Any concerns over this?
(my first image upload so be patient)

If you click on the Historical Map link on that same page <http://www.wunderground.com/tropical/tracking/at200409_climo.html> you will see that no September hurricane from that beginning location has come close to Bonaire since at least 1886. Bonaire is so close to the mainland of South America and so far down that storm track along the coast that a hurricane along the prospective track shown is unlikely: too much drag from the land slows the wind and not enough water under the storm to maintain its strength. Doesn't say there cannot be a first time but it is unlikely.

Outrunner waves are another subject and could be a problem similar other storms and to Lenny though Lenny was travell\ing from west to east so Bonaire was in its most dangerous quadrant.

It is some relief to see the historical data but I am still wondering if anybody has any experience with diving conditions (waves, vis, etc.) after one of these storms passes by. Let's say one week later...

Actually "day of" when the hurricanes this season were passing over Puerto Rico and Jamaica - nothing going on here on Bonaire. Blue sky, low wind - you would never know a couple hundred miles north that a hurricane was passing by. So no real change in diving conditions at all.

We were on Bonaire a couple of years ago when hurricane Joyce was in the Bonaire neighborhood. It had gone down to tropical storm by the time it made it to Bonaire. By the maps, it went directly overhead, which is rather rare. All we saw on the island was about an inch and a half of rain, and a slightly stronger wind than usual. By late afternoon, everything had cleared up, other than the rather deep puddles everywhere. Vis went down a little bit after that, but not significantly (if it had been 80', it was now 75'). Waves were pretty much the same as they had been.

Contrast that with Lenny, which never came anywhere near the island, but sent massive storm surge... So I suspect the answer is "it depends"... But for the most part, hurricanes don't affect the island much at all.

Ok, question...

We are scheduled to leave out of Newark on Wednesday to head down to Bonaire. We are flying Air Jamaica. Doesn't look to promising. In the event they cancel the flight from Newark due to weather, does AJ refund the $$ or can you reschedule? Has anyone had a flight cancelled due to weather before? Thanks.

Liz

Check out this page concerning the flight affected by Frances.
http://www.airjamaica.com/news/hurricane_frances.asp

Likely your treatment would be similar if flights had to be cancelled.

If the airline cancels the flight they are obliged to accommodate you one way or another. In your case, since you're coming down no matter what, they would just move you to a later date, I would guess.

Also, for folks with no sense of scale, one degree latitude (at least where we are) is about 60 miles, as I recall. My house here on Bonaire is at N 12 degrees 7 minutes latitude, and W 68 degrees, 17 minutes longitude.

San Juan, PR is at N 18° 29', W 66° 08 - that's about 360 miles north of us using my 60 miles per degree rule of thumb. Kingston Jamaica is N 17° 58', W 76° 48' - further north and west, and Montego Bay is even further north than Kingston (north side of Jamaica).

Jake

Jake,

Latitude is always 60 nm per degree: constant and equal separation of lines. It is the miles per degree of longitude that goes to zero at the poles and by the cosine of Latitude going away from the equator. :–)

(Message edited by glenr on September 5, 2004)

Thanks guys, not into the technical stuff...I'm suffering IMMENSELY from PBD...my greatest concern is that I GET THERE!!!!! LOL. I'm following the storm and it looks like we may make it to Montego Bay, but don't know if we will make it out. Looks like the storm will be right between Jamaica and Bonaire on Wednesday. Jake, do you know anyone that you could recommend as a Nanny, or a sitter? We are bringing my stepdaughter and our 1 yr old grand daughter Marie and we will be wanting to go to dinner one night and Christine would love to have someone help her out. Also, do you know anyone that has a "stroller" with shade cover that we could borrow for her? Thanks

Liz

These women are so practical! :–)

Good luck on the weather, Liz.

Liz,

We usually use a high school girl or two to help out, but none of the current crop are ones that we know to have any experience with infants. Similarly, all the friends we have that have older kids gave away or sold their strollers, and the ones that still have them are using them for infants of their own. Sorry I can't be of better help...

Jake

Liz,

The predicted track I just looked at (http://www.wunderground.com/tropical/tracking/at200409_5day.html) shows Ivan still well east of the line between MB and BON on Wednesday. Your flight might detour some to the south and west but no more if that holds. Now, if you were flying through SJ on Wednesday... Good luck.

Not looking so good...Hurricane warning on Bonaire, had a call from a friend on Bonaire, suppose to hit tomorrow between 8am and 8pm (the eye). Just waiting to see if Air Jamaica is going to cancel flight from Newark, or if we will be stuck in Jamaica for a couple of days. Hey, can anyone tell me what are the nices places they can put us up in versus the lousy ones? I would like to know the names so I'm prepared.

