Caribbean - Central America Weather

[chrisjslucia]

Just after 6am we had some strong winds and driving rain from the North East. Enough to wake me up fully and brew the coffee. After 20 minutes this passed and since then little wind and persistent but not especially heavy rain. Looks as if we have a couple of hours to go before we get anything stronger. Now at 8am it is a white out outside and thunder has started. Will keep you posted.

[cordelia667]

Hi, I am just waiting on TS Chantal. Here, in St. Thomas, Virgin Islands, we are experiencing gusty winds, with ominous dark clouds far to my E and SE. I am prepared. Will keep you posted, with updates and photos. Cordelia, Northside, St. Thomas, VI.

We are under a Tropical Storm Watch, Flood Warning and Flash Flood watch. Also, small craft advisory.



Cordelia

[cycloneye]

You can follow what is going on in the islands by visiting the Caribbean Central America Weather thread at the first post and see the many webcams and radars.Go here.

[chrisjslucia]

Winds returning now, this time from the South East. Although the centre overnight shifted and seems is now directed at Martinique, I suspect we have a few hours of weather ahead of us.

[chrisjslucia]

Update from Martinique, posted on Storm Carib:

- Chantal going into action in Martinique
From: "gregory" <mrgregory658 at gmail.com>
Date: Tue, 9 Jul 2013 10:19:07 -0400
We are experimenting right now gusty winds over 40 mph with the crazy dancing of trees that comes with it (starring: the coconut trees). Luckily until now we have very few rain falls and that was what we were dreading most.

That situation is expected to last until mid afternoon according to the Martinique met office.

Radio stations are overwhelmed by callers reporting for some minor damages ( electricity poles and tree branches lying on roads).

[artist]

thanks for the updates all, and stay safe!

[abajan]

We recently had a bit of squally weather with a single, distant roll of thunder. We're in a break but I can see more of the same on the way.

[artist]

...CHANTAL MOVING BETWEEN MARTINIQUE AND ST. LUCIA...


SUMMARY OF 1100 AM AST...1500 UTC...INFORMATION
-----------------------------------------------
LOCATION...14.4N 61.5W
ABOUT 55 MI...85 KM NW OF ST. LUCIA
ABOUT 410 MI...660 KM SE OF SAN JUAN PUERTO RICO
MAXIMUM SUSTAINED WINDS...60 MPH...95 KM/H
PRESENT MOVEMENT...WNW OR 295 DEGREES AT 29 MPH...46 KM/H
MINIMUM CENTRAL PRESSURE...1006 MB...29.71 INCHES


WATCHES AND WARNINGS
--------------------
CHANGES WITH THIS ADVISORY...

THE GOVERNMENT OF BARBADOS HAS DISCONTINUED THE TROPICAL STORM
WARNING AND WATCH FOR BARBADOS AND ST. VINCENT.

THE GOVERNMENT OF THE DOMINICAN REPUBLIC HAS ISSUED A HURRICANE
WATCH FROM BARAHONA TO SAMANA AND ISSUED A TROPICAL STORM WARNING
FOR THE ENTIRE COAST OF THE DOMINICAN REPUBLIC.

A TROPICAL STORM WARNING HAS BEEN ISSUED FOR THE NORTH COAST OF
HAITI.

SUMMARY OF WATCHES AND WARNINGS IN EFFECT...

A HURRICANE WATCH IS IN EFFECT FOR...
* BARAHONA TO SAMANA DOMINICAN REPUBLIC

A TROPICAL STORM WARNING IS IN EFFECT FOR...
* DOMINICA
* ST. LUCIA
* MARTINIQUE
* GUADELOUPE
* PUERTO RICO
* ENTIRE COAST OF THE DOMINICAN REPUBLIC
* NORTH COAST OF HAITI FROM LE MOLE ST. NICHOLAS EASTWARD

A TROPICAL STORM WATCH IS IN EFFECT FOR...
* U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS
* VIEQUES AND CULEBRA
* HAITI FROM LE MOLE ST. NICHOLAS SOUTHWARD TO THE BORDER WITH THE
DOMINICAN REPUBLIC
* TURKS AND CAICOS
* SOUTHEASTERN BAHAMAS

INTERESTS IN THE REMAINDER OF THE NORTHERN LEEWARD ISLANDS SHOULD
MONITOR THE PROGRESS OF CHANTAL.

