Hurricane Paloma Update: 7:30 pm

9 November 2008

From Hazard Management Cayman Islands’ Joint Communications Service

Key messages:

Weather conditions improved sufficiently to allow the ALL CLEAR to be issued for the Sister Islands at 7pm this evening. The ALL CLEAR for Grand Cayman was issued earlier today.
A curfew is in place on Cayman Brac from 6pm this evening to 6am tomorrow.
This afternoon’s focus has been on relieving and strengthening key first responder areas, particularly medical, police, and fire services.
Assessment and efforts currently underway indicate that the Gerrard Smith Airport should be able to accommodate jet aircraft traffic some time tomorrow. This will be vital in moving supplies and people, including those who will temporarily wish to relocate.
Arrangements are underway for critical supplies and personnel to be moved to the Sister Islands tomorrow. These include basic foods, water and tarpaulins.
CUC representatives will be on hand to assist Brac Power and Light in assessing requirements for power restoration.

After the all clear was given on Grand Cayman, residents were collecting their cars parked on high ground through out the day. Photo: Shurna Robbins

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Elected officials and representatives of various ministries and government agencies will also take part in the assessment process.
Over Grand Cayman tonight, winds will remain north-northwesterly at 15-20 mph with higher gusts. Rough seas are expected mainly along the north coast through the night.

Advice to local population:

Sister Islands residents should adhere to the curfew because the lack of power and street lighting, plus extensive property damage creates dangerous conditions. These pose major risks and post-event injuries can present a greater threat than the event itself.
All shelters on Grand Cayman are now closed.
Owen Roberts International Airport has re-opened, and passengers should check with their airlines for flight information.
RCIPS officers are on patrol on Grand Cayman. Criminality will be dealt with robustly.
All generators, regardless of size, must be operated outside.
Any sand washed onto the roads should not be removed.
All residents should stay tuned to local news media for updates.

Storm position:

At 4pm Paloma, still a category four hurricane was crossing eastern Cuba. It was located near 20.5 N and 78.5 W, or 100 miles east-northeast of Cayman Brac.
Paloma is moving east-northeast near 10 mph, with maximum sustained winds of 145 mph.