Based on the 4am update, the closest point of approach occurred between 5 and 6:00am today, with Hurricane Wilma at some 170 miles south-southwest of Grand Cayman. Although the current forecast now indicates that the island will escape tropical storm force winds, heavy showers are still expected to move across the area. Heavy wave action is anticipated, especially along the south and west coasts.  Flooding could become a problem in these areas.

Grand Cayman is currently experiencing winds of 20-30 mph, blowing from the east to southeast with higher gusts. These winds will gradually decline throughout today. The Cayman Islands can expect rainfall of 4-6 inches throughout the day, going into tomorrow. Residents who live in areas prone to flooding should take the necessary precautions.

“With the record development of Hurricane Wilma last night, we have clearly been extremely fortunate that its path has not brought it any closer to us,” said National Hurricane Committee (NHC) Chairman, Donnie Ebanks.

“While the system reached its closest point of approach to Grand Cayman around 6:00am, and while sustained tropical storm force winds are no longer expected other than intermittently, conditions early this morning will remain extremely wet and gusty.

“These conditions are NOT considered suitable for people to be moving about and the NHC urges everyone to remain indoors for a few more hours. It is anticipated, however, that by mid-to-late morning, conditions should begin to improve sufficiently for people to start commuting.

“Accordingly, businesses on Grand Cayman may wish to consider opening around noon and in turn, should advise their staff by local media or otherwise. Businesses on the Sister Islands should be free to operate as normal. All schools in the Cayman Islands will remain closed today.

“The NHC will continue to issue bulletins during the course of the morning and all residents should stay tuned to their local media,” Mr. Ebanks concluded.

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 4:00am, Wednesday, 19 October:
Longitude: 82.5W
Latitude: 17.2N
Proximity: 170 miles south-southwest of Grand Cayman
Minimal Central Pressure: 884 MB

Speed of system and direction of movement: maximum sustained winds are near 175mph, with higher gusts. Hurricane Wilma is currently rated a catastrophic Category 5 hurricane, moving west-northwest near 8 mph. Some fluctuations in intensity are expected during the next 24 hours.

Hurricane force winds extend out up to 15 miles, with tropical storm force winds reaching out up to 160 miles from the centre.  

Background
The following Saffir/Simpson Hurricane Scale provides some rough guidance on what to expect for each category:
Category 1                 74-95 mph, storm surge of 4-5ft.
Category 2                 96-110 mph, 6-8 ft.
Category 3                 111-130 mph,  9-12 ft.
Category 4                 131-155 mph,  13-18 ft.
Category 5                 greater than 155 mph, 18+ft.