[artist]

URGENT - IMMEDIATE BROADCAST REQUESTED
TROPICAL STORM CHANTAL LOCAL STATEMENT
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE SAN JUAN PR
852 AM AST TUE JUL 9 2013

...CHANTAL APPROACHING THE LESSER ANTILLES ...

.NEW INFORMATION...
STORM INFORMATION UPDATED.

.AREAS AFFECTED...
THIS LOCAL STATEMENT PROVIDES IMPORTANT INFORMATION AND
RECOMMENDED ACTIONS FOR PEOPLE AND MARINE INTERESTS IN SELECT
LOCATIONS AND COASTAL WATER LEGS OF PUERTO RICO AND THE U.S.
VIRGIN ISLANDS COASTAL WATERS.

.WATCHES/WARNINGS...
A TROPICAL STORM WARNING CONTINUES FOR THE FOLLOWING LOCATIONS...
SAN JUAN AND VICINITY...NORTHEAST...SOUTHEAST...EASTERN
INTERIOR...NORTH CENTRAL...CENTRAL INTERIOR...PONCE AND
VICINITY...NORTHWEST...WESTERN INTERIOR...MAYAGUEZ AND VICINITY
AND SOUTHWEST.

FOR MARINE INTERESTS...A TROPICAL STORM WARNING CONTINUES FOR
PORTIONS OF PUERTO RICO AND THE U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS COASTAL
WATERS.

A TROPICAL STORM WATCH CONTINUES FOR THE FOLLOWING LOCATIONS...
CULEBRA...VIEQUES...ST. THOMAS/ST. JOHN/ADJACENT ISLANDS AND ST
CROIX.

FOR MARINE INTERESTS...A TROPICAL STORM WATCH CONTINUES FOR
PORTIONS OF PUERTO RICO AND THE U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS COASTAL
WATERS.

A FLASH FLOOD WATCH IS IN EFFECT FOR ALL OF PUERTO RICO AND THE
U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS. PLEASE LISTEN CLOSELY FOR ANY FLOOD WARNINGS
THAT MIGHT BE IN EFFECT FOR YOUR AREA.

PLEASE CHECK THE LATEST PUBLIC AND MARINE FORECASTS FOR DETAILED
INFORMATION ABOUT ADDITIONAL HAZARDS.

.STORM INFORMATION...
AT 8 AM AST...THE CENTER OF TROPICAL STORM CHANTAL WAS LOCATED
NEAR LATITUDE 13.8N...LONGITUDE 59.7W. THIS WAS ABOUT 465 MILES
SOUTHEAST OF PONCE PR...OR ABOUT 363 MILES SOUTHEAST OF SAINT CROIX
VI. STORM MOTION WAS WNW OR 290 DEGREES AT 26 MPH. STORM INTENSITY
WAS 50 MPH.

.SITUATION OVERVIEW...
TROPICAL STORM CHANTAL IS EXPECTED TO CONTINUE MOVING WEST-
NORTHWEST DURING THE NEXT 24 HOURS. ON THE FORECAST TRACK...RAIN
AND SQUALLS WILL BEGIN TO AFFECT THE U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS AND
EASTERN PUERTO RICO...INCLUDING VIEQUES AND CULEBRA THIS EVENING
INTO WEDNESDAY.

.PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

[artist]

from St. Lucia via stormcarib.com

Wind has picked up
•From: Susan Beckwith
•Date: Tue, 9 Jul 2013 12:58:38 -0300

The wind picked up about 20 minutes ago, its not good, not sure of the speed but enough to bend the coconut trees and cause my bananas to go horizontal!


Its strong!



--
Susan Beckwith

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- Update
•From: Michael Lascaris
•Date: Tue, 9 Jul 2013 11:25:03 -0400

Wind and rain just started. Was quiet for most of the morning. Gusts of probably up to 35mph.

Mike


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- We are in it now!!
•From: "Christopher Kessell"
•Date: Tue, 9 Jul 2013 11:18:33 -0400

It’s been pretty uneventful here in the North (Cap Estate) until about 15 minutes ago!! (11 am)

[Gustywind]

First damages in Martinica.

http://www.microsofttranslator.com/bv.a ... 212431.php

After a morning of activity, tropical storm Chantal has caused damage. Trees here and there, collapsed following the strong gusts of wind. Here, our images out of Fort-de-France near the place François Mitterrand.

