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TS Gustav Update: Thursday 2 p.m.

Published 28th August, 2:32pm

Tropical Storm Gustav Update: 2:00 p.m. Thursday, 28 August 2008

Key messages:

  1. Tropical Storm Gustav is expected to have strengthened to a category 2 hurricane by the time it approaches Grand Cayman tomorrow night (Friday 29 August).

  2. This storm is expected to become a category 1 hurricane today as it moves past Jamaica.

  3. Tropical storm-force winds are likely to start affecting Grand Cayman from tomorrow afternoon (Friday 29 August).

  4. The Cayman Islands remain under a hurricane WATCH. This means that hurricane conditions could begin to affect the Islands within 36 hours.

  5. At 1:00 p.m. local time, the centre of Tropical Storm Gustav was located near 17.9 N 76.2W, or 335 miles east-southeast of Grand Cayman and 265 miles southeast of the Sister Islands. Gustav is moving west near 5mph, with maximum sustained winds near 70mph with higher gusts. This westward motion is likely to continue with a gradual increase in forward speed.

  6. Changes in Gustav’s path confirm the importance of monitoring this system. All three islands must remain vigilant since the path could still shift again.

  7. The Owen Roberts International Airport is now in full emergency mode, streamlining the departure check in process in tent facilities outside the terminal building.

  8. Sub-committee preparations are continuing and Cayman Islands residents should closely monitor all local media outlets that carry local news in order to stay informed about Gustav.

Advice to local population:

  1. Residents are advised to secure loose materials in yards and on jobsites.

  2. Farmers and pet owners should ensure their animals are protected.

  3. Residents should always be in a state of readiness during hurricane season. Among other activities, this would include:

    • Having food and medicine supplies

    • Having shuttering supplies

    • Having important documents, including travel documents, in order

    • Looking after marine interests

    • Having a pet safety plan

    • Checking your generator and having fuel

    • Making sure that your family, and persons who will be staying with you in the event of a storm, are aware of the plan.

  4. Remember:

  • Do be careful using open flame stoves and candles. Avoid drapes, open windows and proximity to flammable materials.

  • Do not store fuel indoors

  • Do not operate generators indoors

  • Do ensure that building openings are protected

  • Do ensure that doors and windows can be securely locked.

    • The next JCS bulletin will be issued at 6:00 p.m. local time today.

    For further information contact: Cornelia Oliver