Here's a link to go with my prayers.
http://www.quehubo.com/eng/hurricane_ivan.html

Wow. Batten down the hatches. I know it's hurricane season and all, but is it common for Jamaica to be pelted several times per year or is this year a freak one? I can't imagine going through that every year.

We're hoping and praying it turns tail and heads back out to sea.

Be safe everyone - lightning can't strike St. Bess twice in such a short time!!

Thanks, Milwmike.
It's very scary. They have my prayers, too.

JAH, hope Ivan changes his mind and direction !!!!!!!!!!

We are preparing for the worst and hoping for the best. There is still a chance that he may stay to the south of us, but most reports show him heading right through us.

Reports this morning are saying Grenada got a very bad hit with communications out to the island.

The good news is Charley and Frances were lessons to us and we are taking more precautions and, hopefully, will be better prepared.

To answer your question Mair, no, this is highly unusual and a very active hurricane season for the Caribbean and Southeastern US.

As always I will keep you posted as much as possible during and after the storm and please keep those good vibes coming!

Please let us know what we can do to help out. Know you are all well loved and prayed for.

We certainly will Rebecca!!

Hurricane Ivan's path makes me incredibly nervous! My thoughts and prayers are with all the people I love in Treasure Beach. Please be safe as you ride out this storm!

I am listening to the radio news report now which is checking in with each parish's capital's mayor and everyone seems to be getting ready for Ivan. Again, Charley and watching Frances has made everyone prepare more thoroughly. This is a good thing.

The Keys are being evacuated and we are battening down!

Interesting footnote: Hurricane Gilbert hit Jamaica on September 12, 1988.

I'll keep you posted.

Bill's and my thoughts and prayers are with you all through this storm. My earliest memory is sitting around the table in the kitchen, with the oil lamp, listening to winds from the hurricane.

Ivan is now a catagory 5 and located 640 miles southeast of Kingston. It is 4 in the morning and the seaside is buzzing with activity as everyone is preparing as much as they can.

The sky is crystal clear with every star twinkling and there is not a breeze to be felt.

Stay safe Treasure Beach...

oooohhh gosh, category 5 , thatīs incredible..... Iīm hoping for you all ... and keep my fingers crossed ... still a little bit of hope left, that it might take a turn....

Here's weather.com's projected path for Ivan and its advisory as of Thursday, 11am EST. Note the line which says "there remains a tremendous amount of uncertainty on the projected path." So there's still hope that it will go around Jamaica. Let's hope, because I heard on the news last night that it destroyed 90% of the houses in Grenada!



Hurricane Ivan is a powerful and deadly Category-FIVE hurricane on the Saffir-Simpson Scale. After ravaging Barbados and Grenada, Ivan skirted Aruba, Bonaire and Curacao to the north, with its eyes set on Jamaica and the Cayman Islands. Beyond that, there remains a tremendous amount of uncertainty on the projected path. Latest reconnaissance information continues to show the hurricane strengthening and moving in a west-northwesterly direction.

Hi Rebecca and all in TB. Don and I just wanted to say you were all in our prayers and we hope you make it through this next one without too many problems.
Rebecca, do me a favor and please tell Lancel and Polly I say hi! I realize that too much time has gone by, but let them know we are both thinking of them all the time.

Margie & Don Geiser

I wish you all the best of luck during the hurricane. We are thinking of you all here at Merrimack College. Aunt Rebecca keep us posted and you'll be in our prayers.

We are getting our first hard thunderstorm with heavy rain. Previous to this, it has been, albeit hot, a picture perfect day with the sea as calm as glass.

Everyone is boarding up windows and doors and the supermarkets and gas stations are doing a whopping business. I understand the local hardware store has sold out of plywood. My friends and I have boarded up all my windows and I now feel like I am living in a cave. Not a bad feeling with Ivan coming around the corner.

Margie & Don, I will pass your message on to Lancel and Polly.

Sure glad you aren't here this week Katie, however, I have just visited the iceman. Where's blender boy when I really need him!

