Wrong Way Lenny Hits Anguilla

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Weather in Anguilla

Hurricane Lenny Diary

Tuesday, November 16, 1999

The Pumphouse announces that LE BEAUJOLAIS Nouveau est arriv�... starting this Thursday night (Nov 18) at Sandy Ground. Special French cheese platters to compliment the wine.

And La Veranda announces their tasting starting on Wednesday (Nov 17) at 7pm, with L'ASSIETTE CHARCUTERIE ET FROMAGES, "Butcher's Platter" - selection of hams, sausages, Cold Cuts & French Cheeses with Condiments.

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Wednesday, November 17, 1999

Hurricane Lenny is now projected to pass very close to Anguilla...

... close enough that the island may experience hurricane force winds tonight. There was lightning all night and this morning it has started to rain. Current temperature is 81F, humidity 89%.

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10:30 am report. Torrential rains for the last 2 hours, but now it has let up enough to finish stopping up the cistern intakes (to keep salt water out of the drinking water) and put up the final plywood.

The hurricane web sites are starting to bog down. My backup site is Atlantic Weather, which is fast and links to numerous alternate sites for current updates. The Public Advisory for 9AM reads:

NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE MIAMI FL
9 AM AST WED NOV 17 1999

...LENNY BECOMES A CATEGORY FOUR HURRICANE ON THE SAFFIR/SIMPSON HURRICANE SCALE...THE FIFTH OF THE SEASON...NEARING THE NORTHEASTERN CARIBBEAN ISLANDS...

AT 9 AM AST...1300Z...THE CENTER OF HURRICANE LENNY WAS LOCATED NEAR LATITUDE 16.9 NORTH...LONGITUDE 65.4 WEST OR ABOUT 115 MILES...185 KM...SOUTH SOUTHEAST OF SAN JUAN PUERTO RICO. THIS IS ALSO ABOUT 70 MILES...110 KM...SOUTHWEST OF ST. CROIX.

LENNY IS MOVING TOWARD THE EAST-NORTHEAST NEAR 13 MPH...21 KM/HR A GRADUAL TURN TO THE NORTHEAST IS EXPECTED TODAY.

MAXIMUM SUSTAINED WINDS HAVE INCREASED TO NEAR 135 MPH...215 KM/HR ...WITH HIGHER GUSTS ESPECIALLY OVER UNPROTECTED SOUTH AND WEST FACING HARBORS. LENNY HAS BECOME A DANGEROUS CATEGORY 4 HURRICANE ON THE SAFFIR/SIMPSON HURRICANE SCALE...THE FIFTH OF THE 1999 SEASON. STRONGER WINDS COULD BE EXPERIENCED IN MOUNTAINOUS AREAS. SOME FURTHER STRENGTHENING IS POSSIBLE TODAY.

HURRICANE FORCE WINDS EXTEND OUTWARD UP TO 60 MILES...95 KM... FROM THE CENTER...AND TROPICAL STORM FORCE WINDS EXTEND OUTWARD UP TO 175 MILES...280 KM. ST. CROIX HAS BEEN EXPERIENCING SUSTAINED TROPICAL STORM FORCE WINDS DURING THE PAST HOUR WITH A RECENT PEAK GUST OF 62 MPH...100 KPH AND SABA REPORTED A WIND GUST 48 MPH...77 KPH.

THE LATEST MINIMUM CENTRAL PRESSURE REPORTED BY AN AIR FORCE RESERVE HURRICANE HUNTER AIRCRAFT WAS 948 MB...27.99 INCHES.

RAINFALL TOTALS OF 10 TO 15 INCHES...WITH LOCALLY HIGHER AMOUNTS IN MOUNTAINOUS REGIONS ARE ASSOCIATED WITH THE HURRICANE. THESE RAINS CAN PRODUCE LIFE-THREATENING FLASH FLOODS AND MUD SLIDES. SAN JUAN DOPPLER RADAR SHOWS HEAVY RAINS CONTINUING TO SPREAD OVER PORTIONS OF PUERTO RICO...THE VIRGIN ISLANDS...AND THE NORTHERN LEEWARD ISLANDS.

ISOLATED TORNADOES ARE POSSIBLE OVER THE WARNING AREA.

STORM SURGE FLOODING OF 5 TO 8 FT ABOVE NORMAL...ACCOMPANIED BY LARGE AND DANGEROUS BATTERING WAVES...IS EXPECTED NEAR THE CENTER IN THE WARNED AREA.

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11:00 am Anguilla Time. The power has been out at our house for about an hour, but we are running on battery backup. The solar panels are put away for the storm (actually, they were not yet put back up after Hurricane Jose), so when the batteries run down we will have to recharge them with the generator or wait for Anglec to come back on.

Click here for an excellent graphic from FEMA showing the likely path of the different intensities of wind. The white circle is the eye, the red swatch shows hurricane force winds. Doesn't look good, except that the storm has slowed down, allowing more time for it to change direction.

Here is the current NHOC update (11AM Anguila Time):

Statement as of 10:00 am EST on November 17, 1999

Lenny is now a dangerous category four hurricane on the Saffir /Simpson hurricane scale...the fifth of the season....

