artists and photographers have made a video that they have just put on youtube and any of you that need an Anguilla fix to tide them over until their next trip might enjoy it. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z2Cweee9vJM There are some lovely images. Also another Anguillian friend (David Carty) has made a DVD documentary of the history of boatracing in Anguilla called ' Nuttin Bafflin' if you can find it on the web or buy it, please try it is fascinating.

Little Bay Barn

- Partially Cloudy

By Joanie Howard <joanie.howard1 at googlemail.com>
Date: Thu, 17 May 2012 13:25:16 +0100

As Anguilla is not even on the list at the moment of the Stormcarib home page, I thought I would put a report in from afar. My friendly weather spy on the Searocks says last week in was humid and cloudy with rain coming from the west, then it cleared a bit but unusually hot for this time of year and day before yesterday more clouds and downpours, but yesterday was quite pleasant. All I can say is that here in the Lake District it has been cold, wet, muddy, windy, frosty and decidedly unpleasant, I could do with a bit of Anguilla heat right now.

I see on the Stormcarib homepage the agency I list The Little Bay Barn with is advertising www.lakescottageholiday.co.uk I asked the bossman how he heard of it and he looked at me rather blankly, so I didn't get much of an answer, but it is good for Gert and hopefully brings in some revenue for Stormcarib.

On a different note, the family of very rare red squirrels (the larger American greys are decimating our native reds) are wasting alot of my time, I watch them and the birds for ages, I attach some not very good pics of this years crop of babies. They are enchanting, just a slight problem with teaching small brown dog not to chase them!

My best to all and fingers crossed for a hurricane free season.

Little Bay Barn

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- Updates from the Islands -

- - Anguilla - -

- - - 2012 Hurricane Season - - -