- Updates from the Islands -

- - Jamaica - -

- - - 2012 Hurricane Season - - -

- Greetings from Morant Bay....

From: David Williams <jammy4ever at gmail.com>
Date: Sat, 27 Oct 2012 22:40:48 -0500

I see that I am late in reporting...but sorry internet in St. Thomashas not been very good since the morning of the storm.....as you allknow already, we got hit the hardest along with the parish ofPortland.....so many downed trees and light poles...but gladly enoughthe main town of Morant Bay has already gotten back light andwater.....so many folks here with damaged roofs...it seems this timearound this hurricane brought more wind than rain.....this to meappears to be more devastating than the string of the first storms wegot a few years back starting with Ivan.....I've now realized thatbeing just 10-15 miles from the eye makes all the difference in theeffects that one might feel....I know some parts of Kingston which isonly about 35 miles away appears to be nothing more than a regularrainy day......so the moral of the story is that you never know wherethe center will be and its better to be prepared and error on the sideof caution....I have attached some pics of the devastation here.....

- Sandy

From: Gert van Dijken <gert at vandijken.com>
Date: Fri, 26 Oct 2012 19:14:27 -0700

From: suzanndodd <suzanndodd at gmail.com>
Date: Fri, Oct 26, 2012 at 5:38 PM

Just got back light.  The Storm came ashore over the house I lived in
up until 2011.  That was in Caribbean Terrace.  I actually live in
Bull Bay.  The terrace was struck by enormously high waves, but the
first row of homes was already destroyed by Ivan and Dean so acted as
a 'wall'.  The water was knee high on the roads in the Terrace.

I Bull Bay the houses near the sea were swamped.  Those built well
stood up, many were smashed.  The rivers came down, but it wasn't as
terrible as there had been some digging down of gullies.

- V

From: graumb at gmail.com
Date: Fri, 26 Oct 2012 22:45:01 +0000

Sent from my BlackBerry® device from Digicel

- Back to normal in the West,Damage assessment in the East

From: Blayz Brooks <blayzbrooks at yahoo.com>
Date: Fri, 26 Oct 2012 13:50:12 -0700 (PDT)

we are back to normal in Western Jamaica but since morning we have been having some huge waves. Damage assessments are being done and the devastation across Eastern Jamaica more apparent. Early estimates are this is gonna be a multibillion ( Jamaican dollar) disaster.Portmore and other communities near wetlands are having issues with crocodiles.People are reporting them in their gardens in their yards and homes .Persons living near wetlands and swamps who see these animals are urged to call Nepa who will remove and relocate them to safe areas .Residents should not take matters into their own hands by harming or killing these animals as they are protected by Jamaica law.

One of the sighting in Portmore

Newscast covering the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy

http://news.cvmtv.com/index.php?news=watch

http://www.televisionjamaica.com/Programmes/PrimeTimeNews.aspx/Videos

Videos

http://jamaica-gleaner.com/videos/

http://www.jamaicaobserver.com/video/

Latest news on recovery efforts

http://rjrnewsonline.com/

Photos

http://rjrnewsonline.com/photos/

- from Runaway Bay

From: "Sheilah Forward" <forward at muskoka.com>
Date: Fri, 26 Oct 2012 10:40:11 -0500

We got our power back after 36+ hours about 10:30 last night. Yesterday on a bright breezy day we cleaned up the yard. Nothing serious happened right here – one little bush uprooted, lots of leaves scattered around. We had some really strong winds from the north as the storm pressed on to Cuba and that’s when most of the problems occurred. Although there was a curfew from 6:00pm Tuesday until 6:00pm Thursday, many of the little shops and wholesales stayed open right through the worst of it. We had plenty of rain but I’ve seen much worse when a storm has not even been declared! I had a couple of days meat in my freezer and had to make a decision yesterday afternoon about cooking it since it was thawed but still cold. Since there was no ice to be had in this neighbourhood, I couldn’t just pack the cooler with things that needed refrigeration. Cooked the meat things and refrigerated veggies. Had a very fine supper and before the stew beef was totally cool the power came back and the fridge purred to life. Stew tonight.

Things were much, much worse to the south and east of us, especially in the higher elevations and at the seashore – but I’m reading about that today.

Sheilah

- "Sandy"

From: Robin Plough <robin.plough at gmail.com>
Date: Thu, 25 Oct 2012 19:42:55 -0500

Dear Friends,

As I am sure you are all aware, living here in "hurricane country", keeping a careful watch on the developing weather systems, is vital! The potential consequences from a "bad" hit from a hurricane, are dire: and it is certainly not over stating things by using the term "life threatening".

Mid October and we are facing one of the late season storms: it has formed from almost nothing, a couple of days ago it was barely more than a small "disturbance", now predicted to "hit" us as a tropical storm ( not up to hurricane strength ) with loads of rain, in a couple of days. Have to bring shopping day forward, to avoid the storm. These late season storms form in the very warm waters of the southern part of the Caribbean sea, and unlike the majority of hurricanes which form around Africa and the Cape Verde Islands, they usually move directly northwards, often right over Jamaica. They can form very quickly, and we often get very little warning of the intensity to expect.

Monday: Over a period of 2 days, this little storm has turned into "Sandy" and will achieve hurricane force tomorrow: had to go shopping a day early, and interrupted the early part of the "panic buying": not a scrap of bread in any of the 3 supermarkets I use, the shelves half stripped of tinned goods ( all the cheap/special offer ones: completely gone ) as well as flour, rice, and sugar.

Before shopping, I did a careful check of my stocks; and it was only because I had only 2 days of dog-food in the freezer, that I needed to go, at all.

The latest forecasts are for Sandy to reach full hurricane force ( winds of 80+ mph ) in the next few hours, and all the forecasts track it directly over Jamaica, tomorrow. Maybe there is something interesting here, following the latest track, the eye may pass right over us: never "done" that before!

You can always tell if it is likely to be a "bad" storm: text messages from Companies I deal with, warning that their offices will be closed, during the storm!

Tuesday: Got home from shopping, and up went the window boards, no loss of power ( yet!! ) was raining on and off, all day, no really heavy downpour, but measured 3.25 inches ( and 4 drowned slugs ) in my rain-gauge in about 12 hours: the amazing thing is that being about 12 to 18 hours away from the centre of a hurricane hitting us; we are sitting here, not a breath of wind, rain falling all day, heavy showers between long periods of gentle drizzle, too dark to see the sky, but looks well overcast.

Wednesday: But that did not last long! Checked at 1.30am, and 10.5 inches of rain, in the gauge: 7 inches in about 9 hours: and then the winds started, and about 1.30pm, hit their peak, then they suddenly stopped; little more than a "breath" of wind, for some half hour, then we got the worst of the winds, quite suddenly they returned, even stronger than before, 2 hours later, and they rapidly faded away: THAT was the "eye" of the storm. All 3 of my dogs, got upset during the high winds, but totally unconcerned about the rest of the storm.

Checked carefully on the evening TV news, the eye had passed directly over us: it was not a very well defined eye, and we did not get the "classic" full sunshine, cloudless skies, moments!

