Cayman Islands now under Hurricane Warning

  By: Takiyah Smith     

 Following the advice from the Director General of the Cayman Islands National Weather Service and the Director of Hazard Management Cayman Islands, The Acting Deputy Governor, Eric Bush – in his role as Chairman of the National Hazard Management Council - the Cayman Islands Government has placed the Cayman Islands under a Hurricane Warning as of 1pm this afternoon. This means hurricane force conditions are likely within the next 36 hours.

 As at 1pm today, Tuesday 2 July, Hurricane Beryl was located approximately 798 miles east-southeast of Grand Cayman, moving west-northwest at 22 miles per hour. Based on the latest forecast, tropical storm force winds will begin at the following times for each island:
Cayman Brac – Wednesday 3 July at 9pm
Little Cayman – Wednesday 3 July at 9:30pm
Grand Cayman – Thursday 4 July at 12:30am

The centre of Hurricane Beryl is expected to pass 41 miles south of Grand Cayman at approximately 5am on Thursday, 4 July. It will also pass 92 miles south of Cayman Brac, and 86 miles south of Little Cayman around the same time on Thursday morning.

Expected weather conditions are forecasted as follows:

Grand Cayman:

Overcast skies with widespread thunderstorms are anticipated starting Wednesday evening. Tropical storm conditions are expected by early Thursday morning as Hurricane Beryl approaches. Extremely rough seas and storm surges are also forecasted, with swells arriving by Wednesday evening.

Sister Islands:

Similar conditions of overcast skies and widespread thunderstorms are expected from Wednesday evening. The proximity of Hurricane Beryl enhances the likelihood of extremely rough seas, significant swells, and storm surges. Adjustments to the forecast track suggest an increased possibility of storm force winds impacting the Sister Islands.

A flood warning is currently in effect for the Cayman Islands, as there is expected to be approximately 4-10 inches of rainfall on Thursday, 4 July. A marine warning is also in effect, with wave heights expected to rise from 6-9 feet on Wednesday evening, 10-15 feet on Thursday 4 July, and 5-7 feet on Friday, 5 July.

Non-essential government offices will close today, Tuesday 2 July at 2pm and remain closed until an official All Clear has been given.

The Cayman Islands Government is calling for unified cooperation and awareness ahead of Hurricane Beryl and its potential impact on the Cayman Islands. The National Emergency Operations Centre (NEOC) has been activated as of 12pm noon today, and multiple senior-level government officials; first response agencies including the Cayman Islands Regiment, Fire Service, Police and Coast Guard; and infrastructure partners are collaboratively coordinating planning and response activities.
“As we prepare the threat of Hurricane Beryl, we are asking that the public remain highly attentive to all official channels and comply with directions being given. Continued proactive efforts are imperative at this time – secure your homes, have all necessary resources like water, food supplies and medication and assist the vulnerable in your families and communities”, said Acting Deputy Governor Mr Eric Bush.

For accurate and timely information, residents are encouraged to stay connected with the following official channels:

NEOC Call Centre: 949-6555

Emergency Services: 911

Mental Health Hotline: 1-800-534-6463

Local Weather Updates: www.weather.gov.ky

Hazard Management Cayman Islands: www.caymanprepared.gov.ky 

Local News Outlets: CIG TV and Radio Cayman

Social media: Follow @caymangov @caymanprepared on Instagram and Facebook for real-time updates.