|
|
|
- UPCOMING 2018 HURRICANE SEASON
|
- By Martha Watkins Gilkes <marthawatkinsgilkes at gmail.com>
- Date: Wed, 11 Apr 2018 14:03:38 -0400
|
For those of us in the islands we are always tuned in to HURRICANE SEASON and although it is still several months away from OFFICIAL START we are watching the forecasts.. Here is one from our Antigua MET OFFICE … should have us all doing things NOW. as i have been.. I learned that putting CROSS BEAMS across your roof greatly protects it from being “GONE WITH THE WIND” so have now ties all 8 of my roofs like this…. photos to show
FORECAST FOR 2018
ROOF BEFORE CROSS TIES . 
ROOF AFTER CROSS TIES making it much stronger in a hurricane!
|
|
|
- Active Hurricane Season Ahead!
|
- By Daniella Seepaul <daniellaseepaul at gmail.com>
- Date: Thu, 05 Apr 2018 21:16:11 +0000
|
Dear Fellow Islanders,According to Colorado State University the 2018 hurricane season is expected to be more active than usual. Current predictions are 14 named tropical storms, 7 hurricanes, and 3 major hurricanes. That being said, it's never to early to start planning and preparing for the season ahead.
Regards, Daniella Seepaul
|
|
- Hurricane BRIAN in uk 😱❓❓
|
- By Martha Watkins Gilkes <marthawatkinsgilkes at gmail.com>
- Date: Sat, 21 Oct 2017 05:47:05 -0400
|
What is happening in the weather world ❓ now England faces this bad weather In the news now.
Storm Brian 2017 update: London braced for severe weather with the UK to be lashed by rain and windThe worst of the weather is expected overnight on Friday and throughout Saturday. |
|
|
- UP DATE ANTIGUA IS FINE AND IN FULL "TOURISM BUSINESS"
|
- By Martha Watkins Gilkes <marthawatkinsgilkes at gmail.com>
- Date: Thu, 5 Oct 2017 13:59:04 -0400
|
| I have just been contacted by a New York Travel Agent who was worried that ANTIGUA IS IN A MESS and not ready for tourists. I would like to say THANKFULLY WE ARE TOTALLY back in business now to welcome the tourists and for them to have a wonderful tropical holiday. All of our services ( electiricity phone cable tv internet ) are back up and running.. our internet is not GREAT — never has been and maybe never will be ??? but we an communicate very well ( even if a bit slow!!) SO please if you read or hear WE ARE NOT FINE it is NOT TRUE. We understand we will be receiving MANY MORE CRUISE SHIPS over the coming season so we may be a tad crowded especially in ST JOHNS! There are some repairs to do in St johns but i understand they are not major and will be done soon. All of our hotels are fine ( sandals has closed for several months renovations which was planned BEFORE the hurricanes) SO COME ON DOWN. |
|
|
- HELLO FROM ANTIGUA
|
- By Martha Watkins Gilkes <marthawatkinsgilkes at gmail.com>
- Date: Wed, 4 Oct 2017 09:00:09 -0400
|
| I have not posted since the hurricanes pasted. While Antigua did not have any serious damage to speak of ( ESPECIALLY COMPARED TO OUR NEIGHBORS) we were without power for some days and i still do not have a telephone ( land line) and cable tv not working well.. and we have just finished the clean up trees and garden damages.. ALL VERY MINOR THINGS in comparison to what our dear sister islands are living with. It is really soul destroying. With Antigua being spared we have been able to help BARBUDA - our little sister island - and they are getting things together and some are even going back but it is still very primitive Also Antigua has CLOSE CLOSE ties with Beautiful DOmininca that was SO VERY DEVESTATED by Maria.. Lots of family ties and Domininca people living here so there is lots of aid and connections going on here also. And so many other islands are fighting to come back.. Anguilla and of course San Juan and others… wishing them all well in the struggle to recover. And of course Hurricane season IS NOT OVER so we have to be mindful of that and keep eyes to the east. Pray to God ( or whoever one believes in) that we will not suffer any more this storm season. |
|
|
- Jolly Harbour action.
|
- By eli fuller <eliantigua at gmail.com>
- Date: Tue, 19 Sep 2017 11:22:54 -0400
|
All good. Winds mostly from east which is good and I think gusts to 70mph at times, but no problems by my home. I'm staying put as I've got no reason to go out right now. Power still on and comfortable. Epicurean in jolly open apparently. Boats look good and plants left after Irma still holding on. Thoughts with DA.
|
|
- Half moon bay antigua
|
- By Martha Watkins Gilkes <marthawatkinsgilkes at gmail.com>
- Date: Tue, 19 Sep 2017 07:44:55 -0400
|
Big rollers coming in
Martha Watkins Gilkes
P.O. Box W1924
Antigua, West Indies
268 460 4423
Cell 2687647722
Sent from my fab iPhone
Marthawatkinsgilkes at gmail.com
|
|
- Hurricane update antigua
|
- By Martha Watkins Gilkes <marthawatkinsgilkes at gmail.com>
- Date: Tue, 19 Sep 2017 10:46:22 -0400
|
6th September 2017
Summary of events from Hurricane Irma
There’ve been no reports of deaths so far. Three persons sought medical
attention at the Mount St John Medical Centre. They were four minor incidents.
We are presently trying to re-establish communication with Barbuda to get a
clearer picture of the situation there. The last communication with Barbuda was
about 12:30am. Before communication was lost we got reports of several
buildings having damaged roofs to include the Police Station. The Barbuda
Weather Station, monitored by the Met Office, recorded sustained winds of 119
mph and gusts of 150mph.