As it started to get dark, took a quick look outside, no obvious serious damage: a few banana trees blown over, along with 3 of my Jasmine bushes; will need full daylight to properly assess the damage.

Thursday: 12.30am, the winds have gone, leaving no more than a slight breeze; and some drizzle: the whole thing lasted less than 10 hours, with several hours of rain, either side; and gave us a total rainfall of 15 inches. More rain is forecast, for the next day or so, as we get the trailing edges of the system; and throughout the storm the temperature hardly varied, remaining at 69/70F, the whole time.

The winds and rains managed to find every tiny hole in all the door and window surrounds; the whole house got almost flooded! I must have swept several gallons of water from the spare bedroom, and the dining room. The fitted storm shutters worked very well, the water was blown through the tiny gaps between the shutters and the fittings to the walls of the house.

The full force of hurricane strength winds: really WAS frightening; far and away the worst hurricane experience, since I got to Jamaica: at its height, it pulled some of the window boards I had put up, straight off the nails, and over about 10 minutes, smashed 2 sheets of 8 x 4 foot, 1/4 thick plywood boards, to match sticks!

Thursday, daylight! and out to check the damage: surprisingly little! Lost the 3 Jasmine bushes, beyond "repair", took some cuttings from them, so they should soon be back in the garden. Counted only 6 blown over banana trees, and several other trees and shrubs, partially blown over, but they should recover as soon as we can get them straightened up. All the big trees, have suffered a severe "pruning", and massive loss of leaves, but appear, otherwise, undamaged.

A little damage to the house, nothing urgent, or beyond our DIY capabilities: the satellite TV dish has been blown out of alignment; a long, frustrating job to get it adjusted properly!

Dusk falling, rain gauge now measuring 17 inches of rain, in 60 hours. No power, but the phones are working again.

As with almost anything, there are the laughable moments! :-

Yesterday, on the evening news ( aired at 7.00pm; only 18 hours before the storm was expected ) the local TV station asked their daily "Question of the day" ( a text message, Yes or No, answer ) "Have you made all your preparations for the coming hurricane??": Results:- 23% Yes: 77% No.

Directly after the worst of the hurricane has passed: on the evening TV news, a lady complaining about the facilities available at one of the Govt provided storm shelters: SHE was expecting 5 star hotel facilities ( in the local school!! ) and was complaining bitterly that she was not getting them!! Her friend, was almost screaming that there were no "t'ings" for her tiny baby ( things like, baby food, diapers, etc ) no doctor and dispensary for the babies' medications, no cooking facilities, and the list just went on and on.

On the late night news ( 10.00pm ) they repeated the interview, and I got the full details: they said that they had "no time" to collect the necessities, before they went to the shelter.

Now I know the place they live, I drive through it every trip to Kingston: a Beautiful river gorge ( if it was in England, it would be a "National park" and a tourist attraction ) and it floods every time there is even a minor tropical storm: they KNOW they will have to evacuate, and have at least 24 hours notice, if a storm ( of any category ) is approaching; but they NEVER make even the slightest preparations, so who have they got blame, but themselves??

The Govt. has, for many years, made it perfectly clear, exactly what the storm shelters are: Emergency shelters, and nothing else; YOU are expected to bring your own "essentials" ( basics, dry food, medications, special t'ings for babies and the elderly ) the shelters supply you with a bed, a blanket, water, a toilet, and ( as available ) temporary clothing if you arrive soaking wet from the rains: they do NOT supply any food, or cooking facilities, BUT, all too many Jamaicans ( especially the "poor", the ones who pay no taxes ) have this "entitlement" frame of mind, the Govt. OWES them, and they expect all the comforts and luxury of a 5 star hotel, in the emergency shelters!!

[ NO sexism intended: just reporting what is on the media ] ALL the complaints came from the women: the men interviewed/phoning-in, accepting the situation, making the best of the available facilities, and trying to overcome the problems as they present themselves.

Whilst the power was out ( now running on the generator ) I was listening to the radio reports: one woman phoned the radio station, because she could not get through to the power company: complaining that she had been without power for over an hour!!! Just WHAT did she expect in the middle of a hurricane??? with some 70% of the Country without power, SHE was expecting an "instant" restoration of her power!!!

As we are getting detailed reports from around the Island ( TV evening news ) I have to be somewhat cynical about the reports: "GOOD news does not sell newspapers": nor does it make for good TV news.

All these reports will concentrate on the worst of the bad news, and ignore all the "good" bits, the places that weathered the hurricane, with little or no damage.

We try to keep abreast of all the new technology that is being applied to weather forecasting: in recent years the information from satellites, and the "super computers" that are used to make the forecasts, have achieved some incredible results. Forecasts 10 days ahead, with 50% accuracy, and getting close to 95% accuracy with 2 to 3 day forecasts; an accuracy totally unthinkable, only 25 years ago!!

Weather hinges upon a baffling, complex and constantly changing relationship between sea, land, air; temperatures, humidity, air-borne dust, solar radiation, butterfly callisthenics, cow farts, etc. and an accurate simultaneous measurement of these factors remains beyond the current skill-set of meteorology.

BUT: modern technology is getting us there:---

- Aftermath

From: Sue Morris <helicoptersue at hotmail.com>
Date: Thu, 25 Oct 2012 13:37:24 -0500

Well Sandy has departed and left all the debris behind her! It is a beautiful day here in Ocho Rios

It is a mess in this area with trees down, broken limbs many of which are blocking roads. Everyone is out working to clear roadways somewhat so they are passable. Many parts of this area and St. Mary are still without power, cell service is erratic, Cable TV is out - landlines are still working which means there is something to be said for our provider LIME

The next week will be clean up time - it will take that long to get all the debris cut up and out of the way.

The old-timers in the area are saying even though this was only a Cat 1, in actual fact it was worse than Gilbert as it stayed for so much longer with the intense winds and rain.

I have not ventured into the town as there are too many obstacles in the way and it is better to let the folks get everything cleared without worrying about vehicles trying to pass

We always have to remember that each storm is different and all of them need to be taken seriously

Take care all in Sandy's path - she is serious and means business

Sue

- Back to normal in Montego Bay, Video footage from my veranda 3:30pm yesterday

From: Blayz Brooks <blayzbrooks at yahoo.com>
Date: Thu, 25 Oct 2012 04:09:15 -0700 (PDT)

Good Morning all,

The weather is near normal this morning skies are returning Partly Cloudy. The airport will open at 7am this morning and there was no damage in the West ,so the hotels are operating as normal If you have a flight check with your airline but things should be okay. Due to the power outage and issues with my data plan I just got around to uploading to videos which I short 3:30pm Yesterday as Hurricane Sandy was pounding Eastern Jamaica We had several hours of Tropical Storm Force gusts and High waves.See the videos below not the best quality I shot from my phone

http://youtu.be/-aKazPYEvlU

http://youtu.be/PustnBzJIZg

- 1 death in Jamaica from Hurricane Sandy,Sections of Eastern Jamaica battered

From: Blayz Brooks <blayzbrooks at yahoo.com>
Date: Wed, 24 Oct 2012 18:43:03 -0700 (PDT)

One person has been killed due to the effects of Hurricane Sandy. Reports are that the man, an electrician identified as “Scottie” who is from Bedward Gardens in St. Andrew was killed when a massive bolder fell on his house. The incident happened some time after 1pm.70% of Jamaica is currently without power mainly as a result of downed power particularly in the parishes of Portland, St Mary, St Ann, St Thomas, St James, Westmoreland and Hanover. There are some 1056 persons in 67 shelters nationwide . Schools will remain closed on Thursday. Overall Western Jamaica escaped any major damage; the city of Montego Bay had a few branches and downed limbs but no damage .Portions of Eastern Jamaica however have not been so lucky, there have been numerous reports of damage to crops, roads, bridges and houses especially in St Mary and Portland. There are at least 60 road corridors that are blocked or impassable and the National Work Agency is working to have these reopened to at least single lane access.

