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The Caribbean Hurricane PageUpdates from the Islands
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Hurricane Mitch remains the 2nd deadliest Atlantic hurricane ever, with over 19,000 deaths reported. Central America was the hardest hit, as the slow-moving storm dropped record amounts of rain (nearly 36 inches!) and caused major mudslides and flooding. Damage from the storm was reported from places as far away as Ireland and New York cleaning services were kept busy mopping up minor flooding and rain damage in buildings. Honduras experienced such great damage that existing maps were rendered obsolete. Countries around the world poured resources into Central America with tons of food, money and doctors brought into the country quickly. The U.S. government was not quite as helpful as other countries so New York cleaning services such as Busy Bee Cleaning Services and many other private organizations worked together to provide aid, as many of their workers are from or have families in the Central American region. Communities pulled together and countries were rebuilt better than they ever were before the hurricane but even so, the staggering toll Hurricane Mitch took will not be forgotten.
See what the weather is on the Cayman's for yourself with the Turtle Farm Webcam -Gert
Date: Mon, 02 Nov 1998 17:55:54 -0500 From: Barbara Currie Dailey (bcurrie@candw.ky) Subject: Final Report from Cayman To save everyone from reading through last week's updates, here is a final report, which also contains some new information. Like SUNSHINE! Thanks again to everyone who e-mailed. We really appreciated your concern and prayers down here, where at least this household will be celebrating thanksgiving for a long time to come. 2 November, 1998 HURRICANE MITCH SPARES CAYMAN ISLANDS-SPECIAL REPORT Here in the Cayman Islands, the sun is out again and seas are calm, and people throughout the country are offering prayers of gratitude for being spared the brunt of Hurricane Mitch's fury last week. Minister for Tourism Hon. Thomas Jefferson expressed this in a public address aired on CITN-27 local television and radio and urged his country to generously support the massive relief efforts for the Bay Islands of Honduras now being organized throughout Grand Cayman. We want to repeat the information provided by last week's daily updates about conditions here in the Cayman Islands now that Mitch no longer threatens the Western Caribbean. Business is back to normal in all three islands, and shore diving, boat dive trips, Stingray City snorkeling trips and other watersports activities resumed by Sunday, 1 November. Hurricane Mitch's effects caused minimal damage, most of it from the extremely rough seas which battered parts of the coastline of all three islands last week. At no time did dangerous hurricane force winds and other Category 5 conditions from Hurricane Mitch directly affect the Cayman Islands. Nor were there any storm-related deaths or reports of storm-related injuries. At its closest, Mitch passed approximately 190 miles south of Grand Cayman late Sunday, 25 October, about 65 miles further south than predicted on Saturday, sparing the islands from hurricane force conditions. There was no damage to any resorts or condominiums on the three islands, which are open and fully operational. Along Seven Mile Beach, the sea has calmed and beach erosion appears minimal along the central and northern parts of Seven Mile Beach. Rocks and some sea debris has littered the northern beach sections, but properties have been busy cleaning up. Since conditions in the Cayman Islands did not even reach tropical storm force, landscaping and gardens at properties and beachfront complexes were virtually untouched. Owen Roberts International Airport remained opened throughout the storm threat and all scheduled flights have been operating since last Tuesday afternoon, 27 October. The port of George Town is open and cruise traffic is back on schedule. None of Grand Cayman's public utilities were affected last week and electricity, water and telephone services continued uninterrupted. The Port of George Town reopened Thursday for cargo traffic, but by Wednesday 28 October , cruise lines had already diverted eight cruise ships from Grand Cayman because of conditions from the hurricane. Cruise traffic is back on schedule this week, which starts the busy winter season on the Western Caribbean route. All major supermarkets remained well-stocked last week, thanks to efforts to fly in perishables. In downtown George Town, no stores or restaurants received any damage and reopened Wednesday along Harbour Drive and the waterfront. Banks and other businesses closed only for a day last Monday, 26 Oct. Attractions Not Damaged The Queen Elizabeth II Botanic Park is open and waiting to welcome visitors, reports Park Manager Andrew Guthrie. "We had no damage at all and everything is fine out here. All areas of the park are in great shape," he said. Promotions Manager Carson Ebanks confirmed that the Pedro St. James National Historic Site has reopened and that there was no damage to the great house restoration or other structures. "We did have rocks and some debris tossed up by high waves and some of the landscaping suffered. But cleanup is almost complete and the site is open again for visitors," he said. Cayman's first national landmark was named a Finalist in the 1998 Islands Magazine Ecotourism awards last month. Manager Ken Hydes at the Cayman Turtle Farm said the Farm quickly took all necessary precautions to protect the turtle population and in fact, the attraction remained open throughout last week. There was no damage to the facilities or loss of any of the stock. The annual Turtle release, originally scheduled for Oct. 26, was rescheduled a week to 2 Nov. at the Public Beach. At Northwest Point next to the Cayman Turtle Farm, the Cracked Conch Restaurant and Tortuga Rum Company mini-bakery and retail outlet next door are open for business as usual. Neither suffered any damage from storm-related conditions. Neither The Links at SafeHaven nor the Britannia Golf Club golf courses was damaged or in any way affected by the storm. Fairways are greener than ever due to so much rain. Diving Resumes Shore diving resumed on Friday at DiveTech on Grand Cayman. In spite of some surge, conditions were judged safe for divers to enter