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 Cayman Islands have been placed under a hurricane watch as of 4:30pm on Sunday as a system developing in the southwest Caribbean strengthens.
A hurricane watch means that hurricane-force winds could begin affecting the Cayman Islands within 48 hours.
As at 10pm Sunday 3 Nov. the storm was about 505 miles southeast of Grand Cayman, and 483 miles southeast of the Sister Islands, moving northeast at 6 miles per hour.
The storm is expected to pass between Grand Cayman and Little Cayman by midday Tuesday, a 10:30pm weather update stated on Sunday.
Little Cayman and Cayman Brac are forecast to experience tropical storm force winds (39+ mph) with gusts up to 74 miles per hour.
Waves are projected to be 9-13 feet.
On Grand Cayman tropical storm force winds (39+ mph) with gusts up to 74 miles per hour can be expected.
Waves are expected to be 9-13 feet.
Flood and Marine Warnings are in effect for all three islands.
”All vessels should seek safe harbor, and residents are urged to prepare for possible flooding and strong winds,” the weather update stated.
As at 10:30pm, the weather system remained Potential Tropical Cyclone 18, however it is set to be named Raphael.
Current weather models suggest the system is likely to develop into a Tropical Storm near the Cayman Islands and further strengthening to a category 1 hurricane within the next 24 to 48 hours, a government bulletin stated.
The Cayman Islands National Weather Service said it continues to monitor this system.
The US National Hurricane Center, in its Sunday evening advisory, said the system has maximum sustained winds of 35 miles per hour as it moves north east at 6 miles per hour.
“A turn to the north and then northwest is expected over the next few days. On the forecast track, the system is expected to move near Jamaica by late Monday
and near or over the Cayman Islands Tuesday and Wednesday,” the NHC said Sunday.
The system is expected to become a tropical depression Sunday night and steady strengthen.
Schools will be opened on Monday and closed Tuesday.
Government services will be open Monday, and further updates will be made for Tuesday.
Cayman Airways flight changes
Cayman Airways has announced flight change waivers ahead of the arrival of potential tropical cyclone 18.
In a notice issued Sunday evening, the national flag carrier said that due to the projected path of a tropical storm approaching, Cayman area customers who wish to voluntarily change their plans to travel to, from and between Cayman can do so with the fees waived.
Customers will not have to pay a change fee or fare difference if their changes meet certain requirements set out by the airline.
Tickets must have been purchased on or before 3 Nov., and travel must have been scheduled for flights departing between 4 Nov. and 7 Nov.
The new travel dates must commence by 14 Nov. and must be completed by 7 Dec., or by the original return date.
Customers who wish to travel at a later date will have the change fee waived, but must pay any applicable fare difference charges. These customers can also apply the full value of the ticket to their travel bank account, provided that the tickets were purchased on or before 3 Nov.
CUC says stay vigilant
Caribbean Utilities Company is encouraging residents to stay vigilant and updated on the necessary channels for updates on the system.
CUC provided some reminders, including:
- CUC will not be ceasing electrical service. The power will remain on.
- If damage is identified in a specific area, CUC systems will automatically cease service to that area until restoration efforts can begin.
- If the power goes out due to adverse conditions, crews won’t begin repairs until it is safe.
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