Saturday, August 27, 2011

Saturday night - Wishing everyone a safe and restful night.

Saturday night - Wishing everyone a safe and restful night.

FYI...I will most likely lose power tomorrrow (a.m. or p.m. - not sure)  for several days and will  be unable to post new information.

I kindly ask all of you to post (comment) to this post any information you have regarding people on Cat Island, their homes, infrastructure, photos, contact information, etc..   Your efforts are greatly appreciated by those on Cat Island and abroad. 

Thank you and good night.
Ginger

Sister Eileen requesting information on friends in New Bight.

From a comment:  Has anyone been in contact with or know how the following people in New Bight are???

Sister Eileen Kelly has sent you a link to a blog:
Like Y.Cartwright, I'd like to ask about Rosie's family and Queenie's...I lived with them in NewBight for 9 yrs. How did HolyRedeemer Church do in 'Irene'? S.Eileen

Woman requesting information on family members/friends???

If anyone has information regarding the following people would you kindly place a comment to Ms. Cartwright?  Thank you!

1 comments:


Anonymous said...
This is Yvonne Cartwright in Freeport, does anyone update on Rosie & Sean Mckinney, Bernadette Lightbourne, Dwaine Adderley & family (New Bight) and the Harris family in Knowles? We aren't to reach them by phone, so an update will be very reassuring. Thank you To all the residents of Cat Island, we must thank God that no life was lost!

BEC (Bahamas Electricity Corp) update!

Following is information on electricity (BEC) on Cat Island and throughout the Bahamas via the Tribune:

Many homes still without electricity

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Most of the utility poles and power lines like this one in Cat Island were badly damaged or destroyed. (Photo: Felipe Major/Tribune)
Most of the utility poles and power lines like this one in Cat Island were badly damaged or destroyed. (Photo: Felipe Major/Tribune)
Published On:Saturday, August 27, 2011
By CELESTE NIXON
Tribune Staff Reporter
cnixon@tribunemedia.net
TEN per cent of New Providence was still without electricity this morning, according to BEC officials.
According to a statement released by the corporation early Saturday morning, restoration efforts in New Providence and the Family Islands is in full progress.
It said: "Teams  worked overnight in an effort to restore supply to the 10% of customers who remain without service."
On Thursday afternoon, BEC crews were dispatched around the capital to began assessment and restoration of supplies to customers.
Spokeswoman Arnette Ingraham said there are pockets of areas and individual residences that are still without electricity.
Beginning Saturday morning, BEC crews will be working to  restore electricity supply to a small number of customers in the following general areas:
Ridgeland Park, Chippingham, Rosebud Road, Quarry Mission Road, Bain Town, Nassau East, Fox Hill Rd, Seabreeze, Imperial Park, Tropical Gardens, Cordeaux Ave., West End Ave., Water Street, Lyon  Road, Lake View Road, Carl Drive, McCullough Corner, Perpall Tract, Sunderland Road, Kennedy Subdivison, Flamingo Heights, Gamble Heights, Bilney Lane, Shirley Slope, South Beach, Soldier Road, Faith Gardens, Pride Estates, Adelaide, Village Estates, McKinney Drive, and Lyford Cay
While crews are trying to restore supply to these areas, Ms Ingraham said the corporation is requesting the public to be patient.
BEC explained "that as areas and communities become re-energized there are  cases where residents in the same area or on the same streetmay not be restored at the same time.  In some cases, customers may be supplied by
different high voltage lines or receive supply from different transformers.  Moreover, there are a number of individual customer issues that require additional attention. BEC reminds customers of its restoration plan which is to restore  major substations (which has been completed), followed by different communities, and finally to handle
individual power related concerns."
In the Family Islands, BEC said electricity has been fully restored to Inagua, Great Harbour Cay, Rum Cay, Long Cay, North, Central and South Andros, Bimini and the majority of customers in Crooked Island.
Corporation officials said there are several islands where there was significant damage to BEC's "transmission and distribution networks" which include Abaco, Acklins, Cat Island, Crooked Island, Eleuthera, Exuma, Long Island and Mayaguana.
A technical team from New Providence is already on the ground in Cat Island; badly hit by Hurricane Irene. BEC officials are also expected to fly in to some of those hard hit islands today. Supplies and crew are on standby ready to begin restoring service to these areas.
Cpt Steven Russell, director of NEMA, said BEC is partnering with BTC and the Caribbean Regional Electricity Generation to coordinate restoration efforts for islands still without telephone and power.
He said in order for electricity and telephone services to be restored to areas such as Cat Island, downed and damaged utility polls will have to be replaced.
Cpt Russell said utility polls will have to be barged to the various islands, shipping them is very dependent on the weather and sea conditions which won't be possible until ocean conditions are calmer.
BEC encourages customers to call the Corporation's Customer Service Call Centre to report any problems or outages.
The contact numbers are: 302-1000, 302-1257, 302-1675, 322-4930 or 302-1001. For those without phone service, representatives are also available at BEC's Administration Office on Blue Hill and Tucker Roads until 4.30pm.

