Antigua Bliss

Today commences the start of Hurricane Season 2010. Being a windsurfer I am pretty much a weather nut. I have been reading a plethora of information most suggesting it’s going to be an active season. One thing for sure, weather in the Caribbean has been nothing short of weird. Drought conditions prevailed in many spots. Heat indexes in the ABC islands are much higher than I can recall in the past 9 years.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Agency (NOAA) predicted 14 to 23 named storms, including eight to 14 hurricanes, three to seven of which were likely to be “major” storms, with winds of at least 111 mph. What concerns me are two areas to consider. Haiti is still in a mess. Folks are living in tents at best in some areas. Flooding from heavy rains could be detrimental. The second matter is the BP oil crisis in the gulf. Imagine what would happen if a hurricane did hit this fragile area?

Having lived and traveled to the Caribbean since 87 I have witnessed some serious storms in Antigua. I have lived through one minor hurricane and many tropical storms. It’s still early but it’s food for thought. My one prediction is that the ninth storm, Igor has potential for something to remember. Why, just a feeling. And in closing here is a little saying well known in the Caribbean that always lingers in my head:

‘June too soon, July stand by, August you must, September remember, October all over.’

Just a note of mention, each storm that I can remember that was pretty bad came in Sept. A few to recall include Gilbert and Hugo. They were heavy duty storms in Antigua but went on to be killer hurricanes.

Cheers and be prepared.