Lenny has slowed down a little ... ... taking lenny slowly toward the northeast over the northeastern caribbean islands. This motion was expected because global models have been developing A Ridge to the east of the lenny. In summary ... there has been no changes in the steering pattern controlling the path of the hurricane.

Because of the size of the hurricane and the track forecast uncertainties...one must not focus on the exact forecast track.

forecast positions and max winds

initial 17/1500z 17.1n 65.1w 115 kts
12hr vt 18/0000z 17.8n 64.0w 115 kts


Note: Anguilla is at about 18.1n 63.1w so the projected path is only a little to the north.

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1:00 PM Anguilla Time.

The rain has stopped, it is quiet now. St. Croix is about to sustain a direct hit. We are still projected to have very bad weather later today. The Internet connection could go down at any time, at which point updates to this site will stop.

Shawn McKinney writes from Atlanta:

I have friends that live in Blowing Point. Their names are Stumpy and Suzie Ryan, and their children are Urcil, Leon, Jerisha, Perry and Garvey. If you have time, could you give them a call and tell them that I said hello? I'd REALLY appreciate it since I haven't been able to phone them in several weeks.

Their phone number is 264-497-8311. Please e-mail me and let me know if you were successful in reaching them. THANK YOU VERY MUCH!!!!!!

God Bless...

Unfortunately, Stumpy's phone number is out of service. If anyone on island reads this and can deliver the message, please do so...

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2pm Anguilla Time. Decided to cut back all the palm trees before the storm hits. Will take 2 years to grow back, but they will grow back instead of dying. Power is on again, but for how long? It is raining again.

From the 1pm advisory from the hurricane center:

...Lenny reaches 140 mph winds and strengthening...all preparations against this extremely dangerous hurricane should be completed....

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Vince Reports. The Anguilla Mailing List is dedicated to local Anguillian events. Vince Cate posted this update about an hour ago:

It is a catagory 4 hurricane now, 135 MPH winds. The wind will shift around from the South, then the West, then the North-West. When it is about South-West to West is when I think it will be strongest. It now looks like 3:00 a.m. will be when it is strongest. But this could change...

Looks like it will be coming very close. The center could get as close as 20 miles to the North West of us, or maybe even closer. So we might even get some of the eye. And we will get the strong side, so basically as bad as it can get. Drat.

The power has come back on (was not actually down for very long). The winds are not too strong yet, and the rain has let up for the moment.

We already lost a computer and a TV at our house (both had very good surge protectors on them). The lightning was really something this morning. I suspect we will be getting more as the center comes near. Unplug any electronics that you don't need to use.

-- Vince

LennyMap Link

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3:44pm Anguilla Time.

I am going to shut down most of the computers in my office now and hide in the guest house. At any time, further reports could be cut off until after the storm. bye.. bob

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6pm Anguilla Time. Raining steadily. Winds rising, but nothing drastic yet. News from the hurricane center is not good: Lenny is on the verge of becoming Category 5 and still headed in our direction.

We moved from our office down to the guest villa with the dogs and the cat, but left one old 486 LINUX pc running, which is connected to Anguillanet via 28.8 modem and connected to the PC in the guest villa by LAN cable. So we still have net access, for a while anyway.

Our neighbors told us that people in Sandy Ground have been asked to evacuate the village, probably because it is so low and exposed to the sea.

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7:30pm Anguilla Time. Took the animals outside without incident. Waiting for the storm to hit. The latest advisory reports:

At 7 pm AST...0000z...the eye of hurricane lenny was located near latitude 17.7 north...longitude 64.2 west or about 70 miles... 115 km...West-Southwest of St. Maarten in the northeast caribbean. Lenny is moving toward the northeast near 9 mph...15 km/hr. This track will bring the core of extremely dangerous hurricane lenny across the warning area tonight. Weather conditions will continue to deteoriate through the evening. Maximum sustained winds remain near 150 mph...240 km/hr...with higher gusts especially over unprotected south and west facing harbors.

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9:30pm. Still waiting...

The tropical storm force winds should be upon us by now, according to NHOC reports, but our location on Shoal Bay hasn't felt them yet (we aren't complaining):

THE 9 PM AST POSITION...17.7 N... 64.1 W. MOVEMENT... DRIFTING EAST-NORTHEAST. MAXIMUM SUSTAINED WINDS...150 MPH. MINIMUM CENTRAL PRESSURE... 939 MB.

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Thursday, November 18, 1999

7am Thursday Anguilla Time. Went to bed waiting for the winds, woke up still waiting. Power went out late last night. Since the wind and rain were not so bad this morning yet, we went up to the battery powered office to check the reports. The Internet connection is still up!

Lenny is still out there, drifting around, not weakening, according to the 7AM advisory:

NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE MIAMI
7 AM AST THU NOV 18 1999

...EXTREMELY DANGEROUS LENNY STALLS AGAIN NEAR THE NORTHERN LEEWARDISLANDS...