AIRPORT UPDATES THROUGHOUT THE BAHAMAS

FOLLOWING ARE AIRPORT UPDATES THROUGHOUT THE BAHAMAS INCLUDING CAT ISLAND via the Tribune.

Operations restored at most airports

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Published On:Saturday, August 27, 2011
By NOELLE NICOLLS
Tribune Staff Reporter
nnicolls@tribunemedia.net
MOST airports across the Bahamas sustained minimal damage from Hurricane Irene, enabling operations to be restored yesterday morning, said emergency officials.
The Lynden Pindling International Airport, the country's main gateway, was back in business from early Friday morning, accommodating passengers trying to leave the country.
Officials from the Nassau Airport Development Company (NAD) said the majority of the activity was at the US-departures section, where American Airlines, US Airways, Continental, Delta, Bahamas Air and Jet Blue were in operation. Air Tran did not operate flights yesterday, but they are expected to be up and running today.
Jet Blue and Bahamas Air officials were on site from as early as 8am to check in passengers. It was a Jet Blue aircraft that arrived at 9.01 as the first inbound flight from Fort Lauderdale. Jet Blue also had the first outbound flight, heading to Orlando at 10.25am. Most airlines were in talks with their head offices yesterday, working to restore regularly scheduled flights.
NAD officials are advising passengers to contact their airlines directly to confirm flight times and to reschedule where necessary.
As Hurricane Irene continues to threaten the East coast of the United States, passengers are advised to be mindful of potential airport closures in the US.
The major disruption reported at the LPIA was the closure of US Pre-clearance. Bahamian passengers were disgruntled about the closure, as they were unable to book flights at the airport without a US VISA. Ordinarily, Bahamians are able to travel with identification and a police record; however, airlines would not book passengers as a result of the US Pre-clearance closure.
Passengers claimed there were US Immigration officials "walking around the airport", which further upset them. NAD officials were in discussions with US officials yesterday, working out when US Pre-clearance would open.
Last night, it was announced that pre-clearance services will not available until tomorrow.
The airport said in a statement that post-clearance will continue to be in effect throughout the day today.
Bahamians who have plans to travel to the United States this morning with only a police record will not be able to travel, the statement warned.
Visas are required for all persons entering the US, where they will clear Immigration and Customs.
"United States Customs and Border Protection (USCBP) will restore full pre-clearance services as soon as their staff complement returns to normal levels.
"Updates will be provided as circumstances change. All passengers are asked to be patient with these new arrangements as these are unusual circumstances.
"Every effort is being made to have the US departures experience be as efficient and pleasant as possible," the statement said.
Three Abaco airports - Marsh Harbour, Treasure Cay and Moss Island - were out of service yesterday, as a result of Hurricane Irene, said Captain Patrick Rolle, Civil Aviation director. The Rum Cay airport was also closed, as aviation officials were not able to communicate with the island as of yesterday afternoon.
The Grand Bahama International Airport experienced major flooding, which covered the tarmac with water and debris, and caused minor water damage to the physical building. Both the international and domestic sections were affected by the flooding.
Captain Rolle said the airport staff were working to have operations restored this morning, around 7am. Although Cat Island experienced some "extreme damage", Captain Rolle said the damage at the airport was not enough to affect operations.
All of the other Family Island airports were open as of yesterday, said Captain Rolle. "We are grateful that considering everything that has happened most of the airports are intact and open," he said.