the waters off Northwest Point near the Turtle Farm. Manager Nancy Romanica said the dive shop, located beneath the Cracked Conch restaurant, had been busy all day in spite of intermittent rain. Treasure Island Divers Manager Al Ford reported that operation resumed boat trips on Grand Cayman's west coast last Friday, 30 October and found water visibility was clearing rapidly and saw no major damage to marine life on the wall and reef sites they dived. At Bayside Watersports, one of Grand Cayman's largest booking agencies for Stingray City/ North Sound snorkeling trips, manager Geri Ebanks said trips resumed Sunday afternoon. Conditions in North Sound were "similar to a strong Nor'wester" last week, with 3-5 ft. waves and bad visibility but that's all." Geri reported. "All of our charter boats are fine, and were back in operation Sunday." There was only one report of any loss of boat or damage in the watersports industry. Satxfaxion Cruises' new dive boat Satxfaxion was destroyed by rough seas when owner Ashton Ebanks tried to move the boat around Northwest Point to safe anchorage. Mr Ebanks was rescued by the Cayman Islands Police marine Patrol. All Cayman Islands dive operators cancelled trips until seas calms down late Friday. Stingray City and North Sound did not suffer any major wave action or storm effects. Coastal Clean-Up Postponed: The Cayman Islands Watersports Operators Association (CIWOA) International CoastalCleanup originally planned for Oct. 31 has been postponed until further notice. At the eastern tip of East End, Morritt's Tortuga Club and Resort reported no damage to the resort or Tortuga Divers' operation. "We're 100% fine out here," confirmed General Manager Willie Giger. "We actually gained sand on our beach and the dock and all other facilities are intact. None of our 169 units was damaged in any way. We boarded up all units and secured all facilities and these precautions will remain up until we are in the clear." Mr. Giger invited anyone wanting more information and reassurance to call Morritt's toll-free reservations number, 800-447-9309. On East End's south coast, Cayman Diving Lodge suffered no damage to the resort itself or dive boat, but the dock was completely destroyed. Spokesperson Mark Montgomery reported that that as soon as sea conditions permit, they will begin rebuilding a new, stronger dock. In the interim, Mark said "We'll keep diving" and work out an arrangement with Ocean Frontiers to use their dock at East End, which was not damaged." Ocean Frontiers also reported no damage to their dive shop or boats. Mark invited anyone concerned to contact Cayman Diving Lodge at cdl@candw.ky. South of George Town Harbour, Paradise Reef, Eden Rock Divers, Parrots Landing, Seaview, Sunset House and Coconut Harbour all reported no damage and snorkeling and shore diving had resumed by Sunday. The popular thatched roof "My Bar" close to the sea at Sunset House was not damaged. Cayman Islands National Culinary Society President Keith Griffin (Executive Chef at Lantanas at the Caribbean Club) said there had been no reports of damage from any restaurants. Several had closed during the hurricane watch, especially those on the waterfront in George Town where seas were rough. Rackham's Pub, a popular waterfront bar, was open again by Thursday, 29 October for happy hour business. Tortuga Rum Company Ltd. on Grand Cayman reported that operations were suspended last Monday at the main Industrial Park bakery, but resumed Tuesday and pre-holiday production of the Tortuga Rum Cake is back to normal. Holiday mail orders coming in last week were not affected, since Tortuga's Miami office fills them. Managing Director Robert Hamaty also reported no damage to the Tortuga's new 10,000 square ft. headquarters, offices and bakery now under construction on a one and a half acres site across from the existing complex. The new facilities are expected to be completed on schedule by early February 1999. North of George Town, Bob Soto's dock and the public dock at the Lobster Pot are still standing and The Wharf Restaurant suffered no damage from heavy seas. SISTER ISLANDS There was no damage to resorts or dive operations in the Sister Islands. Docks along the south coast of Cayman Brac were damaged, but have not affected dive operations now that weather has cleared. The only damage on Little Cayman was to docks on the south coast at Point of Sand and in South Hole Sound, which had been destroyed. Little Cayman Beach Resort lost their dock and tank filling station, but all dive boats were safe since operators moved vessels into protected area of South Hole Sound lagoon by Kingston Bight. There was no damage to any resorts or villas, the Hungry Iguana Restaurant, Village Square shopping plaza or any dive shops. Gladys Howard at Pirates Point resort confirmed that things on the smallest Sister Island are fine. Gladys reported no damage to her 10-room resort, or any facilities including the thatched-roof hammock huts on the beach. Pirates Point staff had already busy cleaning the resort's beach, which was littered with rocks and debris washed up by heavy seas.. ""We had our annual Halloween Party last Saturday as usual-- but think we should be celebrating an early Thanksgiving!" she said. Help For Honduras An island-wide appeal has been made on Grand Cayman for help with donations for hurricane relief efforts now underway for victims in Honduras. Residents are being asked to donate plywood and other supplies purchased during storm preparations. With strong Caymanian ties to Honduras, especially the Bay Islands, the people of the Cayman Islands are deeply concerned about devastation in that Country. Cayman Airways has planned several direct cargo flights to Roatan in the Bay Islands to transport supplies donated by the Cayman community. Thanks To Everyone The threat of Hurricane Mitch brought together a wide range of public and private sector members and organizations last week. While our prayers and thoughts are with those in Honduras and Central America, in Cayman we are sincerely grateful we were spared any serious effects. We'd like to extend a heartfelt thanks to government offices and staff of Cayman Airways, Immigration, H.M. Customs, Civil Aviation, Fire Service, and Public Works plus management and staff from Hyatt, Westin, Marriott, Fosters, Kirkconnells, Jacques Scott, and British Airways. Pirates Week Re-Scheduled