The preliminary report is indicating that damage across Antigua and Barbuda is
minimal. We received feedback from the District Disaster Coordinators, who have
already begun some assessment. An initial situation overview is being conducted
which will give an indication of the damage and where pockets of damage are
concentrated.
There were several reports of roof damage in Antigua - in areas like
Crosbies, Fort Road, Clare Hall, Grays Farm and Pigotts - four roofs
completely off.
In St George District - An access-way into Barnes Hill had to be cleared by
removing a portion of a tree that fell across the road. In St Phillip South,
they are in the process of making a quick assessment and will get an update on
that.
In Freetown and Bethesda, a few trees and telephone lines are down.
In the Hodges Bay are few poles and telephone wires are down.
There was a report of a roof in the road close to Sunnyside and downed trees
There was also a report of a container fire on Friars Hill Road. The Fire
Department extinguished the fire.
Police conducted rescue operations in Crosbies, Fort Road and Whenner Road.
Further updates will be given.
Martha Watkins Gilkes
P.O. Box W1924
Antigua, West Indies
268 460 4423
Cell 2687647722
Sent from my fab iPhone
Marthawatkinsgilkes at gmail.com
|
|
- Made it thru the night
|
- By Martha Watkins Gilkes <marthawatkinsgilkes at gmail.com>
- Date: Tue, 19 Sep 2017 06:46:41 -0400
|
We lost power and generator failed but after first light got. it going.
Hearing heartbreaking Dominica stories. Not the full picture yet.
Seems antigua get storm force winds only 60 to 70. Mph Radio still
broadcasting so will listen for status on rest of island to report to you.
Guadeloupe radar shows us right in the middle of this. So a. number of hours
to go yet. The islands are barely showing under the mass Not sure what her
forward speed is but hope it does not stall
Martha Watkins Gilkes
P.O. Box W1924
Antigua, West Indies
268 460 4423
Cell 2687647722
Sent from my fab iPhone
Marthawatkinsgilkes at gmail.com
|
|
- Half moon bay antigua
|
- By Martha Watkins Gilkes <marthawatkinsgilkes at gmail.com>
- Date: Tue, 19 Sep 2017 07:44:55 -0400
|
Big rollers coming in
Martha Watkins Gilkes
P.O. Box W1924
Antigua, West Indies
268 460 4423
Cell 2687647722
Sent from my fab iPhone
Marthawatkinsgilkes at gmail.com
|
|
- EARLY MORNING report
|
- By Martha Watkins Gilkes <marthawatkinsgilkes at gmail.com>
- Date: Tue, 19 Sep 2017 07:41:49 -0400
|
MADE IT THROUGH a very windy night… but not hurricane winds our Met
office is reporting .. 60 to 70 mPH it seems.. but hearing heartbreaking
news of our sister island dominica.. don’t have the full picture yet…
meanwhile met office says this will be with us until early evening
with worst starting around 8 am when hurricane closest to us.. we
have no power and i lost my generator for some hours but with first light
was able to get it going thankfully or else i would not be able to keep
reporting to you as the “magic box’ from Digital that has kept me
connected would have not stayed on…
will try to report state of antigua after i check around the island
a bit with various friends… we can not go out yet…
|
|
- Blowing
|
- By eli fuller <eliantigua at gmail.com>
- Date: Tue, 19 Sep 2017 03:11:23 -0400
|
Haven't posted on here for years. Hi again! It's blowing pretty hard here. Hard to tell for sure but feels like high tropical storm force winds and torrential rain. Worse conditions in jolly Harbor than we experienced a few weeks ago in Irma. This will have definitely caught some off guard here in Antigua. Boats were seeking shelter at 11 pm last night. For sure there will be flooding. Radar image from meteo France shows more rain and wind to come. Eli Attachment:
Screenshot_20170919-024843.png
Description: PNG image
|
|
- Hurricane Maria
|
- By Martha Watkins Gilkes <marthawatkinsgilkes at gmail.com>
- Date: Tue, 19 Sep 2017 01:44:39 -0400
|
Martha Watkins Gilkes P.O. Box W1924 Antigua, West Indies 268 460 4423 Cell 2687647722 Sent from my fab iPhone
|
|
|
- Hurricane Maria
|
- By Martha Watkins Gilkes <marthawatkinsgilkes at gmail.com>
- Date: Tue, 19 Sep 2017 01:44:39 -0400
|
Martha Watkins Gilkes P.O. Box W1924 Antigua, West Indies 268 460 4423 Cell 2687647722 Sent from my fab iPhone
|
|
|
- Hurricane Maria
|
- By Daniella Seepaul <daniellaseepaul at gmail.com>
- Date: Mon, 18 Sep 2017 19:32:39 -0400
|
|
Hi Fellow Islanders,
What a busy hurricane season? We are only in Mid September and have already seen more Catergory 4 Hurricanes than usual.
Hurricane Maria is already bringing gusty winds to Antigua, and we'd be under some weather for the greater portion of tomorrow.
To neighbouring island please be safe!
