The Cayman Islands tropical storm warning and hurricane watch has been lifted.
Drivers had to work around flooded roads throughout Grand Cayman Wednesday. Photo: Tammie C. Chisholm |
They have been replaced with a Severe Weather Advisory issued by theCayman Islands National Weather Service. The public should continue to closely monitor this weather information through the local media.
Hurricane Wilma continues to move away from Grand Cayman in a west-northwesterly direction near 7mph, and forecasters expect a turn toward the northwest within the next 24 hours.
Hurricane Wilma is currently 176 miles southwest of Grand Cayman. The closest point of approach occurred between 5 and 6am today, with the storm some 170 miles south-southwest of Grand Cayman.
Although the current forecast now indicates that the island is no longer threatened by tropical storm force winds, heavy showers are still expected to move across the area. Nine to 12 foot waves are anticipated along the south and west coasts. Flooding could become a problem in these areas.
Grand Cayman is experiencing winds of 25-35 mph, blowing from the east to southeast with higher gusts. These winds will gradually decline throughout today. The Cayman Islands can expect rainfall of 4-6 inches throughout the day, going into tomorrow. Residents who live in areas prone to flooding should take the necessary precautions.
While Hurricane Wilma continues to move away from our area, and the threat of a direct impact is now removed, weather conditions throughout the remainder of today will remain extremely unpleasant with heavy rains accompanied by gusty winds. These are not ideal conditions for the public to be moving about and the NHC strongly urges the public to stay indoors and off the roads unless it is absolutely essential to travel.
In turn, government offices on Grand Cayman will remain closed for today. All essential services including the Royal Cayman Islands Police, the Fire Services, the Emergency Medical Services and 9-1-1 are, and will remain, fully operational.
The NHC strongly suggests that only those businesses who consider it absolutely essential to open, particularly due to international obligations, consider doing so, and that in turn only essential staff should be brought in.
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