- Glad to see you go Sandy

From: carolyn.gomes at gmail.com
Date: Thu, 25 Oct 2012 00:27:56 +0000

It was the strangest day and storm here in Barbican, Kingston. Gentle rain and 
NO wind for most of the day. Then wind and almost no rain for about two hours. 
The bamboo went down with loud pops and now several houses are in view which 
normally are hidden.   Ackee, Mango and Breadfruit trees lost limbs and leaves. 
Then came an hour of hurricane winds from the NW and driving rain finding 
spaces between louvres and under doors. Finally the wind gentled and switched 
around to the SW and now we are experiencing only intermittent gusty showers. 
It was better than expected where we were and hopefully not too much damage 
elsewhere.
Glad to see you go 'Sandy'. 

Sent from my BlackBerry® device from Digicel

- Update from the South

From: sean134 at msn.com
Date: Wed, 24 Oct 2012 23:39:13 +0000

Greetings All,

I write from the town of Portmore in St. Catherine just to te immediate west of 
Kingston.
If anyone thought Jamaica's history of being spared by female storms would 
weaken the blow of Sandy they made a mistake. We have been having rain since 
Monday with little wind--- well that until around 1 pm today... The wind came 
with great force from the north--- this being pretty unusual for us as normally 
storms affecting Jamaica approach us from the east while Sandy approached us 
from the South. Since the start of the winds we've been without electricity.

The wind was strong enough to uproot trees in my backyard which survived 
Hurricanes Ivan, Dean and Gustav--- I would say by estimation we have sustained 
winds at just around 65 miles per hour with gusts exceeding 75 miles per hour. 
My roof had been compromised but thankfully for daylight I could do some 
impromptu mending to it which perhaps saved the roof...

Right now the winds have subsided considerably now just around 30 miles per 
hour. We must give thanks that with the north eastern wobble of Sandy's core 
the Kingston metropolitan are and the wider Jamaica was spared the brunt of the 
north-eastern quadrant with maximum winds, notwithstanding this we still felt 
quite a blow. 
I wouldn't quite compare Sandy in intensity with Ivan or Dean for a number of 
reasons. Firstly, the duration of strong wind was far shorter than with Ivan or 
Dean, with the latter two hurricane we had hurricane/ storm force winds for 
well over 12 hrs, while with Sandy the strongest winds affected my community 
for about 3-4 hrs. Secondly from what I am hearing Sandy's unique route made it 
a localised event in the parishes of St. Catherine, Kingston n St. Andrew, 
Portland, St Thomas and St. Mary. In fact in some western parishes the 
sentiment has been "Sandy what?" Many western and northern parishes was speared 
the brunt of the system with some even musing at the sunshine and blue skies 
they experienced... Needless to say that was NOT the case in the east.
So far I am here in excess of 1000 persons have sought refuge in shelters, 
several communities have been inundated and 70 percent of customers are without 
electricity. 1 man has already been confirmed a casualty of Sandy when a 
boulder rolled on top of his house.

I suspect that the worst has passed and I pray the sun will come out 2moro... 
Keep us in your prayers.

Blessings,
Andre
Sent from my BlackBerry® device from Digicel

- Further update

From: Sue Morris <helicoptersue at hotmail.com>
Date: Wed, 24 Oct 2012 17:55:57 -0500

It is nearly 6:00pm in Ochi and the rains and winds have not subsided. Almost dark outside now

We did not get a break from the eye of the storm, it exited the island to our east so we have been battered all day. Have not been able to go outside to see what is happening as the winds and rain are too strong.

The seas are high and rough and visibility is zero.

Many reports coming in from St. Mary and I am sure once daylight comes tomorrow the damage will be evident in St. Mary and St. Ann
The rain is so hard it is driving in under the doors so it is a race with the mop and bucket to try to contain it. There have been tree limbs hitting the roof, not sure what trees they are from as there are none close to the house.

Cell service has been down so it is difficult to check on others at the moment

The dogs thought it was wonderful, they got to eat inside tonight instead of out on the porch!!

Waiting for sunrise and hopefully the end of the rains so we can start to clean out and dry off - only a couple of dry towels left so we need sunshine and strong breeze tomorrow please!

Stay safe all in Sandy's path, she is not one to fool with

Sue

- Bulletin 17 Wed Oct 24,2012 5pm

From: Blayz Brooks <blayzbrooks at yahoo.com>
Date: Wed, 24 Oct 2012 15:34:50 -0700 (PDT)

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Wednesday, October 24, 2012 – 5:00 p.m.

BULLETIN No: 17

HURRICANE WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT

…EYE OF HURRICANE SANDY COMPLETES JOURNEY ACROSS JAMAICA

The Meteorological Service has continued the HURRICANE WARNING for Jamaica even as the eye of Hurricane Sandy has begun to emerge along the north coast of the island.

This means that the following dangerous effects of a hurricane are, therefore, expected to affect Jamaica today:

· Dangerously high water or a combination of dangerously high water and exceptionally high waves, even though winds expected may be less than hurricane force;

· Average winds 64 knots (118 km/h) or higher;

At 4:00 p.m. the centre of Hurricane Sandy was located near Latitude 18.3 degrees North, Longitude 76.6 degrees West. This is about 20 km (12 miles) north of Port Antonio, Portland, or 40 kilometres (30 miles) north-northeast of Kingston, Jamaica.

Sandy is moving towards the north near 22 km/h (14 mph) and this general motion is expected to continue today and tomorrow with an increase in forward speed. On this track, the centre of Sandy is expected to move over eastern Cuba tonight and the central Bahamas tomorrow.

Maximum sustained winds remain near 130 km/h (80 mph), with higher gusts. Sandy is a Category 1 hurricane and is expected to weaken as the centre moves over eastern Cuba tonight before re-strengthening over the Bahamas tomorrow. Hurricane force winds extend outward up to 45 km (30 miles) from the centre, and tropical storm force winds extend up to 220 kilometres (140 miles), primarily east of the centre.

