Issued: Grand Cayman, 24 September 2022, 

The Government of the Cayman Islands issued Hurricane Warning for Grand Cayman continuesas of 4pm today, 24 September 2022, as Tropical Storm Ian moves in the Western Caribbean Sea.

The Tropical Storm Watch for Cayman Brac and Little Cayman also continues as the storm moves further west to the Cayman area.

A hurricane ‘warning’ means that Grand Cayman could begin experiencing tropical storm/hurricane conditions within the next 36 hours.

A tropical storm ‘watch’ means that the Sister Islands could begin to experience tropical storm conditions are likely by the next 36 hours.

Noting that Tropical Storm Ian could change in intensity and escalate, Deputy Governor, Hon. Franz Manderson cautioned there is no room for complacency and urged preparations for the storm should be continued and completed.

“While the system is currently veering west from the Cayman Islands, we must continue to prepare for the worst. We will have more information and a more accurate picture for possible impact on the Cayman Islands tomorrow morning,” the Deputy Governor said.

He urged all to continue to monitor for storm updates on the official channels.

At 4pm, the centre of Tropical Storm Ian was located near latitude 14.3 ° north and longitude 77.0° west. This put it at 445miles south-east of the Grand Cayman.

The system is moving west at 16 miles per hour, with maximum sustained winds of 45 miles per hour.

On the current forecast track, the closest point of approach places the centre of Tropical Storm Ian at 118 miles south west of Grand Cayman around 6am.

Tropical Storm winds are expected for Grand Cayman by 4am Monday, 26 September morning through 9am Monday as the system moves more west of the Cayman area.

If the storm continues on its latest forecast track, expected weather conditions for:

Grand Cayman:

Overcast skies with widespread thunderstorms are expected from Sunday with tropical storm conditions late into the night as the system nears the Cayman Islands. Tropical Storm force winds with possible Hurricane force gusts are expected for Grand Cayman by early Monday morning as the system moves more west of the Cayman area. Extremely rough seas accompanied by storm surge are also expected.

Sister Islands:

Overcast skies along with widespread thunderstorms are expected from Sunday as Tropical Storm Ian moves closer to the Cayman Islands. Extremely rough seas along with swells and storm surges are also expected due strong and gusty winds. Given the adjustments to forecast track the possibility for storm force winds is lower for the Sister Islands.

Stay informed and be prepared by visiting www.gov.ky and www.caymanprepared.gov.ky or tuning in to Radio Cayman 89.9FM.