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.
The National Weather Service has warned of heavy rains and potential flooding starting Thursday night, with a tropical wave expected to enter the western Caribbean.
The wave, the NWS said, is supporting rainy weather conditions and bringing possible thundershowers over the Cayman Islands from Thursday, 20 June, through Saturday, 22 June, with rain spreading mainly over Grand Cayman.
“The Cayman Islands National Weather Service advises that higher-than-normal tides are expected, leading to possible saltwater intrusion in areas that have historically been impacted by “king tides”. The higher tides and rainfall associated with the tropical wave will pose a risk of flooding across the Cayman Islands,” the bulletin warned.
The Cayman Islands Humane Society has issued an urgent appeal for assistance to evacuate the animals at the shelter Thursday and Friday “due to impending weather and anticipated flooding”.
“If you can provide a safe place for a dog, puppies, cat, or kittens to ride out the storm, please visit the shelter or call 949-1461,” the Humane Society said on its Facebook page.
It suggested volunteers bring a carrier if they have one, especially for cats.
It also reminded that ideally, cats should be kept “for approximately 2 weeks to avoid additional stress”.
The weather service, in its evening update Thursday, said rainfall is expected to be 1 to 1.5 inches over the next 36 hours, primarily over Grand Cayman.
“Conditions are expected to improve, with a gradual decrease in cloudiness and showers from Saturday morning. Southeasterly winds will continue throughout the weekend, leading to moderate to fresh winds and rough seas until Friday, 21 June,” it added.
Previously, it said models suggested that 0.5 to 1 inch of rain could be expected over Grand Cayman on Thursday, and less than 0.5 inch on the Sister Islands.
On Friday, however, from 0.5 inch to 1.5 inches of rain can be expected over Grand Cayman and 0.5 inch to 1 inch of rain over the Sister Islands.
Less than half an inch of rain is projected for Saturday for both Grand Cayman and the Sister Islands.
The rainy weather follows severe flooding earlier this month that led to the Cayman Islands Regiment stepping in to assist with dropping off children after school.
The Cayman Islands can also expect southeasterly winds at 15-20 knots with rough seas for Friday, according to the latest bulletin.
A small craft advisory will be in effect, it added.
The outlook for the weekend is a decrease in cloudiness and showers along with moderate winds and seas from Saturday morning as the tropical wave crosses the western Caribbean.
“Higher than normal tides are expected leading to possible saltwater intrusion in areas that have historically been impacted by king tides. The higher tides and rainfall associated with the tropical wave will pose a risk of flooding across Cayman Islands from Friday evening through Saturday morning,” the NWS said.
“Members of the public are encouraged to remain vigilant and be prepared,” the bulletin advised.
Important contacts:
Hazard Management Cayman Islands Call Centre: 949-6555;
Emergency Services: 911
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