(25 September 2024) – Weather conditions associated with Hurricane Helene continue to affect Grand Cayman and Cayman Brac today, Wednesday 25 September. The Cayman Islands National Weather Service continues to maintain flood and marine warnings throughout the day. 

Cloudiness and showers, associated with the outer bands of newly upgraded Hurricane Helene, are expected to linger through this evening with a gradual decrease expected thereafter. Strong winds and very rough seas with frequent gusts are anticipated to continue through today, with a decrease expected from this evening. Higher than normal tides may amplify flooding of low-lying areas. Radar images show widespread heavy showers in and around Grand Cayman to the southwest, drifting towards the north. 

The National Hurricane Center continues to issue advisories on newly upgraded Hurricane Helene which is located 85 miles north-northeast of Cozumel, Mexico. While the system continues to move into the Gulf of Mexico and away from the Cayman Islands, showers from outer bands are anticipated to continue impacting the Cayman area, supporting more heavy showers and gusty winds over the next 2 days. 

Deputy Premier Hon. Andre Ebanks advised the public to remain aware saying, “The rapid intensification of the weather conditions, and its aftereffects, has required agility in our decisions to keep the public and our disaster response agencies safe. We ask for continued cooperation and vigilance at this time for the protection of both people and property. The government’s top priority is safety – safety for all of our people which includes safety for our school-aged children and safety for our elderly.”

Residents are advised to drive carefully on the following roads due to major flooding:  

• Halifax Road 
• Huldah Avenue* 
• Dorcy Drive 
• Bronze Road 
• Webb Road 
• Hope Drive*  
• Oak Mill Street* 
• Seafarers Way* (Burger King waterfront vicinity) 
• Watlers Road

 Small or low vehicles are advised not to traverse on these roads due to the height of water levels.  

Government schools including the University College of the Cayman Islands are closed today. Non-essential government offices have been given the option of remote working also to minimize travel through flooded areas. Information on additional closures can be found on the government website at gov.ky/noticeboard. 

“Though the Tropical Storm Warning placed on Grand Cayman was lifted yesterday, Tuesday, 24 September, we consciously refrained from issuing an official All Clear as rains and winds were forecasted to gradually subside through the end of the week. Hazard Management Cayman Islands (HMCI) and the National Weather Service continue to advise CIG senior leadership on the status of conditions and the public will be duly informed as decisions are made”, Deputy Director for HMCI David Broughton stated. 

Resources are available to support residents who become displaced or find themselves in distress:  

• Emergency Assistance 911 
• National Roads Authority 525-1251/325-6002 
• CayMind Mental Health Helpline 1-800-534-6463 
• Cayman Islands Red Cross 

Updates continue on all CIG channels including GOV.KY and caymanprepared.ky.