News from the Tribune

Following is an article from the Tribune:

 

Davis: Irene caused millions of dollars in damage to Cat Island

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Published On:Saturday, August 27, 2011
By TANEKA THOMPSON
Deputy Chief Reporter
tthompson@tribunemedia.net
RESIDENTS whose homes were destroyed by Hurricane Irene began picking up the pieces of their lives yesterday, sifting through debris and repairing roofs in a desperate bid to return to normalcy.
The Tribune toured portions of Cat island yesterday with a team led by area MP Philip 'Brave' Davis, and found dozens of homes either left uninhabitable, destroyed or with significant roof damage.
Mr Davis said Irene caused millions of dollars in damage to the island and has traumatised the nearly 1,800 inhabitants.
There was no power on the island up to 8pm last night. Snapped power lines and downed poles littered the streets making it difficult to manoeuvre around significant portions of the island.
"My stove gone, fridge gone, everything gone," said Doreen Farrington, a resident of The Lot in Orange Creek.
The unemployed mother spent several frightful hours holed up in her friend's home as Irene ripped through the two-story wooden structure, taking with it a portion of the house's eastern wall.
Shattered glass, portions of the home's roof and other household debris were strewn around the property when The Tribune visited yesterday. Miraculously, Ms Farrington and the other two people in the home during the storm were not seriously hurt.
She was just one of dozens of residents on that island who were trying to sort through the damage left behind by Irene and salvage precious personal belongings.
Many also complained that food and water they had stored was washed away by torrential rain and storm surges.
"It was very heartwarming to see that despite all of the physical damages we did not lose any lives," Mr Davis told The Tribune at the end of yesterday's assessment.
"The physical damage is substantial. . . What is concerning is not just the physical restoration. . . but the hurricane was a traumatic experience. A number of persons on the island are still in a daze from what they experienced".
Mr Davis, along with PLP leader Perry Christie, plan to return to Cat Island and visit Rum Cay, San Salvador, Acklins and other islands hurt by the tropical cyclone.

From the Palm Beach Post - photos

These photos are from the Palm Beach Post:


CAT ISLAND, BAHAMAS - A home, seriously damaged by the storm surge from Hurricane Irene, on Cat Island Friday. A group of Bahamian officials and journalists toured the island, the first people to visit the island since Irene  hit. 
CAT ISLAND, BAHAMAS - A home, seriously damaged by the storm surge from Hurricane Irene, on Cat Island Friday. A group of Bahamian officials and journalists toured the island, the first people to visit the island since Irene hit.
 
 
Lannis Waters/Palm Beach Post
CAT ISLAND, BAHAMAS - A home, seriously damaged


Two men make temporary repairs to the roof of a home damaged by Hurricane Irene, on Cat Island Friday.


UPDATES & a new blog for helping those on Cat Island

Hi everyone,  I have been out prepping the house for the hurricane hitting here tomorrow morning.  Sorry I haven't updated anything. 

I may lose power here tomorrow for a few days or more and hope that all of you are able to continue posting information for those on Cat Island and abroad.  Thank you so much for your efforts. 

Following is some updated information:

5 comments:


Karen Weaver said...
FYI - I just spoke with Sky Bahamas and they are flying today (Saturday) at their normal 3:45 PM time and are back on their "regular" schedule.
Anonymous said...
Video from the AP in Cat Island http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SBzjDiyceBg&feature=player_embedded#! Also: AP has published a story with some photos (one recognizably from Orange Creek), with info also on Periwinkles and owner Evelyn Burrows. See http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5h2Nx5KDt-B7zZ7McgInfHwgTcy 1w?docId=c6dc4652fa1f4490b06465bb73dc5e06 Finally, we've received news from Pigeon Cay and the north. Resort there sustained some damage but sounds like its not awful. Generally, in the north end of the island, its mostly cosmetic, vegetation, and water damage, so no need panic.............this is just going to take alot of work and man hours to clean up, and put the peices back together. **all homes intact at Pigeon Cay**, and pretty much same up north......expect power to be restored in the north within 2wks or less, as very few poles down........... It is clear the north fared far far better overall - our property even has a a beachfront palapa still standing.
Mike + Michele Fish said...
Hi has anyone heard how Leslie /Ned and the boys are doing, we hope they are okay as well as everyone else on this beautiful Island, Your friend in Canada are worry and hope all is well, our prayers and though go out you Cat Islander residences. Mike & Michele
zardiw said...
Mounting a relief effort: http://catislandhelp.blogspot.com/ z
Anonymous said...
Mike, We heard from Ned: Ned/Leslie and the boys are fine. Sounds like they had quite a night (Ned said it was a 'nightmare') but they are unharmed, some damage to their property apparently but it sounds like they fared OK.