Liz

Well everyone it looks like that historical record is going to be broken as Hurricane Ivan, now with 120 mph winds is expected to strengthen before it approaches Bonaire. Wouldn't you know it that I bought a house on Bonaire (below the Hurricane Belt) in the very same year that Hurricane Ivan threatens to place Bonaire squarely in its path?? I'm praying my house stays intact with little damage. On Tobago where Ivan is passing over, they are reporting structural damage, roofs blown off, etc. On the Weather Channel, they are saying that this is quite unusual that the hurricane is staying so far south. They are predicting 7 inches of rain, wind gusts between 60 and 80 miles an hour, and huge waves. I don't know what to worry more about--my house or the reefs. Please those of you are there on Bonaire keep us updated about what happens in the next day or so. thanks, pauline kayes

Hi, Liz,
I just returned from Bonaire and Air Jamaica due to Frances, and air traffic control problems in Phila., we had to stay over in Jamaica. They put us up at Holiday Inn (all inclusive) on the beach. It was paid for by Air Jamaica and all meals as well, anything we wanted to do as well. Phone calls and Booze were not included. But it was spectacular. The girls loved it. Pool goes around entertainment with falls and all. Food was good. Twelve of us were put up that night. They then put us on USAir the next day for an earlier flight than AirJamaica's 5pm. Beach was great, very accomodating, nicest I have been into. Security up the yang yang. Safe, some casino machines in bar area to play. Very nice murals on walls, landscaping out of this world. I finally saw your old place, now ours, and I have plans for new windows, taking wall out of bedrooms making rooms even bigger with Alubon windows, yes, I know they are expensive, but they will last and last. We are going to paint the outside as well, take out fan in kitchen, etc.. I do love the place, can't wait to return. Good luck on Wednesday. Debbie Babcock

Pauline, I will be praying that Ivan changes course. I would really hate to see Bonaire get hit by this hurricane. I worry about the reefs being damaged as well. I will keep sending positive energy that way!

We wish for the best for all on Bonaire. Just wanted to let you know we are thinking about you.

Indeed, positive thoughts are sent down to my favorite place in the Caribbean, and hope no damage is done.

I know: it is all my fault for saying here that it could not happen. Good thing I have no plans to come down soon. :–)))

That said, and keeping my upbeat mood, note the predicted wind pattern at http://www.wunderground.com/tropical/tracking/at200409_wind.html . Even storm force winds seem to clear Bonaire. Hopefully this will hold and Bonaire will be spared the strong winds.

And the diving on the wild side should be easy on Wednesday pm!!!

Check out NOAA Environmental Visualization to see some very impressive satellite images of the storm. The most recent one shows all the way from Venezuela up to Cuba and most of the eastern Caribbean.

I've been watching this one for a few days also and can't help but think that Bonaire will feel the effects. The latest information was that Hurricane force winds extended over 100 miles out from the center and the eye was expected to pass within 100-150 miles of Bonaire. Of course, knowing Bonaire's hurricane history, I'll pray that it holds out and there are few ill effects from the storm.

Michael

This is a link to the latest weather from the meteo of the Netherlands Antilles (6pm Tuesday)
http://www.meteo.an/meteo2/eng/index.htm

Hi Brigitte, Thanks for the link--it provides much more specific weather information relevant to Bonaire. Now I can worry even further! ha! Could you please give an update tomorrow as the storm gets closer about damage, etc. My house is located in the Belnem neighborhood at Kaya Aries 2. thanks so much, pauline

Pauline, as we are located also in Belnem, no problem. When making the tour of our properties I will have a look at yours. And if the WEB is still providing electricity I will post the result ..... but remember, WEB most of the time stops providing already by one little rain shower (or as in the last days, they do not even need a rain shower ...) so don't start worrying if you don't hear directly something from me

If someone sees my house sitter Linnea, please tell her my house floods in the living room with intense rains..and to please cover the tv and modem with plastic..I hope my cats stay inside..oh my..I am missing something big..WOW..

Careful everyone..it looks BIG..

What is the govt saying?? What is Playa Leche like? Are the boats moving to Harbour Village??

The government issued a Tropical Storm warning at 5pm in addition to the Hurricane watch that was issued at 11am. A Small Craft Warning goes into effect at 12 midnight. They are advising all boat owners to secure their boats tonight and not wait until morning to see what is really happening.

No waves or wind yet, but they did advise we might start having storm clouds in the very early am.

By 6pm, there were lines at the gas stations, lines at the supermarket. I've taken in all the outdoor furniture, the small houseplants, and anything that might take flight. So now we wait and see.

I hope the night passes without incident.

Hope Ivan takes the high road outta town for you guys. Batten down and hang tight. Keep us posted, if you can, Linda.

Annie...where are you right now??

We're with you in spirit, everyone on Bonaire! Carole

Hey Carole, I am stateside for a bit. I cannot BELIEVE this storm is going to impact Bonaire. When was the last hurricane/tropical storm in that area? Has anyone been thru a storm on Bonaire?