Pirates Week activities, rescheduled from last week, are now underway beginning Monday, November 2, with the West Bay District Day. Pirates Week Chairman Dave Martins said that part of this year's proceeds will be donated to the Bay Islands Hurricane Relief fund in the Cayman Islands All other District Day activities will follow in the original sequence. The activities for the week will now end on Saturday, November 7 with the Landing, Fireworks, Song Contest and Pirates Lookout Dance. The Pirates Week adult triathlon has been rescheduled for Sunday, 15 November, not 8 November. According to the Cayman Islands Watersports Operators Association, the Pirates Week Underwater Treasure Hunt was held at Divetech on Grand Cayman on Sunday, Nov . Due to confusion over whether the event was actually taking place, few divers participated but prizes were awarded to all winners. However, about 75 prizes are left over and the event will be repeated on Sunday, 8 November, once again at Divetech in West Bay. Registration is at 12:30 p.m. and the hunt starts at 2 p.m. This is a joint fundraiser for the CIWOA and Pirates Week Committee
Date: Fri, 30 Oct 1998 07:58:12 -0500 From: Barbara Currie Dailey (bcurrie@candw.ky) Subject: Friday update A quick word of thanks to all those who have e-mailed with concerns about us here in Cayman. This is the final official update from Government, but I will be happy to continue to try to reply to individual requests for information. I can't predict (or fix) the weather, so folks e-mailing such questions should check the Cayman Islands website, www.caymanislands.ky and the weather page on the main menu. Many of us are going to be playing catch up from this last week and also busy with the Honduran relief efforts, however, so please be patient if you are expecting responses from anyone Cayman right now. Weather Bulletin: Friday, October 30, 1998, 8:00 a.m. George Town, Grand Cayman CONTINUED RAIN CAUSES PIRATES WEEK CHANGES AGAIN GRAND CAYMAN, BWI -30 October 1998-Tropical Storm Mitch continues to remain almost stationary over Honduras, and is still causing rain in the Cayman Islands and throughout the Western Caribbean, defying forecasts of expected clearing by today. As of this morning, Grand Cayman was still experiencing rain, heavy at times, associated with the outer bands of Hurricane Mitch and this is expected to continue over the weekend. Because of the weather, Pirates Week activities have again been postponed or cancelled. The fireworks, street dance and Saturday's Pirates invasion and float parade have been cancelled, but the district Heritage Days will begin Monday according to original schedule. Next Saturday's finale will feature the fireworks, song contest, dance and festivities in George Town. The 7 a.m.. advisory from the National Hurricane Center in Miami reported that slow-moving Tropical Storm Mitch with maximum sustained winds of 40 mph remains inland over northern Honduras, about 50 miles east southeast of La Ceiba, drifting west-southwest. The storm system continues to drench Honduras with torrential rains causing severe flooding. A general westward motion is expected later today. Cayman residents are being urged to monitor the storm's path until it moves out of the Western Caribbean. Meanwhile, the people of the Cayman Islands have turned their attention to relief efforts for hurricane victims in Honduras. Cayman Airways has volunteered to fly supplies into Honduras as soon as the airports are open. Thompson Shipping, IMP and other local businesses have also offered to assist in transporting relief supplies. An island-wide appeal has been made on Grand Cayman for donations of building materials, tools, food and clothing. Residents are being asked to donate plywood and other supplies purchased during storm preparations here. With strong Caymanian ties to Honduras, especially the Bay Islands, the people of the Cayman Islands are deeply concerned about devastation in that country as Mitch continues to batter the country.
Date: Thu, 29 Oct 1998 14:37:46 -0500 From: Barbara Currie Dailey (bcurrie@candw.ky) Subject: Thursday afternoon update Weather Bulletin: Thursday, October 29, 1998, 4:00 p.m. George Town, Grand Cayman TROPICAL STORM WATCH DISCONTINUED FOR CAYMAN ISLANDS GRAND CAYMAN, BWI -29 October 1998-The Tropical Storm Watch has been discontinued for the Cayman Islands and the all clear signal given by the National Hurricane Committee. As of 3 p.m. today, Grand Cayman was experiencing rain, heavy at times, associated with the outer bands of Hurricane Mitch, but seas were generally calm with some swells and surge continuing. Similar weather is expected to continue for the next two days. The 1 p.m. advisory from the National Hurricane Center in Miami reported that Hurricane Mitch remains almost stationary, but has been downgraded to barely Category 1 storm with maximum sustained winds of 75 mph. The center of the storm is estimated to be just inland near the city of Limon, Honduras and expected to resume a general west-northwest motion later today. Cayman residents were still urged to remain on alert and monitor the storm's path closely during the next two days until it moves out of the Western Caribbean. Here are more updates from around the islands. There has been a change to the revised Pirates Week programme. The popular Pirates Week adult triathlon has been rescheduled for Sunday, 15 November, not 8 November. All other Pirates Week activities will begin tomorrow and follow in the original sequence, weather permitting. The Cayman Islands Watersports Operators Association (CIWOA) International Coastal Cleanup originally planned for Oct. 31 has been postponed until further notice. The Queen Elizabeth II Botanic Park is open and waiting to welcome visitors, reports Park Manager Andrew Guthrie. "We had no damage at all and everything is fine out here. All areas of the park are in great shape," he said. Promotions Manager Carson Ebanks confirmed that the Pedro St. James National Historic Site has reopened and that there was no damage to the great house restoration or other structures. "We did have debris tossed up by high waves on Sunday and Monday, and some of the landscaping suffered. But cleanup is almost complete and the site is open again for visitors," he said. Cayman's first national landmark was named a Finalist in the 1998 Islands Magazine Ecotourism awards last month. Over on