Well, Sandy is already showing his/herself. We are experiencing off and on rain, rumblings of thunder and the sea is really picking up. The call went out this afternoon for all fishermen to get their boats out of the sea. Munro College just called all parents to come and take their boarders home.
This looks like a direct hit folks with the potential of high seas and rain.
http://www.weather.com/news/weather-hurricanes/depression-storm-eighteen-2012102 0
As always, I'll keep you posted
Here's what the projected path look like as of 5:30pm Monday evening (from http://www.weather.com/maps/news/atlstorm18/projectedpath_large.html)
And here is Calabash Bay at 4:30 p.m. Boats are being hauled out, the level of the sea is rising and the waves are getting larger.
Thanx Rebecca, Keep posting!
Thanks for posting, hope everyone stays safe.
Please! keep away from the Beach area-go to higher ground. Hope no damages to houses,cars,etc.,Those things,CAN BE replaced,but Humans CANNOT be returned. Praying for ALL to come thru. safely.
PROTECT YOUR-SELVES to the BEST YOU CAN and leave the REST IN YOUR MAKERS HANDS.
It's 1:46 a.m. and the winds have kept me awake. We've lost electricity a few times for a few seconds each time but we have it now. Just starting to rain. My guess is winds are already gusting at about 30 - 40 mph.
It's already getting nasty out there and the storm isn't supposed to hit us until Wednesday morning.
Phew! Well, I think the last hour was a preview of what is to come. The wind and rain has stopped after a good hour of reminding us to be prepared for the storm to come.
Now I'm going to sleep.
Fret mi a fret
Sending prayers for everyone's safety - thank you Rebecca for keeping us up to date on conditions there.
There are large waves pounding off Billy's Bay Beach this morning. We've gone from exquisite, calm blue seas to something fairly ugly. Right now, my only concern is for those who are out at sea--and are on their way back to the safety of shore. More later ...
Sunrise around 6:15 this morning.
Mostly overcast with a few small patches of blue sky.
Here is the 5:00 update.
http://www.weather.com/news/weather-hurricanes/depression-storm-eighteen-20121020
You are all in my thoughts and prayers. Keep cool, Jamaica.
May god spare our little island we can't take anymore, but whatever he do we can't question it, you all are In my prayers keep safe and stay dry. God bless
The projection has changed a bit, but still shows a Wednesday landfall.
http://www.weather.com/maps/news/atlstorm18/projectedpath_large.html
Thank you Judy for the heads up. I thought the threat of hurricane's had passed for this year. My thoughts are with you all, stay safe and tucked in tight!
Fishermen have already pulled all boats out of the water and as far from the sea as possible.
prayers for safety
Stay safe all, I am and will be thinking of you and praying for you during this storm.
Thank you Rebecca. Our prayers go out to everyone for a safe passage through the storm. Hang in there Folichon. We will all be glued to your posts. The photos are amazing. Good luck
The latest projection is for a slightly weaker storm to hit a little earlier than was predicted this morning.
http://www.weather.com/maps/news/atlstorm18/projectedpath_large.html
Stay dry and safe everyone!
The calm before the storm ...
Rainbow Tree, roadside, complete with a rainbow
Rainbow Tree, seaside
Stay safe and hunker down everyone, please stay indoors until the storm passes.
It really is the calm before the storm. The sea actually got calmer as the day went on. As we say here the hurricane is sucking up the sea.
There has been a fine rain off and on since around 2 this afternoon but never anything heavy. It is lightly raining now with a very small to no breeze. . . the calm before the storm.
I've heard there are many persons still on the Cays including a number of men from Great Bay. I've also heard Jerry from Billy's Bay is out at sea but heading home. At around noon today he was 150 miles out and trying to get back as soon as he could with his boat traveling at 7 mph. To the best of my knowledge all other boats from Billy's Bay, Frenchman's, Calabash Bay, and Great Bay are in. Please correct me if I am wrong.
Our thoughts and prayers are with all the persons on the Cays and out at sea.
Here are photos taken between 2 and 5 p.m.
Billy's Bay
Hurricane Preparedness Jamaican Style!
