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.
A tropical depression in the Atlantic Ocean is likely to become the first hurricane of the season in a few days, according to the US National Hurricane Center.
“On the forecast track, the system should be approaching the Lesser Antilles late this week,” the centre said this afternoon, Monday, 19 June.
“Some strengthening is forecast, and the depression is forecast to become a hurricane in a few days.”
This will bring the risk of flooding from heavy rainfall, hurricane force winds and dangerous storm surge waves, it continued.
The centre said it is too early to specify the location and magnitude of where these hazards could occur.
However, it warned people in the Lesser Antilles, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands to closely monitor updates and have hurricane plans in place.
The Cayman Islands National Weather Service in its 11:50am forecast stated that this storm poses no immediate threat to Cayman at this time.
The depression is forecast to strengthen to a tropical storm this evening and to a hurricane during Wednesday evening or Thursday morning as it reaches the eastern Caribbean.
It is moving at a speed of 18 knots (21 mph) with maximum sustained wind speeds of 30 knots (35 mph) and gusts to 40 knots (46 mph).
The Cayman Islands government advises residents to prepare early for storms by doing the following:
- Come to a decision about where you will shelter during a storm.
- Ensure that travel documents and insurance policies are up to date.
- Place all vital documents in a waterproof ‘grab and go’ container.
- Service your generator if you have one.
- Check your hurricane shutters.
- Remove debris from the yard and trim back trees.
- Store non-perishable food and water.
More details on what to do in the event of a storm can be found on the government’s website along with details of shelters in your area.
The Compass will publish updates on this weather disturbance as more information becomes available.
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