Batten Down The Hatches, Bonaire, Curacao & Aruba!

[dvrliz1]

As I am typing it is very ominous outside. Dark and overcast, with some small wind gusts and rain squalls. Please see the warning that was issued this morning at 5:00 am. I will try and keep all updated on flight arrival/departures

Following received from METEOROLOGICAL SERVICE NETHERLANDS ANTILLES & ARUBA



Telephone (+5999) 839-3360 839-3361 Telefax (+5999) 868-3999 869-2699 E-mail: cur-met@meteo.an
CYCLONE MESSAGE NO 2
WARNING ADVISORY NO 1
Date: September 1, 2007 Time: 07:00 A.M.
Tropical Storm Warning for Bonaire, Curacao and Aruba

STORM IDENTIFICATION: Tropical Storm (TS) Felix

INTENSITY CATEGORY: Weak TS

CENTER LOCATION: 12.4N 62.0W or 700KM East of Bonaire

LOCATION TIME: 05:00 AM

PRESENT MOVEMENT: 280 degrees, 18 miles/h or 30 km/h

MAX WINDS NEAR CENTER: 35 KTS/ 75 KMH with higher GUSTS 45 KTS/ 85KMH

DISCUSSION: Tropical Depression #6 has strenhgthend during the night to Tropical Storm Felix. Felix is expected to continue to further strengthen in the next 24 hours. Due to the expected close passage of the storm, it has been decided to issue a Tropical Storm Warning for the ABC islands as from 5:00 AM September 1.

EFFECT ON LOCAL CONDITIONS: Felix continues to move westward and is expected to pass closely to the north of the ABC islands during the morning hours of Sunday as a strong Tropical Storm. During its passage Felix is expected to affect these islands with mainly rough sea conditions and local heavy showers. Even though it is expected that the ABC islands will remain south of the Tropical Storm wind field, during showers some strong gusty winds may occur up to tropical storm strength.
Owners of small craft and coastal facilities are advised to secure their properties.

WATCHES/WARNINGS IN EFFECT: Tropical Storm Warning for the Bonaire, Curacao and Aruba is in effect.
Small Craft Warning is in effect for Bonaire, Curacao and Aruba and surrounding waters .


Liz

 

[dvrliz1]

We are now expecting the eye to be just north of Bonaire around 2am Sunday 2 September. The likelihood of the American Eagle Flight from San Juan and Continental Flights from Newark scheduled to arrive at approximately 9pm and 4:40 am, respectively is poor.

The electricity islandwide will be shut off for precautions at approximately midnight tonight.

The storm is expected to hit as a strong tropical storm with the possibility of hurricane force gusts.... Current winds are at 65 miles per hour. The governor of Bonaire will have another press conference around 5-6 pm tonight.

 

[mschaub]

Hi,
We're at Den Laman scheduled to leave on Continental at 6am tomorrow. Have online access and storm looking to now slow and head north. Hotel just gave us emergency flood lights so expect that island wide electricity is still going to be turned off.

Don't have local news here so any updates you have would be greatly appreciated. Also - contintental still showing on time but not surprising there.

Mary & Kev

 

[DandyDon]

I doubt that any airline wants their planes on the ground there tonite. Can you phone Continental? When I was on Cozumel in advance of Dean, I got much better info over the phone - sometimes after an hour wait. When the Mexico numbers were closed for the night, I called the US number - first time I'd put my cell on a plan with free roaming in Mexico.

Good luck all, stay save.

 

[undercbon]

Here's an update to the most recent info about Felix. http://www.wunderground.com/tropical/tracking/at200706.html
I doubt Cont. will be coming in just after the center of the storm passes especially now that it has been upgraded to a Category 1 hurricane.

It's going to be a bit of a ride here.

 

[nauifins73]

Stay safe - we are thinking of everyone

Becky

 

[dvrliz1]

Not bad at all last night. The electricity was never turned off (thank goodness). The dive shops, as I understand it are recommending no diving today due to rough seas. Continental rescheduled and left this morning after 11am. Due to arrive in Bonaire today at 3:42. Haven't heard anything from the AE flight that was cancelled last night as of yet.

 

[Martha]

Thanks for keeping us updated, Liz. I really appreciate it.

 

[snepdiver]

Glad you fared well.

 

[mschaub]

Thanks everyone for the well wishes and info. We left Bonaire around 4pm last night, arriving in Newark shortly past 9pm. In retrospect, sort of wishing we had to stay until next Friday.

Bonaire was amazing -- everything everyone has always said it was and more. Was especially thankful for the hospitality and kindness of the folks at Den Laman who took good care of us the entire time.

Will post follow up trip report and pics soon. (know I said that about the Roatan trip back in January but this time it's a trip actually worth talking about!)

Mary