Little Cayman, Gladys Howard at Pirates Point resort confirmed again that things on the smallest Sister Island are fine. Gladys reported no damage to her 10-room resort, or any facilities including the thatched-roof hammock huts on the beach. Pirates Point staff had already cleaned up much of the resort's beach, which was littered with debris washed up by heavy seas. The only damage on Little Cayman was to docks on the south coast at Point of Sand and in South Hole Sound, which had been destroyed. All dive boats were safe since operators moved vessels into protected area of South Hole Sound lagoon by Kingston Bight. "We're not diving yet, but we're open, the chefs are cooking and the few guests still here are having a great time, she said." "We're planning our annual Halloween Party on Saturday night but think maybe it should be an early Thanksgiving!" she said. Reef Divers at Little Cayman Beach Resort and Brac Reef Beach Resort report they expect to resume boat dive trips by Saturday. Shore diving has started again at DiveTech on Grand Cayman. In spite of some surge, conditions were judged safe for divers to enter the waters off Northwest Point near the Turtle Farm. Manager Nancy Romanica said the dive shop, located beneath the Cracked Conch restaurant, had been busy all day in spite of intermittent rain. Boat dive trips had not yet started again, but are expected to begin tomorrow. Also at Northwest Point next to the Cayman Turtle Farm, the Cracked Conch Restaurant and Tortuga Rum Company mini-bakery and retail outlet next door are open for business as usual. Neither suffered any damage from storm related conditions. West Bay Road between the Governor's residence and north of the public beach is now entirely clear. The area just north of the Indies Suites turnoff had been blocked with sand earlier this week, but is now open both ways. An island-wide appeal has been made on Grand Cayman for help with donations for hurricane relief efforts now underway for victims in Honduras. Residents are being asked to donate plywood and other supplies purchased during storm preparations. With strong Caymanian ties to Honduras, especially the Bay Islands, the people of the Cayman Islands are deeply concerned about devastation in that country as Mitch continues to batter the coastline and offshore islands. The Cayman Islands National Hurricane Committee continues to keep a close watch on the storm's path. FOR REGULAR UPDATES, VISIT THE OFFICIAL WEBSITE OF THE CAYMAN ISLANDS, http:\\www.caymanislands.ky
Date: Thu, 29 Oct 1998 08:45:50 -0500 From: Barbara Currie Dailey (bcurrie@candw.ky) Subject: Update from Cayman Weather Bulletin: Thursday, October 29, 1998, 9:00 a.m. George Town, Grand Cayman TROPICAL STORM WATCH DISCONTINUED FOR CAYMAN ISLANDS GRAND CAYMAN, BWI -29 October 1998-The Tropical Storm Watch has been discontinued for the Cayman Islands and the all clear signal given by the National Hurricane Committee. As of 8 a.m. this morning, Grand Cayman was experiencing overcast skies with intermittent rain. Sea conditions off the south and west coast of Grand Cayman, including George Town Harbour and Seven Mile Beach have calmed but a marine alert remains in effect. Similar weather is expected to continue for the next two days. The 7 a.m. advisory today from the National Hurricane Center in Miami reported that Hurricane Mitch has been downgraded to a Category 1 storm with maximum sustained winds of 80 mph, and is expected to resume a general west-northwest motion later today. Cayman residents were urged to remain on alert and monitor the storm's path closely during the next two days. With strong Caymanian ties to Honduras, especially the Bay Islands, the people of the Cayman Islands are deeply concerned about devastation in that country from Hurricane Mitch. Relief efforts are already being organized by residents to aid Honduras victims as soon as possible. The Port of George Town reopened yesterday for cargo traffic, but by Wednesday eight cruise ships had been diverted to other ports because of conditions from the hurricane. Cruise traffic is expected to be back on schedule next week, which starts the busy winter season on the Western Caribbean route. As mentioned before, Owen Roberts International Airport has remained opened and all scheduled flights are operating. Dive trips remain cancelled: Ron Kipp, President of the Cayman Islands Watersports Operators Association (and Bob Soto's Diving Ltd.) issued an advisory stating: "The general consensus as of noon Wed. Oct. 28 is that present conditions are not conducive to diving and are marginal for Thursday, 29 October. Most operations are tentatively planning to resume diving on Friday morning, subject to weather conditions." Plans are still in place to launch the 22nd Annual Pirates Week festival tomorrow, weather permitting. The entire program has been rescheduled a week late, beginning with the planned fireworks, song contest and Lookout dance along the waterfront in George Town. The programme continues with the pirates invasion, landing, float parade and street dance on Saturday, and district Heritage Days next week.. Little Cayman Pirates Week committee also changed their Heritage Day to Saturday, November 7, 1998. Island-wide on Grand Cayman, business is back to normal. All major supermarkets have remained well-stocked, with few shortages occurring thanks to perishables being flown in from Miami. In downtown George Town, stores and restaurants reopened Wednesday along Harbour Drive and the waterfront. Banks and other businesses in the capital had reopened on Tuesday. None of Grand Cayman's public utilities have been affected during the past five days. Electricity, water and telephone services continued uninterrupted. Up at Northwest Point on Grand Cayman the Cayman Turtle Farm reports no loss of turtle stock or damage to facilities. In fact, the Farm has remained open.
Date: Wed, 28 Oct 1998 19:00:30 -0500 From: Barbara Currie Dailey (bcurrie@candw.ky) Subject: Watch discontinued for Cayman At 7 p.m. tonight the National Hurricane Center lifted the Tropical Storm Watch for the Cayman Islands. Intermittent rain continues and is expected for the next few days. We are, however, still watching Mitch closely as the storm remains almost stationary. I know I speak for many people here in Cayman with close ties to Honduras, the Bay Islands especially. "You are in our prayers every minute."
