Cayman Islands Adds Hurricane Watch

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Cayman Islands Adds Hurricane Watch

The National Hazard Management Council, in consultation with the National Weather Service and the National Hurricane Centre in Miami, announced at 4p.m. today that the Cayman Islands has added a Hurricane Watch to its already declared Tropical Storm Warning.

National Weather Service Director General John Tibbetts said the Government decided to take the step out of an abundance of caution as Tropical Storm Grace is expected to become a category one hurricane as it moves out of the Cayman Islands area.

'The combination of a hurricane watch with a tropical storm warning means that in addition to experiencing tropical storm winds within the next 24 hours, it is possible, but not likely, that we will also experience hurricane force winds'. Mr Tibbetts explained.

'It is important that everyone understands that even a tropical storm is dangerous and has the potential to cause loss of life. As a result it is important for us all to follow public safety messaging, avoid coastlines, refrain from non-essential journeys and stay informed on everything that is happening, until the all-clear can be given'.

The National Emergency Operations Centre, which coordinates the Cayman Islands response to a national disaster, will begin operations at 5pm, and work past the all clear.

The NEOC helpline, tel. 949-6555, is being operated by members of the Cayman Islands Cadet Corps until stood down. The Mental Health tel. 18005346463 will also be operating from 9am-5pm.

Note to Editors

Dear Editors: We would be grateful if you could repeat the following public messaging until no longer relevant:

1. All persons in the Cayman Islands are urged to complete their preparedness measures immediately and to avoid the shorelines and refrain from any inessential journeys after dark (7p.m.).
2. The National Weather Service is issuing full bulletins and updates, at 1pm, 4pm, 7pm, 10pm, 1am, 4am, 7am, 11 am, etc, during the passage of the Tropical Storm Grace. These will include wind, wave and rain impacts. Details are available from the National Weather Service Facebook page, as well as from caymanprepared.gov.ky, the Hazard Management Cayman Island Facebook page and gov.ky.
3. The Red Cross shelter on Huldah Avenue will open at 4 p.m. Other shelters are being readied as a precaution, including: the Red Cross Headquarters on Huldah Avenue, George Town; Sir John A. Cumber Primary School Hall in West Bay; Clifton Hunter High School in North Side; East End Civic Centre; Theoline McCoy Primary School in Bodden Town; Prospect Primary School and the John Gray High School gymnasium in George Town. Both John Gray and Clifton Hunter High Schools are pet friendly (for cats and dogs). All shelters are accessible with the exception of the Red Cross. On Cayman Brac the Aston Rutty Centre will open, as will the Public Works Department Building which is the only shelter in Little Cayman.
4. The Port Authority has instructed vessels and small craft to seek safe harbour in the North Sound. The National Weather Service has also stated that all boats should be in safe harbour no later than Tuesday afternoon.
5. The Port Authority closed its vessel berthing facilities and its cargo distribution warehouse at 2pm Tuesday, with the expectation of both facilities reopening to the public on Thursday morning.
6. Cayman Airways passengers are advised to monitor the airline's channels for updates on flights to Cayman Brac and Little Cayman. The airline has currently suspended all operations for Wednesday, 18 August.
7. Damage assessment teams are standing by to roll out across the Islands once the all clear is given.

Category: Government, Politics & Public Administration

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