News
Preparedness urged as Tropical Storm Ian Approaches
The Cayman Islands remains under a Hurricane Warning today Sunday 25 September, as weather conditions are expected to begin deteriorating within the next 24 hours. Overcast skies with widespread thunderstorms are expected today, with tropical storm conditions late into the night and possible hurricane conditions early Monday morning as the system nears the Cayman Islands. As the system moves more west of the Cayman Islands, tropical storm force winds with possible hurricane force gusts are expected for Grand Cayman by early Monday morning. Extremely rough seas accompanied by storm surge are also expected. Swells generated by Ian will spread into the Cayman area later today.
The Sister Islands are expected to experience similar conditions, but have a lower chance of experiencing storm force winds based on the current forecast track.
Marine warnings are in effect for the Cayman Islands, with anticipated wave heights of six to eight feet, and storm surge of two to four feet.
Forecasts show two to four inches of rainfall over the next 72 hours, thus triggering flood warnings for the Cayman Islands. Persons living in low-lying areas are strongly encouraged to seek shelter on higher ground.
The following shelters on Grand Cayman open today Sunday 25 September at 2pm:
o Sir John A. Cumber Primary School
o John Gray High School (Pet friendly)
o Bodden Town Primary School
o Clifton Hunter High School (Pet friendly)
o East End Civic Centre
o Cayman Islands Red Cross shelter (opens at 4pm)
For the Sister Islands, the Aston Rutty Civic Centre in Cayman Brac and the Little Cayman Shelter will be open from 8am. The Noah’s Ark Animal Shelter will also be in Cayman Brac for persons who require lodging for pets.
Each of the shelters mentioned above also serves as a designated Emergency Medical Centre. Persons attending shelters are reminded to bring adequate food, water and personal hygiene supplies with them. They should also have all important documentation in their possession in a watertight container. Also, persons who require special assistance should be accompanied by a caregiver.
Stay informed by visiting gov.ky or caymanprepared.gov.ky.