Thanks to all for sending your prayers this way. It seems like we are going to need them this time!

I was supposed to have dinner with Jason and Laura in Boston yeterday but Jason caught an afternoon flight to get back to Jakes before the storm. All the St. Elizabeth residents in ptown and the outer Cape our very concerned (as are all the Jamaicans and Jamericans here). Please update as often as possible so I can keep the TB residents here informed. Best of luck riding this one out. one love, Eric and Eliza

Hi sitting in Germany reading your messages and hoping that it will not be as worse as it seems to be.
Good luck to all of you! May you all stay healthy !!!! Best wishes.

@Rebecca: is there any evacuation taking place in TB/Black River, as Ivan seems to be a Monster ?

Everyone we know in New York and New Jersey crossing their fingers and praying (at the same time) for you all in TB! Hang tough!

My prayers to all in Treasure Beach as well as all of Jamaica. My good friend Gairy Brooks lives there with his Grandmother and family and I hope all get through this pending storm safely.

Steve

Rebecca thank you so much for the update it meant so much to us abroad with our love ones down there in jamaica and so many huricanes.raging we are praying this one will change its path and spear jamaica please continue to up date us as often as you possible can God bless you and keep dry.Ebanks

Keep those thoughts and prayers coming, they're working! As of 5:00 Hurricane Ivan was downgraded to a Category 4. Still heading this way and is currently 350 miles southeast of Kingston, but we'll take the small miracles.

There are no mandatory evacuations in St. Elizabeth, however, they are strongly recommending anyone close to the sea, near a river, or in flood prone areas to evacuate. The Sandy Bank School is our local shelter.

This was the scene on Frenchman's Beach around 2 this afternoon.



Of course. Waikiki looked like a parking lot . . . for boats!



It is currently sunny and partly cloudy. Hey, maybe I'll go for a swim!

Good luck to TB and my good friend Gairy Brooks. My thoughts will be with you all, may Ivan veer away and weaken.

Thanks for keeping us in the loop, Rebecca! It's wonderful to check in every few hours and see updates from Treasure Beach.

Let's hope TB fares well in the storm, and everyone stays safe!

Hi Margie,
I have spoken to Polly and Lancel numerous times today and they seem well prepared. We, in Ocho Rios have spent the day putting up plywood and getting ready. My best regards to Don.

The stars are shining and the sky is partly cloudy. There is a gentle breeze blowing and I can still hear hammers banging as people are preparing for tomorrow.

The sunset was magnificent tonight.

The latest report is that the storm may intensify before it hits land and they are predicting it will be over the island for 24 hours.

The geography teacher at Munro College, Ms. Mead, explained to me tonight that we may get some ease from the high seas thanks to the Pedro Bluff in Great Bay and the winds thanks to the Santa Cruz Mountains due to the direction the storm is moving.

I'm signing off for the night, but will be back with you all in the morning.

Annabelle,

If there is anything we can do from here, please let us know! We watch the forecast and feel totally helpless. It's also very frustrating to only really hear about what's happening in Florida!
Please, all of you there, take every precaution and be safe. I have decided I prefer earthquakes.. I HATE big anticipations of disaster!

Margie & Don

You have no idea how many people have all of you in their thoughts and prayers. We alone have fielded inquiries from at least 20 concerned people up here in the U.S., most of whom have been to Treasure Beach -- and are in love with the people.

God bless.

GOOD MORNING JAMAICA,
Hoping alls well. You have been in our thoughts and our prayers. We'll be seeing you in February!
Thank you Rebecca, for all your updates. We're anxious as @#$% right now, wondering . . . . . . a bit jumpy around our household. Everyone take good care.

Rebecca ... all good thoughts and no winds coming your way! I have family in Florida and they said it was very scary to be there during Frances ... hope to hear an update from you soon as I am thinking so much about my long missed friend during this stormy time!
Hugs, Kathy in MA

Prayers and thoughts for everyone's safety from us here in Florida. Hold tight to one another and don't make any foolish choices during the storm. Much love!

