GoTravel

Satellite and radar data indicate that Tropical Depression Eleven
has acquired enough banding features to be upgraded to Tropical
Storm Jeanne. Minimum sustained winds are at 50 mph.

Jocelyn_P

And it's about to directly hit Statia, whose husband is in Houston for some medical tests. Gives new meaning to the phrase "When it rains, it pours."

hibiscushouse

She was afraid of that too.

cigalechanta

OH NO!!!!!
Statia, we are hoping Jeanne miraculously
dissolves.

hibiscushouse

Seems to be growing quickly with winds of 60 mph and a pressure of 998mb already as of the 3:00 recon.
How far away is it from you Statia?

Statia

Please don't tell me the winds are up to 60 mph. They were 40 a couple hours ago, then 50. Oh, brother.....now 60? I hope it doesn't strengthen any more before the center gets here tonight.

Actually, as active as this season has been, I thought about the possibility of getting a hurricane while my DH is gone and wasn't thrilled with the idea. At least this is just a tropical storm for now, but it's certainly picking up out there!

It's still southeast of us. The center is at 16.7 and we are 17.3...and it's moving west-northwest at a "not quick enough pace for my liking." I'm sure it's going to get pretty nasty tonight, but I feel I'm prepared for being here by myself, in so much as I'm not used to going that route.

The ocean has now gotten so rough, that I was just watching the two tanker ships I have in port, which I am semi-responsible for, leave for sea (they're outa here!). It was amazing to see their bows going completely under the waves as rough as the sea is already, and Jeanne isn't even quite "here" yet.
These ships are over 50,000 metric tons with decks the size of a football field.

I fear that Jeanne will become a hurricane, however, after it passes us and may take the same path as any of the previous storms this season. None of those places need anything more, that's for sure. So, I'm having good thoughts for all of you north of me. Hopefully it'll just fizzle out after it passes us.

Thanks for all your thoughts. I'll try to keep in touch as long as I have power.

GoTravel

Statia, please hang in there! I haven't heard how fast or slow this thing is moving but I hope it is hauling butt at 25 miles an hour!

We had worse damage from slow moving Tropical Storms than fast moving Category 1 hurricanes.

This Hurricane season needs to be over. Now.

Statia

I wish it was moving at 25 mph, but unfortunately it's only moving at 12, per my last email update.

bonniebroad

Statia, you and your husband are in my thoughts. You sound like a very strong woman, and I know it can't be easy under the circumstances. Stay safe tonight!

dcespedes

Try to keep the faith, Statia--those storms can turn on a dime, last minute. Keeping you in my thoughts and prayers.

hibiscushouse

Statia, the 5 pm data just came in. Are you reading the updates or would you rather not know?

Jocelyn_P

AT 5 PM AST...THE GOVERNMENT OF THE NETHERLANDS ANTILLES HAS
DISCONTINUED THE TROPICAL STORM WARNING FOR SABA...ST. EUSTATIUS...
AND ST. MARTEEN.


Looks like good news for Statia, or am I missing something?

Statia

Oh, yes, that is good news! Thanks for the update Hibiscus and Jocelyn. Hopefully it'll just be a rainy night with no high winds.

hibiscushouse

Exhausting, isn't it?

joan

Statia, you should NOT be alone tonight...I know your husband is out of town, but isn't there someone who can stay with you, or you with them? There's safety in numbers at a time like this!

Statia

Well, it's getting worse out there before it's getting better and I don't like the looks of the satellite image over us. St. Kitts is still under warning and I can see that island from here, even on a cloudy day. So, who knows what tonight will hold.

At any rate, it is still just a tropical storm versus a hurricane of any category, so I'm sure things will be just fine around here. As DH always says "aint nothing for a stepper." After all, we're pretty used to full blown hurricanes around these parts....not to make light of dealing with one by any means.

As I said before, I'm actually more worried about Jeanne gaining strength and affecting northern islands and US mainland parts that have already been ravaged this season. My thoughts and prayers are with all those facing the brunt of Ivan when it makes landfall. NOLA has always held a special place in my heart.

I'll be diligently watching the reports and satellite, however. Hopefully this is the last of all of it for this year.

marigross

Well..it will most likely be a hurricane by the time it is over Puerto Rico. We have brought the patio stuff and orchids inside. And our critical shutters (and the neighbor's whose husband is somewhere in the mainland) are up. We do not expect a lot of wind, or at least we hope not!!! I'm going to go get some sleep in now before the gusting starts and keeps everyone awake

hibiscushouse

Marigross and Statia, I woke up thinking about how you are making out this morning. Boy, Jeanne came about quickly, didn't she? How is it out there?

Statia

Thanks for thinking of me, Hibuscus. Things are fine here. It's still quite dark with rain and wind, but I think he brunt of it has past. Things should hopefully be back to normal tomorrow.

As I said before, however, I'm worried about Jeanne heading to already devastated areas. I know Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands are in it's path, and I understand that it might head to the Florida east coast after that. NOT a good thing if she continues to get stronger.

I'll be watching.

Cricket

Statia, do you mind my asking where you are?
Cricket