Residents should continue to expect extensive flooding and dangerous landslides, especially over central and eastern parishes as rainbands associated with Hurricane Sandy continue to affect Jamaica. Tropical storm force winds will continue to be experienced this evening before gradually decreasing tonight. Thereafter, periods of strong, gusty winds will occur in thunderstorm activity.

All small craft operators are advised to remain in safe harbour until all warning messages have been lifted and wind and sea conditions have returned to normal.

The next Bulletin on Hurricane Sandy will be issued at 8:00 p.m. today.

- Landfall Information

From: Blayz Brooks <blayzbrooks at yahoo.com>
Date: Wed, 24 Oct 2012 15:24:12 -0700 (PDT)

From the Metservice Jamaica

Data from the National Meteorological Centre at the Norman Manley International Airport, corroborated by the National Hurricane Centre in Miami, USA, indicates that the eye of Hurricane Sandy made landfall on the southeastern coast of Jamaica, approximately 8 kilometres (5 miles) east of Kingston, at approximately 2:00 p.m. today.

Maximum sustained winds at landfall were estimated to be 130 km/h (80 mph) as the hurricane moved northward at approximately 22 km/h (14 mph). The minimum central pressure was 971 millibars (28.71 inches)

- update

From: Sue Morris <helicoptersue at hotmail.com>
Date: Wed, 24 Oct 2012 14:26:43 -0500

This is a wild ride but gladly we are experiencing it during daylight which is always so much better.

Winds are really strong in Ochi now, seas are rough! St. Mary is taking a beating with power outages, mudslides flooding. Oracabessa has been without power since 10 AM - cable just went off and we are amazed that it stayed on so long.

Sandy must be just about making landfall as is is far more intense than earlier - folks in the area where we live have taken this seriously which is good, there are reports that others have not which is always sad. Hope all will be well.

Leaves are stripping off the trees and going who knows where - can't venture out to see what is on the south side of the property but will do so when I am able

Lots of rain right now with sustained winds, no break for quite some time

Stay safe everyone

Sue

- Pictures round up 1pm

From: Blayz Brooks <blayzbrooks at yahoo.com>
Date: Wed, 24 Oct 2012 11:04:37 -0700 (PDT)

Pictures round up 1pm

Photos: Storm Surges from Hurricane Sandy crash through Caribbean Terrace. (Photo Credit: OG.NR Reporter (D. Royal)

Flooding in Kintyre (source:On the ground news report Jamaica on Facebook)

Storm Surge seen from St.Thomas credit (On the ground news report Jamaica on Facebook)

A section of Old Harbour in St. Catherine seen in this photograph being affected by storm force winds from Hurricane Sandy. (Photo Credit: OG.NR Reporter R. Richards)

PHOTO: Breezy conditions being experienced in Rose Hall, Montego Bay, St. James as Tropical Storm Sandy approaches Jamaica
Photo Credit: On the ground news report Jamaica on Facebook Reporter K. Williams

More photos Jamaica Gleaner http://jamaica-gleaner.com/latest/article.php?id=40736

Jamaica Observer video from Palisadoes http://youtu.be/Mm64c8IqyxE

- Data round up at midday

From: Blayz Brooks <blayzbrooks at yahoo.com>
Date: Wed, 24 Oct 2012 10:18:58 -0700 (PDT)

Data round up as of midday

Montego Bay 30 mph winds gusts to 40mph at times

Kingston 30mph winds 1.51in of rain since Midnight

Boscobel, St. Mary 30mph winds gust at 11:46 am to 56mph 1in of rain since Midnight

Negril 10mph winds gust to 10mph at 10:33am 0.26in of rain

- Update

From: Rodman Monique <monique_rodman at yahoo.com>
Date: Wed, 24 Oct 2012 09:40:43 -0700 (PDT)

Hi Everyone,

Not sure if my previous message came through. I am in St. James, about 30 minutes from Montego Bay. The wind has picked up and so has the rain. Intermittent power outages in my area and the water service has been shut down. So I am hoping everyone was able to store water. We are able to view the local tv channels and I am keeping up with the updates and the coverage islandwide. I am hoping that this thing will past quickly, I hate being without utilities.

Monique

- Update - St. James

From: Rodman Monique <monique_rodman at yahoo.com>
Date: Wed, 24 Oct 2012 09:36:21 -0700 (PDT)

Hi Everyone,

I am in rural St. James and the rain has picked up. The wind is not that strong and we are having intermittent power outages. We still however are able to view the weather reports on our local tv stations. The water has been locked off and I am almost certain that the land lines telephone for most persons in my community have been interrupted. Well we are all dry and hoping for the best.

Monique

- lost electricity for a couple of minutes

From: S G <sgweather2012 at yahoo.com>
Date: Wed, 24 Oct 2012 09:32:51 -0700 (PDT)

We just lost electricity for a few minutes a short while ago. No wind, no lightning, just the sound of a bang nearby (transformer?) Thought we might have lost power rather early in the day...and then it came back.

- strange!

From: S G <sgweather2012 at yahoo.com>
Date: Wed, 24 Oct 2012 09:21:07 -0700 (PDT)

So interesting to hear accounts of areas as close as Mona experiencing strong gusts, as I have still had no wind where I am in the Liguanea area! We had a gentle gust about half an hour ago, but nothing further. The rain continues, however, though not very heavy at the moment.

- intermittent light rain here in Mobay but high waves

From: Blayz Brooks <blayzbrooks at yahoo.com>
Date: Wed, 24 Oct 2012 09:12:40 -0700 (PDT)

Many areas now reporting Tropical Storm force gust and intermittent heavy showers. The news that Hurricane Sandy is now 80mph and rapidly intensifying is causing some amount of panic among people who were not prepared. Everywhere is closed and the few people on the street like bread men who sell bread out of a trolley have been swarmed. I have heard bread usually costing 250jmd is now being sold for 600jmd as people are desperate to get any foodstuff now everywhere is closed.

There are no reports of any significant incidents as of 10am just a few areas mainly in Clarendon without electricity as tropical storm force winds affect the power lines. I recorded a short video of the waves outside my house at 10:30am today see the video link below

http://youtu.be/SsFNmOj_Qg4

- Hurricane Sandy

From: Sharni Bullock <pancharnic at hotmail.com>
Date: Wed, 24 Oct 2012 10:45:40 -0500

Good morning!

I had a very calm and peaceful night. There was a light drizzle at about 5am and now we are having light rain in Kingston. In all the action has not started where I am. It is almost eerily calm here!

Walk Good!
Sharni

- Hurricane Sandy

From: Sue Morris <helicoptersue at hotmail.com>
Date: Wed, 24 Oct 2012 10:19:57 -0500

Sandy now a hurricane!

winds are increasing rapidly in Ocho Rios and are sustained. Bamboo and bananas are now on the ground, couldn't take the strong winds

Wave height is increasing with very high tide, it wont be long before the waves are coming up on my porch. We can hear transformers blowing around us - now running on generator.