AT 7 AM AST...1100Z...THE CENTER OF HURRICANE LENNY WAS LOCATED NEAR LATITUDE 17.8 NORTH...LONGITUDE 63.6 WEST OR ABOUT 35 MILES...60 KM...WEST-SOUTHWEST OF ST. MAARTEN. LENNY IS AGAIN NEARLY STATIONARY. A SLOW GENERALLY EAST-NORTHEAST MOTION IS EXPECTED LATER TODAY. THIS MOTION SHOULD BRING THE EYEWALL OF THE HURRICANE OVER THE ISLANDS OF SABA...ST. MAARTEN...AND ANGUILLA LATER THIS MORNING. REPORTS FROM AN AIR FORCE RESERVE HURRICANE HUNTER AIRCRAFT INDICATE THAT LENNY HAS WEAKENED SLIGHTLY. MAXIMUM SUSTAINED WINDS ARE NOW NEAR 135 MPH...215 KM/HR...WITH HIGHER GUSTS ESPECIALLY OVER UNPROTECTED SOUTH AND WEST FACING HARBORS. STRONGER SUSTAINED WINDS COULD BE EXPERIENCED IN MOUNTAINOUS AREAS. SOME FLUCTUATIONS IN STRENGTH ARE LIKELY DURING THE NEXT 24 HOURS. EVEN THOUGH LENNY HAS WEAKENED...IT IS STILL A CATEGORY 4 HURRICANE ON THE SAFFIR-SIMPSONSCALE. HURRICANE FORCE WINDS EXTEND OUTWARD UP TO 60 MILES... 95 KM... FROM THE CENTER...AND TROPICAL STORM FORCE WINDS EXTEND OUTWARD UP TO 185 MILES...295 KM. THE LATEST MINIMUM CENTRAL PRESSURE REPORTED BY THE HURRICANE HUNTER WAS 951 MB...28.08 INCHES.

And from a 4AM report:

4 AM EST THU NOV 18 1999

DATA FROM THE SAN JUAN WSR-88D AND AIR FORCE RESERVE HURRICANE HUNTER AIRCRAFT INDICATE THAT LENNY IS DRIFTING EAST..080/03. WHILE THE CENTRAL PRESSURE HAS RISEN TO 947 MB...700 MB WINDS HAVE BEEN AS HIGH AS 145 KT. AN EYEWALL DROPSONDE INDICATED 132 KT NEAR THE SURFACE. BASED ON THIS...THE INITIAL INTENSITY REMAINS 125 KT. LENNY IS CURRENT LOCATED BETWEEN A MID/UPPER LEVEL RIDGE TO THE SOUTHEAST AND A BUILDING LOW/MID LEVEL TO THE NORTH...WHICH MAY BE CAUSING THE CURRENT SLOWER MOTION ...

... AN ALTERNATIVE SCENARIO WOULD BE VERY LITTLE MOTION OVER THE NEXT THREE DAYS. LENNY IS STILL OVER WARM WATER AND IS SOUTH OF THE STRONG UPPER LEVEL WESTERLIES. THEREFORE...ANY FURTHER WEAKENING SHOULD BE SLOW.

INITIAL 18/0900Z 17.8N 63.6W 125 KTS
12HR VT 18/1800Z 17.9N 63.3W 125 KTS
24HR VT 19/0600Z 18.4N 62.6W 120 KTS

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9:30AM. Anguilla Time. Here is the Thursday, 9am advisory:

...EXTREMELY DANGEROUS LENNY BARELY MOVING...

AT 9 AM AST...1300Z...THE EYE OF HURRICANE LENNY WAS LOCATED NEAR LATITUDE 17.8 NORTH...LONGITUDE 63.6 WEST OR ABOUT 35 MILES...60 KM...WEST-SOUTHWEST OF ST. MAARTEN.

LENNY HAS BEEN NEARLY STATIONARY DURING THE PAST FEW HOURS. HOWEVER ...A SLOW GENERALLY EAST-NORTHEAST MOTION IS ES ADVISORY.

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Friday, November 19, 1999

Friday, 7:30AM. Anguilla Time. Winds have died down. Rain has stopped. As you probably know already, Lenny just started drifting around, almost stationary in the area of St. Marteen (just south of Anguilla).

We heard that people in Seafeathers went out in the eye last night and saw the stars. Our cat went out during the eye calm didn't get back in before the winds picked up again. He spent the second half of the storm out in the wind and rain, but is okay. We went back up to the office and the Internet connection was still up, so we posted this report on battery power.

We are okay, there is water flooding everywhere. Here is what the hurricane center said at 5AM this morning:

5 AM AST FRI NOV 19 1999
...LENNY STATIONARY AND WEAKENING NEAR ST. BARTHELEMEY AND ST.MAARTEN...
A HURRICANE WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT FOR DUTCH ST. MAARTEN...
FRENCH ST. MARTIN...ST.BARTHELEMEY...ANGUILLA...SABA...ST. EUSTATIUS...ST. KITTS...NEVIS...MONTSERRAT...ANTIGUA...ANDBARBUDA. AT 5 AM AST...0900Z...
THE CENTER OF HURRICANE LENNY WAS LOCATED NEAR LATITUDE 18.1 NORTH...LONGITUDE 62.8 WEST OR JUST NORTH OF THE ISLAND OF ST. BARTHELEMEY. THIS IS ALSO JUST EAST OF ST. MAARTEN.
LENNY IS CURRENTLY NEARLY STATIONARY. A SLOW EAST-NORTHEAST MOTION IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN LATER TODAY. WITH THIS SLOW MOTION...THE CENTER OF LENNY WILL LIKELY BE NEAR ST. BARTHELEMEY...ST. MAARTEN...AND ANGUILLA FOR MUCH OF THE DAY.
MAXIMUM SUSTAINED WINDS HAVE DECREASED TO NEAR 100 MPH...160 KM/HR...WITH HIGHER GUSTS.