AIRPORT INFORMATION & FLIGHTS!!!

AIRPORT INFORMATION & FLIGHTS!!!
Forwarding Comments:

Jim Roswell said...
Heard from Randy that the airport at Hawks Nest is clear. But should use caution and fly by first to inspect. I expect to fly down Sunday, noon. Will bring Bob Tilman and Cathy Benson. I understand from other people in Hawks Nest, that houses on the beach did OK, not much damage. Hawks Nest there was a lot of damage. Jim Roswell

Anonymous said...

Arthur's Town airport is open

MATT HALVORSON said...

We have 3 people who are interested in getting down to the island to help. We can help with flight costs. Anyone headed that way with room? Thanks, Matt & Sooner Halvorson

Comments coming in including updated HAWK'S NEST INFO

Forwarding comments:  Glad to hear that the blog is helping people.  Thanks.

(JR, I'm glad to hear that Randy & your dog are safe, as well as those in Devil's Point area)

4 comments:

Anonymous said...
GINGER ..... THANKS FOR DOING THIS BLOG. IT'S BEEN A BIG HELP TO A LOT OF PEOPLE. IT'S ALLOWED US TO FEEL INFORMED AND INVOLVED EVEN THOUGH WE'RE HUNDREDS OF MILES AWAY. THE KOREENS
Anonymous said...
Hi Ginger, J.R. here! I think Cat Island in General faired well, considering the winds were clocked @145mph. Randy stayed at the apt. the ceiling caved in while he was in the house and lost the dog, she ended up returning after the storm. He was able to seek shelter. Lost living room & everything in Jes-Sea's room. Sucks since we just got it renovated. The point house roof came completely off and is in the front yard. Pretty sure we are going to bulldoze it down. Of course all fences, trees down. Good ol clubhouse and hotel rooms made it thru/ thank goodness we just replaced the sliding glass doors, they held up well. Airstrip is great! Most neighbors flying in tomorrow. Joe and I already shopping for supplies and flying out soon, with Bossman in tow. MY wonderful office not touched! Had internet and internet phone immediately flowing the storm. Everyone in Devils Point is fine. No houses destroyed or person's hurt. Regular hurricane damage, trees, shingles, leaks. 50 power poles down b/w HN & New Bight. Flamingo Bay did good as well, Jerry and Donna just visited me in FL, Chris & Kristi stayed at there house ( the ones running the golfcourse project). Marina docks damaged but nothing we can't repair by November. ALL BOATS DOCKED AT HAWK'S NEST HAD MINIMAL/WIND DAMAGE. WHAT A GREAT SAFE PLACE TO RIDE OUT A HURRICANE!!!! WE WILL BE READY FOR WAHOO FISHING IN NO TIME!!! CHEERS HAWKS NEST MANAGER
 
Anonymous said...
this is Tom and Carol Walsh - have house in Greenwood down the road from Greenwood resort just before R & L. Any word regarding the houses down that way. Also looking for info regarding other homes near Gili. Looking to see also how some friends of our are - Carlto and Joan and their children, Mr. Zonicle and Sheila out of Port Howe. PLEASE PLEASE advise us if there is anything that we can do to help. Our love and best wishes are with everyone on the island.
Anonymous said...
This is Bruce Leeth. We just built the green home in Port Howe not far from Daisy Mae and next door to Mirian Storr. Can anyone give us any information on that area? Also wondering about Carl Pinder and Steve Bonaby...are they ok? Thanks

Friday, August 26, 2011

Friday night & wishing everyone a safe and restful night.

Just want to wish those in the Bahamas and those about to be hit in the U.S. a safe and restful night. 

Thank you to all of you who have helped gather and post information. 

Good night.

Any information regarding OLD BIGHT CHILDREN'S HOME???

