An epic traffic jam in San Juan, Puerto Rico may be the most memorable event associated with the passing of Hurricane Earl through the Caribbean this week -- caused by the government's decision to shut down in midafternoon ahead of the storm. In a way it's a relief: no deaths have been associated with Earl, which downed trees, flooded some waterfront homes and businesses, knocked out power, and sunk boats in Tortola and elsewhere. Notably, Bomba's Surfside Shack in Tortola -- home of the island's famous full moon parties -- was partly washed out (though still standing). But this is why they build such rough structures on Caribbean beaches, so they can easily be rebuilt. We expect Bomba to be back open and collecting women's underwear for display in the rafters in no time.
The U.S. and British Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico, Anguilla, and Antigua seemed to bear most of the brunt of Earl; if you've got any further information on storm damage in the islands please let me know and I will pass it along!