[Gustywind]

Storm Chantal: 50 000 Martinique private of electricity

Tuesday, July 9, 2013 - 10 h 11
http://www.microsofttranslator.com/bv.a ... 212408.php

33,000 clients EDF are currently without electricity after falling trees.


Storm tropical Chantal, characterized by strong winds, heavy thunderstorm rains and rough seas, is currently going through Martinique. It has already led to falls of trees on the electrical network. The complete point of prefecture below which reminds of "limit travel." Hurricane vigilance Orange is maintained.

The storm tropical Chantal is currently on Martinique.

Weather France, the phenomenon still characterized by:

-winds strong blowing at 80-90 km/h on average, with higher gusts,
-heavy rain thunderstorm, with totals between 100 and 150 mm in 12 h,
-a strong sea, with average lows of 3 m to 3.5 m in Atlantic and channel (maxi trough between 5 and 6 m) and troughs that can exceed 1.5 m in Caribbean, breaking at the coast where the storm will go in Caribbean Sea.

The first effects of the storm are beginning to be felt: strong winds resulted in falls of trees on the mains, depriving, at 10:30, 50 000 customers electricity EDF. Traffic conditions are made difficult. No structuring axis is cut at the present time. However, motorists are encouraged to limit their movements during the passage of the storm to those that are necessary.

In a statement, EDF "recalls has? '' the population it takes touch under no pre? text e lines? electric grave? es has? "Earth or trees for e? avoid any accident. The e? teams EDF are currently mobilizes? field and activate has? Re? establish supply customers private? s of e? electricity?
Customers can report dangerous situations via:
-The EDF Martinique facebook site
-The service of? troubleshooting at 0 810 333 972
-The client service? the to 0596-592-200
For information and advice from themselves? security? e? electric power, visit the EDF martinique.edf.com

Given these elements, the prefect maintains Hurricane alert to orange level.

In order to manage the consequences of the storm, the operational centre départemental is enabled in the prefecture since 08:00 this morning. It brings together the Police and the National Gendarmerie, the SDIS, DEAL (followed by the level of watercourses in connection with the general Council), services of the routes of the regional Council and the general Council, the regional health agency, and the Action of the sea state division.

Furthermore, the prefect was determined collective and individual measures following applicable for the duration of the passage of the storm Chantal:

Collective action:

During the passage of the storm on Martinique, the prefect recommends that the population limit its movements on the roads to travel. Strong winds could indeed promote the fall of barriers on roads and rain accumulations expected come swell the rivers in a timely manner, that can cause cuts punctual roads. In this context, it is strongly discouraged to attempt the crossing of Fords.
-Outdoor events planned this morning in Martinique are cancelled throughout the period of passage of the tropical storm.

NB: the start of the stage of the cycling tour of Martinique laid down at 10 o'clock this morning is cancelled. The conditions of his return will be considered this afternoon in connection with the Organizer.

-Municipalities check the State of the shelters and equipment necessary for the reception of population (beds, blankets, food, etc.),
-Crisis cells must remain active standby and crisis management devices must be prepared,
-The media should disseminate information and instructions broadcast alert bulletins issued by the prefecture on a regular basis on the phenomenon.

Individual measures:

-Be vigilant and keep you informed of the evolution of the phenomenon by regularly consulting the vigilance of weather-France and the ballots of alert of the prefecture.
-Check the status of your radio.
-Avoid to undertake long excursions in the mountains or near water courses.
-Do not take the sea without special obligation.
-Listen to weather reports and instructions broadcast on radio and television,
-Prepare your housing (protection of openings, protect it from objects, dismantling of the facilities that may be removed)
-Place out of water likely to be affected by a flood objects.
-Protect your water craft by a ground or a sheltering
-Merge or secure animals (livestock, poultry, etc.),

The next point of situation to 12 hours.

[Gustywind]

More news in Martinica as Chantal made again damages!
Here are some first pics of TS Chantal.

http://www.microsofttranslator.com/bv.a ... 23pubs_top

[Gustywind]

Chantal poses big troubles in the South of Martinica. Reports of houses without roofs have been mentionned...
Here is a complete report of what happens this morning.

