Hurricane Omar bashes Bay Road, Frigate Bay Strip

By Stanford Conway & Lakesha Hewlett
Editor-in-Chief & Editor-SKNVibes.com

BASSETERRE, St. Kitts - THOUGH there was no reported loss of life or limb, Hurricane Omar has caused significant damage to both public and private properties in St. Kitts and had made a number of thoroughfares temporarily impassable, especially on the western corridor of the island.

This morning, after the passage of Hurricane Omar which hit the Federation between late last evening and early this morning (Oct. 16), employees of the Ministry of Works were busy clearing sections of the Bay Road of sand and other debris that prevented the flow of vehicular traffic and hindered pedestrian’s movement.

On a visit to the Bay Road, SKNVibes found that sand, almost two to three feet high, had covered the thoroughfare and excavators were seen loading tons of it and debris into the trays of a long line of trucks.

Many residents of the area were also seen shovelling huge amounts of sand from within their water-logged homes and yards, while an elderly woman residing next to the Basseterre Police Station complained of the strong wind throwing down her fence. She was however thankful for life and noted that no other damage to her property was experienced.      

Meanwhile, The Strip, a popular hangout spot on Frigate Bay Beach, received a watery lash from Omar which heaved large amounts of sand from the coastline onto the bars and connecting road.

Though some of the wooden structures, including Ziggy’s and Inon’s, received minor structural damage, Shiggidy Shack faired a little worse.

Along with the sand pile up, Mr. X’s Restaurant had damaged tables strewn about and some of his water equipment - Jet Skis - washed onto the field adjacent to the beach area. Timothy Beach Hotel also suffered losses. This entertainment spot lost some of its beachfront restaurant’s awning and the jetty nearby was completely destroyed by the storm swells.

Hundreds of curious citizens patrolled the water-damaged area this morning following the storm’s retreat, reminiscent of the crowds that normally flock the venue on Friday nights.

Water from the adjacent pond spilled its banks and caused minor flooding and swamp-like conditions in its immediate environs.

Clean up efforts were already underway by midmorning as owners and staff shovelled mountains of wet sand and removed debris from the open bars’ floors.

~~Adz:Left~~