Good morning everyone. The clouds are moving in, but slowly and no rain yet. The latest report here is that the storm has slowed down and they are not expecting it to hit land until late this afternoon. They are expecting storm surges the height of a coconut tree ( approx. 20 feet). People are being evacuated in low lying areas from Kingston to Old Harbour.

Some folks in the flood prone and low lying areas of TB have already evacuated. Tourists staying at any places along the coastline have also been evacuated and the villas/guest houses/hotels are closed and boarded up.

Once again, all fishermen are off the Keys and the sea. We are all extremely apprehensive about the sea heights and pray the boats will survive.

I'm out the door to check around town. Again, I'll update you for as long as I can.

Thank you all so much for your thoughts and prayers. Please keep them coming, We are going to need them.

Thanks for the updates, Rebecca.

Stay safe, Jamaica, we are thinking about you!!

I just looked at this site (http://deneb.bu.edu/hurricane/ ) and unfortunately its not looking good for us. Many of us never had a chance to recover from Charlie so this would be total devestation. I am praying for us and hoping at least that lives will be spared.

Here's the latest hurricane info from the US National Weather Service http://www.noaa.com/

The good news is that this report contradicts the 20 feet storm surge Rebecca mentioned (I don't think you'll mind being wrong on this one, will you partner?)

As of 8 AM EST FRI SEP 10 2004



Ivan is moving toward the west-northwest near 13 mph...20 Km/hr. This motion is expected to bring the center of ivan to near jamaica tonight.

Maximum sustained winds remain near 145 mph...230 Km/hr...With higher gusts. Stronger winds...Especially in gusts...Are likely over elevated terrain. Some fluctuations in intensity are likely and ivan could become even stronger as it nears jamaica.

Hurricane force winds extend outward up to 50 miles... 85 Km... From the center...And tropical storm force winds extend outward up to 175 miles...280 Km.

The latest minimum central pressure reported by a reconaaissance plane was 934 mb...27.58 Inches.

Storm surge flooding of 5 to 8 feet above normal tide levels... Along with large and dangerous battering waves...Can be expected near the center of ivan in the hurricane warning area.

Rainfall amounts of 6 to 10 inches...Possibly causing life- threatening flash floods and mud slides...Can be expected along the path of ivan.

Good luck and hang in there!

Hello Rebecca and all our wonderful friends in Treasure Beach. We here in Boston have you all in our hearts and we are praying that this hurricane will veer away or lessen in intensity. We are all keeping in touch with each other as we track Ivan and keep tuned to the weather channel. Keep safe.
Love, Ginny and Tom

Dear Rebecca and all those we care about down there, Our thoughts and prayers are with you. It's nice there's a website where we can stay informed. We will be thinking about all of you.
The Hoetger and Linderman family (Kathy, Tom and Gabriel)

Hello all,
I'm feeling a bit helpless so far away from you all and Ivan, but I guess there's nothing I could do to stop the hurricane by being there either. I pray for my friends and everyone in Jamaica to hold tight and let these winds blow over safely.
Love, prayers and thanks to you!
And thank you Rebecca for the updates.

To all the beautiful people in TB.... We're keeping you in our thoughts and keeping our fingers crossed for you. Be safe! Special 'hello' to Miss Vanny and family. We miss your smiling face.

Karla and Paul Geissler, (Evan & Cole, too!)

Rebecca you can't imagine how comforting it is to us, having you keep all of us informed.
Everyones thoughts are with you and our friends/family in Treasure Beach. I intend to phone later today but fear the phone lines will be jammed or down. This web site was the only way I could keep in touch during the last hurricane.
Could you take a picture of folichon after the storm. I worry about Viv, Vannie and their families.
Good luck, our prayers are with you.
Peter
from the frozen north

Please be safe everyone!!!

One Love
Jim

Please be safe everyone!!!