This implies that the storm is still lurking south of us, with the potential to come over Anguilla again today! Let's hope not.

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Sunday, November 21, 1999

Sunday. 5:00pm Anguilla Time. The Sun is shining brightly again. Power is still out but my wife Mary Ann finally wired the generator into our solar/battery system and gave us power again! Phones are working for most people. Internet is working. On Friday we learned that the East End of the island was cut off from the rest by 6-10' lakes in every low spot (Welches, East End, Mt Fortune, etc..).

People were walking down Shoal Bay beach to get around the lake and hitch a ride at the other end. The Valley had water up to the wall around Ronald Webster Park and in Albert Lakes Gas Station and covering the ground floor of Ashley's Supermarket.

On Saturday the lake in Welches Village drained and we drove to The Valley for Gas at Albert Lakes. The water around Ashley's, Public Works and Agriculture was still very deep. We heard stories of people whose houses filled with water during the storm -- and the father had to break out through the bathroom window to open the shutters and save his family.

Have not been down to the West End yet.

The Anguilla airport was open on Saturday, but there was nowhere to fly to (St Martin, San Juan and St Thomas would not take regular flights). Sunday a Canada 3000 flight and a KLM flight evacuated the first people from St Maarten.

More news later.

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Monday, November 22, 1999

Sonesta Announcement. The resort has posted a notice on their web page which reads

November 22, 1999

To repair damage caused by Hurricane Lenny, the resort is closed through February 2000.

The storm caused mostly water damage. While all structures are sound, a number of rooms will be repaired and renovated.

Anyone holding a confirmed reservation during this time frame will be contacted by the resort for rebooking. Thank you for your continued support and well wishes.

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Cap Juluca Press Release. The resort has posted a press release on their web site that reads as follows:

CAP JULUCA CLOSES UNTIL AFTER JANUARY 1ST

Hurricane Lenny Incurs Considerable Damage

Anguilla, BWI (November 22, 1999) - In the wake of Hurricane Lenny, Cap Juluca will be closed for the remainder of 1999. The storm incurred considerable damage to the beach and interior furnishings.

"Currently we are assessing the situation to see exactly what needs to be done to fully recover from the hurricane," said Eustace Guishard, general manager. "We have very high standards at Cap Juluca and do not want to re-open until we can provide our guests with all the luxurious comforts, services and amenities they have come to expect from us." Maundays Bay, the hotel's main beach, had erosion and some interiors were damaged due to flooding.

The day after the hurricane, on schedule, one couple was married and another renewed their vows after ten years of marriage. For further information, contact Cap Juluca's office in Miami, (888) 858-5822 (8JULUCA), (305) 466-0916; or, direct to the hotel, (264) 497-6779.

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Try Travel Talk: You can read visitor questions about Anguilla and post answers on this forum (hint: it is organized by month). Tête-à-Tête Forum: Read and post feedback on Julian Niles' Anguilla Home Page

The Dune Preserve. Below is a picture of the Dune Preserve beach bar on Rendezvous Bay, taken on Sunday, Nov 21, 1999 by Ian Grigg.

Two more pictures of Bankie Banx Dune Preserve: One, Two. And three pictures of the new Cuisinart Resort next door: One, Two, Three.

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The Pumphouse. Below is a picture of The Pumphouse in Sandy Ground, taken on Sunday, Nov 21, 1999 by Ian Grigg.Click to enlarge.

Here is Vince Cate's description of what happened there:

The Sandy Ground pond got so high it was about half way up the doors at Pump House. By this time it was overflowing several areas on Sandy ground and going into the ocean. Between the Pumphouse and the dive shop the water cut out a 100 foot wide and 400 foot long (my guesses) channel to the ocean. So the houses in Sandy Ground are no longer flooded. But there were 16 boats in the area that there is now a channel, all are gone.

Here are three more pictures of The Pumphouse by Ian: One,   Two,   Three.

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Carimar Posts Lenny Pix. Carimar Beach Club suffered no structural damage and even finds that their beach has improved after the storm. They have posted pictures of the resort and Meads Bay beach, taken Sunday Nov 21, 3 days after Lenny: http://www.carimar.com/Lenny.htm

They will reopen early in December (garden cleanup and generator are only problems). Below is one of their pictures, showing the Meads Bay beach after the hurricane. Looks okay:

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Cinammon Reef Okay. I talked to Cinammon Reef on the phone today. No beach erosion on Little Harbour. Restaurant to reopen on Thursday, hotel next week. Lots of water to clean up and plants are brown, but hotel and beach are in good shape.

