Road closures along the waterfront and in West Bay have been extended through to Wednesday as rough sea conditions persist in the Cayman Islands.
Schools across all three islands, however, are set to open as normal on Wednesday, according to Department of Education Services Director Mark Ray.
Ray, in a brief statement Tuesday evening, said, following the latest weather update from the National Weather Service and assessments by the Department of Education Services Facilities Unit, “the Ministry of Education advises that all educational institutions will reopen.”
Schools were ordered closed Tuesday morning as weather conditions deteriorated and some roads were unpassable.
“Government schools will contact parents and guardians of students in areas affected by ongoing road closures to discuss alternative arrangements for bus pick-up and drop-off,” Ray said in his statement.
Several communities across all three islands were impacted by the high winds and sea surges that rendered some roadways dangerous as debris littered thoroughfares.
The RCIPS, in a statement Tuesday evening, said roads will remain closed as inclement weather conditions continue.
North West Point Road, in the vicinity of Cracked Conch restaurant; the junction of North West Point Road/Town Hall Road; Eastern Avenue/North Church Street; Bodden Road; Mary Street; and Boilers Road are all closed until further notice.
“Road work will commence Wednesday, 7 February, once the weather conditions have subsided and it comes safe to do so. The public is being reminded to avoid these coastal areas as best as possible [as these areas] are still unsafe. An update will be provided once these areas have been made safe,” the RCIPS said.
Meanwhile, the National Weather Service, through its latest severe weather bulletin, extended a marine warning into Wednesday as sea conditions are expected to continue.
“Marine conditions are forecasted to be extremely rough. A marine warning remains in effect through to tomorrow morning. All marine vessels should remain in safe harbor until further notice,” it said.
Waves heights are expected to be 8 to 10 feet Tuesday night, dropping to 7 to 9 feet Wednesday.
A further decline in waves heights is expected Wednesday afternoon with 5-7 feet waves forecast and 4-6 feet waves by evening.
Strong to near-gale-force winds are expected to persist with northwest to north winds at 20 to 25 knots, with higher gusts, expected Tuesday evening.
There is an expected reduction in winds Wednesday.
The Red Cross shelter in George Town opened its doors to residents in need of assistance Tuesday as severe weather continued to impact the Cayman Islands. The shelter has since been closed.
In the latest update from the government’s Strategic Coordination Group Tuesday evening, it stated that the cold front that was followed by high barometric pressure has begun to move away from the Cayman Islands.
“High pressure continues to cause strong-to-gale-force winds and the public is strongly urged to stay away from coastlines and avoid venturing out to sea as a marine warning remains in effect for the Cayman Islands. Weather conditions are expected to continue to improve overnight,” the statement said.
Hazard Management Cayman Islands Director Danielle Coleman, in an audio statement Tuesday evening, said her team is working with the Public Works Department, Planning Department, National Roads Authority and other government entities to conduct initial assessments of all critical infrastructure, including the schools.
“We really want to encourage everyone to stay away from coastlines as marine warnings remain into effect until [Wednesday]. Several of our roadways are still closed, but our emergency responders are working to clear them in order to allow for the reopening of schools and businesses Wednesday,” she added.
Coleman said while police will be on hand to guide motorists the public is being advised to plan ahead to avoid delays and follow officers’ instructions.
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