Frenchman's Bay
Calabash Bay
Great Bay (photos of Great Bay thanks to Debbian James-Mills)
Great Pond
What was that saying about red sky at night sailors delight?
Praying for everyone in Treasure Beach...particularly our friends at Rainbow Tree...Aman, Miss Laura and Miss Jenny..Stay Safe!
Well, we've had a very quiet night. The electricity went out at 5:30 this morning and we just got it back now.
The morning was completely still. Not a whisper of a breeze and the ground was drying up. About 30 minutes ago it started to rain and now it is raining a bit heavier and a small breeze is kicking up.
The good news is the latest weather update says the storm is now moving at 14 mph. That's a whole lot better than the 3 mph yesterday.
I'll be heading out shortly with my camera.
The latest projection show the path has moved more to the east towards Kingston way.
Jerry is doing his best to get his big boat in before Sandy hits. He's still 60 miles off shore--and could use some serious prayers.
Rains are starting to come down in earnest now. The sea is looking angrier and angrier.
Power 106 FM is giving great updates through out the day.
What is the most current info on the storm?????
Thanks for the info, Canada.
Unfortunately, I'm unable to get the streams working on their website. They require plugins that aren't cooperating with my browser. It could be that I'm on a Mac and those on Windows won't have any problems.
Is anyone able to get the web site working in their browser? If so, can you provide help with getting it to work for others. Here's the web site link: http://go-jamaica.com/power/
I was finally able to find the stream link and then entered it into the browser address bar. Then I clicked on the "Listen" link at top. It opened iTunes and after a little fiddling it started playing. Here's the stream link: http://amber.streamguys.com:5480/
Does anyone know of other stations that are online with updates?
Stay safe and dry everyone!
-TBNet
I found to be so nice that we can see and heard about TB in this stormy weather thank god for computers,and Rebecca i thank you for doing a grat job down there keep up the good works, Thanks again god bless.
I pray the Lord will calm the wind and the waters and steer Sandy away from our beautiful island of Jamaica that we love so much. Be sensible and safe everyone!
Stay safe, thinking about you all in TB and wishing you the very best through this. I hope you all stay safe
I just got a phone call from Rebecca...current is gone which means the internet is not working. She tried to use her 'Super WiFi' card but since there's no power, the equipment is not working for it.
Updates:
Early this morning she got word that Jerry was rounding Negril Point on his way to Lucea. Unfortunately one of his three engines quit so he's been slowed down a lot. Please include Jerry in your prayers for a safe landing.
As of 8am:
Calabash Bay - The water was a couple feet from the Fisherman's Coop building
Great Bay - The water was just about to the grass. People in the thatch hut had wet feet to go along with their Red Stripes.
Frenchmans - Eggy was taking things out of his bar as the water was invading
Billys Bay - Water was already up to where the boats had been taken for safety. Fishermen are needing to bring their boats up farther.
As of 11am, the rain is really starting to come down and the breeze is picking up. She's done running around and is home and hunkered down with some lobster and maybe a V&T or two for the duration.
No reports of any injuries or damage, though the roads are starting to flood.
As current and time allow, she'll give more updates that I'll relay to everyone here.
Sandy is now a category 1 hurricane just off the shoreline, moving NNE at 13mph. Judging from the satellite image, it should be moving over the island very soon if not already
If you are in contact with anyone in the area, please make sure that they take shelter now.
-TBNet
(Eric)
You are welcome! hope all is safe.
Just heard on Irie FM that a boat is in difficulty trying to reach the Pedro Cay. Any word on who they are the coast guard is on its way to assist them.
Breaking News Sandy is now upgraded to a Category 1.
Waves really rolling in now at Billy's Bay at noon ...they will definitely get stronger as Sandy moves closer.
PLEASE BE SAFE EVERYONE!!! Jamaica is our home away from home. Love and safe wishes to all.
Thanks for all the updates.
Update on Jerry:
The last report we had from people in Billy's Bay is that he was 30 miles off the coast of Lucea when one of his three engines quit. The other two are still working but have slowed him down.
As Fla said above, Earl Moxam has been on the radio and TV asking the coast guard for help, but the weather conditions are preventing them from doing so.