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Valley Primary School on Friday. Here is a picture of Valley Primary, taken on Friday, Nov 19, 1999, by Ian Grigg. Click to enlarge. For a picture of Deep Waters on Friday by Ian, click here. For a picture of the "experimental roundabout" intersection, taken on Friday by Ian, click here.

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Shoal Bay Backroad on Friday. Here is a picture taken from the Island Harbour side of the Shoal Bay back road, looking toward Millys Inn on the hill (no serious damage). You can see the sign for Allamanda Beach Club just sticking out the water. This was taken on Friday, Nov 19, 1999, by Bob Green. This puddle did not drain enough for vehicles to pass until Sunday night. Click to enlarge.

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Welches Village on Friday. Here is a picture taken from the Island Harbour side of Welches Village, looking at the lake which flooded out many families. This was taken on Friday, Nov 19, 1999, by Bob Green. There is a well in the village and by Sat all the water had drained away and the road was clear. Click to enlarge.

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The Valley from Hansa Bank Building, taken on Friday. Here is a picture taken from the Hansa Bank building looking across The Valley toward the agriculture dept. This was taken on Friday, Nov 19, 1999, by Ian Grigg. Click to enlarge.

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Ashley's on Friday. Here is a picture of Ashley's Supermarket in The Valley, taken on Friday, Nov 19, 1999, by Ian Grigg. Click to enlarge.

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Allamanda Beach Club Okay. I just talked to the owner of Allamanda Beach Club and he is ready for guests (although his phone goes in and out and the computer is on the fritz!).

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La Sirena Hotel Is Okay. And power is back on in parts of The Valley, many phones are working, and the Internet is working.

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Tuesday, November 23, 1999

Tainos Villa Okay. Steve Donahue reports that his "Tainos" villa behind Cap Juluca, made it just fine and is available for rental:

Tainos Villa, located behind Cap Juluca, made it just fine through the hurricane, and as soon as electric is restored, will be available for rental. We currently have openings through Jan. 23,2000 - including Christmas and New Years. Visit http://tainos.ai or email me direct at [email protected]

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Ferryboat Inn Opens tomorrow on Wednesday. No structural problems, but lots of washing and mopping and cleaning, all without electric power.

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Roadwell Cafe Open Our neighbors Jacqueline and Rafael Cestero report that

"John Lloyd and Diana Berry had Roadwell Cafe in Sandy Ground up and running on a limited basis on Monday,serving breakfast and lunch. We had a lovely lunch there and the atmosphere is wonderful."

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Villa Okay and Available. Ivy Broder reports that their villa at Seafeathers came through Lenny with little damage:

We do not have any bookings for the Christmas/New Years period. If anyone who has been bumped from Sonesta or other hotels is interested in renting our villa, which is a very large 2 bedroom house that sleeps up to six, they can contact me at [email protected] or telephone at home: 202-363-3301.

Ivy Broder

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Ian Grigg Update. For those of you who don't belong to the Anguilla Mailing List email service, here are some more updates that Ian (email: [email protected]) posted this morning:

More (unofficial) news from Anguilla.

The Pumphouse *will* be rebuilt, and will be open within a month, so the season will not be Pumpless. There is some detailed question as to what the government plans to do with Sandy Ground road, but that won't stop the cleanup, and it will only increase the fun if we have to wade to get a beer.

Also, Straw Hat survived with minimal problems; this is as a result, apparently, of strong rebuilding from the hurricane last year.

Frangipani and the Anguilla Great House are ok - I'm told. Cove Castles, Cuisinart and Cap Juluca have a *lot* of cleaning up. The Rendevous has also suffered some mess, but no structural damage (from an email). Malliouhana lost the roof on the staff housing building (also from an email).

Roti Hut is now open, with gas lamps, I had my first Roti there, and it was as good as always. Fu Jau was open on Saturday already (!) and the Old House is proudly showing off its dozens of lights, so it must be open.

Roy's Place of course was also open on Friday night as usual, they are the smart ones with an 18kva generator as well as a 118 decibel parrot.

Rain reports are now in: 50 cm or 20 inches for the 2 day period! In St Martin, it was 60 - 80 cm (25 - 30 inches).

Transport - ferries are now running, AXA seems fully open now with Liat, AA, and the puddle jumpers flying in regularly. SXM remains closed for *incoming* traffic by order of the (Dutch-side ?) Governor. The French have flown in several divisions of engineers, bulldozers, trucks and other heavy equipment. Always good to have an army at hand.

Reports of Anguilla's sinking, on CNN for example, are much exaggerated by the doom & gloom press as usual. Most of the restaurants and hotels will be up and running within the month, and the season itself will roll on regardless

iang

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The Little Mermaid Bar and Restaurant in The Farrington has been open all weekend. Web site with directions. And they have ice, so cold drinks are available. The pool table still works, the food is still good, and the spreading Gnip tree is still standing. Everyone is welcome, residents and tourists alike.

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Bulletin Board With Updates. Check the Gobeach Anguilla Forum for more hurricane reports on Anguilla.

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Wrong Way Lenny

Check this diagram showing the path of Hurricane Lenny. It started in the Western Caribbean, went East quickly toward St. Croix, then slowed down and crawled to St. Martin, then stalled and bounced around in the area for about a day. Then it turned south.