One Love
Jim

please Jah, guide and protect the people of Jamaica, land we love.

My prayers to all of Treasure Beach. Please let me know what can be done to aid with relief efforts once the storm has passed.

We are ALL here to help!!

Hi from England
We're both thinking of you all and worrying about Steve's relatives and everyone we know in TB.Love to all at Jakes,Vanny,Gloria and Viv at Herons and Folichon.Thinking,hoping and praying all will be safe.Take good care.Love Barbara and Steve xx

Hi Rebecca, and everyone else who is watching and keeping others informed about Hurricane Ivan's impending wrath:

I'm writing from my home in Plantation, Florida, where I reside temporarily. My home is truly in Jamaica. But can you imagine that there is the likelihood that some of us will be hit twice--in Florida and Jamaica? Now I'd say that's double jeopardy.

But I keep busy and try to remember that life is full of adversities, and perhaps this is my turn. Here are a few words of inspiration that might help us brave the storm:

Trials, temptations, disappointments -- all these are helps instead of hindrances, if one uses them rightly. They not only test the fiber of character but strengthen it. Every conquering temptation represents a new fund of moral energy. Every trial endured and weathered in the right spirit makes a soul nobler and stronger than it was before."
--James Buckham

Rebecca,
Thank you for your updates on hurricane Ivan and what is going on especially in Treasure Beach. My family and I are praying that God will keep you all safe, even in the midst of this storm. Our thoughts will be with you all until it's all over.
Bye for now, Barry .

All things aside... as I am sure by now Rebecca you are offline and staying safe in the wake of this awful storm...please know that Clara and I have been praying for you and our family all week and especially today and through the night. May you all be kept in the loving and protective arms of the Almighty Father until the sun shines again.

Love and Prayers, Coralie (& Clara Mae)

Hi Rebecca and TB...

I arrived home 38 hours after checking out of Viking's House on Monday. Can't say that I'm happy to be home.

Thanks for that info on Perdo Bluff anf the Santa Cruz mountains. It eases my mind a bit.

I know the time is close now and am praying for the best.

My thoughts are with you all in Jamaica.

Rebecca, it was nice to meet you. Photos soon come.

Be safe
Kate

Sorry for being gone for so long, but we have been a bit busy down here. It has been drizzling for about 2 hours now, and periods of a bit heavier rain but not bad yet. The sea is now getting high and the waver are about 3-4 ft.

When I went around town this morning I found the fishermen moving their boats to even higher ground. This was Calabash Bay beach right before Charley . . .



and this was the beach about 7 this morning. Everyone is trying to get their boats to higher ground since they are predicting up to 20 ft. sea surges.





Of course, some people are thorougly prepared . . . Colimore and Zebedee are taking no chances with the high seas!



Many residents in the flood prone and low lying areas have evacuated, however, there are some residents that are determined to stick it out.

Tranquility Bay has evacuated the students to Mandeville.

We have had no water since last evening, the lights are flickering, but so far we still have electricity.

They are now predicting that the eye will hit Jamaica around midnight.

I'm about to take a drive out now and will update you likkle more.

Keep those prayers coming!

Dear Rebecca,

We're all thinking about you and the folks at Treasure Beach. I certainly hope you're not riding out the storm on low land! Hand in there.

Love,

Gene, Reggie, Patti, Steve, Mina, Michelle

Thanks for the pictures and the update, and please take care yourself as you drive about. As all have said, Treasure Beach people are in our hearts and prayers. With love from Peggy & Bill.

I can't get through on the phone now, spoke to many friends this morning but unable to reach others this afternoon. My thoughts and prayers are constant and with you all in Jamaica and my beloved TB. Unable to connect but if you are reading this all my love and prayers to Susanna Clarke and Family, Andre Davy and Family, Joe and Patty Shannon, Beth Ceceles, Tojo, Jason, Sally and the entire Jakes family. Thank you so much Rebecca for making this webiste available for communication thoughout this challenging time. Don't be to brave, stay safe!

