Hurricane Jeanne Update 21 - September 25, 2004, 11:00 p.m. - Final OFDA/LAC Update

According to the National Hurricane Center (NHC), at 11 p.m. EDT on September 25, the center of Hurricane Jeanne was located approximately 15 miles east of Stuart, Florida (27.2N, 80.0W). Jeanne is moving slightly north of west near 13 mph, and a gradual turn toward the northwest is expected during the next 24 hours. On this track the center of Jeanne will be moving inland near midnight and across central Florida on Sunday. Maximum sustained winds are near 115 mph with higher gusts. Jeanne will begin to weaken after the center moves inland. Hurricane force winds extend outward up to 70 miles from the center, and tropical storm force winds extend outward up to 205 miles. Storm surge flooding of 4 to 7 feet above normal tide levels and dangerous, battering waves can be expected near and to the north of where the center makes landfall along the east coast of Florida. Rainfall of 5 to 10 inches is possible near the track of Jeanne over Florida. The NHC's projected three-day trajectory of the storm is depicted below.

Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC) Tropical Storm and Hurricane Watches Watches/Warnings

Bahamas: The Government of the Bahamas has downgraded the hurricane warning to a tropical storm warning for Grand Bahama, the Abacos, Bimini, and the Berry Islands, and has discontinued the hurricane warning for Eleuthera, Andros, and New Providence Island. A hurricane warning means that hurricane conditions are possible in the warning area within the next 24 hours. A tropical storm warning means that tropical storm conditions are possible in the warning area within the next 24 hours.

USAID Response

On September 24, two members of a USAID/OFDA team deployed to the Bahamas and joined the OFDA/LAC Field Officer already in country. In addition, a USAID/OFDA-funded shipment of relief commodities arrived in the Bahamas on September 24 to be pre-positioned in advance of Hurricane Jeanne.

Hurricane Jeanne Update 4 - September 16, 2004, 8:00 a.m.

According to the National Hurricane Center (NHC), tropical storm Jeanne has become a hurricane. As of 8 a.m. EDT, the center of tropical storm Jeanne was located over the eastern tip of Hispaniola or Cabo Engano in the Dominican Republic (18.7N, 68.4W). Jeanne is moving toward the west near 9 mph and a gradual turn to the west-northwest is expected in the next 24 hours. Maximum sustained winds have increased to near 80 mph with higher gusts. Little change in strength is forecast during the next 24 hours as Jeanne hugs the north coast of the Dominican Republic. Cabo Engano recently reported sustained winds of 56 mph. Hurricane force winds are confined to a small area near the center and tropical storm force winds extend outward up to 40 miles from the center. Storm surge flooding of one to three feet above normal tide levels, with large and dangerous battering waves, can be expected along the coastline of Puerto Rico during the day. Rainfall amounts of 9-13 inches, possibly causing flash floods and mudslides, can be expected over the Dominican Republic. Several locations across Puerto Rico have already received more than a foot of rain including the islands of Culebra and Vieques with Naguabo in the eastern portion of the island having received more than 30 inches of rainfall. Additional rainfall amounts of 5 to 10 inches are still possible over Puerto Rico. Many rivers on Puerto Rico are already at or above flood stage. Isolated tornados are possible over Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic. The NHC's projected five-day trajectory of the storm is depicted below.

Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC) Tropical Storm and Hurricane Watches/Warnings

Dominican Republic: A hurricane warning is in effect for the eastern and northern coasts from la Plat southward to Isla Saona. A tropical storm warning and a hurricane watch are in effect along the northern coast, from west of Puerto Plata westward to Monte Cristo, and along the southern coast from west of Isla Saona to Santo Domingo. Bahamas: A hurricane watch remains in effect for the southeastern Bahamas, including the Acklins, Crooked Island, the Inaguas, Mayaguana, and the Ragged Islands. Turks and Caicos: A hurricane watch is in effect. A hurricane warning means that hurricane conditions are expected within the warning area within the next 24 hours. A hurricane watch means that hurricane conditions are possible within the watch area within the next 36 hours. Haiti: Tropical storm conditions are likely along the North Coast.

USAID Response

In anticipation of Hurricane Jeanne USAID/OFDA/LAC has deployed a USAID/OFDA/LAC consultant to the Dominican Republic and a team is assembled to deploy to the Bahamas to assist post in preparation and possible assessment of damage.