Lenny never did pass over Anguilla. People reported seeing stars in the eye in Seafeathers Bay, but we never did in Shoal Bay, and the winds never changed directions, so the storm never actually went over us.

The chart linked above bears that out. The track goes northeast to Anguilla, then turns south and away.

Richard Moore concurs:

Bob - the following coordinates (advisories 22 & 22A) from the Unisys hurricane site make it look like Lenny came as far north as Anguilla (18.1N 63.1W) and then "bounced" back south. Of course, what happened in the two hours between the advisories, I don't know.

I use 18.15N 63.1W as my unofficial coordinates for Anguilla in my plotting program, so my plot (attached) shows this in somewhat greater detail. The "2" is the mileage from the plotted position (18.1 63.1) and 18.15 , 63.

I guess now you can actually go out and find a telephone pole and know the correct latitude & longitude!

21A 17.90 -63.20 11/18/17Z 115 955 HURRICANE-4
21B 18.00 -63.20 11/18/19Z 115 966 HURRICANE-4
22 18.10 -63.10 11/18/21Z 105 966 HURRICANE-3
22A 18.10 -63.10 11/19/00Z 100 975 HURRICANE-3
23 18.00 -62.90 11/19/06Z 95 978 HURRICANE-2
23A 18.00 -62.90 11/19/06Z 95 978 HURRICANE-2
24 18.10 -62.80 11/19/09Z 85 982 HURRICANE-2

Still hoping to hear something about the Blowing Point (Ferry Boat Inn) area.

Richard Moore
Conway SC
[email protected]

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Anguilla Great House Open I just talked to AGH on the phone. They are open, including bar and restaurant and plan to stay open. You can check in today (in fact they were open the day after the storm). 1-264-497-6061

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Skiffles is Okay. John Graff (email: [email protected]) writes that Skiffles Villas only sustained minor damage to some shingles and guttering, and will be open to receive guests as scheduled.

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Good News! American Eagle resumed flights to Anguilla yesterday. The water is receding in The Valley (although the road up to Koal Keel is still flooded). Luciano's Restaurant in Long Bay Village reopened on Saturday, one day after the storm! The Soroptomist Christmas Fair is scheduled for Dec 4, 12-5pm in the gardens at the Governor's house.

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Wednesday, November 24, 1999

Casa Turquesa Okay. Paul Kehler (email: [email protected]) reports:

I am glad to hear that everyone on Anguilla is OK.!

I am reporting that the villa Casa Turquesa sustained NO damage. We are available for rent for Christmas and New Years at regular rates.

Thanks again........ Paul Kehler

PS. The cistern is Full, so long showers aren't a problem :)

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Milly's Inn Update. Rita Fleming of Millie's Inn on Shoal Bay says they are up and running and no damage. Just waiting for Phone and Power.

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Anguilla Tourist Board Update

As of 9.20am Nov 23, 1999.

Further updates will follow. We have not been able to contact every property or receive confirmed dates of reopening. As they reach us, we will pass them on.

Hotels

The following hotels are currently open:

Paradise Cove - open on a limited basis
Anguilla Great House
La Sirena
Inter Island Hotel
Anguilla Connection - villas open
PREMS Cottages - most villas are in operation
KEENE Enterprises - most villas are in operation
Sydans - open Dec 1
Shoal Bay Villas
Allamanda Beach Club
Easy Corner Villas
Elodia's Beach Resort
Kerwin Kottages

The following hotels are awaing restoration of power to resume business:

Ferry Boat Inn - 24th Nov if power is restored

The following hotels are currently closed and will reopen on the following dates:

Frangipani Beach Club, Nov 28
Malliouhana Hotel - Dec 18
Rendezvous Bay hotel - the week of Nov 28
Carimar Beach Club - Dec 1
Cinnamon Reef Hotel - Nov 24
Coccoloba Valtur - Dec 18, contingent on materials arrive on island
Cuisinart Resort and Spa- will open Dec 20 [per Marston Winkles].

Restaurants

Smokeys - closed
Restaurant Ici - closed
Koal Keel - closed
Scilly Cay - open on Nov 27
Hibernia - open
Mangos - open
Old House - open
Mala's Cottage - open
Palm Court Restaurant - open on Nov 25
Straw Hat Restaurant - awaiting electricity
Ferry Boat Inn Restaurant - open Nov 24 if power restored
La Veranda - open Nov 27 (if power restored)
Ripples - open
Rafe's - open

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Advisory, as of Tuesday, Nov 23rd.