Along with Ginny and Tom we here in New Jersey wish all our friends a safe journey through the darkness of the storm. Blessings on the lives of all in Treasure Beach and the rest of Jamaica that we love. You are in our hearts.

Stefan and Linda

Thanks again for keeping us posted Rebecca. I just got thru to friends in Great Bay. They got word from Kington that things are starting to get hairy. Trees down and such...

Still praying for the best.

Kate

We ditto all who send thoughts and prayers to our FAMILIES in all of Jamaica. Without Treasure Beach Tours web site and now this one we would only have the weather channel to depend on and of coarse noaa but that is a little on the cold side-no personal contact. God be with you and we look forward to hearing the latest on all of Treasure Beach, but especially those at SPARKLING WATERS. Love Susan and David.

God will keep you wrapped safely in his arms.

The latest projected path and latest forecast from NOAA

at 5 pm edt...2100Z...The eye of hurricane ivan was located near latitude 17.0 North...Longitude 76.2 West or about 80 miles... 130 Km...South-southeast of kingston jamaica.

Ivan is moving toward the west-northwest near 13 mph...20 Km/hr with a gradual decrease in forward speed. This motion is expected to bring the core of ivan to near or over jamaica tonight or early saturday and over the cayman islands late saturday.

Maximum sustained winds have decreased to near 140 mph...220 Km/hr...With higher gusts. Stronger winds...Especially in gusts...Are likely over elevated terrain. Some fluctuations in intensity are likely during the next 24 hours.

Hurricane force winds extend outward up to 60 miles... 95 Km... From the center...And tropical storm force winds extend outward up to 175 miles...280 Km.

Latest minimum central pressure reported by a hurricane hunter plane was 937 mb...27.67 Inches.

Storm surge flooding of 5 to 8 feet above normal tide levels... Along with large and dangerous battering waves...Can be expected near the center of ivan in the hurricane warning area.

Rainfall amounts of 6 to 10 inches...Possibly causing life- threatening flash floods and mud slides...Can be expected along the path of ivan.

To all the residence of Treasure Beach.
Hoping that you are all safe and well. Keep the faith and just remember God is standing by.
And a special thank you to Rebecca who is always there to keep us informed.
Treasure Beach don't forget to pray because God's got time to listen. Please give my love to my mom Emrie, my grandparents, Kayeann and the rest of the family because i cannot get through to them on the telephone. Thank you stay safe. Nadine (London)

To our Treasure Beach Jamaica family. As we sit here in our living rooms watching the news reports of the weather that is happening in Jamaica, it makes our hearts very concerned. But we know that it is all divine and not to worry. We send much love and support and can't wait to come to our second home and see everyone real soon. Best wishes, be safe,
much luv mon...
Alex Shipman & Caroline Stack, and Summit Yoga Studio

Be strong for each other and stay save.

I was born in Georges Valley and lived in Mandeville till I was 18. My family know T.B.very well.
John Henwood

along with Danny,Ronnie(Smith)&Charles Bash, we send our love support and prayers to all in TB and Great Bay.Stay safe.
Love to Jess,Moses,Hunter and the rest of family

Pat

Hi everyone:
As you anticipate the wrath of Hurricane Ivan, perhaps you can reflect on the following quote:

"Trials, temptations, disappointments -- all these are helps instead of hindrances, if one uses them rightly. They not only test the fiber of character but strengthen it. Every conquering temptation represents a new fund of moral energy. Every trial endured and weathered in the right spirit makes a soul nobler and stronger than it was before."
--James Buckham

newest update... 8PM EST

Its slowing down and could go up to Cat 5! Not good news at all!

Ivan is moving toward the west-northwest near 11 mph...18 Km/hr... And this motion is expected to continue with a gradual decrease in forward speed during the next 24 hours. This motion is expected to bring the core of ivan to near or over jamaica tonight or early saturday and over the cayman islands late saturday.

