- Updates from the Islands -

- - the Bahamas - -

- - - 2012 Hurricane Season - - -

- HURRICANE SANDY

From: John Roberts <ghpsafari at hotmail.com>
Date: Wed, 31 Oct 2012 17:45:10 -0400

Freeport, Grand Bahama
Wednesday, 31 October 2012

Our area of the Island was out of power and water for about four days and we 
only got Internet back this morning. Once again the airport was hit very badly 
by storm surge which flooded to approximately four feet and at least four 
aircraft were destroyed. The airport company did a very good job getting the 
airport serviceable within two days. Some areas of the island were flooded and 
people were evacuated. Thank The Lord there were no fatalities. There are still 
areas where power, water and telephones have not yet been restored but this is 
being worked on.
Rain gauge showed one inch and my barometer's lowest reading was 29.30.
Our thoughts and prayers go out to the people of the United States and Canada 
who are at this time experiencing this massive storm.
Capt. John Roberts

- Sandy departure

From: "Ms. Hogg" <bahamastutor at live.com>
Date: Sat, 27 Oct 2012 23:49:37 -0400

It seems like Sandy took up residence. We, in New Providence , were being battered by her winds and rain up until early this morning. Fortunately damage on this island was isolated and in most cases not severe. In other islands, such as Cat Island, Long Island and Inagua there was more extensive damage to buildings and infrastructure. There are some communities that have been without electricity or phone service for going on two days now.

Sadly there has been at least one death, on New Providence, that can be attributed to the storm.

Overall we have weathered the category 2 storm well, largely due to preparations and precautions taken at the individual, community and national levels.

As I watch the international news programmes I hope and pray that those in North America who are now in the path of Sandy take it seriously. The storm , combined with reported northern systems has the potential to wreck havoc in major cities. We, in the Caribbean , know that we have to make food, shelter, water, emergency lighting etc. preparations for the entire season. It is key for survival. I hope that everyone in Sandy's path is making suitable preparations. Life is precious. Please be prepared!

Attachment: Yamacraw Beach Saturday 27 oct 2012 001.JPG
Description: JPEG image

- Sandy and its a new day,

From: "katybel taylor" <katybel86 at gmail.com>
Date: Sat, 27 Oct 2012 15:45:14 -0400

Saturday afternoon on Grand Bahama. Sun off and on, gusts of wind, no power, no water, the airport runways are still underwater. Sandy decided to slow down and sit over Grand Bahama and Abaco yesterday for a very, very long time. Wind gusts were up to 70mph at times but storm surge and flooding has been our biggest problem. We were lucky that there didn’t seem to be a lot of rain, just wind and I haven’t seen many trees down. The radio has stories of flooding and damage all up and down our island chain and some unheard of events like the water totally leaving Salt pond Long Island are being told. We will pick up the pieces and carry on as usual. Our prayers go out to the US Eastern Seaboard.

- Why won't she just go?

From: Esther Marie Wells <estherw01 at yahoo.com>
Date: Sat, 27 Oct 2012 10:56:20 -0700 (PDT)

Still feeling the effects of Hurricane Sandy in the capital. Today, it is very windy with lots of sunshine. Ventured out just before dark last night, and witnessed the power company hard at work restoring downed lines in the Eastern area. Thankfully, all is well, power, water and telephone services have been restored.

However, in Long Island, Sandy's damaging effects are evident.with extreme structural damages to home and property via wind, and flooding by rain.

Be safe, and take all precautions those in the path of this monster of a storm.

- Update

From: Adrian Chriswell <abchriswell at hotmail.com>
Date: Sat, 27 Oct 2012 04:19:28 +0000

Storm started affecting southern Bahamas as early as Tuesday night / wednesday morning but I do not have any damage reports. I live on the island of New Providence, where the capital, Nassau, is located. Light rains wednesday afternoon. Heavy stuff started Thursday afternoon. Power outtages Thursday evening. Heavy winds and rains continued from Thursday afternoon and through to Friday. Some lulls during Friday morning, but fresh round of gusts and rain squall through to midnight. storm is well past the norhtern islands, but I think that Grand Bahama has been devastated again. southern Islands took their beating, but are more sparsely populated and the people there are resilient. Grand Bahama has a denser population in areas that are always inundated during these major storms.