Anguilla Hotel and Tourism Association

Further to a meeting held this afternoon of the National Disaster Preparedness Committee, members of the public are asked to note the following:

1. Electricity Supply.
   According to ANGLEC officials, 75-80% of the islands electricity supply will be restored by the end of the week. Areas with heavy flooding and/or heavy damage to electrical lines will remain without service until waters recede and work crews can safely access the equipment. Two teams of work crews, one from Grenada and one from St. Vincent, arrived on island today to help with the restoration
2. Fuel.
   A tanker is expected to deliver fuel to the island by Friday, Nov 26, 1999, with 4500 barrels of unleaded gas and 5500 barrels of diesel. The main pumping station currently has 4 days of fuel supply on hand. All gas stations on island were supplied with fuel on Monday, Nov 22. Gov't officials do not foresee imposing any rationing or restriction measures.
3. Communications.
   Fifty percent, or some 3000, of Cable and Wireless customers have telephone services. A team of 7 workers from St. Lucia is expected by the end of the week to assist in the restoration. C&W officials caution that problems may arise in working lines over the next few weeks, due to the presence of water in the lines.
4. Health Concerns.
   Two PAHO (Pan American Health Organization) officials are on island assisting the Health Department in assessing the situation. They caution that the most seriouis problem at present is the breeding of mosquitos due to stagnant waters. The public is urged to reduce the risk of heavy mosquito breeding by ensuring that all containers in and around homes and businesses be emptied or covered. Chemicals have been put in the stagnant watersr around the island to lessen the threat of disease and further contamination. People are urged to stay away from stagnant water.
5. Schools.
   All schools are closed for the remainder of the week. After this week, school openings will be assessed on a day-to-day basis.
6. Ferry Service
   Ferry service between Anguilla and St. Martin has resumed on a limited basis.
7. American Eagle.
   According to AE officials, the airline will only operate 2 afternoon flights in and out of Anguilla until all services are restored at the airport:
   Flight 5674 dep SJU 11:55am, arrive AXA 1pm;
   Flight 5675 dep AXA 1:25pm, arrive SJU 2:30pm;
   Flight 5580 dep SJU 2:02pm, arrive AXA 3:10pm;
   Flight 5581 dep AXA 3:34pm, arrive SJU 4:39pm.
8. Roads.
   To date, damage to Anguilla's roads is estimated at EC$7,000,000. Public works is currently working in 5 areas around the island creating alternative access roads.
9. Tourism Industry.
   Many of the islands accommodations suffered only minimal damage or flooding and are already open to guests. Several of the properties will be fully open once electricity is restored.

Attached was a list of hotels and their status. It is the same as the Tourist Board list, with the following changes:

Cap Juluca - closed until further notice.
Covecastles - closed until further notice.
Mariners - closed until further notice.
Seahorse - reopen Dec
Sonesta - tentative reopening Mar 1, 2000

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A Fantastic Sunny Day. The sun is shining, the sky is endless blue, the temperature is 79F this morning, the water is clear, and the beach looks wonderful. Below is a view of Upper Shoal Bay, taken at 10:30am today.

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Kellyvilla Okay. Myrna George (email: [email protected]) reports that

"Kellyvilla at Seafeathers Bay suffered no damage during the storm. Thanks for your prayers and we ask that you continue praying for a speedy recovery for the entire island. We stand ready to accommodate visitors to the island. Blessings, Myrna

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Thursday, November 25, 1999

New Greenhouse Smashed at Green Cuisine. In Sandy Ground there is company that grows lettuce hydroponically in greenhouses.

This is a picture of the newest greenhouse at Green Cuisine, which was smashed in Lenny (the other 3 greenhouses survived, so we should still have fresh lettuce).

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Calendar: Events, holidays, activities

Lynne Bernbaum Show of new art works is scheduled for January 1 at the new Devonish Gallery in West End.

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Sherma and Violet are Okay at Sea View Apt in Sandy Ground. Sea View will reopen for guests shortly (all cleaned up, but the water pump was damaged). By the way, their rates for this season as $60 per night for apt 1 (large one bedroom), $50 for the smaller one bd) and $100 for the two bedroom apartment.

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Leducs Is Open and Turkey at Roys. I talked to a friend who is starting work tonight as a waitress at Leducs fine french restaurant. Tonight is also US Thanksgiving and we are going with other Canadians (our Thanksgiving is in October, but we can overeat twice) to Roy's for special turkey dinner.

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Trattoria Tramonto is closed, but Alan hopes to be open again before Christmas (the building is still there, but he has a lot of cleaning up to do).

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Friday, November 26, 1999

Covecasteles Press Release. Management at Covecastles Resort (email: [email protected]) reports

Covecastles is happy to announce that because little damage was done to our villas in Hurricane Lenny, we expect to re-open February 1, 2000.

Storm surge eroded the beach in front of some of the villas and beach houses. Fortunaately, there is no structural damage to the buildings and the contents were completely unaffected.

We are in the process of restoring the beach area at present. Enquiries: (264) 497-6801. Any updates to status will be posted to our web site.

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Elegant Retreats Press Release. Jillian Carty of PREMS announces that

All of our Elegant Retreats villas are in splendid condition following the passage of Hurricane Lenny and are ready for the upcoming season. Anguilla's restaurants are open, the beaches are generally fine, and the island is quickly getting back to normal.

We are looking forward to a great season and to meeting the needs of our guests. Please use our website www.elegantretreats.ai for reservations or enquiries or call (264) 497 2596, Fax: (264) 497 3309.

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More Official Information

The following are some updates from today's National Disaster Preparedness Committee meeting;

COMMUNICATIONS
Cable & Wireless expect to have service fully restored to all customers by December 15th, 1999. Some 500-600 customers in The Valley area will be without telephone service for a few days after that date due to extensive water damage caused to a cabinet that is currently still under water in the Valley bottom.

