TS Noel - The Bahamas - Cruise Line Fans: Cruise Forum, Reviews and Chat From Real Cruisers

canarymoon · 10-31-2007, 07:48 PM

Here's a thread for reporting news of The Bahamas and Tropical Storm Noel.

canarymoon · 10-31-2007, 07:51 PM

Date: Tue, 30 Oct 2007 17:25:31 -0500

I had just been noting that I had had a rather uneventualseason to report on and then here comes Noel!.
Its 6.24pm in Nassau, New Providence, in the Bahamas.Schools and non-essential business places have been closed since late morning in many cases. Storm shelters have been put on alert. Moderate lines have been observed at water depots, gas stations and food stores. Generally there seems to be an air of calm about the island. Folks are making basic preparations but not expecting to have to deal with any major damage.
I took a drive along the eastern coast and saw waveslapping over the seawalls, with the occaisional 6 to 8 ftspray . THe breezes are brisk and gusting . Electrical and communication services are intact. Rainfall is sporadic,coming in heavy but short outbursts. Let's hope that Noel remains under hurricane strength and even continues to lose energy.

I will be back in touch later.

canarymoon · 10-31-2007, 07:53 PM

Ships' calls scheduled for Nassau for today and tomorrow have been diverted to other ports in some cases, and in others, a Day at Sea has been substituted.

One Carnival ship that was to have overnighted in Nassau harbor left at 6PM yesterday evening instead and spent the day today at sea.

canarymoon · 10-31-2007, 10:35 PM

In the northern Bahamas, officials closed schools Wednesday and advised residents to treat Noel as if it were a Category 1 hurricane. Forecasters predicted high winds -- just under hurricane strength -- and up to 15 inches of rain.

''Preparations already are in place,'' said Ronald Thompson, an acting cabinet secretary. ``Our report is that we will be getting 65-mph winds in North Andros by midnight and 50-mph winds around the same time here in New Providence.''

canarymoon · 10-31-2007, 10:37 PM

Airport officials said the wind could affect operations at Miami International Airport and Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport and passengers should check on their flights before leaving home.
If sustained crosswinds exceed 35 mph, airlines may delay or cancel flights, according to Greg Chin, a spokesman at MIA, depending on the duration of the winds. Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood will slow or suspend shuttle bus service if winds hit 39 mph.
By early Wednesday afternoon, 33 flights were canceled between the Bahamas and MIA, Chin said. At Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood, 18 flights were canceled to and from the Bahamas and Jamaica, according to spokesman Greg Meyer.

canarymoon · 11-01-2007, 11:04 AM

Update from Elbow Cay, Abaco, Bahamas:

HERE is a webcam.

01 November / 0900 EDT
Abaco is now under a Hurricane Watch.
Elbow Cay is buttoned up tight with most homes shuttered and boats moved to secure locations. Current wind is 32 knots from the east with heavy rain showers.
Barometer 29.52 and falling.

canarymoon · 11-01-2007, 11:06 AM

Rocky Bay Web Cam

canarymoon · 11-01-2007, 07:54 PM

Tropical Storm Noel - Situation Report #1
Message: Tropical Storm Noel impacting the Bahamas
THE EVENT:
Tropical Storm Noel began affecting the Bahamas from Tuesday October 30. the system also affected the CDERA Participating States of Jamaica and Turks and Caicos over the last few days. Severe damage and flooding and loss of life were reported in Haiti and the Dominican Republic.

A Hurricane Watch remains in effect for the northwestern Bahamas and a tropical storm and a Tropical Storm Warning remains in effect for the central and northwestern Bahamas.

As of 2.00pm EDT, the centre of Noel was 25.0 north longitude and 77.4 west or near Nassau in the Bahamas. Maximum sustained winds are near 65mph (95(km/hr) and some additional strengthening is forecast for later today. Tropical storm force winds extend outward up to 115miles (185km).

The Bahamas have been experiencing heavy rains for the last three weeks and the ground is saturated. The rains that are associated with TS Noel have now caused severe flooding on the central islands: Long Island, Exuma and Cat Island. There is also some flooding on Andros and New Providence. Flooding of up to four feet have been reported in some areas and have caused severe damage to crops and livestock on farms.

PROGNOSIS:
Noel is moving toward the north-northeast near 14 mph (22 km/hr) and a further increase in forward speed is expected over the next 24 hours.

Noel is expected to produce total rainfall accumulations of 5 to 10 inches in the Bahamas.

THE SITUATION – THE BAHAMAS
The National Disaster Committee met yesterday to finalise preparedness actions in response to Tropical Storm Noel. This morning the Prime Minister briefing took place.

Casualities
There are no reports of casualties/fatalities.

Airport
The Tynden Pindling International Airport has been closed and there is no air connection to the islands at this time.

Shelters
Shelters are now open in Long Island, Cat Island and New Providence.

REGIONAL RESPONSE:
The CDERA Coordinating Unit is therefore placing the Regional Response Mechanism on Standby.

The CDERA Coordinating Unit continues to monitor the impact and threat of Tropical Storm Noel and stands ready to provide assistance if warranted.

canarymoon · 11-01-2007, 08:19 PM

canarymoon · 11-01-2007, 10:10 PM

Update from Elbow Cay, Abacos

01 November / 1600 EDT
Skies are little brighter now and the rain has eased somewhat. White Sound is still reporting gusts of 55 knots (63 mph)

with the direction slowly moving towards the north. No damage reported on Elbow Cay and no concerns for safety of residents or visitors.
BEC power went out on Elbow Cay, Lubbers & Tilloo at approximately 1550 and is expected to remain off until at least tomorrow. Some phones at the south end of the Cay are also now out.