Regards,
Daniella Seepaul
|
|
- THINKING OF THOSE IN HARMS WAY
|
- By Martha Watkins Gilkes <marthawatkinsgilkes at gmail.com>
- Date: Mon, 18 Sep 2017 11:42:17 -0400
|
SO THINKING OF SO MANY OF MY FRIENDS in Dominica where the eye of Hurricane Maria seems to be passing and especially the Perryman family and the thriving SCUBA DIVE BUSINESS Daniel has carried one from his father, Derrick …. Hoping for the storm to spare too much damage and will be anxious to hear news. And also for the islands in the path …..anxious to   |
|
|
- HURRICANE MARIA
|
- By Martha Watkins Gilkes <marthawatkinsgilkes at gmail.com>
- Date: Mon, 18 Sep 2017 11:02:16 -0400
|
Live link of what Hurricane Maria is doing now approaching the islands The 5 am is very concerning
with strengthening forecasted. To get the proper date if not showing click on the calendar on the bottom left side For Antigua and Barbuda we are north ( above the butterfly shape island of Guadeloupe .. we are fortunate once again with Antigua to miss this terrible direct hit.. The storm force winds extend out 105 miles so we will get some of the outer bands and probably lots of rain. Results for Antigua (17.12N, 61.78W):
The approximate Closest Point of Approach (CPA) is located near 16.1N, 62.4W or about 85.5 miles (137.6 km) from your location. The estimated time of when the center of the storm will be at that location is in about 1 day, 2 hours and 33 minutes from now (Tuesday, September 19 at 8:48AM AST). Animated wind, rain and temperature maps, detailed forecast for your place, data from the best weather forecast models such as GFS, ICON, GEM
|
|
|
- THE CAPTIVE DOLPHINS AND HURRICANES
|
- By Martha Watkins Gilkes <marthawatkinsgilkes at gmail.com>
- Date: Sun, 17 Sep 2017 21:26:25 -0400
|
| I am so distressed over what has become of the poor DOLPHINS IN CAPTIVITY with Dolphin Discovery, IN ANGUILLA AND TORTOLA and NOW with HURRICANE MARIA HITTING ST KITTS.
If any one knows the plight please let me know. It cannot be an easy thing for any animal to endure but especially to be in a hurricane situation in a pen. This was our dolphin prison in Antigua ( now closed down)
 these
|
|
|
- CORRECTION TO LAST POST
|
- By Martha Watkins Gilkes <marthawatkinsgilkes at gmail.com>
- Date: Sun, 17 Sep 2017 20:15:53 -0400
|
The LINK I SENT is the movement of Hurricane Maria TODAY. to change the
date and see where she is projected to go see the calendar box on the
left hand bottom side and click on the date you want to see the action..
This is a new site for me and very interesting to see the “weather in
action”. Thanks to Dominic Noon for sharing this site with me.
|
|
- HURRICANE MARIA
|
- By Martha Watkins Gilkes <marthawatkinsgilkes at gmail.com>
- Date: Sun, 17 Sep 2017 20:12:30 -0400
|
Hurricane Maria on the move ( see link below ) this like if for TOMORROW when it is over this island ) and so sorry for Beautiful DOMINICA as it is going right over the island… and good news for Antigua and Barbuda as of 7:28 pm
we were taken off Hurricane watch and a Tropical storm warning is now in effect for Antigua and Barbuda
This means we will get winds under 74 MPH . ( still could be strong but not hurricane destroying winds) TAKE NOTE:
Our Met office did "mention" to be alert in case there was any shift but it looks like
once again ( for the 3rd time) antigua has dodged the bullet .. We are STILL CLOSELY WATCHING THIS as these
systems shift!
https://www.ventusky.com/?p=17.1;-61.8;5&l=cape
|
|
|
- ANTIGUA Barbuda on HURRICANE WATCH
|
- By Martha Watkins Gilkes <marthawatkinsgilkes at gmail.com>
- Date: Sun, 17 Sep 2017 09:12:17 -0400
|
Good Morning from antigua …my internet has been on and off so i am handicapped with posting but am trying to keep you tuned in to our status.
We have been put on a hurricane watch… AGAIN! It looks like the hurricane will track slightly south of us from the latest info.. but as we know these hurricanes have a “mind of their own” and a slight north wobble could bring it right over us.. for now it seems it will be about 70 miles to the south. Tuesday noon but we will start feeling effects tomorrow Monday.. Rushing to finish lock up ! We are all taking this very serious after what we have been through! Depending on the damage we may lose power and communications again and we don’t know for how long. I will be back on line to you to report our status as soon as i can or via Gert by text if possible. Thanks for all the good wishes and prayers coming our way. Thinking of so many in harms way… especially those in the northern islands hit so hard with Irma.. also of the poor roaming lose animals on barbuda who have not owners to protect them.
|
|
|
- HURRICANE COMING AGAIN !!!
|
- By Martha Watkins Gilkes <marthawatkinsgilkes at gmail.com>
- Date: Sat, 16 Sep 2017 14:54:15 -0400
|
|
|
|
- For anyone stranded in. St Maarten.
|
- By Martha Watkins Gilkes <marthawatkinsgilkes at gmail.com>
- Date: Fri, 15 Sep 2017 05:03:11 -0400
|
I am reposting this as I have more info below I hope it helps someone. Martha.
FINAL UPDATE FOR SEPT 15 ST MAARTEN EVACUATION SAILING
Majesty of the Seas will call on the port in St. Maarten Friday, September 15 from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. We will board as many people onto the ship as we safely can. We will sail in the evening to San Juan, Puerto Rico, arriving early morning Saturday.
To get to the ship: You should go to Carnival Festival Village on Pond Island, which will be used as a staging area. Shuttles will take you to the ship. There is no direct access to the port.