Adrian B. Chriswell

- Sandy........still!

From: "Ms. Hogg" <bahamastutor at live.com>
Date: Fri, 26 Oct 2012 16:38:42 -0400

In the international media there is talk of Sandy leaving the Bahamas. As I look out my door, however, I see the trees being shaken vigourously by near constant strong wind gusts . The rain continues to drizzle and the sky remains overcast. I can see that the trees are wind burnt. It is still to windy to be out on the roads.

The power has gone off again in the eastern area of New Providence. There have been some reports of beach erosion and mild to moderate structural damage to buildings, but no loss lof life.

I will update , with pictures when it is safe to be back on the road.

If you are in the path of this storm, be prepared to experience it for several hours.

- Sandy Sandy

From: jose colaco <colaco1 at yahoo.com>
Date: Fri, 26 Oct 2012 13:27:06 -0700 (PDT)

Nassau 4:25pm

Sandy may have gone by (according to weather reports) but at this moment there are strong gusts from the SW and some rain.

The wind is howling. Perhaps in preparation for Halloween

Not a great time to venture out.

- Fwd: Delivery Status Notification (Failure)

From: "Frederick's Agency" <abacocustoms at batelnet.bs>
Date: Fri, 26 Oct 2012 09:31:07 -0400

Gert:
In Abaco we have quite a lot of flooding, tree damage and some roof
shingles lost. Fortunately so far I have heard of no major injuries. In a
day or more I will get a more detailed report.
Thanks to for your web which I find quite helpful.

Regards,
Jack Albury

- Photos

From: angelaculmer at gmail.com
Date: Fri, 26 Oct 2012 13:13:12 +0000

Her are some photos I took today 
Sent from my BlackBerry® wireless device available from BTC.

Attachment: IMG-20121026-00043.jpg
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Attachment: IMG-20121026-00042.jpg
Description: JPEG image

Attachment: IMG-20121026-00041.jpg
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- Hurricane Sandy

From: angelaculmer at gmail.com
Date: Fri, 26 Oct 2012 12:13:08 +0000

Well having survived a night without power 
It was not to hot 
The wind is blowing hard 
The sea is unbelievable 
We had to come out to check the boat as my husband is a fisherman , the water 
is very high and the waves are splashing in the road.
Amazingly there are quite a few vehicles on the road we are in a large van and 
we can feel the wind 
Most sensible people have stayed indoors and are just peeping outside 
We of course have no power and we can expect renewal for another twenty four 
hours 
I didnot see any power lined down.
One or two telephone wires are in the road 
Hopefully this will be over soon 
Angela Culmer
Sent from my BlackBerry® wireless device available from BTC.

- San Salvador

From: Sandra Pitt <romperpitt at yahoo.com>
Date: Fri, 26 Oct 2012 04:10:05 -0700 (PDT)

Well good morning all residents & Visitors as you can see we made it through another one & only lost power for about 5 hrs so well done to our crew at BEC. We are going to try get out a bit later to do a check of all the Houses around belonging to friends. Hopefully not too much damage but am sure our neighbours in Cat Island & Long Island didn't do so well. Wishing all a better day & hope they are safe. Sandra Pitt.

- News from Briland --

From: "Kimberly King-Burns" <kkingburns at convergenz.com>
Date: Thu, 25 Oct 2012 23:51:37 -0700

239am, Sandy gone thru on her way north east now, still high high gusts, worst rains were before backside hit us, but at spin of storm and backside whipping, it was pretty nasty Lil storm....I know a boat or two broke loose north of the Romora Bay Club marina, and now are smacking the marina around....all seems okay though, I don't think there is any catastrophic damages, but def some residual damage for sure.