Forwarded comment:

1 comments:


Anonymous said...
Has anyone information on the Children's Home at Old Bight?
Following are some photos coming from the Fernandez Bay Village Official site on Facebook.  Thankfully, everyone that stayed on Fernandez Bay is fine including the dogs Pacer and Benni!

These photos were taken at Fernandez Bay, which is in the middle of the island on the west side close to the New Bight Airport.







Any Orange Creek, Cat Island information????

Forwarding comment:

1 comments:


Anonymous said...
Any word from Orange Creek?

NEW BIGHT AIRPORT

We know that Cat Island Air landed an Aztec at the New Bight Airport today.  Not sure what time.  It is stated that the runway is good to land on, however, the buildings have major damage or are destroyed.  Vague info on that part. 

We have had contact with Devon Seymour on the island and he describes that the people are o.k. (he is in the south of the island) and also that the roads from Hawk's Nest to New Bight are somewhat passable.  There is definitely debris but he was able to maneuvre around it.  He also states that the New Bight Food Market (otherwise known as Candy's) was NOT destroyed, however, the apartments across from the food store have damage.  GOOD NEWS:  The dock at Smith's Bay, formerly reported to be destroyed, is definitely damaged, but NOT destroyed.  In other words, it appears that a boat/barge could unload supplies when weather permits. 

For those of you with relatives on Cat in the south part, Devon Seymour and family are fine, Linda Rolle and boys are fine.  Devon did say that as much as he knows everyone is safe in the south part where he was (Hawk's Nest to New Bight). 

Again, thank you for your posts...we rely on them for information.  Keep them coming!

Any word on friends, furry and otherwise???

Following are people trying to get word on safety of friends, furry and otherwise.  Karen...I will comment that I read on Facebook that someone had talked to Gabbi and they were all fine there in Shanna's Cove.  Ginger

Karen Weaver said...
Does anyone have information on Frank and Gabby at Shanna's cove and Dave and Patti Theisen. This is Karen Weaver (their neighbor). I only have land lines for them. Glad to hear Nick is OK. Does anyone have cell phone numbers for them?

thanks for all of the updates!

Anonymous said...

Can anyone check Port Howe and see how PC my dog is ? Tanny is caring for him...Are Kevin's apartments still there? thanks for any news on this...
Virginia.

Anonymous said...

easiest way to reach me is email

lovieperkins@aol.com

MEDICAL CLINICS, EMERGENCY MEDICAL SUPPLIES???

Hello everyone.

Does anyone know the condition of the medical clinics on the island and what supplies are needed for the people in the next week or more? 

If you can assist us with this information please leave a comment.  Thanks. 

Any info on the Dome House at Greenwood?

I am forwarding this post. 

1 comments:


Anonymous said...
HELLO ANONYMOUS ...... WE ARE THE DOME DWELLERS NEXT DOOR TO R&L. WHEN YOU WERE WITH R DID YOU GET A LOOK AT OUR DOME PROPERTY NEXT DOOR. WE'RE WONDERING HOW IT LOOKS. WE'D APPRECIATE NEWS FROM ANYONE WHO'S SEEN OUR PLACE. THANKS. THE KOREENS

CHAIN SAWS NEEDED!

From the last post it is evident that there are just not enough chain saws to clear the debris off the roads.   The roads will need to be cleared for people to get medical and other aid throughout the island.  I understand BEC and the people of Cat Island are doing all they can with what they have. 

If anyone can help please let us know.
Please comment if you have any further information on this.  Thanks.

BEC, Baintown, Chris at Greenwood

This is a forwarded email I just received:  (I wish Chris a safe flight off the island and a speedy recovery...our thoughts are with you) 

Many accidents happen AFTER the hurricane while cleaning and removing debris.  If you are on Cat Island please spread the word to others to use extreme caution.  We understand everyone is exhausted physically and emotionally.

Just heard from Cat.  BEC  having trouble clearing the roads because they do not have any chain saws.  The locals are all out doing the best with cutless's.  Chris Illing apparenly has hurt his eye pretty badly & his wife Lisa is having him Medivac'd out.  It took all morning for him to get to the airport.  Bainstown is pretty bad most all the homes have damage, Harvey, Sheila, Pedro & their families all are in need of help with their homes.