Date: Wed, 28 Oct 1998 16:53:20 -0500 From: Barbara Currie Dailey (bcurrie@candw.ky) Subject: Another update Weather Bulletin: Wednesday, October 28, 1998, 4:00 p.m. George Town, Grand Cayman TROPICAL STORM WATCH REMAINS IN EFFECT FOR CAYMAN ISLANDS GRAND CAYMAN, BWI -28 October 1998-A Tropical Storm Watch remains in effect for the Cayman Islands, with weather and sea conditions continuing to improve. As of 4 p.m. this afternoon, it was raining on and off on Grand Cayman, but sea conditions off the west coast of Grand Cayman, including George Town Harbour and Seven Mile Beach, had dramatically improved. While swells continue to appear offshore and occasionally surge against ironshore and beach, Hog Sty Bay (George Town Harbour) appeared almost flat. The port has reopened for cargo traffic, and a decision will be made later today by Government about allowing cruise ships to resume calls beginning Thursday, 29 October. As of today, cruise ships continued to be diverted to Jamaica and other destinations to the east. In downtown George Town, stores, banks and other businesses reopened today along Harbour Drive and the waterfront. Along Seven Mile Beach, the sea has also calmed with only swells visible, some rolling ashore. Some visitors were out walking the beach in the rain. The good news is that beach erosion appears minimal along the central and northern parts of Seven Mile Beach, with some debris on the beach on the northern areas. This includes the area from Royal Palms Beach Club north. However, toward the southernmost end, the beach at the Marriott Grand Cayman Beach Resort is completely gone, and serious erosion has also occurred at Treasure Island Resort, Plantation Village and Regal Beach Resort. However, there was no damage to any oceanfront rooms at these resorts. Major hotels along Seven Mile Beach including the Marriott Grand Cayman Beach Resort, Hyatt Regency, Beach Club Resort and Westin Casuarina are all open with no damage to rooms or public areas and all faciltiies including restaurants fully operational. The weather is good enough that the Marriott Grand Cayman reopened its Peninsula restaurant oceanfront patio today, and the pool was being cleaned of small amounts of sand which had accumulated. The courtyard landscaping (and resident population of turtles are in fine shape, also unaffected by the storm. With the exception of one oceanfront room experiencing some water damage at Silver Sands condominiums, no damage to rooms or other facilities has been seen or reported at any other condominium property along Seven Mile Beach. Neither The Links at SafeHaven or the Brittania Golf Club golf courses was damaged or in any way affected by the storm. Fairways are greener than ever due to so much rain. At the eastern tip of East End, Morritt's Tortuga Club and Resort suffered no damage. "We're 100% fine out here," reported General Manager Willie Giger. "We actually gained sand on our beach and the dock and all other facilities are intact. None of our 169 units was damaged in any way. We boarded up all units and secured all facilities and these precautions will remain up until we are in the clear." Mr. Giger invited anyone wanting more information and reassurance to call Morritt's toll-free reservations number, 800-447-9309. West Bay Road remained closed between the Governor's residence and Indies Suites as Public Works department workers cleared a large amount of sand from the area by the public beach. The sea had washed across this area late Sunday and traffic was diverted through Governor's Harbour. The road was expected to reopen by 5 p.m. this evening. Cayman Islands National Culinary Society President Keith Griffin (Executive Chef at Lantanas at the Caribbean Club) said there had been no reports of damage from any restaurants. Several had closed during the hurricane watch, especially those on the waterfront in George Town where seas were rough. However, all had reopened by today. North of George Town, Bob Soto's dock and the public dock at the Lobster Pot are still standing. Dive trips still cancelled: Ron Kipp, President of the Cayman Islands Watersports Operators Association (and Bob Soto's Diving Ltd.) issued an advisory at noon today as follows: "The general consensus as of noon Wed. Oct. 28 is that present conditions are not conducive to diving and are marginal for Thursday, 29 October. Most operations are tentatively planning to resume diving on Friday morning, subject to weather conditions." At 4 p.m. today, Hurricane Mitch was located about 30 north of the coast of Honduras and almost stationary with uncertainty about its path over the next few days. Maximum sustained winds are near 115 mph. Cayman's National Hurricane Committee advised residents to remain on alert for tropical storm conditions, due to the threat of the huge storm's far-reaching outer rain bands causing squalls. The Cayman Islands National Hurricane Committee continues to keep a close watch on the storm's path. FOR REGULAR UPDATES, VISIT THE OFFICIAL WEBSITE OF THE CAYMAN ISLANDS, http:\\www.caymanislands.ky
Date: Wed, 28 Oct 1998 09:02:06 -0500 From: Barbara Currie Dailey (bcurrie@candw.ky) Subject: Latest update Thanks to everyone who has e-mailed their concern and questions to me here on Grand Cayman. I've even heard from some long-lost friends thanks to Mitch. I am trying to reply to all, and please be patient. The reports I have sent have been the official news releases from Government, and this information is posted on the Department of Tourism's website at www.caymanislands.ky twice a day. Weather Bulletin: Wednesday, October 28, 1998, 9:00am George Town, Grand Cayman TROPICAL STORM WATCH REMAINS IN EFFECT FOR CAYMAN ISLANDS GRAND CAYMAN, BWI -28 October 1998-A Tropical Storm Watch remains in effect for the Cayman Islands, with rain and rough seas continuing today. The National Hurricane Committee has continued the Tropical Storm Watch for the three islands because, although the latest forecasts call for Hurricane Mitch to continue to move away from the Cayman Islands, there has been a slowing of the forward speed of the system. This means the storm will continue to affect our area for at least the next few days. The local forecast is for a gradual decrease in rain and winds. However, strong wave action will continue on the south and west coasts, with wave heights expected between six and eight feet. At 7 a.m. today, Hurricane Mitch was located about 240 miles Southwest of Grand Cayman and almost stationary about 60 miles north of the coast of Honduras. Cayman's National Hurricane Committee advised residents to remain on alert for tropical storm conditions, due to the threat of the huge storm's far-reaching outer rain bands causing squalls. The Cayman Islands National Hurricane Committee continues to keep a close watch on the storm's path. All Government offices and businesses are open during usual hours today. Schools remain closed. Owen Roberts International Airport is open and all flights are on schedule. As reported yesterday, there has been some flooding of coastal and low-lying areas and beach erosion including along Seven Mile Beach. We will be providing an update