The good news that he is on the side of the island farthest from the storm. Let's all keep him in our thoughts and prayers.
-TBNet
Rebecca has sent some pictures from this morning. Special thanks for Kory and the staff at Sunset Resort for letting her use their computer to send them. (Kory tells us they have 'the coldest beer in town right now!!' :-)
Here's a couple. There are more in the Photo Gallery
She also reports that "There is virtually no breeze and as the rain has slowed way down no flooding yet."
Jerry is okay!!
He's still out on the water but is coming around Negril Point and can see hotels.
He's going to spend the night in Negril after tying up, and he'll come back to Treasure Beach tomorrow.
Been worried about sweet Jamaica and Treasure Beach ... thanks for the updates, and please everyone stay safe! Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. Love, Suzanne & Otis
please keep safe and karen can you let my nieces jenny and lara that we them all in our prayers much love an respect paula an denny ritchie xx
Have been in touch with friends in tb all day and portland.stay safe my friends. Xxxxxxxx
Hoping and Praying that all will be safe through the storm,God will take everyone through safely.Brandon mommy loves you and i trust God so i know he will bring you and daddy through along with the rest of family........
Rebecca called again...seems like the storm is over with. She's seeing a sunset!
There was not as much rain as they had feared so there's not any flooding that she knows of.
Let's hope for the best for the rest of the island, Cuba, Hispanola and the rest of the people in its path.
[sorry for not approving some of these posts quicker...I've been in a programming class for the past couple of hours]
-TBNet
Hurricane Overview & Impact...Before Tracking Northward towards the Atlantic O.
KINGSTON, Jamaica — Hurricane Sandy's howling winds and pelting rains lashed precarious shantytowns, stranded travelers and downed power lines Wednesday as it roared across Jamaica on a course that would take it on to Cuba and then possibly threaten Florida and the Bahamas.
Sandy's death toll was at least two. An elderly man was killed in Jamaica when he was crushed by a boulder that rolled onto his clapboard house, police reported. Earlier Wednesday, a woman in Haiti was swept away by a rushing river she was trying to cross...
[read more]
Huffington Post Link
www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/10/24/hurricane-sandy-tropical-_n_2009712.html#slide =1459058
70 Per Cent Of JPS Customers Out Of Power...UPDATE???
http://jamaica-gleaner.com/latest/article.php?id=40749
Greetings to TB! much love to all of my family there...I pray for everyone's safety...much respect! I appreciate the updates here so very much as I've been worried. Thank you!
Miss Tia (Thea)
Prayers have been answered. So grateful Treasure Beach was spared. Jamaica, I love and miss you.
Thanks Rebecca and Eric for all the pictures and all the updates on our little district TB.
We are glad to have you there Rebecca.
God bless and keep well.
We have been worrying worrying until we saw all these wonderful posts - the good, the bad, the sad, the funny, the informative. Thanks you to Rebecca, the Webmaster, Z, Karen Kennedy, and all the others who took time out of their days to do the best to keep us as informed as possible.
One week we are bickering about something totally stupid, and the next week we people are practically willing to lie their lives on the line for each other. This, to me, is the essence of the very special place on earth called Treasure Beach and it makes me feel good again.
Hope everyone is okay! I have been stressing all day but it has been helpful reading all the updates!
When there is a storm/hurricane we all seem to get along so nicely,please love one another all the time and not just say it but show it to each other.
We are a small community and we are all good,loving and kind people so lets keep this in our hearts in good times and bad times.We can do this ...yes we can.
Love you all,
God Bless.
Good morning everyone . . . and it is a good morning! We are all feeling very grateful and blessed as it sure could have been much worse. I will be out and about in a bit with camera in tow so I will update you photographically later today.
We got electricity back late last night. I am seeing some patches of blue sky this morning with a very dark and cloudy sky hanging over the Santa Cruz Mountains.
We are hearing reports of wide-spread damage across the eastern most parishes of the island. Our thoughts and prayers are with them as we realize how easily it could have been us.
Meex and Hariett I agree with both of you 100%. Hariett, you said it all!
"One week we are bickering about something totally stupid, and the next week we people are practically willing to lie their lives on the line for each other. This, to me, is the essence of the very special place on earth called Treasure Beach and it makes me feel good again."