Latest guidance on getting to the port will be provided hourly on Laser 101. Online information can be found at Facebook.com/portstmaarten/
If you have already provided us with your complete travel details: you have been added to the ship’s manifest. Please make your way safely to the Carnival Festival Village.
If you have NOT provided us with travel details: Proceed to the Carnival Festival Village as early as you safely can with proper travel identification – passport and visas. If you do not have authorization to enter the US, you must also provide proof
of your continuing travel plans out of San Juan to your final destination. We will do our best to get you aboard.
Please only bring as much luggage as you can safely carry in two hands. We will do our best to accommodate your pets.
We appreciate your patience and cooperation. We know this has been an incredibly trying week. We will do all we can to help you out, and we wish you safe travels with all our hearts.
CONFIDENTIALITY NOTE: This message may contain confidential or legally privileged information. If you are not the intended recipient, you are hereby notified that any disclosure, copying, distribution, or taking any action in reliance on these contents is strictly
prohibited and may be unlawful. If you have received this communication in error, please notify us immediately by responding to this e-mail and then delete it from your system.
|
|
|
- OMG 🙏🌪🌪
|
- By Martha Watkins Gilkes <marthawatkinsgilkes at gmail.com>
- Date: Thu, 14 Sep 2017 05:27:03 -0400
|
None of us want to dare think about this but we have to keep our eyes to the
east
NWS National Hurricane Center Miami FL
200 AM EDT Thu Sep 14 2017
For the North Atlantic...Caribbean Sea and the Gulf of Mexico:
A tropical wave located about 700 miles southwest of the Cabo Verde
Islands continues to produce widespread showers and thunderstorms.
Environmental conditions are expected to be conducive for gradual
development of this system through early next week while it moves
westward at around 15 mph across the tropical Atlantic.
* Formation chance through 48 hours...low...10 percent.
* Formation chance through 5 days...medium...40 percent.
Another tropical wave, located just offshore of the west coast of
Africa, is producing disorganized shower and thunderstorm activity.
Some gradual development of this system is possible over the next
several days while it moves westward at 10 to 15 mph across the far
eastern tropical Atlantic.
* Formation chance through 48 hours...low...10 percent.
* Formation chance through 5 days...low...30 percent.
$$
Forecaster Zelinsky
Martha Watkins Gilkes
P.O. Box W1924
Antigua, West Indies
268 460 4423
Cell 2687647722
Sent from my fab iPhone
Marthawatkinsgilkes at gmail.com
|
|
- Getting help if you are stranded
|
- By Martha Watkins Gilkes <marthawatkinsgilkes at gmail.com>
- Date: Thu, 14 Sep 2017 03:10:13 -0400
|
Martha
Wanted to share with you just in case you know anyone that can or needs to take advantage of this If you you are in or know anyone in St. Maarteen and want to evacuate, they can email stormhelp at rccl.com. I know may be difficult with no power or electricity, but you can possibly send their details for them (Name, DOB, Passport). Majesty of the Seas will be calling on Sept 14, and taking people to San Juan. Share with all you know... Sandy
Martha Watkins Gilkes P.O. Box W1924 Antigua, West Indies 268 460 4423 Cell 2687647722 Sent from my fab iPhone
|
|
|
- Feeding Barbuda animals.
|
- By Martha Watkins Gilkes <marthawatkinsgilkes at gmail.com>
- Date: Tue, 12 Sep 2017 20:18:42 -0400
|
The amazing ladies who pulled together the first feedings shown here. They
go back to barbuda tomorrow. Bless you.
Martha Watkins Gilkes
P.O. Box W1924
Antigua, West Indies
268 460 4423
Cell 2687647722
Sent from my fab iPhone
Marthawatkinsgilkes at gmail.com
|
|
- BarbudA amazing animal rescue story
|
- By Martha Watkins Gilkes <marthawatkinsgilkes at gmail.com>
- Date: Tue, 12 Sep 2017 05:35:23 -0400
|
Our island 🌴 is coming together in a ❤️ heartwarming way to deal with the tragedy and after math of. Hurricane Irma. This group of heroic ladies pulled together a fund raiser on go fund me. (See link on the bottom ). Yesterday was the first effort with details below. I will post some photos later. God bless you ladies.
As reported by the group.