Chantal wreaks havoc in the South
Photos: Jean-Marc Elouise and Jean-Philippe Bazile Tuesday, July 9, 2013 - 10 h 40
Fallen trees, damaged electrical cables, damaged roofs, tropical storm Chantal has made many damage in the South of the island. Our photos.

http://www.microsofttranslator.com/bv.a ... 212457.php

[artist]

More news in Martinica as Chantal made again damages!
Here are some first pics of TS Chantal.

http://www.microsofttranslator.com/bv.a ... 23pubs_top

Thanks for posting Gusty.

[artist]

500 PM AST TUE JUL 09 2013

...CHANTAL HEADING FOR HISPANIOLA...


SUMMARY OF 500 PM AST...2100 UTC...INFORMATION
----------------------------------------------
LOCATION...15.2N 63.7W
ABOUT 270 MI...440 KM SE OF SAN JUAN PUERTO RICO
ABOUT 470 MI...755 KM ESE OF SANTO DOMINGO DOMINICAN REPUBLIC
MAXIMUM SUSTAINED WINDS...65 MPH...100 KM/H
PRESENT MOVEMENT...WNW OR 295 DEGREES AT 26 MPH...43 KM/H
MINIMUM CENTRAL PRESSURE...1006 MB...29.71 INCHES


WATCHES AND WARNINGS
--------------------
CHANGES WITH THIS ADVISORY...

THE GOVERNMENT OF THE BAHAMAS HAS ISSUED A TROPICAL STORM WARNING
FOR THE SOUTHEASTERN BAHAMAS AND THE TURKS AND CAICOS ISLANDS...
AND A TROPICAL STORM WATCH FOR THE CENTRAL BAHAMAS.

A TROPICAL STORM WARNING HAS BEEN EXTENDED TO INCLUDE THE ENTIRE
COAST OF HAITI.

THE GOVERNMENT OF BARBADOS HAS DISCONTINUED THE TROPICAL STORM
WARNING FOR DOMINICA.

THE GOVERNMENT OF FRANCE HAS DISCONTINUED THE TROPICAL STORM
WARNING FOR MARTINIQUE AND GUADELOUPE.

SUMMARY OF WATCHES AND WARNINGS IN EFFECT...

A HURRICANE WATCH IS IN EFFECT FOR...
* BARAHONA TO SAMANA DOMINICAN REPUBLIC

A TROPICAL STORM WARNING IS IN EFFECT FOR...
* PUERTO RICO
* ENTIRE COAST OF THE DOMINICAN REPUBLIC
* ENTIRE COAST OF HAITI
* TURKS AND CAICOS
* SOUTHEASTERN BAHAMAS

A TROPICAL STORM WATCH IS IN EFFECT FOR...
* U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS
* VIEQUES AND CULEBRA
* CENTRAL BAHAMAS

INTERESTS IN EASTERN CUBA AND THE NORTHWESTERN BAHAMAS SHOULD
MONITOR THE PROGRESS OF CHANTAL.

[Gustywind]

More news in Martinica as Chantal made again damages!
Here are some first pics of TS Chantal.

http://www.microsofttranslator.com/bv.a ... 23pubs_top

Thanks for posting Gusty.

Trying to share these sad informations towards the Storm2K family. For the moment, no reports of death people, but it's too premature to confirm that. If i've more info i will keep your informed.

[Gustywind]

The point of the departmental roads at 15.00

Photo Bazile Tuesday, July 9, 2013 - 4:39 pm

Many roads were blocked by falling trees during the morning. The technical services of the General Council were at work to restore circulation. The point at 15.00.

http://www.microsofttranslator.com/bv.a ... 212456.php

[artist]

More news in Martinica as Chantal made again damages!
Here are some first pics of TS Chantal.

http://www.microsofttranslator.com/bv.a ... 23pubs_top

Thanks for posting Gusty.

Trying to share these sad informations towards the Storm2K family. For the moment, no reports of death people, but it's too premature to confirm that. If i've more info i will keep your informed.

hopefully that continues. Thanks again. Thoughts and prayers to all that have suffered.

[Gustywind]

Thanks my friend . We continue to hope for the best .