about conditions along Seven Mile Beach in our 4 p.m. bulletin. There has also been damage from battering waves along the south coasts of all three islands and northwest coast of Grand Cayman and debris has washed up along the coasts. Many docks along the south coasts of all three islands have been severely damaged or destroyed. No damage to any resorts on all three islands has been reported. On Grand Cayman, four residential condominium complexes received extensive damage to some oceanfront units including Dolphin Point and Bonnie's Arch at Northwest Point and Mariner's Cove and Ocean Club at Spotts. There has been only one report of any loss of boat or damage in the watersports industry. Satxfaxion Cruises' dive boat Satxfaxion was destroyed by rough seas when owner Ashton Ebanks tried to move the boat around Northwest Point to safe harbor. Mr Ebanks was rescued by the Cayman Islands Police marine Patrol. All Cayman Islands dive operators have cancelled trips today and until seas calm down. Stingray City and North Sound have not experienced any major wave action or storm effects, but all Stingray City trips have also been cancelled. On East End's south coast, Cayman Diving Lodge suffered no damage to the resort itself or dive boat, but the dock was completely destroyed. Spokesperson Mark Montgomery reported that that as soon as sea conditions permit, they will begin rebuilding a new, stronger dock. In the interim, Mark said "We'll keep diving" and work out an arrangement with Ocean Frontiers to use their dock at East End, which was not damaged." Ocean Frontiers also reported no damage to their dive shop or boats. Mark invited anyone concerned to contact Cayman Diving Lodge at cdl@candw.ky. Sister Islands - Cayman Brac & Little Cayman The Sister Islands have reported that they have sustained coastal damage on the south side of each of the islands with the majority being to docks. There has been no property damage to date but debris has washed up on the shore in both islands. Residents are cleaning up and watching the weather conditions. Once again, we want to repeat that at no time did dangerous hurricane force winds and other Category 5 conditions from Hurricane Mitch directly affect the Cayman Islands. Nor were there any storm-related deaths or reports of storm-related injuries. At its closest, Mitch passed approximately 190 miles south of Grand Cayman late Sunday, about 65 miles further south than predicted on Saturday, sparing the islands from hurricane force conditions. On Monday Oct. 26, Cayman experienced rough seas, intermittent heavy rains and wind gusts up to 35 mph as a result of Mitch. These did not even register as tropical storm conditions. Owen Roberts International Airport has remained open and all international and inter island flights are operating on schedule. Cruise ships have cancelled calls at George Town so far this week due to port conditions. Pirates Week Update: Rainy weather forced the postponement of last Friday and Saturday's opening of the 22nd Annual Pirates Week, which has been shifted back one week. Weather permitting, the fireworks display and song contest will take place this Friday, 30 October, followed by the Pirates invasion and landing, float parade and street dance on Saturday, 31 October. The remaining Pirates Week programme will continue Nov. 1- 8 in the original sequence planned for this week. **Note: Little Cayman Pirates Week committee has issued a change to their Heritage Day, which will now take place on Saturday, November 7, 1998. FOR REGULAR UPDATES, VISIT THE OFFICIAL WEBSITE OF THE CAYMAN ISLANDS, http:\\www.caymanislands.ky
Date: Tue, 27 Oct 1998 21:21:58 -0500 From: Barbara Currie Dailey (bcurrie@candw.ky) Weather Bulletin: Tuesday, October 27, 1998, 9:00pm George Town, Grand Cayman HURRICANE WATCH DOWNGRADED TO TROPICAL STORM WATCH GRAND CAYMAN, BWI -27 October 1998--Rainy weather and winds gusting to 25 mph and rough seas continue throughout tonight here in the Cayman Islands but are expected to diminish tomorrow. As reported earlier, the Hurricane Watch in effect for the Cayman Islands was downgraded to a Tropical Storm Watch at 1 p.m. today. Hurricane Mitch was located about 225 miles Southwest of Grand Cayman and moving further away toward Honduras and Belize. However, Cayman's National Hurricane Committee advised residents to remain on alert for tropical storm conditions, due to the threat of the huge storm's far-reaching outer rain bands causing severe weather. There has been some flooding of coastal and low-lying areas and beach erosion due to heavy seas, including Seven Mile Beach around the Marriott Grand Cayman Beach Resort, Treasure Island and Regal Beach. No damage to the resorts themselves, or to the Hyatt Regency or Westin properties have been reported. And there were absolutely no weather-related deaths or injuries reported during the last three days--there are some very distorted rumors circulating, including some "file footage" clips on the Weather Channel which had nothing to do with conditions here this week. At no time did dangerous hurricane force winds and other Category 5 conditions from Hurricane Mitch directly affect the Cayman Islands. At its closest, Mitch passed approximately 190 miles south of Grand Cayman late Sunday, about 65 miles further south than predicted on Saturday, sparing the islands from hurricane force conditions. Also, the reported evacuation of about 2000 visitors on Sunday was NOT a forced emergency evacuation of resort areas. Once the hurricane watch was issued by the National Hurricane Committee, all resorts were alerted and then informed guests who were advised of the approaching hurricane. All who wanted to leave were able to, thanks to 14 additional flights organized by Cayman Airways, our national airline. Many decided to stay...and are still here. Unfortunately, they'll miss Pirates Week, the reason most came, because it has been shifted back a week. Repeating again, on Monday Oct. 26, Cayman experienced rough seas, intermittent heavy rains and wind gusts up to 35 mph as a result of Mitch. These did not even register as tropical storm conditions. Owen Roberts International Airport has remained open and all international and inter island flights are operating on schedule. Cruise ships have cancelled calls at George Town so far this week due to port conditions. Sister Islands - Cayman Brac & Little Cayman Report No Resort Damage. The Sister Islands have reported that they have sustained coastal damage on the south side of each of the islands with the majority being to docks. There has been no property damage to resorts reported from the islands, but debris has washed up on the shore in both islands. Residents are cleaning up and continueing to watch the weather conditions. Government offices and most businesses were closed Monday but reopened today during usual hours. Due to rough seas, all dive operations in Cayman have cancelled trips until conditions clear. Cayman Islands National Hurricane Committee continues to keep a close watch on the storm's path. Weather Routes Pirates! Rainy weather forced the postponement of last Friday and Saturday's opening of the 22nd Annual Pirates Week, which has been shifted back one week. Weather permitting, the fireworks display and song contest will take place this Friday, 30 October, followed by the Pirates invasion and landing, float parade and street dance on Saturday, 31 October. The remaining Pirates Week programme will continue Nov. 1- 8 in the original sequence planned for this week. LITTLE CAYMAN: Little Cayman Pirates Week committee has issued a change to their Heritage Day, which will now take place on Saturday, November 7, 1998. FOR REGULAR UPDATES, VISIT THE OFFICIAL WEBSITE OF THE CAYMAN ISLANDS, http:\\www.caymanislands.ky