The roller coaster has begun, hope all in Kingston are well prepared, unfortunately we always have some who take no precautions, it is going to be a good while before any emergency teams are going to be able to venture out.
The taxi operators are stopping operations in St. Ann and St. Mary just before noon

More as it occurs

stay safe and dry

Sue

- The wind and rains sweeping in

From: "Colvin "Koolkidd" Harry" <colvinharry at yahoo.co.uk>
Date: Wed, 24 Oct 2012 16:10:53 +0100 (BST)

Sandy is now an 80mph hurricane !

Currently experiencing moderate showers with strong gusts of winds at mona in Kingston ...

More updates soon...

Colvin " Koolkidd" Harry

NBC Radio - Announcer

Ham Radio Operator (Callsign J88DZ)

CompTIA A+ ce Certified IT Technician

www.carihost.com -Affordable reliable stream hosting

www.svgweather.info - Vincy weather observations and forecast

- Rockin and Rollin In Ochi

From: Sue Morris <helicoptersue at hotmail.com>
Date: Wed, 24 Oct 2012 09:52:20 -0500

we are rockin and rollin in Ochi right now - winds are strong est 45-50 mph gusts. The winds are coming from every directions

It's been raining since before daylight and the sea is rough - Sandy is making her presence known, not sure if the bananas are going to survive this lady visitor. I do believe we will get some natural pruning of the almond trees - yes! that is the plus in Sandy.

The dogs are not the slightest bit interested in venturing outside - they are quite content on their blankies behind the couch!!

There is water building up on the low lying streets, not a day to venture out - one to find a good book and stay warm and dry indoors

Hopefully all are well prepared both in Jamaica and other areas that Sandy is going to pay a visit too.

Stay dry and safe

Sue

- StormCarib Reporter from SVG....Reporting on sandy from Jamaica

From: "Colvin "Koolkidd" Harry" <colvinharry at yahoo.co.uk>
Date: Wed, 24 Oct 2012 15:40:01 +0100 (BST)

Hello Friends,

I am Colvin Harry, Correspondent for St Vincent and the Grenadines based in Jamaica at the University of the West Indies, i will be providing reports on the arrival of Sandy from my location at Newstalk 93FM on the UWI Mona Campus.

Currently there is a persistant drizzle with no signs of winds just yet,so far over 2 inches of rain has been recorded before the full force of the system arrives, will try to update you with all information as it comes to hand .

Take care all... be safe!

Regards,

Colvin " Koolkidd" Harry

NBC Radio - Announcer

Ham Radio Operator (Callsign J88DZ)

CompTIA A+ ce Certified IT Technician

www.carihost.com -Affordable reliable stream hosting

www.svgweather.info - Vincy weather observations and forecast

- Sandy gaining straight headed directly for Kingston

From: Blayz Brooks <blayzbrooks at yahoo.com>
Date: Wed, 24 Oct 2012 06:49:03 -0700 (PDT)

I’m just coming from downtown Montego Bay and the weather conditions are rapidly deteriorating. We have been having intermittent showers but in the last hour the winds have picked up from calm to 25mph.I recorded two short videos downtown at 8:30am this morning. See the link below. There are 108 persons in shelters as of 7am this morning and the number is expected to grow as the the conditions start to worsen. 108 persons is a very small number as many communities are under mandatory evacuations hundreds of people should be in shelters but many people still think Sandy like the numerous storms in the past will miss Jamaica. There is grave concern for some 100 people on the Pedro Cays who have refused to leave despite offers from the military to airlift them to the mainland even the pleading of the Prime Minister.

Videos from 8:30am this morning

http://youtu.be/v6sesaErSi4

http://youtu.be/owUzmB1gZak

Useful Links

Live tv from Jamaia

Television Jamaica

http://www.televisionjamaica.com/LiveTV.aspx

Cvm tv Jamaica

http://www.cvmtv.com/live/stream.php

Live radio

Nationwide radio

http://www.nationwideradiojm.com/listenlive.html

Rjr 94fm

http://rjr94fm.com/live.php

Power 106

http://go-jamaica.com/power/

Hot102fm

http://www.hot102.fm/index2.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=104&Itemid=60

Automated weather stations (enter Jamaica select go)

http://www.weatherlink.com/map.php

Latest meteorological service of Jamaica bulletin

http://www.metservice.gov.jm/news.asp

For information on shelter and places under the evacuation order visit

http://www.odpem.org.jm/Home/tabid/36/Default.aspx

- Sandy....

From: David Williams <jammy4ever at gmail.com>
Date: Wed, 24 Oct 2012 07:42:40 -0500

Reporting from the south coast of St. Thomas, Morant Bay....

Steady rains all morning.....winds slightly picking up....this stormsurely caught me by surprise as honestly I stopped checking afterschool started and never thought we would be dealing with this so latein the season.....what I also find different about this storm is thatit is coming directly from the south and really concerned with thewhat is going to happen to the roads along the Rosellestretch.....sadly enough, we only just got that same stretch of roadofficially repaired a few months ago after waiting for what 3-4 yearsand then they were even in the process of building up the coastlinewith huge boulders to break the waves......, unfortunately, I thinkthat all this work will have been done in vain as the work was not yetcompleted.....

....the traffic and stores in Kingston were crazy as people werescrambling to stock up on supplies....I know batteries were sold outin Morant Bay by midday....I am glad that it started to rain fromyesterday morning heavy at timnes and then with breaks in between, asthis I think made more people take this storm more seriously withstocking up and securing homes.....for me, it got me to see wheredrains were blocked and windows needed resealing....we seemed to havebeen very lucky in the past with being spared from a directhit.....thank goodness only a Cat 1 but a hurricanenonetheless.....hope you alll stay safe and secure....I'm going to getout to take a drive to the Roselle falls to see how the surf isbehaving....will send some pics...

- The calm before - Sandy

From: george.scarlett at cwjamaica.com
Date: Wed, 24 Oct 2012 08:10:39 -0500

It has been raining so very slightly for the most part for the past day or so.Sandy is now on our door steps. She has shifted to the east and now appearthat landfall will be in Kingston. But at this time no wind at all just gloomyskies from my house in Caribbean Estates in Portmore. Folk in eastern Jamaicaplease do not take this lightly there are no mountains to take the blow beforeshe hits.

- rain, but no wind yet

From: S G <sgweather2012 at yahoo.com>
Date: Wed, 24 Oct 2012 04:39:59 -0700 (PDT)

Where I am in Kingston, we had a break in the rain for a while last night. This morning it had been drizzling steadily, but it is now starting to rain more heavily again. Still no wind. The forecasts now are for tropical storm effects to begin by mid-morning and hurricane effects by late afternoon or evening. I prefer getting the worst effects during daylight...but then I prefer no effects at all!

- steady rain

From: S G <sgweather2012 at yahoo.com>
Date: Tue, 23 Oct 2012 17:02:47 -0700 (PDT)

It has been raining steadily in Kingston for about three or four hours now. It's not torrential rain; just steady rain. Traffic on the roads was very heavy when I was out earlier in the afternoon, and the lines were long in the supermarket I stopped at. It's dark now, and I think people are waiting for the start of tropical storm conditions. There hasn't been any wind yet; it is all very still as we wait for Sandy.