BARBUDAN PET & LIVESTOCK TRIP #1 A HUGE SUCCESS!! What we were met with in Barbuda, although incredibly sad, gave me great hope! Those dogs were not starving or neglected and very few were wounded. They are all sticking to their homes and were grateful for the food. The worst thing we encountered with dogs today is some of the bigger breed dogs who were deemed as dangerous had been shot. The Barbudans we took over to help us assist with everyone's animals were beyond valuable. The sense of community amongst Barbudans is seriously strong. The Barbudan I was with, Shiraz Hopkins, knew not only the names of the animal owners but knew most of the dogs by name too! 3 out of the 4 of the Barbudans who assisted us had trucks and we were able to split up to cover as much ground as possible. As a result of this we managed to feed (we tried to keep count but as we were rushing and often running from home to home we did lose track a little) but we fed roughly 100 dogs, 100 sheep, 60 chickens, 50 pigs, 40 goats, 10 horses, 20 turkeys, 8 peacocks, 1 cow and 1 donkey. The horses, sheep, goats and donkeys that were not fed were checked over for injuries and were left alone. There is water available to all of them and grass. Sadly horses seem to have been the worst affected and I administered antibiotics to 3 of them, one of whom has a life threatening wound. She happens to belong to a close friend of mine Ann-maria Nadine Lake who is incredibly worried and we are trying to make provisions for her to be brought home now. Other animals treated were a donkey with a severe wound and a goat with an infected leg. Pet and livestock owners are reaching out to us left right and centre thanking us and begging us to look for their dogs, feed them and even bring them to Antigua. This is part of our next mission; we want to reunite owners of dogs who have said they can accommodate them in Antigua. And continue to feed the dogs and animals who cannot be brought over. We took to Barbuda today 11 (55lb) bags of dog food as well as several buckets of cooked meat, 20 bags of poultry/ruminant/pig/horse feed as well as several buckets of supermarket leftovers for pigs. We were left with 4 bags of dog food and 10 bags of other feed. I continue to thank you all for donating and sharing the gofundme posts. We are hoping to get back over there asap! Thanks again everyone for helping to make this happen. ❤️
To donate and Learn more
|
|
|
- ANTIGUA AFTER THE "DOUBLE WHAMMY" HURRICANES
|
- By Martha Watkins Gilkes <marthawatkinsgilkes at gmail.com>
- Date: Mon, 11 Sep 2017 19:35:50 -0400
|
ANTIGUA WAS LUCKY THAT BOTH IRMA and JOSE turned NORTH at the last and we did not GET what was expected that could have devastated us as IRMA DID BARBUDA … So now our twin island state fights to get back to “normal”
I am sharing comments from JILL here as i cannot say it better.. and YES I AM PROUD to be Antiguan with the response from this. We understand on other islands there is looting and violence and lots of bad things.. NONE OF THAT HERE... An observation before I close my eyes tonight.
I have never before been as proud to be from Antigua and Barbuda as I am now. This past week has been such an emotional one. I have seen whole sections of our communities come together to help our neighbours and fellow citizens in any way. Flotillas were assembled to evacuate the desperate, homes were opened to strangers, donations poured in from home and abroad, centres were established to clothe and help those without, and plans have been made to feed the helpless creatures left behind in Barbuda. This outpouring of support came from across the Antiguan landscape, from those born here and from those who have chosen Antigua as their home. Impressively, many of those helping were our young people. We became our brother's keeper. The rest of the Caribbean could take a leaf out of our book. Our response brought honour to our twin island state. Thank you for all you have done. |
|
|
- Antigua Spared
|
- By Daniella Seepaul <daniellaseepaul at gmail.com>
- Date: Sun, 10 Sep 2017 09:22:10 -0400
|
With Grace we have been saved from the wroth of Hurricane Irma, so we are able to help friends, family, and others that have been devastated in neighbouring islands. Hurricane Irma have left us Wednesday with minimal damages, but have left our sister isle Barbuda, uninhabitable.
With preparations for Hurricane Jose, as much Barbudans were evacuated over to Antigua. Fortunately Jose passed well north-East of us here just leaving some rain. Hoping that we don't get anything more this hurricane season as neighbouring islands have been through enough with Hurricane Irma. Remember though to continue being prepared, and safe this hurricane season, as we are only now in September.
Regards, Daniella Seepaul |
|
- THE BEST NEWS EVER for ANTIGUA & Barbuda on Hurricane Jose
|
- By Martha Watkins Gilkes <marthawatkinsgilkes at gmail.com>
- Date: Sat, 9 Sep 2017 07:59:07 -0400
|
JUST LEARNED WE are OFF HURRICANE WATCH… ( STILL ON STORM WATCH) A true Miracle… you can see the News clip on this link — scroll down to the Weather Watch just released..
|
|
|
- Where is Hurricane Jose ?
|
- By Martha Watkins Gilkes <marthawatkinsgilkes at gmail.com>
- Date: Sat, 9 Sep 2017 07:35:13 -0400
|
| TRYING TO FIGURE OUT WHAT IS GOING ON..... Now 730 am and NO WIND at Half Moon Bay .... i have gone outside to feed my hummingbirds and wild little bird and seems like any other Day with a bit of wind..... but on STORMCARIB closet point of approach still show around NOON and ANTIGUA MET statement that recently came out says winds gusting up to 55 MPH and seas are 10 to 16 feet .... not feeling that wind here.. only hearing MUSIC on the radio ???? Kind of an eerie feeling ....not knowing what to expect! gonna do some more research and see if i can figure out anything! |
|
|
- Hurricane Jose moving in closer to Antigua
|
- By Martha Watkins Gilkes <marthawatkinsgilkes at gmail.com>
- Date: Sat, 9 Sep 2017 04:04:19 -0400
|
| SCREEN SHOT of the movement.. Bottom photo taken 10 pm Friday night and top one taken 4 am Saturday. Antigua is just above Guadeloupe
Seeing that slight north turn so optimist that we only get storm force winds as we have been told.
you can watch it in REAL TIME as it moves by us here
|
|
|
- TONIGHT and Hurricane Jose
|
- By Martha Watkins Gilkes <marthawatkinsgilkes at gmail.com>
- Date: Sat, 9 Sep 2017 03:56:55 -0400
|
Now 730 p.m.
