We're Battening Down the Hatches!!!

Village of Key Biscayne

STORM ALERT: Miami-Dade Under Tropical Storm Warning Until Further Notice Key Biscayne and the rest of Miami-Dade County are under a Tropical Storm Warning as of 11:00 am Tuesday, September 28, 2010 and until further notice. The weather will begin to deteriorate later today with the worst conditions expected on Wednesday, September 29. Be aware that localized flooding may occur on the Key in low-lying areas on Wednesday. The confluence of a high tide at 1:26 pm and a full moon will cause the storm drainage system to work more slowly. (Terrific.) (The wind began to switch, the house to twitch, and suddenly the hinges started to unhitch ...) Precautionary measures are being taken in public areas to prepare for expected heavy rain/localized flooding and strong winds. The Police and Fire Rescue Departments are fully staffed. The Public Works Department has checked drainage system pumps in flood-prone areas so they will be ready to handle heavy rains. Building, Zoning and Planning Department personnel will sweep the Village this afternoon to notify contractors that construction site materials should be secured. Village generators are ready to be deployed, if necessary. Now is the time to secure any outdoor items (furniture, umbrellas, potted plants, etc.) that may become airborne in high winds. Please be advised that emergency vehicles, school buses and other high-profile vehicles cannot safely cross the Powell Bridge in winds of 45 mph or higher.  If the power goes out I can't work.  Is that good or bad?

Hurricanes

Lots of clients ask me about cruising during hurricane season.  Isn't it dangerous? 

Contrary to popular thought, hurricane season is a GOOD time to go cruising in the Caribbean.  Think of it this way: if you're in a Caribbean resort - say St. Thomas for example - and a hurricane comes bearing down on Charlotte Amalie you've got two options: evacuate or dig in.  If you evacuate, it's "vacation over" you're going home.  If you dig in, you'll very likely wind up in a nice resort with no electricity (thus no a/c, movies or frosty blender drinks) and possibly no plumbing.  No fancy meals, no using the pool, no soaking in the Jacuzzi. Having fun yet?

Now lets look at a cruise sailing to St. Thomas when a hurricane starts driving its way toward the island.  Only one thing happens - the ship changes course.  If you're sailing in the Eastern Caribbean your ship may head toward the Western Caribbean or vice versa.  Maybe you'll lose a port call and spend another day at sea - worst case scenario.  I know I would rather spend another day at sea enjoying a massage in the Spa, watching a movie under the stars, testing out the casino or seeing a show than a day (or days) hanging out in a torn up resort. Or frantically trying to get the next flight out, standing in long lines at the airport, fighting the crowds and using your suitcase for a pillow. And partly because of the misconception that cruising during hurricane season is dangerous, prices tend to be at some of the lowest points of the year! 'Nuff said.

For those who want to keep track of the latest storm(s) here's one of my favorite storm tracking sites.

Stay dry!