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With the threat of severe weather and potential tropical cyclone 9 on Monday, Cayman residents and government agencies kicked into preparation mode ahead of anticipated heavy rainfall.
From filling sandbags for flood mitigation to clearing drains and checking water lines, Cayman stepped up efforts as the community braced for serious weather impacts.
The system was about 98 miles south-southwest of Grand Cayman, moving north at 7 miles per hour, according to the US National Hurricane Center’s Monday night advisory. The maximum sustained winds were at 30 mph.
As the island awaited the expected downpour, personnel from the Cayman Islands Regiment, Public Works Department and National Housing Development Trust were filling hundreds of sandbags in locations around the island on Monday morning.
Regiment Captain Gabe Rabess was overseeing sandbag filling off the roundabout at the intersection of Linford Pierson Highway and Bobby Thompson Way.
“The bags are free for the public to come and pick up, and we’re encouraging them to come along and get involved with filling and tying the bags as well as taking what they need,” he told the Cayman Compass.
Workers at the site said they expected to fill around 500 sandbags during the day, with 100 sandbags earmarked for distribution to government housing in and around Windsor Park, George Town, and Apple Blossom in West Bay.
By the West Bay Fire Station, at one of the six free sandbag-filling locations, bags were piled up waiting for collection with shovels available to use.
One South Sound resident, who said he worked at Camana Bay, used his lunch hour to grab a couple of bags of sand for his property.
Though he said he did not think the weather would be as bad as many are anticipating, he wanted to be ready for anything.
“I think we’re gonna get some [rain] overnight, but I don’t think we’re gonna get as much as people were worried about, but I like to be safe and [not] sorry with my home, so I want to protect it,” he said.
Also on Monday, Cayman Water staff checked water lines in West Bay.
National Roads Authority crews, from Sunday, have gone into areas, including Party Lane, Birch Avenue and Orange Drive in Prospect, clearing clogged drains and covered culverts, and pumping standing water.
Opposition Leader and George Town East MP Roy McTaggart, whose constituency includes the flood-prone community of Randyke Gardens, said in preparation for the inclement weather, the culvert in South Sound had been opened and cleared of debris.
This, he said, “is so that water that accumulates in Randyke will drain into the sea”.
He said in addition, the NRA had installed two large pumps and deep wells in Randyke.
“The pumps will remove the rain water and deposit it in the deep wells. I encourage everyone to take all necessary precautions to secure their homes and other property, and listen out for periodic updates,” McTaggart told the Compass Monday afternoon.
The Mosquito Research and Control Unit urged residents to clear their surroundings to prevent stagnant water, which encourages mosquito breeding.
Kevin Watler, MRCU public education outreach officer, told the Compass on Monday that disease prevention officers “have already detected increased mosquito larvae in waterlogged areas, and despite the MRCU’s proactive larviciding efforts, we anticipate a rise in mosquito populations in the coming weeks”.
He added that mosquito activity is expected to increase by early October, driven by recent high tides that have caused localised flooding in low-lying areas and created ideal conditions for mosquito breeding.
“Additional rainfall in the forecast will further expand breeding sites. To help reduce mosquito populations, please ensure you eliminate standing water on your property. Items like toys, flower pots without proper drainage, tarps, tires, and buckets can all collect water and become mosquito breeding grounds,” Watler said.
Residents can expect enhanced mosquito-control operations across the Cayman Islands, he added.
Sister Islands District Commissioner Mark Tibbetts said Cayman Brac had some heavy rain Sunday morning into the early afternoon, with lighter rain in the evening, and Monday remained slightly overcast.
“Based on weather radar and forecast, we anticipate receiving much more rain later [Monday] evening through tomorrow at least. Otherwise, the team is assisting in preparations such as assisting with sandbag distributions and clearing drain wells, etc.,” Tibbetts told the Compass Monday afternoon.
By early Monday afternoon, there was already rainfall in George Town attributed to potential tropical cyclone 9. However, the more severe rainfall is forecast for Tuesday.
The National Weather Service has forecast up to 9 inches of rainfall for Grand Cayman and 7 inches for the Sister Islands.
A small craft warning took effect on Monday and a marine advisory will be in place Tuesday and Wednesday, with wave heights of 8-10 feet expected along the south coast.
Additional reporting by Sarah Bridge.
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