Reports from an air force reserve hurricane hunter aircraft indicate that maximum sustained winds have increased to near 150 mph...240 Km/hr...With higher gusts. This makes ivan an extremely dangerous category 4 hurricane on the saffir-simpson hurricane scale. Stronger winds...Especially in gusts...Are likely over elevated terrain. Some fluctuations in intensity are likely during the next 24 hours...And it is possible that ivan could regain category 5 status as it passes jamaica.

Hurricane force winds extend outward up to 60 miles... 95 Km... From the center...And tropical storm force winds extend outward up to 175 miles...280 Km.

The latest minimum central pressure reported by a hurricane hunter plane was 926 mb...27.34 Inches.

Storm surge flooding of 5 to 8 feet above normal tide levels... Along with large and dangerous battering waves...Can be expected near the center of ivan in the hurricane warning area.

Rainfall amounts of 6 to 10 inches...Possibly causing life- threatening flash floods and mud slides...Can be expected along the path of ivan.

Repeating the 8 pm edt position...17.3 N... 76.5 W. Movement toward...West-northwest near 11 mph. Maximum sustained winds...150 Mph. Minimum central pressure... 926 Mb.

Does anyone know if the teens from Tranquility Bay are safe?
Is it true they are in a hotel and not a storm shelter?

Thank you so much, Rebecca, for the updates. I hope it is of some comfort for you to know that you are in the thoughts of so many people so far away.
Here in Seattle Washington, I could hardly be farther away by distance, but feel so attached to all of you by thoughts and prayers.
Let this be of some small comfort to you.
deborah and elizabeth.

please post an update on the children at tranquility bay...all of the parents in the states are worried about their children...LC & Co.

Hi my name is Cathy ( from Conn)and i have a son @ TB. The kids and most staff were evacuated early this afternoon to a hotel in Mandeville, which is also the "Emergency command Post" the last info i got from the BBS was that they were all doing fine. I was also told that TB is getting the winds much worst than where the kids are. so try not to worry tonight. we will have a long day on saturday

Reading the above messages, has brought tears to my eyes - Being so far away here in England, and thinking of friends down there in JA I can't decide if it's good to have first hand knowledge as to what's happening or is it a case of "ignorance is bliss" - sadly, at this moment in time all I can do is pray for you all. God be with you and I beg him to keep you all safe. Special prays to Sharon Williams at the post office, and all the James family, plus all those living up at Sandy Bank, Miss Ruby, and Jean Campbell.

fox news just reported that the emergency workers are being robbed via gun point on the streets of jamaica. any truth to this? hang in there!!!

BTW; cathy from Conn. WWASP's school in Mexico was just shut down by the government? I wonder why? LC & Co.

OUR THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS GO OUT TO THE GORDON FAMILY. MUM DAD JUNOR CLIVE KEVIN SIMONA AND GRANDMA G. WE LOVE YOU ALL.
FROM COLIN DONNA CAREEN AND KIERAN.

AUNTIE MARION AND UNCLE VIL,AUNTIE FLORETTE AND UNCLE VAZ,WE ARE ALL THINKING OF YOU.
LOVE COLIN DONNA AND FAMILY

Rebecca-

I am checking the site regularly, still praying and hoping that you have all come through safely. Reports are just beginning to come in and some of the pictures of flooding are frightening. We will be ready to do all we can once this is over to help all the people we love in TB. Looking forward to seeing you back on line with your reports.

Much love to all

We are praying that all of Jamaica will be kept safe from this storm, especially our dear friends in Treasure Beach. Our hearts go out to you.

Dear Jamaica our thoughts and prayers are with you. We hope we will be able to get thru this with gods blessings, as long as there were no casualties we can all move along. I hope the people of treasure beach are all ok especially the ebanks and moxam family our prayers are with you. Talk to you soon.

Due to the large number of posts in this thread, we've closed it to new posts.

If you would like to leave a message, plase use the appropriate link below:

Messages of Hope / Prayer for Ivans effects

Request for information regarding Ivan

Reports of damage from Ivan