We’ve got weather on our minds
Well, it is that time of year again, the rainy season, the windy season, or if you prefer, Hurricane* season. It has been remarkably quiet so far this year but with August beginning tomorrow, it’s somewhat appropriate that the southern Caribbean has its first genuine threat to monitor.
- June: too soon.
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- July: stand by.
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- August: look out you must.
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- September: remember.
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- October: all over.
What has so far been named Invest 99 is what is on everyone’s mind down here right now and with it’s very southerly position (approx. 9? N), IF it spins up, there is a pretty good chance that it will effect our area. While we’re still in wait-and-see mode, we’re going to join several of our friends this morning on a trip into town so that we can stock up on some provisions, money and fuel, just in case!
The big worry about this disturbance is its very southerly positioning, which means that if it develops, at least one computer model has it moving right over Grenada.
*The terms “hurricane” and “typhoon” are regionally specific names for a strong “tropical cyclone”. A tropical cyclone is the generic term for a non-frontal synoptic scale low-pressure system over tropical or sub-tropical waters with organized convection (i.e. thunderstorm activity) and definite cyclonic surface wind circulation (Holland 1993). Tropical cyclones with maximum sustained surface winds of less than 17 m/s (34 kt, 39 mph) are usually called “tropical depressions” (This is not to be confused with the condition mid-latitude people get during a long, cold and grey winter wishing they could be closer to the equator ;-)). Once the tropical cyclone reaches winds of at least 17 m/s (34 kt, 39 mph) they are typically called a “tropical storm” or in Australia a Category 1 cyclone and are assigned a name. If winds reach 33 m/s (64 kt, 74 mph), then they are called:
- “hurricane” (the North Atlantic Ocean, the Northeast Pacific Ocean east of the dateline, or the South Pacific Ocean east of 160E)
- “typhoon” (the Northwest Pacific Ocean west of the dateline)
- “severe tropical cyclone” or “Category 3 cyclone” and above (the Southwest Pacific Ocean west of 160°E or Southeast Indian Ocean east of 90°E)
- “very severe cyclonic storm” (the North Indian Ocean)
- “tropical cyclone” (the Southwest Indian Ocean)
Some current info on Invest 99:
http://www.crownweather.com/?p=7044
I hope it ricochets off on a different trajectory – but perhaps you’re going to get weather even if it changes course? Hopeful that everyone over there is safe & battened down, with everything you need to be comfy till it passes. We’ll be watching – fingers crossed for your safety.
One way or the other, this weekend will be a write off.
Where would you bail? Trinidad?
The storm may head there instead of here. This makes bailing to Trini impractical.
Stay safe buddy, in this case Trinidad would be risky too I would think.
Thanks, Bro. Don’t fret about Earthling. She’ll be fine on land.
Pick a hole in the mangroves.
Mike
Maybe.
Hope You have a good anchor place. Just watched this recently: it can get pretty crowded:
Hurricane TOMAS at Marigot Bay 2010
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C7eTB0Y5NII
I haven’t watched that video link yet (I’m a bit busy) but I agree, it can get ugly. I think our spot is pretty good.
We decided to ride out Hurricane Ivan in Clarkes Court Bay Grenada back in 2004. Got whacked. We should have made a run for Chaguaramas. The good news is that we found out Trinny is a great place to get a boat fixed 🙂
Take care and best of luck!
Thanks, Jon. Trinidad may not be such a great place this time around either. We’ll see I guess.
Indeed you two, stay safe.
We’re keeping a good thought.
Jim and Judy
Thanks for the good vibes.
We will be looking for updates as you are able to provide them. Stay safe!
Thanks, Jennifer. As long as we have internet, we’ll keep posting.
What is the highest winds sustained that you have anchored out in? Would you rather anchor knowing your gear or pick up a mooring ball not knowing the condition of the equipment.
60 or so (a squall). That was NOT fun.
I trust our ground tackle 100% over a mooring that I can’t check.
Have been very busy lately and haven’t been keeping up on my reading, so missed your b-day, sorry. Also missed your 2 year anniversary for having cast off. Congratulations on both counts! However, a birthday can happen anywhere but another year of cruising… that’s cause for celebration.
Hope all goes well for you guys in the coming days and invest 99 does not become Ernesto. For what it’s worth, I’ll keep my fingers crossed.
Thanks very much, Tom. All will be well. As for Ernesto, I’m not too interested in becoming acquainted with him.
Mike,
what is an email address I can send you an email?