Not hearing any wild wind or anything "hurricane related" Just got info texted in that the electricity will be cut island wide at 11 p.m. Am leaving my half defunct generator ON FOR THE NIGHT so fans and ac work... - praying it keeps chugging -- ( it is in an outside basement under the house so cannot get to it without going outside... it is like being in AN OVEN in a "tropical house" with metal shutters all around and hardly a breath of air ( the OPPOSITE of our normal life when the fresh tropical sea breeze blows in and is sweet sweet living! ) So it will be another night of "SLEEPLESS IN SEATTLE - i mean Antigua !!!) - especially if i decide to sleep with my shoes on !!!! |
|
|
- READY FOR HURRICANE JOSE
|
- By Martha Watkins Gilkes <marthawatkinsgilkes at gmail.com>
- Date: Fri, 8 Sep 2017 18:00:23 -0400
|
| ALL LOCKED and bolted in.. with one escape door if needed and the "grab bag" ready with the essentials ( passports/ money credit cards car keys etc.. AND some ROPE as people in Barbuda had to tie themselves to TREES!! Hope i don't need to "grab the grab bag"! worst won't come until tomorrow morning and during the day .
Hope to be able to post a few times during the hurricane if my internet holds out !
|
|
|
- WHAT IS COMING ON TOP OF US SOON
|
- By Martha Watkins Gilkes <marthawatkinsgilkes at gmail.com>
- Date: Fri, 8 Sep 2017 13:51:38 -0400
|
| WHAT IS COMING TO US.. Antigua is just a boVE the "BUTTERFLY ISLAND which is GUADULOUPE... pretty scary
|
|
|
- HURRICANE JOSE COMING TOWARDS ANTIGUA
|
- By Martha Watkins Gilkes <marthawatkinsgilkes at gmail.com>
- Date: Fri, 8 Sep 2017 11:22:52 -0400
|
| Good Morning from Antigua
UPDATE on Hurricane JOSE
We are all still counting our blessings at having dodged the bullet with HURRICANE ERMA still a monster and heading the Florida it seems - so thinking of all in her path ….… and our hearts are with our sister isle Barbduda so terribly hit. Today they are bringing out women, children and elder people and then others as starting tonight we are bracing for HURRICANE JOSE TOMORROW Saturday.
As of 11 am Jose is 415 miles east from us. We are hoping for a north turn as happened with ERMA but with weather we never know ! Regret the Hurricane hunters have found 150 mph winds making it another MAJOR HURRICANE..
Our MET office just gave us this info - Storm winds will start tonight ; Around 8 a.m tomorrow morning Saturday it will be 100 miles North East of Antigua. and 60 to 80 miles from Barbuda. Midday it will be around 70 miles North East of Antigua We think
The Tropical storm winds extend out 70 miles from the southeast and 50 miles on the southwest
The good news is weather man ALAN ARCHER reporting on 93.5 says the track should be a bit MORE NORTH than IRMA - 30 to 40 miles NORTH OF Barbuda and sadly seems to be on a track over St Martin and St Barts.
I am still without ELECTRICITY * ( except for my very decrepit generator that is limping along with an oil leak and now a bad low oil switch that keeps saying low oil when it is not!! - trying to get that sorted!! ) and no telephones and no internet
HOWEVER late yesterday I managed to get this newest “mobile wi fi device ( Huawei) that has put me back on LINE so I hope i will be able to report all thru the storm and immediately after… on www.stormcarib.com under ANTIGUA and on my own Facebook page.
Hope for only good news to post later.
A very “hurricane stressed” Martha
|
|
|
- Beautiful day followed by...
|
- By Alan Scholl <scholla at candw.ag>
- Date: Fri, 8 Sep 2017 08:00:47 -0400
|
Antigua was spared IRMA's wrath though there are small pockets of things blown
over that can be fixed or scrapped. There seems to be a lack of data on winds
experienced in Antigua. I estimate we had sustained 60-65 with gusts between
80-90 at my location in the north east. Still no power but that's the least.
Well time to hunker down again for a return of JOSE, a storm name we previously
experienced in 1999.
Alan Scholl
|
|
- FROM ANTIGUA the day BEFORE the next Hurricane
|
- By Martha Watkins Gilkes <marthawatkinsgilkes at gmail.com>
- Date: Thu, 7 Sep 2017 22:43:49 -0400
|
| Dear STORM CARIB followers IT is now the DAY BEFORE the next Hurricane and Two days AFTER the last hurricane.
It is surreal that we are living thru this and somehow Antigua has been mostly spared from IRMA wrath but our special beautiful Barbuda has been blown apart as so many other islands to our north.. and thinking of friends on many of them and praying for their safety. I spend a lot of time on this special “little sister island” and am sick to my stomach to be learning about the devastation.
SO here on Antigua we are watching HURRICANE JOSE coming starting tomorrow night ( Friday) with the closest point on SATURDAY and hoping this course keeps it well OFF ANTIGUA.
During the last hurricane I had lost all electricity internet cell phones and land lines… and today i sought out expert advise on getting back into communication and now have a mobile device that has connected me at my home and NOW I AM BACK ON LINE and with YOU I hope i can ride out this hurricane tomorrow night into Saturday with you.
We know HURRICANE JOSE is on our doorstep. More to come… |
|
|
- Fwd: Voluntary evacuation Barbuda - plea for housing
|
- By Gert van Dijken <gert at vandijken.com>
- Date: Thu, 7 Sep 2017 13:56:09 -0700
|
From: Erma Allen Date: Thu, Sep 7, 2017 at 12:59 PM Subject: Voluntary evacuation Barbuda - plea for housing Gert,
I appreciate your dedication to the Caribbean during the most unfortunate of times.
Antigua Met Service posted this pleas to accommodate Barbudans for the voluntary evacuation and I thought this might be useful on the Antigua link and the Barbuda plea link.
