TS Gustav Update for Friday 11:30 a.m.
Published 29th August, 12:24pm
Tropical Storm Gustav update: 11:30 a.m. Friday, 29 August 2008
From Hazard Management Cayman Islands' Joint Communications Service (JCS)
Key messages:
- Rain bands associated with Tropical Storm Gustav will begin affecting the Cayman Islands from early this afternoon (Friday, 29 August). On the Sister Islands, residents should be taking shelter as of now and on Grand Cayman by 4:00pm.
- A hurricane WARNING remains in effect for the Cayman Islands since Gustav is expected to become a category 1 hurricane later today.
- Tropical storm force winds of around 50 mph from the north and northwest will begin to affect Grand Cayman early this evening. These will gradually increase to near category 1 hurricane force by midnight.
- Tropical storm force winds will begin to affect the Sister Islands from around midday today. The centre of Gustav is expected to pass within 35 miles southwest of the Sister Islands.
- At 10.00 a.m. local time the centre of Tropical Storm Gustav was located near 18.6N and 78.8W, or 101 miles southeast of the Sister Islands and 165 miles east-southeast of Grand Cayman. Gustav is moving west to northwest near 8 mph, with maximum sustained winds near 65 mph.
- Three to five inches of rainfall are expected, so some flooding of low-lying areas is likely. All residents should take necessary precautions.
- Marine conditions are expected to deteriorate from mid-morning today for all islands, with expected wave heights of between 15 to 20 feet, with storm surge of 1 to 3 feet. All marine interests should already be in safe harbour and should remain there until further notice.
- The Owen Roberts International Airport closes at midday today. Meanwhile it remains in full emergency mode, streamlining the departure check-in process in tent facilities outside the terminal building. The Brac's Gerrard Smith International Airport is already closed
- Cayman Airways' final replacement flights were expected to depart earlier this morning, with the last inbound flight from Miami arriving at 9:05 a.m. All Saturday's scheduled flights are cancelled.
- Because of Gustav's unpredictability and strength, residents are encouraged to check local weather updates early in the morning.
Additional weather information
- As the storm heads towards the Cayman Islands, weather conditions will continue to deteriorate with the Sister Islands being the first to be affected early this afternoon.
- Grand Cayman: Winds will gradually move through the west and southwest from 2:00 a.m., falling below tropical storm force after daylight on Saturday. The highest waves are expected on the north, west, and southern coasts.
- Sister Islands: A maximum speed of 93 mph is forecast for the Sister Islands by mid-evening. Winds will shift to the southeast, gradually decreasing to below tropical storm force winds around sunrise on Saturday.
- Cloudy to overcast skies, with periods of heavy thundershowers and squally conditions, are expected to spread across the Cayman Islands beginning later today.
Advice to local population:
- Residents are advised to secure loose materials in yards and on jobsites.
- Farmers and pet owners should ensure their animals are protected.
- Residents should always be in a state of readiness during hurricane season. Among other activities, this would include:
- Securing outdoor furniture and awnings
- Securing automobiles, especially topping-up the gas tank
- Having food and medicine supplies
- Having shuttering supplies
- Having important documents, including travel documents, in order, and in waterproof wrapping
- Looking after marine interests
- Having a pet safety plan
- Checking your generator and 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.
Remember:
- Avoid using open-flame stoves and candles near drapes, open windows and flammable materials
- Do not store fuel indoors
- Do not operate generators indoors
- Ensure that building openings are protected
- Ensure that doors and windows can be securely locked
The next JCS bulletin will be issued at 4:30 p.m. local time today (Friday 29 August).
For further information contact: Cornelia Oliver