Susan

- The Calm before the storm

From: Blayz Brooks <blayzbrooks at yahoo.com>
Date: Tue, 23 Oct 2012 16:59:08 -0700 (PDT)

It’s a calm eerily, quiet evening in Montego Bay, Jamaica. The Police have imposed two day curfews over the main cities and town centers of the Country to prevent looting and other illegal activity. All toll Plazas are now opened free of charge and the Bog Walk Gorge is now closed. Digicel is the latest utility company to announce readiness for the storm. Digicel announced that it has ensured all of its over 1000 cell sites across the Island have enough fuel and backup generators to keep Jamaicans connected even in the event of a failure of the power grid.

The Jamaica Public Service Company has activated its emergency operations across the Island. The electricity distribution company has an Emergency Operation Centre in each parish from which technical teams may be deployed to do restoration work, Winsome Callum, head of Corporate Communications said today. She said the company is moving to ensure that adequate material and other resources are in place to facilitate speedy repair and replacement of equipment that is damaged during a hurricane.

“We have an emergency operation centre in each parish. This will be the central point from which our teams will be deployed to handle outages. At this point given the prediction of a category 1 hurricane there are no plans for an island wide shutdown of the system. That one takes places in extreme condition usually associated with a category 4 or 5 hurricane.”

However, she said JPS customers should brace for power outages.

“Power outages are likely as a result of wind, lightning and rain which could impact on the system. We can have lightning strikes which could damage the infrastructure causing outages. Rain will cause land slides which can bring down trees on the lines.”

The Prime Minister of Jamaica who was on an official four day visit to Canada has cut her trip short and is scheduled to return to Jamaica this evening. All Public hospitals will remain open for the duration of the storm and Pregnant women expecting with one months are asked to stay with family or friends close by to the nearest hospital.

The Jamaica Urban Transit Company, JUTC says, it will be terminating its services at 9 o'clock tonight. The company says, the bus service will be operated on a scaled-down basis tomorrow morning.The JUTC says, the severity of the system will determine how early operations will conclude tomorrow.

The University of the West Indies (UWI) says all activities at its Mona Campus in Kingston, as well as the Western Jamaica Campus in Montego Bay will be suspended at 4.00 p.m. today. The university says special arrangements are also being made for resident students to remain on hall.

However, it says students who wish to leave the campus may do so once they advise the Student Services Manager of the respective hall.

Fisherfolk on the Pedro Cays are once again been urged to return to the mainland .Rjr reported that some 100 fisherfolk are still on the Islands and they are saying they are unable to return to the mainland due fuel shortages which have featured in the media weeks ago.

I snapped a short video at sunset this evening , taken from my phone so the quality is poor but you can get an idea how calm and beautiful the day ended.

http://youtu.be/SGU-IQk9pWM

Television Jamaica

http://www.televisionjamaica.com/LiveTV.aspx

Cvm tv Jamaica

http://www.cvmtv.com/live/stream.php

- The nation braces for Tropical Storm Sandy

From: Blayz Brooks <blayzbrooks at yahoo.com>
Date: Tue, 23 Oct 2012 11:04:34 -0700 (PDT)

Skies are mostly cloudy with intermittent showers in Montego Bay Jamaica. The Sangster International Airport will close at 8am tomorrow and remain closed for Wednesday. All schools will be close tomorrow. The ODPEM will make a decision at 1pm if several of the most vulnerable communities will be told to evacuate. Many business and companies are closing early today to give employees time to prepare, some employers were kind enough to pay staff today so they could prepare for the storm. The National Water Commission is reporting a high state of readiness for the storm but has urged all Jamaicans to store enough water to last from three to 14 days and conserve and use water carefully. The Police are on alert and have increased their numbers in several communities to ensure things are in order.

- raining on and off in Kingston

From: S G <sgweather2012 at yahoo.com>
Date: Tue, 23 Oct 2012 09:07:57 -0700 (PDT)

It's been raining on and off all morning where I am in Kingston. Nothing very heavy yet, but enough to be making the ground pretty water-logged in advance of the serious rain we have been promised with this system. At the moment it is raining steadily. It's been very still, no breeze to speak of at all. And after a few patches of clear sky very early this morning, the sky has become completely overcast.

Susan

- Preparing for the worst,Hoping for the Best. Hurricane Watch and Tropical Storm Warning in Effect

From: Blayz Brooks <blayzbrooks at yahoo.com>
Date: Tue, 23 Oct 2012 06:36:35 -0700 (PDT)

It’s a mostly cloudy morning across Montego Bay and much of Jamaica. It’s a busy morning as people rush to prepare for the arrival of now Tropical Storm Sandy. The country’s Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM) have announced that the National Emergency Operations Centre (NEOC) should be activated by Tuesday afternoon. The NEOC is the designated administrative hub of Jamaica's disaster response and recovery operations. Full activation involves all partner agencies reporting to the centre. Partner agencies include the Ministry of Health, the Jamaica Defence Force, the Jamaica Constabulary Force, the Jamaica Fire Brigade, the Meteorological Service, the Ministry of Labour and Social Security, the National Works Agency, utilities companies and the media.

The National Works Agency has begun moving heavy machinery to strategic locations around the Island to move quickly to assist, should the need arise. The Ministry of Education has put all schools on alert for administrators to take the necessary precautions, there is no word yet If schools will open tomorrow but the Ministry said they are in close contact with ODPEM and will await word on whether schools should be closed. Most of Jamaica’s emergency shelters are schools so administrators will need to get them ready.

There were media reports that some 30 boats have left the Offshore Keys and Banks and are already on the Mainland, but they are also some reports that some residents on the Pedro Cays have refused to evacuate despite the difficult experience some of them had when Hurricane Ivan in 2004 affected the nation some of the fisher folk are very reluctant to leave as they fear persons will remove their goods.

I snapped a short video of the weather 7:30am this morning , not much wave action but threathening skies.

http://youtu.be/qM6WFBNXZU0

- getting some rain now

From: S G <sgweather2012 at yahoo.com>
Date: Mon, 22 Oct 2012 23:08:20 -0700 (PDT)

Below is the 11pm bulletin from the Jamaica Met Service. In it they indicate that the next bulletin - scheduled for 5am Tuesday - will probably upgrade the Tropical Storm Watch to a Warning.

It has just started raining where I am in Kingston...again,that light steady rain.

When I was at the supermarket this evening, there wasn't a lot of obvious "storm buying."

A number of events and functions which were to have taken place on Wednesday have been cancelled or postponed.

Susan

************************************************************************************

NEWS RELEASE

October 22, 2012 at 11 p.m..

BULLETIN No: 5 TROPICAL STORM SANDY EXPECTED TO STRENGTHEN FURTHER …TROPICAL STORM WATCH STILL IN EFFECT

A TROPICAL STORM WATCH is still in effect for Jamaica as Tropical Storm Sandy remains over the southwestern Caribbean Sea and becomes better organized. This means that tropical storm conditions pose a possible threat to the island within 48 hours.

