The Tropics are heating up

On Saturday afternoon, the National Hurricane Center advised that a broad area of low pressure has formed near the Windward Islands and that additional development of this system is likely and a tropical depression could form by early next week while the system moves westward to west-north-westward at 10 to 15 mph, across the central Caribbean Sea.

Even though, environmental conditions are not currently particularly favourable (in the Western Caribbean Sea) for this area of low pressure to develop into a strong storm (or hurricane), but regardless of future development, they have advised residents to take note that the 2023 Hurricane Season is showing signs of an increase in activity.

An important preparedness consideration for residents includes a plan for where to shelter in a hurricane if you are not certain that your home is safe. Going to a strong multi-story office building, or a well elevated home of a friend or a family member is a good option for some. Also, depending on the strength and direction of a cyclone, Emergency Shelters will be opened when a tropical cyclone is threatening the Cayman Islands.

The full list of shelters can be found on the Cayman Prepared website and there is additional information about what to bring and where the designated Emergency Medical Centres are located in each district and on each Island.

Deciding where to shelter in a hurricane should not be a last-minute decision - it is something that should be well considered and planned in advance.