Here is the notification from the Daily Observer of the approaching evacuation:
I love this island and treasure my memories of the lovely people and beautiful surroundings. Wishing the people along with the wild horses/donkeys/frigate birds the best in this disaster. I see that Codrington Lagoon was breached..hopefully anyone that stays can benefit if the lobsters come in again.
All the best,
Erma (yes, a tough name right now…)
-- Gert van Dijken Caribbean Hurricane Network http://stormcarib.com
|
|
- Antigua/Barbuda Update
|
- By Rosalie Allen <sugarlips_2020 at yahoo.com>
- Date: Thu, 7 Sep 2017 14:56:22 +0000 (UTC)
|
Hi Gert,
It is with a heavy heart that I'm reporting that our sister island of Barbuda took a direct hit from Irma. We were all anxious to hear from them after not getting any word for a few hours but the news when received reduced us to tears. Although our hearts are heavy for our sister island we are resilient and together we will rebuild even stronger.
Regards
Rosie
|
|
- the boys
|
- By "John Fuller" <fullaw at candw.ag>
- Date: Thu, 7 Sep 2017 10:17:17 -0400
|
PS:
The boys in the back room are helping with the devastation
in Barbuda where they now live
|
|
|
- barbuda
|
- By "John Fuller" <fullaw at candw.ag>
- Date: Thu, 7 Sep 2017 10:11:53 -0400
|
We in Antigua have never been as prepared for a hurricane as
we have been for Irma. The results are that what would normally be devastation
has in fact been little or no damage to most properties here.
Barbuda, however, is a different story. Irma’s eye
engulfed the whole of Barbuda and resulted in massive devastation with 120-150
mph winds coming from every quadrant of the compass leaving the residents with
no electricity, no water and no food.
A group of young men from Antigua left Antigua at about 9:45
a.m. with as many supplies as their 3 or 4 boats could hold. They will arrive
in about 1 hour. I am sure that many Barbudans will want to leave and many no
doubt will seek a birth in the boats on their way back. We need to help in
every way we can with accommodation, clothing, water and food.
In 1995, Barbuda was devastated by hurricane Luis but the
Barbudans bounced back as they no doubt will now.
|
|
|
- Sunrise today in antigua.
|
- By Martha Watkins Gilkes <marthawatkinsgilkes at gmail.com>
- Date: Thu, 7 Sep 2017 06:51:58 -0400
|
|
|
- The day after
|
- By Martha Watkins Gilkes <marthawatkinsgilkes at gmail.com>
- Date: Thu, 7 Sep 2017 06:49:45 -0400
|
The Day after the hurricane. 530 am. Beautiful sunrise to bring another day of
life thankfully. And so thinking of my fellow islanders who are suffering from
this horrible hurricane still on the path of destruction. Not only beautiful
Barbuda but hear horrors of st MARtin. St Bart's Anguilla. Fear for my
Florida key buddies and others in Florida.
Trying to find out more. I am still with out cell phone land line internet
and electricity and expect to be for some time. Am writing off line. I can
then drive down the road towards a cell tower. that works. Seems the cell
tower near me is down and hope to get it repaired before our next hurricane
Jose on Saturday but maybe that is a pipe dream😭.
|
|
- From Martha via Facebook
|
- By Gert van Dijken <gert at vandijken.com>
- Date: Wed, 6 Sep 2017 21:42:33 -0700
|
It was a very frightening night. Of hell as we did not know what to expect thinking we had this super monster storm about to tear us up. The noise was atrocious but when we came out before first light we were amazed to find only garden damage. Tons of leaves and branches and. One tree down. But roof and gutters intact  😉 🙏🙏From radio reports we are getting this was true island wide. We still have clean up and it will take time to come back. But so thankful to not have my life torn apart. We are now watching what will become Hurricane Jose that may be over us Saturday night with 90 mph winds So all shutters stay in place for some days as we watch |
|
- Fwd: #URGENT: Antigua and Barbuda PM says extent of destruction is "unprecedented"
|
- By Gert van Dijken <gert at vandijken.com>
- Date: Wed, 6 Sep 2017 15:22:51 -0700
|
#URGENT: Antigua and Barbuda PM says extent of destruction is "unprecedented"
“The extent of the destruction on Barbuda is unprecedented,” Antigua and Barbuda Prime Minister Gaston Browne said in an interview with public broadcaster ABS Television/Radio. “95% of properties would have suffered” some kind of damage
from the storm, he said, and added
“Barbuda is barely habitable.”
Prime Minister Browne also said that the one confirmed fatality at this time is an infant, and died while the mother of the child was trying to escape a property
|
|
- Impending Irma 5
|
- By Ronn D <ninklennor at gmail.com>
- Date: Wed, 6 Sep 2017 07:28:48 -0400
|
The effects of wind-maker Irma has mostly left Antigua without the projected possible damages. Reports are still being awaited concerning the greater winds felt in Barbuda.
We have to be immensely grateful considering that other islands farther away from the more harzardous center of Irma have reported deaths. The rain bands and their effects are left to be seen. Attachment:
IMG-20170906-WA0010.jpeg
Description: JPEG image
|
|
- Reporting for you
|
- By Martha Watkins Gilkes <marthawatkinsgilkes at gmail.com>
- Date: Tue, 5 Sep 2017 19:53:27 -0400
|
Working 3 computers to keep the various reports going.
