USVI-On-Line

I'm just hoping it's not as bad as Marilyn was back in September of 1995. My first visit to the VI was April of 1996 and I had friends living on STT. They didn't get power back for MONTHS and the hillsides were dotted with blue FEMA tarps because noone had roofs for months after the storm.

If you're interested in the history of this storm -- arguably the last time the VI were damaged so severely by a hurricane's direct hit.

Judging by the predictions Omar may be almost as bad as Marilyn.

Anyway they Executive Summary is an interesting read: http://www.nws.noaa.gov/om/assessments/pdfs/marilyn.pdf

Oh and the MOST important thing: To our on island forum family -- stay safe and let us know afterwards if we can help!!

Gromit - I just googled Hurricane Marilyn a little while ago, because I remembered how destructive it was, particularly to STT, but I didn't remember how strong it was when it hit.

It was a Cat. 3 when it plowed through the VI, so I'm very hopeful that Omar is no more than a 2 (which is bad enough) when he calls.

There is some hope that it may track a little further east than originally forecast, and it's possible that a dry air mass could reach the core, but probably not in time to weaken it much before late tomorrow morning.

At this point I'm hoping for any and every little thing that can mitigate the blow...

augie wrote:It was a Cat. 3 when it plowed through the VI, so I'm very hopeful that Omar is no more than a 2 (which is bad enough) when he calls.

I have family on St. Thomas (and many friends) that were there for Marilyn. That was no Cat. 3 storm if you ask anyone who was there - they lost all weather instruments and I think last recorded wind was something like 135 or 142 MPH - that was a freak storm that intensified rapidly between St. Martin and the VIs. I had a video of it once - a 3D satellite composite - that was frightening just to watch on my computer. You could literally see it explode -

Here on Gifft Hill we have just a little rain at the moment. The water has slowed down a bit. The Beach Bar will not take down the awning, but, you may notice that they removed the lights and the winning boats from the minimal regatta. Boo was "manning" the bar alone, and that is a lot of work!!! Usually they aren't that busy that time of day. Not too many places were open... and we all love the Beach Bar! Met a few people from this forum there and a few from another forum. I will try and keep you posted.

STJ Ruth and STJ Julie, if you see a glassy-eyed couple with a southern twang running around the area with three teenage girls in tow, please take care of them. They're my neighbors, and I doubt they know much about hurricaines, what to do, or what to expect. They were supposed to go to Gallows this morning, but I don't know if they got in. Thanks for the updates and the pics.

Julie, wow, I hadn't noticed that the minimal regatta boats and other paraphenalia was down. It looks so clean

Boo is the best - I'm sure she can handle the crowd. Last time we were there, the cook didn't show up and she was trying to recruit my husband to cook. I almost had him convinced. It would have certainly been a new island experience for him.

We will take care of your friends! Even though this is not a great experience for any of us, you do get to see everybody pull together and help one another out, and that is a good thing. Everything is still ok for now. The rain is light, and the sky is dark.

I cross my fingers that Omar will not do any damage.

Best wishes for all of you!

Linne

Thinking about y'all & praying for you. Stay safe & keep us updated as you can.
Robyn & Randy

God protect all of you. our beloved st. john....so sad. Ruth we tried calling you this morning about 10, no answer, that must have been when you were out doing the shutters!!!. lots of love to you and yours, please stay safe. we are watching this very closely. keep us updated if you can. island girl and cruzan chris.

Sending out my thoughts and prayers to you all!

Ruth and all affected by this tempest~

Stay safe through this ordeal.

Best wishes and prayers from the Ozarks.

What can I possibly say that hasn't already been said? I've been thinking about everyone on island all day. We will see you all next month, rain or shine.

StJohn Julie, Nice to see you posting here. I know you from the "other forum" and we briefly met one trip a couple of years back when we stopped in at Verace.

Stay safe everyone and we will see you next month!

Stay safe, island friends. We're thinking of you!