Dunmore Grouper, The Briland Modem at www.briland.com – News for Harbour Island and North Eleuthera, Bahamas

- Sandy on the move

From: "Ms. Hogg" <bahamastutor at live.com>
Date: Fri, 26 Oct 2012 00:09:07 -0400

Hello All, here in New Providence the winds picked up around 2pm with heavy squalls. Then there was a quiet time. Heavy winds and intermittent light to moderate rain returned around 7pm. It is now minutes to midnight and there are still heavy gusts .
The electricity, internet , cable and water are all still on along the eastern end of Prince Charles Drive and surrounding areas.
There is little traffic on the roads tonight. Thankfully, folks have taken heed of warnings in the media .

There have been reports of scattered power outages and localized flooding. So far there has been no report of serious injury or death due to the storm. Damage assessment teams and recovery units will be starting work once the system has passed and it is safe to do so.

At this moment the storm is reported to have winds of 90 mph. The eye is just to the northeast of Eleuthera.
It is expected , according to the local weatherman, that strong winds and rainfall will continue on New Providence until Friday afternoon.

A photo of Yamacraw Beach, New Providence, taken at around 2pm Thursday is attached. Post hurricane photos will be posted on the weekend.

Attachment: Early effects of Sandy at Yamacraw Beach, New Providence 25 Oct 12.JPG
Description: JPEG image

- Hurricane Sandy

From: Esther Marie Wells <estherw01 at yahoo.com>
Date: Thu, 25 Oct 2012 18:09:04 -0700 (PDT)

Ventured out and about this afternoon in Nassau, Most business places closed, while foodstores and gas stations remained open until late afternoon.

Squally weather with rain and wind at times. Some flooding in low areas. However, winds have picked up significantly and expecting conditions to get worse. All amenities still up and running. Thank you Lord.

Long Island hard hit, Power out from early today and winds still gusting.

Esther

- Sandy Sandy

From: jose colaco <colaco1 at yahoo.com>
Date: Thu, 25 Oct 2012 16:53:07 -0700 (PDT)

Nassau 7:45pm

Blowing quite a bit, but the rain has eased up a bit. The surf is up but no significant flooding. I can see cars 'rolling' as though it is just another evening.

Power, Internet and Trees still appear to be holding for now at least.

Hope Sandy goes away without making too much drama.

- Sandy

From: Keith Bishop <keith at islandsbydesign.com>
Date: Thu, 25 Oct 2012 19:49:25 -0400

7:45 marsh harbour Abaco

Lost power and internet. Winds NE at 45mph gusting 55.rain still quite light

Eye predicted at 1:30 am at cat 2

Sent from Samsung Mobile

- HURRICANE SANDY

From: John Roberts <ghpsafari at hotmail.com>
Date: Thu, 25 Oct 2012 19:42:40 -0400

Report from Georgetown, Exuma, that they experienced very strong winds from 
Hurricane Sandy but apparently not as much damage as the last hurricane.
News from Nassau of estimated 20-30mph winds and light rain at this time.
Hope Town, Abaco, reporting winds estimated at 50-60mph with heavy rain as 
Sandy approaches the island. No electrical activity detected thus far.
Right now a feeder band is passing over Grand Bahama, heavy rain and strong 
wind gusts - looks like we are in for a stormy night!
Capt. John Roberts
Freeport, Grand Bahama Island

- HURRICANE SANDY

From: John Roberts <ghpsafari at hotmail.com>
Date: Thu, 25 Oct 2012 18:25:02 -0400

Freeport, Grand Bahama Island
25 October 2012
18.30

Since my last report we have had one feeder band pass over us. At present it is 
raining and the wind is gusting to 30mph. The barometric pressure is 29.72 and 
falling. So far we have not had any electrical activity in the clouds. With 
conditions forecast to get worse we hope people will heed the warnings and stay 
safe.
Capt. John Roberts

- HURRICANE SANDY

From: John Roberts <ghpsafari at hotmail.com>
Date: Thu, 25 Oct 2012 12:05:43 -0400