I witness this every day here and like you say this is what makes Treasure Beach such a special and unique community. Thank you all for keeping us close to your hearts. Prayers were indeed answered.
One love, one community.
Thank you for the excellent reporting from all. Much appreciated. The photos from Rebecca and the Kennedys were terrific in trying to assess the situation. Best to all and thanks again.
Sandy's Aftermath...
We are happily aware that the disaster preparedness apparatus, which includes many voluntary organisations, has been increasingly fine-tuned over the years, as evidenced by the dramatic reduction in loss of lives and property after each disaster. What has not been done is usually related to resource constraints.
This level of preparedness has also made it possible to recover faster. The utility companies, in particular, have been able to restore electricity, water and telephone services in a much shorter time than, say, after Hurricane Gilbert, which hit us on September 12, 1988.
The lessons learnt from Gilbert served us well after Ivan, which devastated Jamaica in 2004. And even though many people do not completely recover, we can generally say on balance that we are doing better after each disaster.
Naturally, we will not know the full measure of Sandy's impact until the estimates of damage have been done, in order to know what it will take to put us back on our national feet.
Jamaicans seem to be made for such times, as we come together effortlessly in the face of disaster and hardship. We will need each other now.
Observer Editorial: The Bigger "Recovery" Picture
www.jamaicaobserver.com/editorial/Now-for-the-post-Sandy-recovery_12836191
Glad to here you were spared from the worst of Sandy, Gerry (Rebecca's cousin)and I were worried all night. We hope the damage is minimal and clean up is fairly easy.
Now it's our turn to prepare for Sandy as it looks like she will visit us in New England on Monday/Tuesday. Let's hope it's not a repeat of last year with 18" of wet snow, closed roads and no power for a week. Best wishes to all in Treasure Beach and we will see you again in February!!
Prayers for all answered...I know I'm family (Rebecca's Aunt) but she truly is a special treasure and love her deeply. Sooo thankful for safety for all...
Whew! So happy to hear Sandy was not as bad as could have been!
Aunt Marie! When are we playing spoons again? -Eric
Jerry's boat coming home after the night in Negril--and three awful days and nights reaching there.
Starting to pass Rainbow Tree
Happy crew
Heading to land at Calabash Bay
I've been out and about and am very happy to report there is no major damage other than, unfortunately, more beach erosion.
Thank you Karen for calling me and alerting me to Jerry's arrival. I was able to be a part of the welcoming party greeting him at Calabash Bay. However, due to the rough seas he will not actually be able to come in to the bay until the sea calms down more as the waves are still to dangerous for a boat to come in.
His mom, Miss Bea was very happy indeed!
You can view more photos here or by the link in the Photo Gallery.
I should note two things. One, that is Jerry's boat in the background.
Two, I added more photos to the Before Hurricane Sandy thread so the new photos are from photo 24 on.
FRENCH TV news gave us such a terrible report of Sandy from Kingston that I was really scared since those last days and I immedialy get connected on Treasure Beach web site. I wish to thank you all for keeping us so well informed. I praid for people of TB that I never forget. Glad to hear that Treasure Beach is strong and safe! I love this community mind made of people like you Rebecca. With Much Love for you my friend and all your familly.
How bad was the erosion? Any pix?
My heart is so full, knowing everyone is ok. Was so relieved to receive a call that all was well, but seeing these updated pics of Jerry and crew being welcomed home really made my day!
So, so very thankful for this website and those who contribute and maintain it. It truly is a lifeline for those of us who are fretting from afar!!
To all who've thanked us for reporting on the hurricane, I say a very heartfelt You Are Welcome. While I was not born or raised in the area, I was fortunate enough to spend a lot of time there and received a lot of kindness, wisdom, and wonderful times with my friends there. So I'm just giving back the goodness I've benefited from.
And Meex and Hariett, you are so right about how everyone came together in a time of need. To bring the community (both local and foreign) together is one of the reason Rebecca and I created this website. It is very gratifying to see that happening.
Now let's keep the positivity going!