Date: Tue, 27 Oct 1998 14:51:10 -0500 From: Barbara Currie Dailey (bcurrie@candw.ky) Subject: Latest Update HURRICANE WATCH DOWNGRADED TO TROPICAL STORM WATCH GRAND CAYMAN, BWI -27 October, 1998--3 p.m. The Hurricane Watch in effect for the Cayman Cayman was downgraded to a Tropical Storm Watch at 1 p.m today. Rainy weather and rough seas continued throughout today. Hurricane Mitch was located about 225 miles southwest of Grand Cayman and moving further away toward Honduras and Belize. However, Cayman's National Hurricane Committee advised residents to remain on alert for tropical storm conditions, due to the threat of the huge storm's far reaching outer rain bands causing severe weather. There has been some flooding of coastal and lowlying areas and beach erosion. So far, none of the resorts along Seven Mile Beach have reported any damage. A report from Treasure Island Resort General Manager Randy Pringle indicated no damage or any problems whatsoever at that 281-room hotel with its attractive large open lobby, or facilities, or to Hook's Seafood Grotto restaurant. At no time did dangerous hurricane force winds and other Category 5 conditions from Hurricane Mitch directly affect the Cayman Islands. At its closest, Mitch passed approximately 190 miles south of Grand Cayman late Sunday, about 65 miles further south than predicted on Saturday, sparing the islands from hurricane force conditions. On Monday Oct. 26, Cayman experienced rough seas, intermittent heavy rains and wind gusts up to 35 mph as a result of Mitch. These did not even register as tropical storm conditions. Owen Roberts International Airport has remained open and all international and inter island flights are operating on schedule. Cruise ships have cancelled calls at George Town so far this week due to port conditions. Government offices and most businesses were closed Monday but reopened today during usual hours. Due to rough seas, all dive operations in Cayman have cancelled trips until conditions clear. Cayman Islands National Hurricane Committee continues to keep a close watch on the storm's path. Weather Routes Pirates! Rainy weather forced the postponement of last Friday and Saturday's opening of the 22nd Annual Pirates Week , which has been shifted back one week. Weather permitting, the fireworks display and song contest will take place this Friday, 30 October, followed by the Pirates invasion and landing, float parade and street dance on Saturday, 31 October. The remaining Pirates Week programme will continue Nov. 1- 8 in the original sequence planned for this week. FOR REGULAR UPDATES, VISIT THE OFFICIAL WEBSITE OF THE CAYMAN ISLANDS, www.caymanislands.ky
Date: Tue, 27 Oct 1998 11:32:32 -0800 From: Isabel Decarde (decarde@candw.ky) Grand Cayman, Tuesday, October 27, 1998. 12:30 p.m. ET I received so many e-mails that it is practically impossible to me to answer them now since I am home just for a few minutes because the ocean waves are still getting very close to my windows. We are not staying here today either. Anyway, thanks to all of you for your comments and all your best wishes. Mitch's eye is 250 miles away now but we still have bad weather (of course, we can not complain since it could be much worse. Instead, we should pray now for the people in Central America, Belize and southern Mexico). It is a cloudy and rainy day in Grand Cayman with mild wind gusts just like any other day with bad weather. The ocean waves are lower than yesterday but they are still very rough in some areas. My house survived and the damage was minimal, although our nice pier is almost gone and the pool and garden is full of debris, sand and rocks. Apparently, "Seven Mile Beach" condos, hotels and other properties are o.k. with minimum damages reported in that area. I also heard that "East End", Cayman Kai and "Rum Point" areas are not so bad. Damages as I mentioned yesterday, are mostly located in some houses and condo complexes by the water in "West Bay" and the southern coast of the island. Businesses and government offices opened today as usual, although we are still in a hurricane watch and tropical storm warning. The airport is open and flights are coming in and departing normally. No Cruise ships are visiting us. No human casualties reported at all in Grand Cayman. Our island has survived so far the threat of Mitch and will be as beautiful as it has always been as soon as this meteorological mess is gone. Isabel
Date: Tue, 27 Oct 1998 12:13:54 -0500 From: Deb Davidson (djsd@CandW.KY) Subject: On the ground in Cayman Hi there ! Thought you might like a couple of pictures of what's happening in Cayman. Yesterday was primarily surf up and some wind and rain, today a lot more rain, but we feel very luck that the storm is traking around us. We are still under a Tropical Storm Watch, but Mitch appears to be headed away from us at the moment. Many tourists left the island on Sunday as we got ready for the storm that never really arrived. Attached are a couple of pictures, the salt air didn't help the digital camera much - sorry about that Photo 1 Photo 2
Date: Tue, 27 Oct 1998 11:48:13 -0500 From: James Woollard (woollard@candw.ky) Re: Hurricane Mitch 27 Oct. 1998 We seemed to have escaped the worst of Hurricane Mitch so far, although Hurricane watches and Tropical Storm warnings remain in force for the Cayman Islands. I live about half mile inland, so I am personally unaffected apart from heavy rains. People who live on the ocean have not been so fortunate. I went yesterday to check up on 2 friends at "Mariner's Cove" They had been pounded by the wind and waves and some condos. had had their patio windows blown out by the force of the water and smashed to pieces. Their apartments have about 2" of flood water with miscellaneous sea creatures, coral, pebbles, etc. Also some electrical fires. The deck and pool areas are destroyed. The sea is AWESOME. At "Ocean Club", the situation is similar - debris everywhere. Water and electricity off. No doubt it will take months to put right again. One of the worst hit areas is "Dolphin bay" and "Bonnie's Arch" Condos in West Bay. In the former, whole apartments have been destroyed and possessions washed out onto the ironshore. People are generally OK however and thanking God that the Hurricane missed the island. With 180 mile winds at the centre, it is likely that this small, low-lying island could have been wiped out. As it is, there are no fatalities and people are managing to carry out their normal daily activities James Woollard South Sound, Grand Cayman.
