Tropical Storm Warning Issued at 10 am

The Cayman Islands National Weather Service is advising that Tropical Depression Eta is currently over the waters of the Gulf of Honduras and is expected to move northeast across the Caribbean Sea today, and strengthen to a possible Tropical Storm and track about 100 miles to the NW of Grand Cayman, 137 miles WNW of Cayman Brac, by Saturday afternoon. On its current forecast path, Eta is expected to briefly support tropical storm force winds over the Cayman Islands by Saturday afternoon.

According to the National Hurricane Center (At 10 a.m.) Eta was located at 17.8 N 87.0 W or about 382 miles west to southwest of Grand Cayman with maximum winds of 35 mph and is moving north at 7 mph.

A TROPICAL STORM WARNING IS IN EFFECT FOR THE CAYMAN ISLANDS.

A FLOOD WARNING IS IN EFFECT FOR THE CAYMAN ISLANDS.

A SMALL CRAFT WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT FOR THE CAYMAN ISLANDS TODAY WITH A MARINE ADVISORY IN EFFECT FOR TONIGHT AND SATURDAY.  ALL SMALL CRAFT SHOULD SEEK AND REMAINS IN SAFE HABOUR FROM TONIGHT.

Government Schools are closed today. Emergency shelters are on standby to be activated should the need arise as a result of localised flooding.

Hazard Management Cayman Islands is recommending residents take the following actions:

·         Exercise increased caution on flooded roads. Excessive rain has led to numerous potholes opening up, and the flood waters make these more difficult to detect. Periods of torrential rainfall will result in limited visibility on the roads. Residents are encouraged to limit travel on the roads to essential journeys from Friday afternoon and into Saturday.

·         A Marine Warning is in effect and vessels should remain in safe harbour.

 For specific details of expected weather conditions in the Cayman Islands please visit www.weather.gov.ky