Humbly,
-Eric
(TBNet)
So good to see that Jerry made it home safe. Rebecca - please give regards and best wishes to The Elliots from Jui in Germany - specially to Mrs B and Jerry! thx
I will do that Jui and good to hear from you!
One thing that Miss Bea told me yesterday was that she could not believe the phone calls she got from all over the world of persons praying for Jerry's safe return. I could tell it really meant so much to her to feel everyone's support.
Jerry is still not able to come in as the sea remains rough. I cannot imagine how frustrated they must feel!
Van, the photos I posted yesterday show the beach erosion so please just check those out.
Rebecca, Thanks for the pictures and updates on the storm. As a resident of New Orleans, I know how it is waiting, experiencing and then cleaning up after a hurricane. It's not fun and it is something you have to go through to really understand. Glad to hear all is well and everyone is safe in TB. I will be there in late March I think with Robert and some new people who have never been to TB. Take care.
Great job Rebecca, Karen, TB.net, and all.
van and karin, whatever the erosion situation today you can be sure the sand will have shifted again tomorrow...and next week...and next month
Well, Jerry and crew remain so close and yet so far.
The sea remains very rough and when I spoke with John Taylor on the beach this afternoon he didn't think it would calm down until tomorrow.
So Jerry and the crew sit and wait. I understand some supplies were brought out to them yesterday evening and they have cell phones so they are in contact with everyone.
As someone I spoke with on the beach said today, "They must be over-frustrated by now."
As you lay down in your comfortable bed tonight having just bathed off and feeling good, please send some positive thoughts to Jerry and his crew.
Thanks so much for of the information and pictures.Its hard to believe that such a calm placid ocean can display such a violent outburst and such beauty all at once.May God continue to bless and protect all from peril and danger.Thanks again to TB.net for the services you render.CHEERS TO CALMER SAILING
I got a call at 6:30 this morning saying Jerry is coming in. I've been at the beach since around 7 and have been taking a few photos.
The boat is in and anchored. They are now unloading it and once that is finished the crew can come ashore!
You can view photos here or by the link in the Photo Gallery.
Finally, after 21 days at sea at about 4 p.m. today, the crew is back on land safe and sound!
When I asked Jerry about his experiences he said it was the worse time at sea he ever had but he was always confident they would get through. We had heard one of his engines quit but that was misinformation. He said they may not have survived if that had happened. He said the roughest time was all of Tuesday night and into Wednesday. They never slept that night as they had to negotiate every wave.
When I asked each crew member individually how tall the waves were each of them pointed to the willow trees located at Calabash Bay beach and said they were that high. That's well over 30 feet.
When I asked Jerry if he was going back out again he answered without hesitation, "Of course.". He said you cannot dwell on the past as then you will never move into the future. "I was most worried about my mother as she has a heart condition and I am the only child she has left. I also thought about my grandchildren a lot.", Jerry told me.
I also asked each crew member what they wanted to do first when they got home and each said, "Bathe off then sleep!".
When I asked Tookie about his experience he said, "sometimes out there we have a real good time, sometimes it is bad. That is life, the good and the bad."
All I know is today was one of the good days. Many of us spent time together on the beach enjoying the moment, savoring the reunions, and once again being reminded of how precious life is. As Jerry told me earlier, "We always need to remember never to take our blessings for granted." I couldn't agree more.
You can view photos here or by the link in the Photo Gallery.
I may not know Jerry, nor any of his crew, but it matters not. These men are heroes and this is the stuff that legends are made of. If I wore a hat, I'd tip it to them!
It is said that a picture tells a thousand words. These pictures certainly tell a gripping story of heroism, triumph, and pride. What stands out for me is the community spirit portrayed by the pictures. Just look at pic 13 and see how many men rally around the canoe as they push it out to sea to rescue the men. That's the spirit of Treasure Beach; the one I grew up seeing in my little corner; the spirit that unites us no matter where in Treasure Beach we come from.
Thank you for the pictures Rebecca, and thank you to the people of Treasure Beach for once again reminding me what is truly important.
Just last week i was praying for my family & fellow jamaicans people now am here preparing for sandy to hit us here in theUS.Right now am out shopping for my favorite grace product tin mackerel & corn beef.ect.
Don't bother ask if Fishermen have life hard!!!!