Vieques (PR) - Local Reports (Caribbean Hurricane Network)

- - - 2019 Hurricane Season - - -

- Partly Cloudy

By Kate Cole <kate at elquenepovieques.com>
Date: Thu, 19 Sep 2019 09:44:23 -0400

Good morning,

Things are pretty quiet here in Vieques. We in the depths of off season. The blob to our South was nothing more than that, a blob. We didn't even receive rain. At least it has cooled off! This seems to have been an unusually hot September.

We are watching Jerry. It is forecast to pass to the North. We might get some rain. Hopefully that will be all we receive. Of course there will be jogs in the track so we need to pay attention.

- Hmmmmm....

By Kate Cole <kate at elquenepovieques.com>
Date: Wed, 28 Aug 2019 17:50:16 -0400

It is grey and drizzling here on Vieques. A light breeze is blowing. It looks like the skies are starting to clear to the Southeast. Dorian decided Vieques was not on the travel itinerary. To tell the truth we were watching the radar as Dorian headed to St. Thomas and shook our heads in disbelief that Dorian went yet further East. In 24 hours we went from Dorian tracking over the DR to it hitting St. Thomas. These little storms are difficult to track and to project intensity. We are very grateful that it was nothing more than a rainy day here in Vieques. We send our best to our island neighbors who were quite taken by surprise. And of course our thoughts are always with the many, many people who still live under the Blue Roofs after Irma and Maria.

Grateful, very grateful,

- Good Morning

By Kate Cole <kate at elquenepovieques.com>
Date: Wed, 28 Aug 2019 11:38:16 -0400

Sitting here writing to the smell of French Toast. We have to keep up our strength after all of this shifting and moving with Dorian. Woke up at 5:00 am to see that the track had significantly shifted toward Vieques. Not a great way to start the day. Now on the 11 o'clock advisory they shifted the track east again. This means a direct hit to Culebra. They don't need this, we don't need this and the Virgins don't need this. Started to breathe a small sigh of relief that we wouldn't be on the dreaded North side of the storm. Then let out a string of expletives as the NHC noted the worst winds are on the East side. NHC also notes that this could turn into a Hurricane today. Fabulous! (sarcasm level on high).

So what we do have going for us at the moment is electricity. The rumor is that they will not cut power. Of course that means the internet still works.

The boats and planes are safely out of harm's way. The Malecon is shuttered and boarded. Esperanza Bay was still flat when I was there at 8:30 am. Looking across the channel right now to Main Island and the sun is shining in Naguabo and possibly Ceiba. Skies are very dark to the South and it is overcast here in Pilon.

Hoping this is less than the passage of Irene several years ago. Jaded to the effects of smaller storms by the horror show of Hurricane Maria. So let's see what Dorian will do. Let's get this show on the road and get it over with.

PS- Florida we are so sorry we are unable to break up this storm for you.

- Hot, sunny Vieques

By Kate Cole <kate at elquenepovieques.com>
Date: Tue, 27 Aug 2019 12:17:32 -0400

It is a hot, sunny day here in Vieques. I am sitting here at El Quenepo listening to the sound of chipping hammers and nail guns. Construction on our new guestrooms continues even with the threat of Dorian. The little storm that could seems to be chugging along. It should make its closest pass to Vieques tomorrow in the mid-afternoon. Not too much panic here. PTSD is absolutely kicking in (For example I have 6 cases of wine stashed) but this one will be ok. We are looking at the possibility of rain and some wind. Nothing, nowhere near the horror of Maria.

The Hurricane Hunters are just finishing their flight path through Dorian. I love watching the information come in. Learning more every day on how to use it. I remember two or three days after Maria watching Kermit, one of the Hurricane Hunter planes, mapping Vieques. It was such a thrill to see it up close. Actually that was a huge highlight after the storm. My husband says that just makes me a weather geek. I like that!

The last ferry from Vieques supposedly left at 11:00 am. I heard planes earlier do they are still around. The dry law is not going into effect tonight! El Quenepo will be open as we count down our last five nights of the season.

We are so glad to hear reports from down island. Sounds like it is ok. Keep them coming in!

El Quenepo

El Malecón

148 Calle Flamboyan

Vieques, PR 00765

787.741.1215

- "That" Time of Year

By Kate Cole <kate at elquenepovieques.com>
Date: Sat, 24 Aug 2019 16:49:10 -0400

Buenas Tardes,

So it is “That” time of year. All eyes to the east. Keeping an eye on TD5 and killing time before the 5:00 NHC update. The good news Vieques is green, green, green! Delightfully green. The garden is responding nicely to the frequent showers. All 24 new fruit trees planted since Maria are flourishing.

We are delighted with all of the folks who visited our little island this season. Vieques is back!!!! We are winding down now as we head toward Labor Day weekend and our traditional slow season. A long break to rest, recharge and visit with family and friends.

Here is a toast to continued rains, light winds and no storms!