Beach day in quiet St James

WESTERN BUREAU:

Except for bouts of showers throughout Tuesday, it was almost a normal day in St James as Tropical Storm Rafael passed the island.

Several tourists were out on the popular Jimmy Cliff Boulevard in downtown Montego Bay, seemingly unperturbed by the rain, which was the only visible effect of the tropical storm.

There were no reports of shelters being opened or of any citizens being evacuated from flood-prone areas.

Although some flights were cancelled, the Sangster International Airport remained open.

Milton Russell, who operates the Snappaz Restaurant in proximity to the Whitehouse fishing beach, was a relieved man when The Gleaner spoke to him.

“We are relieved, obviously ... . I knew we would get rain, so naturally that would impact business. But I am happy that we were spared the brunt of what was expected three days ago,” he said.

Joseph Ross, a Jamaican living overseas who returned to visit Montego Bay prior to Rafael’s arrival, was happy the storm did not prevent him from enjoying the local beaches.

“I decided that I was not going to let this tropical storm stop me from coming and enjoying a beautiful day like today [Tuesday]. Montego Bay has not been affected adversely, so it was possible for me to come out and continue my routine of enjoying all the benefits that the beach has to offer,” said Ross.

While the tropical storm warning was lifted by midday, Montego Bay Mayor Richard Vernon urged residents to remain vigilant as a flash flood warning was still active.

“Nonetheless, we have not received any reports of flooding, landslides or infrastructural damage, and we continue to take precautionary measures,” said Vernon. “We are just monitoring things, but there is nothing major to report.”

christopher.thomas@gleanerjm.com