New Bight, Port Howe, Hawk's Nest info

2 comments:


Anonymous said...
.New Bight police station/admin building destroyed.........Candy's grocery destroyed.......Hawksnest destroyed........Extensive damage in Port Howe Smith Bay dock is gone so no ships coming
Ginger said...
Thanks for your comment. Could you please tell us more about the destruction ie: the type of damage the buildings received...buildings flattened, roof's blown off, or windows blown out? We did get second/third hand information from Randy at Hawk's Nest and understood that only his house (part of roof off) and the marina (major dock damage) incurred major damage. Also understood that the newer homes at Hawk's Nest Community seemed to not have noticeable major damage. Will hopefully learn more later today. Please keep us posted. Thanks,

Comments on infrastructure island wide including Hawk's Nest airstrip

Again, I am reposting these comments so they are not missed as you would need to "click" on them otherwise.  Sorry for the redundancy.

2 comments:


Anonymous said...
The roof is off the police station in Arthurs Town far north. The Administrators roof is gone on his house up north. . Several rooms damaged at Greenwood Resort on the southeast side of the island. Their trees are down. The house next door to the resort has its roof gone. Power lines are down everywhere according to the Nassau Guardian. I know the power is off. If poles are laying in the road then no one will be able to get around until the electric company gets them picked up. Una's daughter leaving Cat tomorrow morning, so maybe I will get a phone call from Nassau. When and if I do, I will advise what I know. Writing from Greenwood. We are OK. Roy’s house held up but pretty scary. Probably 135-140 wind right on us for hours. Major destruction everywhere. Got to our house through deep water, following Roy, to check on house this AM. Guests are fine and worked all night picking up rugs and mopping water. Lots of leaks and water inside. Windows held but not the roof. Lost whole section over Oceanside guest room. Sips panels there and black paper- steel is all over the circle and driveway. Big cooker upended. Trinka and generator stayed in place. Still blowing about 50 this AM and then roads too flooded to get b ack today. Maybe tomorrow. Water came all over yard. All sand now. Nearly all foliage totally gone. A few palms standing. All trees in circle split off and down. Major mess. Must call Dave at 305-240=4919 to let him know Erica is OK. Have no idea when she will get out, but she will call from Miami whenever she gets there. May be several days or even a week. Make sure he understands this was the biggest to ever hit and it’s serious. All trees and electric poles are all over roads and not likely to get fixed anytime soon. Probably no power for weeks or months. Call Morty’s parents at 570-254-6242 . They are fine but don’t know when they will get out. Call Miriams parents at 410-358-2938 . Same message. They have been fantastic. Sharron and Adrian from Old Bight- house is fine and so are they. E-mail daughter in England at kimberlyfay@btinternet.com. The rainbow house is gone. Roof off and all walls but stone one down. Rubble. Salvaged a few photos. You should call Jack and Cathy with the bad news. Cheney’s house is gone. Roof and walls out in the road along with power poles and debris. Gili survived but noy without damage. Greenwood has damage to rooms, but main room OK. Palms all down all over. Looks like a battleground. You just can’t imagine it. Smith Bay dock is gone so no ships coming. Airport flooded and roofs off but hope to get a med evac chopper in and maybe let some private planes in. This only communication for now. If I can get to house tomorrow will try to get dish up, but don’t count on it. We’re a wasteland and I am just sick to my stomach with all the destruction. Will be months and months to restore order. Need to think up a plan for roof temporary or something. Love from both of us, will communicate when we can. Una and erica BRUCE ALBRO We just called Debbie Armbrister who works for us about the situation on Cat Island (10:45 Thursday) her roof is gone and her car is in several feet of water. At least the cell phone works. Most damage is water damage. Post Office roof is off. She can’t update more because all the roads are flooded. The storm should be over by three this afternoon. Update from Nick Cripps (11:00 Thursday) Horrible. Worst thing he has been through in his life! Never imagined that anything could be that bad. At least the cell phone works We will keep in contact with Nick LATER L C
Jim Roswell said...
Heard from Randy that the airport at Hawks Nest is clear. But should use caution and fly by first to inspect. I expect to fly down Sunday, noon. Will bring Bob Tilman and Cathy Benson. I understand from other people in Hawks Nest, that houses on the beach did OK, not much damage. Hawks Nest there was a lot of damage. Jim Roswell