USVI-On-Line

No power, debris, south west boat problems
By crabbys at earthlink.net
Date: Tue, 31 Aug 2010 10:51:51 -0400 (GMT-04:00)

Here is the latest from St. John. This report includes on-scene observations
shared with me this a.m.:

Power is out to both St. John and St. Thomas. Many transformers blew during
the height of the storm; St. Thomas fire personnel have been busy responding to
power-pole related fires. Based on power infrastructure damage and debris
issues caused by down trees and branches, several folks estimate power could be
out on St. John for a week. Only an estimate, but looks like this will take
time.

The St. Thomas airport remains closed.

Many boats on the south and western sides of St. John did not fare well. A
first-person account from the Westin describes the whole dock out, awning down,
six boats on the beach and two on the rocks. In Chocolate Hole, only one boat
remained on its mooring -- and not in a good spot -- being caught in the surf.
The rest are up on the beach. (I do not have any specifics or names of boats.
Hard-line phones are still working in most parts of St. John; it is best to
contact the person who is overseeing your vessel or property, or someone you
know in the immediate area who can provide details. At this point, folks
on-island are being asked not to drive around due to downed wires, etc., so
please keep that in mind.)

In Coral Bay, preliminary reports describe one boat de-masted. (The owner is
there and aware of this.) Hope to get more details if there is anything to
report. That side of the island did not have the storm surge which plagued
the south and west areas (similar to Tortola reports re: Nanny Cay, which is
also on the southern side of Tortola).

How did our favorite Coral Bay villa fare?

"How did our favorite Coral Bay villa fare?"

No word...

I read that and the Mom panic mode kicked in. Power out for maybe a week! Yikes! I lost contact with my daughter on St. John around noon yesterday. Didn't worry too much figuring her cell phone wasn't working (or she hadn't charged it up enough)...but now I'm wondering how on earth to contact her. Any suggestions?

I'm so grateful for the wonderful contributors to StormCarib and, of course, the Spice Cam for keeping us posted and hope you are all well and little property damage.

I have reservations to come down on Sunday for a week. I just got a call from my condo rental agency cancelling. Again, not too worried, since I know I could find someplace to stay, but only if power is restored. I got travel insurance (for once in my life) so nothing lost other than my excitement about being on island and seeing my "baby"...

Thank you for the update, Randy. It almost seems like they fared better than I thought they would--with the exception of the fires. Do you know more about the fires in STT??

xoxo

The fires reported on were almost all pole fires where transformers blew - I heard the number was about 35 - most of STT is w/o power but coming back on line as trees are cleared and poles straightened.
I did not hear of any building fires.

Islandmom...

To contact your daughter try the Red Cross or a local HAM operator. If you can't locate a HAM go to the Salvation Army Team Emergency Radio Network website http://qso.com/satern/emailfrm.htm
to request info.

Worked great for a friend trying to find out information on a relative in Haiti....

HAM Radio...When all communication fails...we keep on talking....

Me, yes I are one! W4MLD

Our manager checked us out and no problems at Anchorage Aweigh on Seagrape Hill. How about you guys, Randy?

Exit Zero wrote:The fires reported on were almost all pole fires where transformers blew - I heard the number was about 35 - most of STT is w/o power but coming back on line as trees are cleared and poles straightened.
I did not hear of any building fires.

Thank you. That is good news.

Thanks for the advice - I'll file away just in case. I ended up doing some Mom detective work...checked her bank account to see if any ATM activity. Apparently Woody's was in business yesterday and my daughter was a customer. Yay!

Thanks again.

@islandmom-- this is when the coconut telegraph kicks into gear. I'm sure some of our local folks would be glad to keep their eyes and ears open if you asked them to.

That's the great thing about the on line community. We're here for each other and can often help in ways that you never imagined! Ask Loria