Wilma Leaves Grand Cayman with Severe Weather

Published 19th October, 6:06pm

At 4 pm (Wednesday, 19 October) Grand Cayman remains under a Severe Weather Advisory issued by the National Weather Service, with continued squally weather accompanied by gusts expected to continue through tonight and into tomorrow afternoon.

As a result of this continued severe weather, the Ministry of Education has announced that all government and private schools on Grand Cayman will remain closed tomorrow (Thursday, 20 October).

All teachers, government and private, should report to their respective schools tomorrow morning. University College will also be closed. Schools on Cayman Brac, however, will resume tomorrow morning.

Wilma continues towards the Yucatan as a potentially catastrophic Category Five hurricane, moving to the west-northwest near 7 mph. A turn to the northwest is expected is expected over the next 24 hours. Hurricane Wilma is currently 187 miles southwest of Grand Cayman, the system's closest point of approach having occurred between 5 and 6:00am this morning, at which time the storm was some 170 miles south-southwest of Grand Cayman.

Grand Cayman continues to experience winds of 25-35 mph, blowing from the southeast, with higher gusts. These winds will continue through tonight, gradually decreasing tomorrow afternoon. During this period, the Cayman Islands can expect continued rainfall of 2-3 inches. Residents who live in areas prone to flooding should continue to take the necessary precautions. Nine to 12 foot waves are continuing along the east, south and west coasts.

"While these are not ideal conditions for the public to be moving about," the NHC Chairman, Mr. Donnie Ebanks, said adding, "We expect that businesses should be able to resume normal operations tomorrow (Thursday) and Government offices will also open as normal tomorrow."

Mr. Ebanks also appealed to employers to be sensitive to both weather conditions and the fact that schools will be closed, and urged that employees make all reasonable efforts to report to work on time.

However, Mr. Ebanks continues to urge the public to stay indoors tonight (Wednesday) and off the roads unless it is absolutely essential to travel, and to exercise special caution on the roads in the morning.

The Tropical Storm warning and Hurricane watch which have been in place for the past several days was lifted at 1:00pm today (Wednesday). In view of the current Severe Weather Advisory issued by our National Weather Service, the public should continue to closely monitor weather information through the local media.

NHC advice to local population:

Cayman Islands residents are advised to regularly monitor bulletins at www.gov.ky or www.CaymanPrepared.ky .

Details of Weather System at 4:00pm, Wednesday, 19 October:

Longitude: 83.7W

Latitude: 17.7N

Proximity: 187 miles southwest of Grand Cayman

Minimal Central Pressure: 892 MB

Speed of system and direction of movement: maximum sustained winds are near 160mph, with higher gusts. Hurricane Wilma is currently rated a catastrophic Category 5 hurricane, moving west-northwest near 7 mph. Some fluctuations in intensity are expected during the next 24 hours.

Hurricane force winds extend out up to 60 miles, with tropical storm force winds reaching out up to 230 miles from the centre.

For further information contact: Pat Ebanks