At 10:00 p.m. the centre of Tropical Storm Sandy was located near Latitude 12.7 degrees North, Longitude 78.6 degrees West, or about 620 kilometres (385 miles) south-southwest of Kingston, Jamaica or 480 kilometres (300 miles) south of the Pedro Cays.

Tropical Storm Sandy has moved very little this evening but is expected to head towards the north and north-northeast tomorrow and over the next couple of days. On this forecast track, the centre of the tropical storm will approach Jamaica’s southern coastline on Wednesday morning and move across the island to the north coast during the afternoon before moving on to eastern Cuba.

Maximum sustained winds are near 75 km/h (45 mph), with higher gusts. Strengthening is forecast during the next 48 hours and Sandy is likely to become a hurricane while approaching Jamaica on Wednesday. Tropical storm force winds extend outward up to 110 kilometres (70 miles) from the centre.

Over the next couple of days, weather conditions over Jamaica are expected to gradually deteriorate, becoming most severe on Wednesday. Showers and thunderstorms are forecast to increase significantly to produce flash floods and possible landslides. Gusty winds will increase to near hurricane strength across the island and a storm surge of near 2 metres (6-7 feet) is possible along the southeastern coastline.

All small craft operators including fishers from the cays and banks should by now be in port and are urged to complete their necessary safety precautions without delay.

It is likely that the Tropical Storm Watch will be upgraded to a Warning in the next Bulletin and all interests should pay particular attention. The next Bulletin on Tropical Storm Sandy will be issued at 5:00 a.m. tomorrow.

pef

http://www.metservice.gov.jm/news.asp?id=13661

- Waiting for 'Sandy'

From: Carolyn Gomes <carolyn.gomes at gmail.com>
Date: Tue, 23 Oct 2012 01:01:51 -0500

It has been an ominously quiet day in Kingston. Overcast with almost no breeze and minimal rain. 'The storm sucking up all the wind' was how my grandmother used to describe this kind of eerily silent 'calm before the storm'.

Now a soft rain falls accompanied by an occasional gentle wind - deceptive reminder of what lurks over the horizon and seems poised to invade in 36 hours or so. One can only hope that ALL the computer models are wrong but prepare for the increasing probability that they are right.

Tomorrow lies ahead with its whirl of preparation at work and home.

Keep safe everyone

- 70mph winds ,5-10inches of rain ,6-7feet storm surge forecast Wednesday

From: Blayz Brooks <blayzbrooks at yahoo.com>
Date: Mon, 22 Oct 2012 18:40:22 -0700 (PDT)

Today was a normal Monday in Montego Bay. The weather was partly cloudy with the occasional drizzle. Not many people were aware of the impending threat of Tropical Storm Sandy, but the storm is being given much attention in this evening newscasts so there will be a rush on supermarkets tomorrow. I went to the supermarket to pick up a few items mainly lanterns, battery powered radio, batteries and I plan to buy more tomorrow like bottled water, food stuff and items to batten down the windows. We are expecting a strong tropical storm or minimal hurricane on Wednesday with heavy rains 5 to 10inches but the relevant agencies have expressed some level of preparedness. The national works agency has activated its response plan to respond to flooding and land slippages. The Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM) urged the public to ensure that they have adequate water and adequate supplies of food to take them through into Wednesday night also shelters to be opened for evacuation purposes would be made public tomorrow. The Meteorological Service of Jamaica is predicting a storm surge of near 2m or 6-7 feet along the coastline from Clarendon to St. Thomas on Wednesday morning and All small craft operators on Jamaica’s offshore Islands , Cays and Banks have been ordered to return to the mainland .

I recorded a video from my veranda of the calm sea at sunset today.

http://youtu.be/Py2HBL4cke8

Links

Live webcams

Ricks Café (Negril,Jamaica Live video)

http://www.earthcam.com/cams/jamaica/negril/?cam=rickscafe

Grand Palladium Luca Jamaica (click pictures of cam to view live feeds)

http://www.palladiumaddict.net/jamaica-lucea/?c=web-cams

Secrets St.James (located in Monetgo Bay)

http://secretsresorts.com/stjames/webcam.asp

Secrets Wild ORCHID Montego Bay

http://www.secretsresorts.com/wildorchid/webcam.asp

Live tv from Jamaica

Television Jamaica

http://www.televisionjamaica.com/LiveTV.aspx

Cvm tv Jamaica

http://www.cvmtv.com/live/stream.php

Live radio

Nationwide radio

http://www.nationwideradiojm.com/listenlive.html

Rjr 94fm

http://rjr94fm.com/live.php

Power 106

http://go-jamaica.com/power/

Hot102fm

http://www.hot102.fm/index2.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=104&Itemid=60

Automated weather stations (enter Jamaica select go)

http://www.weatherlink.com/map.php

Latest meteorological service of Jamaica bulletin

http://www.metservice.gov.jm/news.asp

- Ja Met Service's 2pm bulletin

From: S G <sgweather2012 at yahoo.com>
Date: Mon, 22 Oct 2012 13:47:03 -0700 (PDT)

I have copied below the Jamaica Met Service's bulletin #2 on the tropical depression.

We haven't had any more rain where I am in Kingston, but it is increasingly overcast.

Susan

********************************************************************

NEWS RELEASE

October 22, 2012 at 2 p.m..

BULLETIN #2 Bulletin #2 TROPICAL STORM WATCH IN EFFECT FOR JAMAICA FISHERS MUST EVACUATE NOW

A TROPICAL STORM WATCH remains in effect for Jamaica as Tropical Depression Number 18 prepares to change direction over the southwestern Caribbean Sea. Tropical storm conditions, therefore, pose a possible threat to the island within 48 hours.

At 1:00 p.m. the centre of Tropical Depression Number 18 was located near Latitude 13.5 degrees North, Longitude 78.5 degrees West, or about 525 kilometres (325 miles) south-southwest of Kingston, Jamaica or 390 kilometres (240 miles) south of the Pedro Cays.

The Tropical Depression is moving towards the southwest near 7 km/h (5 mph) and expected to maintain a drift towards the west today and tonight before turning towards the north-northeast with an increase in forward speed on Tuesday and Wednesday. On this forecast track, the centre would approach Jamaica’s mainland on Tuesday night or early Wednesday.

Maximum sustained winds are near 45 km/h (30 mph), with higher gusts, and strengthening is forecast during the next 48 hours. The system could become a Tropical Storm later today or tonight and be near hurricane strength near Jamaica on Wednesday.

Over the next couple of days, showers and thunderstorms are expected to increase over Jamaica, accompanied by gusty winds, eventually becoming sustained at tropical storm strength late Tuesday. Marine interests will experience winds primarily out of the east before becoming southerly by Tuesday evening.

Fishers on the cays and banks are strongly advised to evacuate immediately and start returning to the mainland. Other small craft operators in our coastal waters are advised to return to port and small craft operators who are in port are advised not to venture out.

The Meteorological Service continues to monitor the progress of this system, and all interests must pay special attention to further Releases.

