Grand Cayman, 4 November 2024 – Under the guidance and advice of the Director General of the Cayman Islands National Weather Service and the Director of Hazard Management Cayman Islands the Cayman Islands has been placed under a Hurricane Warning as of 7am today, Monday 4 November 2024.

This decision was taken on the advice of the Director General of the Cayman Islands National Weather Service and the Director of Hazard Management Cayman Islands.

The National Hazard Management Executive (NHME), met yesterday, Sunday 3 November, to discuss preparations and plans for the upcoming storm. The NHME is chaired by Her Excellency The Governor and Honourable Premier. The meeting was attended by Ministers, the Leader of the Opposition, and Deputy Governor as Chair of the Hazard Management Council.

A Hurricane Warning means that tropical storm force winds are likely within the next 36, ahead of possible hurricane conditions. Residents are urged to take immediate precautions to protect themselves and their properties, such as securing buildings, gathering emergency supplies, and seeking higher ground or shelter.

At 4:00am the system was located approximately 455 miles South-Southeast of Grand Cayman and moving towards the North at 7 miles per hour. The latest forecast track has the system moving between Grand Cayman and Little Cayman by midday Tuesday, 5 November 2024.

The Cayman Islands National Weather Service indicates the following conditions for the Cayman Islands are likely:

Little Cayman and Cayman Brac:

• Rainfall: Up to 9.5 inches
• Winds: Tropical Storm force winds in excess of 39 miles per hour  (Gusts up to hurricane force strength of 74mph are likely)
• Wave heights: Estimated to peak between 9 and 13 feet.

Grand Cayman:

• Rainfall: Up to 5 inches
• Winds: Tropical Storm force winds in excess of 39 miles per hour   (With gusts up to hurricane force strength of 74mph)
• Wave heights: Estimated to peak between 9 and 13 feet.

FLOOD WARNING: 
A warning is in effect for all three islands.

SMALL CRAFT WARNING:

A small craft warning is in effect for all three islands. Increased wave action is anticipated across all three islands which will likely result in property damage along some coastal regions. 

SANDBAGS:

Sandbag distribution will be made available for residents of Cayman Brac from 8am – 4pm today at the following locations:

Cayman Brac

• Cotton Tree Bay
• Watering Place Gardens

Sand for sandbags will be made available at the following locations in Grand Cayman:  

• George Town: Linford Pierson Highway
• Bodden Town: Agriculture Pavilion  
• West Bay: Fire Station
• East End: Fire Station

The public is reminded to travel with their own sandbags where possible. Support for those who are not able to fill sandbags will be provided from 12:00pm to 2:00pm and then again from 4:00pm to 6:00pm.

SCHOOL AND GOVERNMENT OPERATIONS:  
Schools will remain open today, Monday 4 November. However, schools will be closed on Tuesday 5 November.

An update on shelter openings will be provided later today.  

Deputy Governor and Chair of the National Hazard Management Council is urging everyone to prepare:  

“I encourage the community to have all necessary preparations in place and remind the public to closely monitor the ongoing developments of this system. The broad area of severe weather continues to evolve and become better organised so it is with an abundance of caution that we have issued this Hurricane Warning. We continue to monitor the system to ensure that both the Government and the public are able to respond quickly and appropriately to keep the community safe.”

For the latest and most accurate information residents should visit the gov.ky and or visit www.caymanprepared.gov.ky