Freeport, Grand Bahama Island
Thursday, 25 October 2012

Sky overcast with an occasional wind gust to 20mph. Barometric pressure 29.81 
and falling.
It appears from the latest track models that Sandy, like most hurricanes do to 
maintain their strength, is trying to follow the deep water. Some of the tracks 
show it jogging to the west putting it over the northwestern Bahamas but we are 
hoping and praying it WILL follow the deep water and spare the northwestern 
islands from its wrath.
Capt. John Roberts

- Report from Nassau at 7:30am

From: Esther Marie Wells <estherw01 at yahoo.com>
Date: Thu, 25 Oct 2012 05:47:07 -0700 (PDT)

Hurricane Sandy has been affecting the Bahamas over the last few days, with mostly rain in the Southern Bahamas

and now with intermittent strong windy gusts and heavy rainfall.

While in the capital Nassau, I witnessed many patrons shopping for last minute canned goods and bottled water; well into the night. However, I did not see

any storm shutters being erected,.

Expecting conditions to deteriorate today.

Esther

- Thursday 7/15am

From: Sandra Pitt <romperpitt at yahoo.com>
Date: Thu, 25 Oct 2012 04:39:17 -0700 (PDT)

Sandra Pitt wrote the Wind is picking up & raining hard going to be a long day so far Power has stayed on, internet on & off. Roads are flooding in Sandy Point. We had another 4 1/2 " over night. Will try to post later Sandra Pitt San Sal.

- Sandy update

From: jose colaco <colaco1 at yahoo.com>
Date: Thu, 25 Oct 2012 04:36:50 -0700 (PDT)

Nassau Oct 25, 2012 7:32AM

Overcast++. Some wind and Some rain. The surf is up.

Cars are still milling around but it is quiet, very quiet.

Sandy appears to have strengthened. Hopefully, it will move further east.

- Sandy on the move

From: "Ms. Hogg" <bahamastutor at live.com>
Date: Wed, 24 Oct 2012 21:25:44 -0400

Hello Everyone, I had hoped that I would have nothing to report this year. However it seems I now have something to report on. Until this morning, many folks seemed unaware that a storm was headed our way. Sandy grew up rather quickly for us, seemingly overnight.

THere is now a Hurricane Warning in effect for Central and Northwest Bahamas.Public and private schools, banks and many private businesses have indicated that they will be closed on Thursday and Friday.

It has been moderately breezy all day, with overcast skies and intermittent rain. This afternoon as I travelled east on Wulff Road, I noticed that all the gas stations along the way had multiple long lines as folks prepared for the storm. Grocery store parking lots were filled to overflowing as persons purchased needed supplies.

As always we hope for the best but make preparations just in case. We hope that our brothers and sisters to the south have not been badly bruised by Sandy. Now we wait for the morning, and Sandy.

I will post an update on Thursday afternoon ( providing power & internet access are up).

- HURR Sandy

From: jose colaco <colaco1 at yahoo.com>
Date: Wed, 24 Oct 2012 13:40:23 -0700 (PDT)

Nassau 4:35pm

Cloudy, overcast, no significant rain or breeze yet but the surf is up.

A query: The Stormcarib "How close can it get" tool suggests that Sandy will likely weaken to a TD before it reaches Nassau. Both Weather.com and Weather Underground are predicting 60-70mph winds. Any guidance?

- Sandy Storm News (Briland)

From: "Kimberly King-Burns" <kkingburns at convergenz.com>
Date: Wed, 24 Oct 2012 12:51:46 -0700

Eyewitness report from Harbour Island suggests that Sandy's winds are
getting ugly out, but that there's not much rain as yet.  Generators are at
the ready, winds are NNE N and becoming NNW so fingers crossed that the
Internet will stay up throughout the storm.  The Glass Window Bridge in
North Eleuthera has been closed as a precaution.

More news as it comes in.