Date: Tue, 27 Oct 1998 10:52:02 -0500 From: Barbara Currie Dailey (bcurrie@candw.ky) Subject: Cayman information at last CAYMAN REMAINS UNDER HURRICANE WATCH/ TROPICAL STORM WARNING GRAND CAYMAN, BWI -27 October, 1998--The Cayman Islands remains under a Hurricane Watch/ Tropical Storm warning today, but so far has not been affected by the dangerous hurricane force winds and other Category 5 conditions from Hurricane Mitch. At its closest, Mitch passed approximately 190 miles south of Grand Cayman late Sunday, about 65 miles further south than predicted on Saturday, sparing the islands from extreme Category 4 hurricane force conditions. On Monday Oct. 26, Cayman experienced very rough seas, intermittent heavy rains and wind gusts up to 35 mph as a result of Mitch. These did not even register as tropical storm conditions. However, the Hurricane Watch/ tropical storm warning remains in effect as a precaution, due to the threat of the huge storm's far reaching outer rain bands causing more severe weather. There has been some flooding of coastal and lowlying areas but so far, none of the resorts along Seven Mile Beach have reported any damage. Owen Roberts International Airport has remained open throughout. On Sunday, Cayman Airways added 15 additional flights to accommodate 2000 visitors who wanted to leave after the Hurricane Watch was posted. As of Monday afternoon, all international and inter island flights were back on schedule. Cruise ships have cancelled calls at George Town so far this week due to port conditions. Government offices and most businesses were closed Monday but have reopened today. Cayman Islands National Hurricane Committee continues to keep a close watch on the storm's path. Weather Routes Pirates! Rainy weather forced the postponement of last Friday and Saturday's opening of the 22nd Annual Pirates Week and cancellation of Monday and today's events. The sudden threat of Hurricane Mitch then caused the cancellation of other from Sunday through today, which have not been rescheduled. FOR REGULAR UPDATES, VISIT THE OFFICIAL WEBSITE OF THE CAYMAN ISLANDS, www.caymanislands.ky
Date: Monday, October 26,1998 9:15 PM ET From: Decarde (decarde@candw.ky) Subject: Update from Grand Cayman Gert: I am writing from Georgetown in Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands. Mitch's eye is 198 miles from us moving west-northwest, we have mild wind gusts only and some eventual rain. The big problem are the waves. I live in a ocean front home in the "South Sound" area and we already evacuated it since the ocean is already hitting my windows. A very nice condominium complex called "Dolphin Point" in the area of West Bay was hit very hard today and most of the beach front condos were almost destroyed. Monstrous waves were entering the units even in the second floor. This I saw myself since I was trying to help a friend that lost all her belongings in one of those affected units in the second floor. Another friend living in the ground floor had her apartment completely flooded from floor to ceiling. The waves were coming in through the remains of the glass doors facing the ocean and coming out dragging her belongings through the shattered front door. The whole thing was grotesque and I have never seen something like this before. Another place I also witnessed today was "Bonnie's Arch", this was a nice condominium complex in West Bay and the same thing was happening over there. I saw a man risking his life climbing a palm tree to avoid being swept by the force of the waves. He was trying to get into the remains of his totally flooded Condominium that was completely battered by the ocean waves. I head in the local news that the same thing happened at "Ocean Club" ground floor condominiums and also that and some homes in the "Savannah" and "Pedro" area (inland) are getting flooded with ocean water and some people are trapped over there. The International College of the Cayman Islands is also flooded by ocean waters although it is a couple of miles inland.. Fortunately, I have not heard of any human casualties so far. Good night hoping this Monstrous hurricane does not get any closer to us. Isabel
Date: Mon, 26 Oct 1998 08:28:49 -0600 From: Victoria Hollingworth (vlh@candw.ky) Subject: Report from Grand Cayman We spent the weekend preparing for Mitch - I have not seen so many homes boarded and shuttered in 30 years. Even the stores were open yesterday (Sun) - a rare event here. The local airline, Cayman Airways, flew about a dozen extra flights to Miami over the weekend getting tourists etc out - it was supposed to be Pirates' Week, so it was busy. Fortunately it appears to have veered west, and we are just experiencing high seas - little rain and not much wind today - there was more yesterday, whilst we were shuttering. All government offices are closed today, and town is pretty quiet. Victoria Hollingworth
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