Make Decision to Move Now

Published 16th July, 10:00pm

Key Message: For persons who may still be thinking about moving to a shelter or other safe location, the deadline for making that decision is fast approaching. Curfew begins at 11 p.m., around which time Grand Cayman should begin experiencing the first band of tropical storm force winds. At that time, all members of the public must be off the roads for their own safety.

Residents of the southern coasts and flood-prone areas of Grand Cayman in particular are urged to secure their homes and move to a safer location, either with family or friends, or in a public shelter.

Battering waves of up to 12 feet can be expected overnight along the southern coast, including East End, Bodden Town, Spotts and South Sound. While storm surge is not expected to be a major factor, it could add to the flooding potential along the southern coast. Rainfall of up to three inches is still expected and this could add even further to the likelihood of flooding of low-lying areas.

NHC advice to local population: Persons in Bodden Town and Savannah are reminded that, as those shelters are approaching capacity, they should consider relocating to the Prospect Primary School, which has much space still available.

Just before 9 pm, 699 persons were reported to be in shelters, which have a capacity of some 3,835, not including East End Primary School which is not being used at this time.

The following is the available data on shelter occupancy across Grand Cayman:

John Gray Assembly Hall - 26

George Hicks Multi Purpose Hall - 64

George Town Primary - 35

University College Assembly Hall -- 83

Red Cross - 57

Prospect Primary - 140

The West Bay Primary Assembly Hall - 135

East End Civic Centre - 46

Gun Bay Community Hall - 22

North Side Civic Centre - 22

Breakers Community Centre - 12

Bodden Town Primary School - 49

Savannah Primary School - 8

For further information contact: Pat Ebanks