I was in Antigua for TS Hugo and TS Gilbert (both became devastating hurricanes to severely damage Jamaica). It was so intense..sheeting rains and howling winds. How vulnerable the islands are. I hear Grenada is a MESS.

Can I get a personal weather report from someone to post on www.stormcarib.com?

Good luck everyone. Sorry to have started such a sinister thread. Maybe if I start a thread about it turning north it will come true...

Joe, why sorry?? This is very important to share..I appreciate all the posts and hope the day tomorrow is safe for all..

Glad you are out of harm's way, Annie and I pray that Ivan tracks a more northern route immediately. Let's hope Bonaire rides this one out just fine! Carole

to all our friends on Bonaire, please stay safe and I will be hoping and watching that you are not hit with Ivan. The track does seem to be very close. If anyone has electricity please keep all of us posted you will be in all of our thoughts.
The wave after Lenny was so destructive to all the coral that I don't even want to think about what heavy tides and a hit would do.
Divi people we are thinking of you Jenny,Radilla Mirna,Fritz, Rene, and Dee and Ulf
please be safe.

Murphy likes me... (You know, the guy who made the "law")

Ok, per weather channel at 5am, 265 miles east of Bonaire, moving at @21 miles per hour. Wind up to 140 mph. Will SERIOUSLY BE WATCHING AND PRAYING as we have property on the island. Thank goodness we have people to watch out for us. It looks to be moving on a more northwesterly track though...good news, but they will be hit with something. Flights cancelled yesterday, so today of course we do not go. May be on our way next week, waiting to coordinate with our family as they are going too.
Debbie, glad you loved the townhouse. We also had ideas of expanding the bedrooms when we retired and adding the same type of windows/ sliders. No real reason for the fan in the kitchen. Do you know what color you are going to paint the outside? I know Stefanie had said she was thinking about it. Can you believe we just painted the outside 2 years ago? It was an ugly white! Hopefully we will be moving soon, we have some serious buyers coming down today to take a look at the house. If they make a decent offer, we are OUT OF HERE!!!! Hope to see you and Gregg on the island soon.

Hi everyone,

My heart goes out to poor Grenada, latest messages report the island has been severely hit.

I hope Ivan will not do the same for Bonaire. I wish all of you the best of luck and godspeed...

Ina

7 am --- no wind yet but the rain started about 15 minutes ago

Last meteo report says Ivan will pass about 150 - 170 km north of Bonaire .....

thanks Brigitte for the update--please keep posting as often as you can while the power is still on. I am so afraid that my garden will be denuded with not a leaf left. Needless to say, I did not sleep well last night. I wish I could be there to help. It seems so ironic that today in Illinois it is perfect blue skies, 75 degrees--somehow that makes it worse.

Watching Ivan from Chicago. Hoping and praying you all stay safe.

Our prayers are with everyone on Bonaire!! We were there during Lenny and watched the waves go over the roof of the green parrot. We just hope that sort of destruction doesn't happen again!

Looks like everyone is getting ready for the wind and storm.... odd to see the bar and beach so deserted

10.15 am --- the rain shower at 7am only lasted 15 minutes ... no rain since, no wind

Briqitte,

Thanks for the update. We are to leave Friday and want to make sure all is OK there. I just read Bonaire is still under hurricane warning, does it appear to be going North of ABC or is it still to soon to tell?

Angela

Angela, in Holland on the news, word is it's moving north. a small change of direction can make Bonaire (and the other islands) be hit directly... Keep ears, fingers, arms, legs and toes crossed!!

Afternoon all,

I just found this link today and thought I would see how everyone is holding together down on the Island. We have a place down on lighthouse point and are hoping everything stays together. How is everyone doing so far?

...in case anyone is interested, here's the latest satellite photo of Ivan. If you look closely you can see Aruba, Curacao, and just a hint of Bonaire under the outer band of clouds.



Photo Credit: NOAA (see earlier post for web site link)

Hi Josh, and welcome to BT. Most of the info is on http://www.oldbonairetalk.com/cgi-local/bbs/show.cgi?626/180244. For this moment all seems pretty calm.

My first visit to Bonaire was 2000, and the mounds of coral thrown up on the beaches from Lenny still plagues my memory. Our area (SW Florida) recently endured Charley, fortunately my home survived well and my father's with only roof and outer structure damage. The worst hit was Charlotte County, where I work, 25 miles to our north. Frances gave us quite a scare, but went northerly enough to only give us a ton of rain with TS winds. It did however keep us from flying out of Miami for our planned Bonaire week 9/4-11 at Buddy Dive. We hope to reschedule in Nov/Dec sometime. Now with Ivan such a tremendous threat and undoubtedly causing chaos as I write, we fear for the safety of those we know and the island I love. Please know you are all in our prayers and we hope to see you very soon! So batten down those hatches and stay as safe as you can. ZIMDIVER's