From supermarkets to hardware stores, gas stations to liquor stores, long queues of shoppers in a hurry to gather last-minute supplies were an unmistakable sign a storm is on the horizon.
The week-long shopping frenzy was sparked by news of Tropical Storm Ian, which has been becoming stronger with each passing day, as it makes its way through the eastern Caribbean towards Cayman.
Local and regional forecasters expect Ian to become a hurricane by 2am Monday, 26 Sept., mere hours before its course brings it to the vicinity of Cayman.
Cayman Compass staff took to the streets to document the activity.
Mid-day traffic left consumers frustrated, as what would normally be moderate levels of traffic were worsened by additional shoppers bustling to and from stores.
In several locations, the foot traffic was equal to a miniature gridlock, forcing residents to be more discerning about what items were really essential.
“Well, we are here to look for torches… then we go to Kirk Home Centre and of course, we can’t forget the wine,” said Lucy Abbey, who together with her friend, was shopping for battery-powered lights at hardware store A. L. Thompson’s.
On the opposite side of the home department store’s parking lot, pickup truck after pickup truck could be seen leaving with plywood and other pieces of lumber.
“We are preparing for the storm,” said Raheem of Top Choice Roofing. “We [are] helping everybody board up windows.”
At Priced Right, customers could be seen purchasing numerous cases of water, non-perishable foods, and several assortments of snacks.
“I can’t get about very easily, so I didn’t get the chance to go get my shopping done,” Venice Johnson told the Compass.
Johnson said while in previous years she would normally shop in advance of hurricane season, transportation issues prevented her from being able to stock up until the last minute.
Her plight is one that North Side MP Jay Ebanks says plagues several members of his community.
So on Friday afternoon, Ebanks took matters into his own hands and stocked up on tarpaulins, plywood, and other supplies which he says were for his community.
“Some are in need of shutters on their homes, so I am putting a crew together to go out… and help the elderly and shutter up the homes of anyone who needs it most,” said Ebanks.
Ian’s actual impact on Cayman is yet to be seen, but preparation is a must for many, and they would rather prepare for the worst and hope for the best.
For the latest information on storm activity in the Cayman Islands, as well as information on how to prepare for hurricane season, visit Storm Centre.
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