Grand Cayman (GIS) – The National Hazard Management Council officially issued the ‘All Clear’ for all three of the Cayman Islands at 1pm today, Tuesday, 6 October 2020, with Hurricane Delta – now a Category 4 storm – bypassing the Cayman Islands by approximately 100 miles from the centre of circulation.

            The National Hazard Management Council (NHMC) noted that if Hurricane Delta had tracked any closer to the Cayman Islands, it could have had a detrimental impact as a Category 4 hurricane.

            Deputy Governor Hon. Franz Manderson commented, “We have once again been spared from a devastating hurricane and we are very grateful for this near miss whilst we remained fully prepared.”

            The Deputy Governor added, “We are thankful to our emergency responders and everyone assisting in the National Emergency Operations Centre (NEOC) for the work they have done during the preparation leading up to and the passage of this storm, as well as the work they continue to do.”

            Premier, Hon. Alden McLaughlin said, “We in the Cayman Islands are all very thankful for the path that Hurricane Delta has taken, sparing us from its potential wrath.

            “Government entities have once again demonstrated their efficiency in preparedness for this storm. We as a Government also express our sincere gratitude to the people and businesses of the Cayman Islands for their swift response and preparedness as well as their continued vigilance as we remain in a very active hurricane season.”

            The Cayman Islands experienced some utility interruptions but overall, those were minimal and the utilities are working on them for resumption today, Tuesday, 6 October 2020, the NHMC noted.

            Hurricane Delta strengthened to a Category 4 this morning and has increased in its speed moving it faster out of the Cayman area.

            However, while the NHMC has issued the All Clear at 1 pm, due to the strong nature of this major hurricane and forecasted rough seas, a Severe Marine Warning will remain in effect.

            People on all three islands should exercise caution as they move around and watch for flooding, downed trees and road disruption, among other things.

            A severe marine warning remains in effect for the next 24 to 48 hours, residents are urged to continue to get updates from the National Weather Service for marine impacts.

            All government operations remain closed for today and will reopen to normal hours tomorrow, Wednesday, 7 October 2020.

            All schools will resume normal opening hours from Wednesday. Details will be issued by the Ministry of Education, Youth, Sports, Agriculture and Lands.

            Visit www.gov.ky and www.gov.ky/news/noticeboard for all updates.