Regards
Dunmore Grouper
The Fig Tree News Team

----------------------------------------------
The Briland Modem Fund
www.brilandmodemfund.com

info at briland.com

Briland Modem
News and Information for Harbour Island and North Eleuthera, Bahamas
www.briland.com

- TS SANDY

From: John Roberts <ghpsafari at hotmail.com>
Date: Wed, 24 Oct 2012 10:35:47 -0400

Freeport, Grand Bahama Island
24 October 2012

It is a bright, sunny morning in Freeport with a nice cool north easterly wind 
and all eyes on the eastern Caribbean with fingers crossed that Sandy will 
weaken considerably when crossing into Bahamian territorial waters. People are 
securing their boats and property in The Bahamas. With some luck and a lot of 
faith there will be no injuries or damage when the storm transits this area. 
Will advise further.
Capt. John Roberts

- San Salvador

From: Sandra Pitt <romperpitt at yahoo.com>
Date: Wed, 24 Oct 2012 07:06:28 -0700 (PDT)

Sandra Pitt reports Wed 24th Oct here we go again always seem to be the late ones . Under storm warning today. So far pretty calm & no rain as have already had 14 ins in the last 2 weeks. Hopefully will not be too much to report.

- T.S. ISAAC

From: John Roberts <ghpsafari at hotmail.com>
Date: Sun, 26 Aug 2012 19:47:27 -0400

Freeport, Grand Bahama Island
Sunday, 26 August 2012
19.30

We had a very serious feeder band go through Grand Bahama early this afternoon with winds gusting above 60 knots, heavy rain showers and a lot of electrical activity. So far I have not heard of any power failures and we are keeping our fingers crossed that the worst is over, although the wind is still gusting around 30 knots with accompanying showers. Our rain guage shows we have had over 3" of rain today.
Capt. John Roberts

- T.S. ISAAC

From: John Roberts <ghpsafari at hotmail.com>
Date: Sun, 26 Aug 2012 11:22:23 -0400

Freeport, Grand Bahama Island
Sunday, 26 August 2012

Weather in Freeport at 10a.m. is cloudy with rain showers and winds gusting 20-35 knots. The storm has passed due south of us and is now heading in the general direction of the Florida Keys on its way to the Gulf. So far the feeder bands have produced an inch of rain with lots more en route. The closest point the centre of the storm will be to us will be at 3.30 this afternoon, 207 miles away. We hope that the Keys will be as lucky as we are.
Surf is up in Abaco, similar winds and rain to us.
Capt. J. Roberts

- Inagua, Andros, New Providence

From: "Ms. Hogg" <bahamastutor at live.com>
Date: Sat, 25 Aug 2012 19:15:47 -0400

Good Day, the local TV station, ZNS, reports that two light poles were damaged and the electricity is out in Matthew Town , Inagua. The water supply, which relies on public electricity supply is also out. WIth winds still coming in at 35-40 mph, the electrical company BEC will not be sending workers out for repairs at this time. However repairs will begin as soon as it is safe for workers to begin.

Initial reports coming in from Andros indicate minimal damage so far. The communities remain calm.

A drive around the northern and eastern coasts of New Providence revealed rough seas, overcast skies and increasingly strong gusts of wind. Folks are still out on the road doing back to school shopping, watching the seas, or just relaxing at venues such as the Fish Fry.

Updates later!

Bridget.

- Isaac

From: "Ms. Hogg" <bahamastutor at live.com>
Date: Sat, 25 Aug 2012 15:17:24 -0400

Hello , today is overcast and windy with intermittent rain in some areas. I have not seen any shuttered homes. Folks remain calm so far as it appears that we ( central Bahamas) will not be affected in a major way by this storm. However it wil be important to keep track of what this storm is doing since a shift in its path could mean big trouble for us.

Let us all hope and pray that the storm does not wreck havoc on any populated areas.

- T.S. Isaac

From: John Roberts <ghpsafari at hotmail.com>
Date: Thu, 23 Aug 2012 16:01:06 -0400

Freeport, Grand Bahama Island
23 August 2012

T.S. Isaac has got the attention of residents of The Bahamas, but it would appear that the high pressure system to our north should keep the storm south west of us and steer it into the Gulf of Mexico - which is great for us but not for those in its path. There are a lot of people who are securing their property and boats just in case!
We should not let our guard down, though, but should closely monitor progress of Isaac as it is a very large storm and will pass dangerously close to us. We must be prepared for a sudden change in direction.
Capt. John Roberts

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