The next Bulletin on Tropical Depression Number 18 will be issued at 5:00 p.m. today.
egt

http://www.metservice.gov.jm/news.asp?id=13654

- Tropical Storm Watch Issued For Jamaica

From: Tracy Voelk <negriltracy at aol.com>
Date: Mon, 22 Oct 2012 11:26:11 -0400 (EDT)

BULLETIN
TROPICAL DEPRESSION EIGHTEEN ADVISORY NUMBER 1
NWS NATIONAL HURRICANE CENTER MIAMI FL AL182012
1100 AM EDT MON OCT 22 2012

...TROPICAL DEPRESSION FORMS OVER THE SOUTHWESTERN CARIBBEAN SEA...
...TROPICAL STORM WATCH ISSUED FOR JAMAICA...

SUMMARY OF 1100 AM EDT...1500 UTC...INFORMATION
-----------------------------------------------
LOCATION...13.5N 78.0W
ABOUT 320 MI...515 KM SSW OF KINGSTON JAMAICA
MAXIMUM SUSTAINED WINDS...30 MPH...45 KM/H
PRESENT MOVEMENT...SW OR 230 DEGREES AT 5 MPH...7 KM/H
MINIMUM CENTRAL PRESSURE...1003 MB...29.62 INCHES

WATCHES AND WARNINGS
--------------------
CHANGES WITH THIS ADVISORY...

THE GOVERNMENT OF JAMAICA HAS ISSUED A TROPICAL STORM WATCH FOR
JAMAICA.

SUMMARY OF WATCHES AND WARNINGS IN EFFECT...

A TROPICAL STORM WATCH IS IN EFFECT FOR...
* JAMAICA

A TROPICAL STORM WATCH MEANS THAT TROPICAL STORM CONDITIONS ARE
POSSIBLE WITHIN THE WATCH AREA...GENERALLY WITHIN 48 HOURS. A
HURRICANE WATCH AND/OR A TROPICAL STORM WARNING COULD BE REQUIRED
FOR JAMAICA LATER TODAY.

INTERESTS IN EASTERN CUBA...HISPANIOLA...AND THE BAHAMAS SHOULD
MONITOR THE PROGRESS OF THIS SYSTEM.

FOR STORM INFORMATION SPECIFIC TO YOUR AREA...PLEASE MONITOR
PRODUCTS ISSUED BY YOUR NATIONAL METEOROLOGICAL SERVICE.

DISCUSSION AND 48-HOUR OUTLOOK
------------------------------
AT 1100 AM EDT...1500 UTC...THE CENTER OF TROPICAL DEPRESSION
EIGHTEEN WAS LOCATED NEAR LATITUDE 13.5 NORTH...LONGITUDE 78.0 WEST.
THE DEPRESSION IS MOVING TOWARD THE SOUTHWEST NEAR 5 MPH...7 KM/H.
THE DEPRESSION IS EXPECTED TO DRIFT WESTWARD TODAY AND TONIGHT. A
NORTH-NORTHEASTWARD MOTION WITH AN INCREASE IN FORWARD SPEED IS
EXPECTED TUESDAY THROUGH EARLY WEDNESDAY. ON THE FORECAST TRACK...
THE CENTER OF THE CYCLONE SHOULD APPROACH JAMAICA TUESDAY NIGHT OR
EARLY WEDNESDAY.

MAXIMUM SUSTAINED WINDS ARE NEAR 30 MPH...45 KM/H...WITH HIGHER
GUSTS. STRENGTHENING IS FORECAST DURING THE NEXT 48 HOURS...AND THE
DEPRESSION IS EXPECTED TO BECOME A TROPICAL STORM LATER TODAY OR
TONIGHT. THE CYCLONE COULD BE NEAR HURRICANE STRENGTH AS IT IS
APPROACHING JAMAICA ON WEDNESDAY. AN AIR FORCE HURRICANE HUNTER
AIRCRAFT WILL INVESTIGATE THE DEPRESSION LATER TODAY.

ESTIMATED MINIMUM CENTRAL PRESSURE IS 1003 MB...29.62 INCHES.

- overcast and light rain

From: S G <sgweather2012 at yahoo.com>
Date: Mon, 22 Oct 2012 04:16:10 -0700 (PDT)

It is an overcast morning here in Kingston and, where I am, it has just started raining...light, steady rain.

Susan

- Very heavy rains through Thursday, Possible Tropical Storm Conditions Wednesday

From: Blayz Brooks <blayzbrooks at yahoo.com>
Date: Mon, 22 Oct 2012 01:28:02 -0700 (PDT)

The nation is being urged to closely monitor an area of low pressure currently located a couple hundred miles SE of Jamaica. The large low pressure system is forecast to produce very heavy rains over Island Monday evening through Thursday. The system is moving slowly and expected to become nearly stationary as a result some rain fall estimates have as much as 5-10inches of rain affecting the Island during the period. The system should be monitored for further development and the National Hurricane Center gives the system a high chance of becoming cyclone during the next 48hrs.

- Ja Met Service report

From: S G <sgweather2012 at yahoo.com>
Date: Sun, 21 Oct 2012 21:05:00 -0700 (PDT)

Below is the Jamaica Met Service report on the system that is promising to affect us this week.

We had a little rain this evening where I am in Kingston, but it didn't last for long and was rather light.

Susan

******************************************************************

NEWS RELEASE

October 21, 2012 at 5 p.m..

*** INCREASED RAINFALL EXPECTED FOR THE BEGINNING OF THE WEEK……WITH POSSIBLE STORM CONDITIONS BY MID-WEEK ***

An Area of Low Pressure, with an associated Tropical Wave, is currently southeast of Jamaica and is generating unstable weather conditions over the island and its territorial waters.
The System which is expected to be southwest of Jamaica on Tuesday, and move over the island on Wednesday, currently has a high chance of becoming a tropical cyclone during the next 48 hours.

The forecast is for occasionally heavy showers and thunderstorms to impact the island particularly during the afternoon on Monday. On Tuesday through Thursday, expect an increase in rainfall with possible stormy weather conditions developing by Wednesday.

Fishers and other marine interests, especially those on the cays and banks, are strongly advised to exercise caution as the system remains over the area.

All interests are urged to pay special attention to subsequent news releases from the Meteorological Service

rlb

http://www.metservice.gov.jm/news.asp?id=13643

- Nice morning, increased in showers expected through Monday

From: Blayz Brooks <blayzbrooks at yahoo.com>
Date: Sat, 20 Oct 2012 05:02:47 -0700 (PDT)

Good morning to all ,

Its a beautiful morning Saturday in Ocho Rios . There were no afternoon showers yesterday and Friday remain fair. Things may change a bit later ,the local met service advising an increased in showers through Monday in association with a trough.
Attached are some pictures I snapped of the sea at dawn some time after 6 am
Sent from Yahoo! Mail on Android

Attachment: 2012-10-20 06.27.01.jpg
Description: JPEG image

Attachment: 2012-10-20 06.27.19.jpg
Description: JPEG image

Attachment: 2012-10-20 06.27.55.jpg
Description: JPEG image

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