Cable & Wireless also reports that a fiber optic cable which supplies international service has been damaged in St. Martin which has disrupted international calling service to the region. This problem should be fixed by the end of next week.

Cable & Wireless will be installing a redundant link in the region tyo be used as a back-up supplier.

The telephone company also announced that they have brought in a supply of cellular phones which they are selling at very reduced rates to assist in the recovery effort.

ANGLEC
According to ANGLEC officials, electricity supply is being quickly restored to the island. Work crews are currently working around the clock to get to all areas of the island.

CABLE TV
While service has been restored in some areas of the island, due to a lack of manpower and vehicles, Cable TV does not expect to have service restored to all their customers before the end of December. Several problems plague the utility company, including extensive damage to supply lines, power units, and damage to two satellite dishes courtesy of Jose and Lenny which has resulted in the loss of the following channels: BBC, PBS, CBU and BET Jazz. All Island hopes to have these channels back up and running by December 16th, 1999.

An engineer is expected on island today to consult on how to re-route a major power supply source which was damaged in The Valley.

SCHOOLS
Schools with electricity will reopen on Monday. Those still without power will only reopen once electricity has been restored. To date, West End School, Stoney Ground School and East End School have electricity. Road Schhol is expected to have elctricity by Monday. The Inspection Division of Public Works needs to give the all clear to the Valley Primary School and ALHCS before elctricity can be restored there due to heavy flooding in the area.

TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE
Several consultants will be on island during the next few days/weeks to assist in the recovery effort including:

1. An underwater archeaologist from the Bermuda Maritime Assistance who will assist several government departments ( notably Public Works, Welfare and Community development, and Agriculture) with preservation and restoration of documents that were damaged by heavy flooding.
2. A representative from CDERA who is on island to assess damage and help the Government access funding from donor agencies.
3. A Coastal Engineer (sponsored by OECS) who will assist the Planning Department and Resort Properties with proper procedures and measures to help safeguard the beaches and develop coastal management policies.

DISASTER FUND
The National Bank of Anguilla has set up two accounts for anyone wanting to donate to a relief fund for Anguilla.

NBA Hurricane Lenny Disaster Relief Fund:
EC$ Account # 1003581
US$ Account # 2020485

NATIONAL CLEAN UP DAY
Several Government Departments will be coordinating a National Clean Up Day scheduled for some time next month. Appeals will be launched to both the Public and Private sectors to donate trucks, workers, refreshments, communications devices, etc to assist in the event.

HEALTH
The Island harbour and West End Health Clinics will remain closed until electricity supply can be restored. The east End clinic will be closed until further notice.Two refrigerators were damaged at The Valley clinic which has limited available services.

The Health Dept. will be receiving additional foggers next week to assist with the mosquito control effort.

TOURISM SECTOR

More hotel/property updates:

• Covecastles will reopen January 29th, 2000
• Skiffles will open December 1st,1999 (normal day)
• Cocoloba Valturs - will reopen December 18th, 1999 (availability of materials permitting)
• Roy's Baechfront Apts. - OPEN
• Harbour Villas - OPEN
• Coyaba manor - OPEN
• Caribbean Seaview - OPEN
• Caribella resort - November 29th, 1999

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Savannah Gallery Open. Keith Inkster (email: [email protected]) reports:

Savannah Gallery is open, with lots of new work in our expanded Gallery. Telephone in the Gallery is operational (264) 497-2263, open 7 days a week. The cool refreshments won't be quite as cool as usual until the current comes back, but they are certainly on the premises.

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Saturday, November 27, 1999

Gilbert Fleming Hurricane Pictrues. Gilbert has put up a web page with pictures of the hurricane damage and recovery process:

LennyAXA1999

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Oserian Villa. Larry & Gina Calinda (email: [email protected]) invite you to visit their villa's web site: www.oserianvilla.com

Located oceanfront between Little Harbour and Elsie Bay.
One acre, private & secure site.
Main House, 3,700 sq. ft., featuring a private 1,600 sq. ft. master bedroom suite.
2 Bathrooms in Main House
Guest Studio, 600 sq. ft., detached - Bedroom, Kitchenette & Bathroom.
Pool - 15' x 30' freshwater
Entertainment Room, features state-of-the-art audio system, 60" TV, Cable access, and stocked wet bar.
Laundry Room w/ washer & dryer.
Library w/ computer with Fax capability and Internet access.
Gourmet Kitchen w/ granite countertops
Louvered doors and windows, ceiling fans & limestone flooring throughout main house and guest studio.

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Carimar Press Release. Carimar announces reopening on their web site:

Carimar Beach Club will reopen for business on December 1st, 1999, with slightly less foliage and the colorful courtyard recovering. Loyal guests of the Beach Club have demonstrated their confidence in the Carimar experience by reconfirming their December vacations at Anguilla's Premier Villa Vacation beachfront property.

Disregarding the loss of our standby generator, and confident that the Anguilla Electricity Company will hold true to it's promise, the hard working staff jumped into the cleanup effort with determination that is second to none. This has positioned the property for its December 1st, reopening.�

About Anguilla

And ten minutes away, our villa in St Barths.