usvi-on-line
Spring-Summer Sahara Haze Hangs Over the Islands
Spring-Summer Sahara Haze Hangs Over the Islands
From the <a href="http://www.onepaper.com/stthomasvi/?p=1 ... rce</b></a> this morning:
<blockquote>May 8, 2008 -- Officials from the Department of Planning and Natural Resources said late Thursday afternoon they expected the Sahara dust causing hazy skies over the Virgin Islands to continue to affect the area for "another few days."
Dust is kicked up by storms in the desert and rises in the warm air, then travels thousands of miles across the Atlantic basin to the Lesser Antilles, reducing visibility and adversely affecting air quality, according to a statement from DPNR.
The dust can aggravate emphysema, asthma and other lung disorders.
DPNR said although there is no need to boil cistern water at this point, residents should block downspouts to avoid the dust particles and potential contaminants from washing into cisterns. Officials recommended drinking bottled water until they were sure the dust carried no serious impurities.</blockquote>
<blockquote>May 8, 2008 -- Officials from the Department of Planning and Natural Resources said late Thursday afternoon they expected the Sahara dust causing hazy skies over the Virgin Islands to continue to affect the area for "another few days."
Dust is kicked up by storms in the desert and rises in the warm air, then travels thousands of miles across the Atlantic basin to the Lesser Antilles, reducing visibility and adversely affecting air quality, according to a statement from DPNR.
The dust can aggravate emphysema, asthma and other lung disorders.
DPNR said although there is no need to boil cistern water at this point, residents should block downspouts to avoid the dust particles and potential contaminants from washing into cisterns. Officials recommended drinking bottled water until they were sure the dust carried no serious impurities.</blockquote>
Anthony for Virgin Islands On Line
It's really strange that the Source would report that it the Sahara dust as according to "Super Dave" (see link below) the Sahara dust is not due to reach us for a few days and what we are experiencing is the volcanic ash due to the small eruption on Monday (I believe it was Monday) at Montserrat - also see link.
Pia
http://www.mvo.ms/
http://stormcarib.com/
Pia
http://www.mvo.ms/
http://stormcarib.com/
"Super Dave" is our local Meterologist and until recently was our "weather man" on TV. He is one (of many) expert's that we turn to daily during hurricance season to read his daily report's - usually, as you can see if you read stormcarib, the Caribbean Hurrican Network, he is pretty "on the mark" so to speak.
Pia
Pia
I've been following this forum ...
There are satellite images that the haze is smoke from fires in Venezuela.
http://www.storm2k.org/phpbb2/viewtopic ... 5#p1706315
There are satellite images that the haze is smoke from fires in Venezuela.
http://www.storm2k.org/phpbb2/viewtopic ... 5#p1706315
<p> Half the fun of the travel is the esthetic of lostness.</p>
I have known Gert and that site forever, yes. I didn't know Dave was a local. This is interesting then - I wonder who is closer to being correct or if it is a combination of both of these things - the dust and the ash. What do you think? We definitely had ash events from the volcano when I lived on St. Thomas - you could tell from the residue on the cars, etc. It seems different than the dust. Are you seeing anything settle or is it just looking hazy there?
Anthony for Virgin Islands On Line
Why is there always something to worry about just before you're scheduled to arrive? 
If it's not the weather, it's the possibility of an airline strike. If not the airline, it's a cloud of mystery dust from some volcano/desert/wild fires.
Granted there are bigger things in life to be concerned with, but how much of an impact is the dust having right now?
If it's not the weather, it's the possibility of an airline strike. If not the airline, it's a cloud of mystery dust from some volcano/desert/wild fires.
Granted there are bigger things in life to be concerned with, but how much of an impact is the dust having right now?
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islandgirl
- Posts: 305
- Joined: Thu Oct 26, 2006 11:26 pm
- Location: michigan
pia.
wow cannot beleive this. we are due to arrive this afternoon. i am just getting over an acute case of bronchitis.....how is this going to affect me? i agree with diver it seems it is always something. been fighting this bronchitis all week so i can go and now this. ah mon now what?
tell me it is going to be allright. we should arrive on the 4 ferry. i am bummed. thanks darling!!!
wow cannot beleive this. we are due to arrive this afternoon. i am just getting over an acute case of bronchitis.....how is this going to affect me? i agree with diver it seems it is always something. been fighting this bronchitis all week so i can go and now this. ah mon now what?
tell me it is going to be allright. we should arrive on the 4 ferry. i am bummed. thanks darling!!!
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snorkeloony
- Posts: 14
- Joined: Mon Apr 14, 2008 8:00 am
- Location: North Georgia
I checked Pia's StormCarib link, and am wondering about what Dave says here:
Another good idea is to boil your cistern water if you do drink from them (not me!)as the dust settles on your roof and washes into your cistern at first rainfall. Decontamination of your cistern by adding pills or bleach is also recommended.
Is cistern water the same as tap water? We're coming to St. John on Monday, and were planning on bringing a Pur water filter pitcher. That way we could use the water from the villa's tap for drinking instead of buying bottled water. Is that a bad idea with the dust situation?
Another good idea is to boil your cistern water if you do drink from them (not me!)as the dust settles on your roof and washes into your cistern at first rainfall. Decontamination of your cistern by adding pills or bleach is also recommended.
Is cistern water the same as tap water? We're coming to St. John on Monday, and were planning on bringing a Pur water filter pitcher. That way we could use the water from the villa's tap for drinking instead of buying bottled water. Is that a bad idea with the dust situation?
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California Girl
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Puddlejumper
- Posts: 276
- Joined: Sat Mar 31, 2007 11:17 am
- Location: Southport, NC was STJ
snorkeloony,
Cistern water is rain water collected from the roof of your house you will be staying in. All the dust and other particles (use your imagination) will flow into the cistern. Unless the house has a filtration system to make potable water, DO NOT bother bringing your pitcher with a filter. Most homes have a filter of some type to remove large particulates to make the water 'cleaner' for showering and cooking with. Check with your villa management company.
Sorry Cali Girl, I would just bring a bathing suit, and snorkel gear, and sunscreen.
Well maybe a shirt or two, and then buy everything else here.
We drink bottled water here. For the most part locals buy water from St John Ice in the Lumberyard complex. Sometimes when I am at Starfish I buy water there. Hope that helps.
Cistern water is rain water collected from the roof of your house you will be staying in. All the dust and other particles (use your imagination) will flow into the cistern. Unless the house has a filtration system to make potable water, DO NOT bother bringing your pitcher with a filter. Most homes have a filter of some type to remove large particulates to make the water 'cleaner' for showering and cooking with. Check with your villa management company.
Sorry Cali Girl, I would just bring a bathing suit, and snorkel gear, and sunscreen.
Well maybe a shirt or two, and then buy everything else here. We drink bottled water here. For the most part locals buy water from St John Ice in the Lumberyard complex. Sometimes when I am at Starfish I buy water there. Hope that helps.