Hurricane Dean does not look set to hit Barbados directly, but is predicted to pass about 90-100 miles to the north during the next 12-24 hours. But, lots of precautions have been taken in anticipation of perhaps storm force winds and heavy rain. At home, all of our shutters are down and windows closed, movable objects are indoors, and we hope that neighbours have done something similar. The airport closes at 9pm tonight and should reopen at 9am tomorrow; flights by the US airlines had already been cancelled from earlier in the day. Lots of business closed in mid-afternoon and road works were suspended and warning signs removed, in case they became missiles in the expected high winds. Reports indicated that people were rushing to hardware and grocery stores to stock up on essential provisions. Category 1 shelters were advised to open.News reports indicate Dean had sustained winds, which strengthened to 100 miles per hour midafteroon today, taking it past the 96-miles per hour threshold for a Category 2 hurricane. Its center is forecast to pass the French islands of Martinique and Guadeloupe by tomorrow morning, and Dominica could also be in the eye. Some experts suggest that it could become a Category 4 hurricane (meaning sustained winds between 131-155 miles per hour). The hurricane can be tracked on Weather.com)
Ironically, our family visitors from The Bahamas left yesterday afternoon with our my little daughter (to spend a few weeks there), and we hope and pray that the hurricane does not catch them up north.
Some of the other Barbadian blogs are following the storm closely (especially Notes from the Margin). One of the blogs (Barbados Underground) noted that CNN had contacted them and was looking for a Bajan blogger to do a web cam interview with Anderson Cooper this evening; they had declined and suggested David Ellis (a journalist, who moderates "Down to Brass Tacks"). It will be interesting to see how the North America news develops its view of a "crisis" on the island.
Praying that everyone here remains safe over the next few days, and hoping that the other islands either escape or are well enough prepared. Hurricane seasons comes around every year, but each time it's a different roller coaster ride.
2 comments:
How did you guys do? Hopefully not too much damage. We're under the gun right now. I feel the same as I always do right before a hurricane. Like a sitting duck! :-(
Things in the south of the island have not been too bad: a lot of rain and strong winds during the night. Now (10.45am), there is intermittent heavy rain and lighter winds. Some businesses (such as banks were due to re-open at 10am). The effects were due to be worse in the north of the island but as yet I have not heard any reports of substantial damage.
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