Martha Watkins Gilkes
P.O. Box W1924
Antigua, West Indies
268 460 4423
Cell 2687647722
Sent from my fab iPhone
Marthawatkinsgilkes at gmail.com
|
|
- HAPPENING NOW
|
- By Martha Watkins Gilkes <marthawatkinsgilkes at gmail.com>
- Date: Tue, 5 Sep 2017 19:33:33 -0400
|
| FINAL LOCK UP BOLT UP/ SCREW UP and now the big wait! am exhausted ( as I know all my fellow hurricane fighers are - this boarding up is not for the "Faint of heart" .. would rather FLY INTO A HURRICANE ANYTIME RATHER THAN MEET HER ON THE GROUND! However have decided i will need to move a LOT from my upstairs "stuff" ( my office and bedroom) in case my roof goes.. so still have "STUFF TO DO" There is not much wind yet but we know the monster is there teasing us with a few advanced winds and rain squalls.. SOOO THINKING OF BEAUTIFUL BARBUDA AND COCO POINT LODGE, my beloved escape from the "big island" as it seems Barbuda may get more than we do.. BUT THIS LITTLE SPECIAL TWIN ISLAND STATE IS a VERY SPECIAL PLACE and the people are amazing to rise up and go again as we did in number of past hurricanes ( but NONE LIKE the PLUS PLUS PLUS !!) BUT STILL ANTIGUA WILL SHINE AGAIN... back to work .. will post again if time and before power cuts .... Don't think i will be getting much "shuteye" tonight BLESSING AND PRAYERS FOR MY FELLOW ANTIGUANS and may God spare life and property ... Hope I get to "Chat with you" again soon.... |
|
|
- Hatches are battened down
|
- By Ian White <ianawhite at aol.com>
- Date: Tue, 5 Sep 2017 20:49:12 +0100
|
My area of Weatherills/Marble Hill has been very busy preparing for IRMA. Still
many houses, however, without shutters so perhaps they have armoured glass? I
noticed Crosbies area was extremely busy at 8am with boards and shutters going
up everywhere. Finished my own prep a short while ago and I now notice a
northerly component to the wind which is exactly consistent with the forecast.
Just a waiting game now and I hope we all come through this in good shape after
which we are faced with JOSE sometime Friday.
Good luck to everyone and I’ll try to post more info later and of course after
the storm with pictures internet permitting.
|
|
- update Hurricane
|
- By Martha Watkins Gilkes <marthawatkinsgilkes at gmail.com>
- Date: Tue, 5 Sep 2017 14:56:03 -0400
|
update our Met office says storm force winds start around 7 p.m. and hurricane winds midnight until 8 am then storm force again until late afternoon wednesday... |
|
|
- Irma at our Doorsteps
|
- By Daniella Seepaul <daniellaseepaul at gmail.com>
- Date: Tue, 5 Sep 2017 10:47:47 -0400
|
Hi Islanders,
With powerful Category 5 Irma, right at our door steps the entire island of Antigua prepares for her terrors. Most should be shuttered up and prepared, awaiting for Irma to reveal herself.
All the best to neighbouring islands as we once again go through this on the 22nd Anniversary of Hurricane Luis.
Stay strong! Be safe!
Regards,
Daniella Seepaul
|
|
- Hurricane Irma
|
- By Martha Watkins Gilkes <marthawatkinsgilkes at gmail.com>
- Date: Tue, 5 Sep 2017 10:38:25 -0400
|
I HAVE not posted today as i am frantically doing last min chores….
after we are locked in i will post more if i have internet..
We are Close to hurricane being on top of us. A few hours away to some wind
stArting.
Nothing yet but sea getting rough at Half moon bay. Very very dangerous
storm ahead especially if the north turn does not happen. We will have the
eye over us and will get creamed on all sides. Only blessings is this is not
a huge hurricane like Luis was in 1995 but still damage will be major. We
will most likely have no communication for some time. They will turn off
the power island wide later in the day.😱 Time to be determined. Airport
closing very soon. Last flights out this early afternoon. We pray for safety
and to survive this monster. I will post on www.stormcarib.com as long as I
can. And then. When I can after 🙏 thanks for the outpouring of love ❤️
and concern from around the world. I fear for my island people and all of
our island creatures. And. Those islands 🌴 who will get this next. We must
stAy strong and positive to get through this.
Marthawatkinsgilkes at gmail.com
|
|
- Impending Irma 4
|
- By Ronn D <ninklennor at gmail.com>
- Date: Tue, 5 Sep 2017 07:56:48 -0400
|
Fresh off the press.
Let us prepare. Attachment:
IMG-20170905-WA0006.jpg
Description: JPEG image
|
|
- Impending Irma 4
|
- By Ronn D <ninklennor at gmail.com>
- Date: Tue, 5 Sep 2017 07:50:00 -0400
|
Get prepared folks. Irma is promising to be the real deal. She is now a category 4 storm and moving to category 5. Let us look out for our neighbors and ourselves doing all that is possible to preserve lives.
Regards, Ronn |
|
- IRMA
|
- By Johnefuller <johnefuller at gmail.com>
- Date: Mon, 4 Sep 2017 19:05:02 -0400
|
Once More into the breach my friends
Sent from my iPhone
|
|
- Update
|
- By Arry Simon <arry_simon at hotmail.com>
- Date: Mon, 4 Sep 2017 19:49:15 +0000
|
|
Hurricane Hunters latest pass through #Irma show continued strengthening, pressure of 943mb and winds of ~130mph possibly a CAT4 at next advisory at 5pm.
Not looking good for Antigua
|
Older reports from Antigua have been moved to another page.
|
