Wilma drenches Cayman Islands: Commuters urged to be cautious
By GIS, Cayman Islands
Thu, 20 Oct 2005, 09:43
At 6:00 am Thursday, 20th October, 2005, the Severe Weather Advisory issued by the National Weather Service for Grand Cayman continues. Squally weather accompanied by gusts is expected to continue through tomorrow morning.
While businesses on Grand Cayman are expected to resume this morning, the public is advised to be extremely cautious when driving. Several roads have been affected by salt water, and closures and diversions are in place in some areas. In particular, the section of West Bay Road between the Courtyard Marriott and the Governor’s residence is currently closed, with traffic being diverted through Governor’s Harbour. Also, a section of road in the Savannah area is experiencing some salt water flooding.
Commuters are accordingly advised to proceed on all roads with extreme caution and with patience. Substantial delays should be expected due to instances of overflowing seawater.
This morning, the Ministry of Education confirms that all government and private schools on Grand Cayman will remain closed today Thursday, 20th October, 2005. The University College will also be closed. All teachers from both government and private schools should, however, report to their respective schools today. Schools on the Sister Islands will resume regular classes this morning.
Grand Cayman continues to experience winds averaging 20 mph, blowing from the south-southeast, with higher gusts. These winds will continue through tonight, into tomorrow. During this period, the Cayman Islands can expect 2-3 more inches of rain. Residents who live in areas prone to flooding should continue to take extreme precautions; eight to 10 foot waves are continuing along the south and west coasts.
NHC Chairman Donnie Ebanks repeats his appeal to employers to be sensitive to both weather conditions and the fact that Grand Cayman’s schools will be closed. He also urges employees to make every effort to be as punctual as conditions allow.
The Tropical Storm warning and Hurricane watch which was in place for the past several days was lifted at 1:00pm yesterday (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 4:00am, Thursday, 20 October:
Longitude: 85.0W
Latitude: 18.3N
Proximity: 246 miles west-southwest of Grand Cayman
Minimal Central Pressure: 900 MB
Speed of system and direction of movement: maximum sustained winds are near 150mph, with higher gusts. Hurricane Wilma is currently rated a dangerous Category 4 hurricane, moving west-northwest near 5 mph. Some fluctuations in intensity are expected during the next 24 hours.
Hurricane force winds extend out up to 70 miles, with tropical storm force winds reaching out up to 230 miles from the centre.