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Many schools are closing Monday, as residents have been told to prepare for flooding due to heavy rainfall and high tides, as a system over the northwest Caribbean continues to develop.
The Cayman Islands National Weather Service is continuing to monitor a broad area of low pressure which has been producing overcast skies andlow-level storms in the region.
In their latest update, issued at 1pm Sunday afternoon, up to 9 inches of rain is forecast for Grand Cayman and 6 inches for the Sister Islands over the next five days. Peak rainfall is expected around Tuesday, with heavy showers, lightning, and thunder. Elevated tides may worsen flooding, especially in low-lying areas.
Increased winds of between 25-30 mph are expected on Monday night, with stronger gusts from Tuesday until Thursday morning. A small craft warning is in effect, with possible Marine Advisory for Tuesday and Wednesday.
Schools closed Monday
The Ministry of Education and Department of Education Services have advised that all government schools, including UCCI, will be closed on Monday, 23 Sept., due to the adverse weather expected.
A statement released Sunday evening said that the MOE and DES were actively monitoring the situation and will issue updates through their social media platforms.
“We appreciate the public’s understanding and cooperation in taking the necessary precautions to ensure the continued safety and well-being of our students and educators during this period of inclement weather,” read the joint announcement.
Private schools followed suit.
Cayman Prep and High School released a statement on Sunday evening saying: “Due to the adverse weather conditions predicted to affect the Cayman Islands, and in an abundance of caution, Cayman Prep and High School will be closed tomorrow, Monday, September 23rd. Our respective Principals will communicate further details to you, including details pertaining to remote delivery of learning for tomorrow.”
Other schools also confirmed as closing on Monday are St Ignatius, Montessori By The Sea, Lighthouse School, Cayman International School, Grace Christian Academy and First Baptist Christian School.
In a statement, FBCS said: “‘The Private Schools’ Association has been meeting online and agreed to close, aligning with the Ministry of Education and the Department of Education Services.”
FBCS also raised the possibly that schools might remain closed for a second day, with Tuesday forecast to be hit with the heaviest rainfall, adding: “Please also know, for planning purposes, at this time it is likely that schools will be closed on Tuesday 24th September.”
An update on the situation regarding Tuesday’s possible closures is expected to be issued on Monday.
TheCompass will provide updates as more information becomes available.
Flood warnings
The National Weather Service is warning about increased flooding in the area and is urging residents to be prepared.
The Cayman Islands is currently experiencing higher than usual tides, known as ‘King Tides’, due to seasonal lunar activity. When this is combined with increased rainfall, there is a far greater risk of significant flooding in low-lying and coastal areas.
“As part of our observations we visited several communities in low-lying areas and found that standing water was evident despite having no rainfall throughout the day,” said Chief Meteorologist Kerry Powery.
“This is a clear sign that the saturation levels in the ground remain high due to the King Tides which will continue to be present as the forecasted heavier rainfall begins.”
To help mitigate the impact of flooding, residents are being urged to keep an eye on tidal schedules specific to their area and be aware of the timing of high tides. When moving around the islands, people should be mindful of local conditions and avoid walking or driving through any flooded areas.
Residents in low-lying areas should move vehicles and valuables to higher ground and install sandbags where necessary to protect home and businesses which might be vulnerable to flooding.
Sandbags are available at the following locations on Grand Cayman: West Bay Fire Station, Linford Pierson, Agriculture Pavilion and Frank Sound Fire Station while on Cayman Brac sandbags are available at Cotton Tree Bay and Watering Place Gardens.
Formation likely in ‘next few days’
The US National Hurricane Center, in its advisory on Sunday evening, said it was tracking a disturbance over the northwestern Caribbean Sea and portions of Central America.
“Environmental conditions appear conducive for development of this disturbance, and a tropical depression or tropical storm is likely to form during the next few days while the system moves northward across the northwestern Caribbean Sea and into the southeastern Gulf of Mexico,” according to the 8pm update.
The NHC said the disturbance is expected to produce heavy rains over portions of Central America during the next several days.
“Interests in the northwestern Caribbean, the Yucatan Peninsula of Mexico, and western Cuba should closely monitor the progress of this feature,” it said.
The system is forecast to move generally northward across the eastern Gulf of Mexico.
The NHC said there is a 50% chance the disturbance becomes organized in the next 48 hours. The odds over the next week are 80%.
Civil servants told to await updates
Franz Manderson, Deputy Governor and head of the civil service, said on Sunday that public sector workers might be permitted to work from home depending on how the weather system progressed over the next few days.
In a recorded address to civil servants, Manderson said, “Based on the current forecast, Government offices will open [Monday]. However, if the forecast worsens, or if any school closures are announced, civil servants who are impacted and have the ability to work remotely will be permitted to do so with the approval of your managers.”
He added: “On Tuesday we expect the heaviest rains and winds which could affect Government operations.”
More updates will be provided on Monday, he said, and people should use this time to prepare themselves and their families. “I pray that God will continue to watch over these beloved Cayman Islands and our civil service and that we will work together to keep everyone safe.”
Cayman Airways flights ‘unchanged’
The national airline advised Sunday they were also monitoring the weather updates, noting flights were “unchanged at this time”.
“Customers with tickets for travel next week should ensure that their reservations contain accurate contact details, including an email address and phone number, for the airline to be able to advise them directly of any updates if changes to the flight schedule become necessary,” a statement noted.
More mosquitos
The Mosquito Research and Control Unithas already advised the public to prepare for a potential resurgence in mosquito activity by early October.
“The predicted increase in mosquito numbers is due to localized flooding of low-lying areas caused by recent high tides, which has created ideal conditions for mosquito breeding,” the MRCU release stated.
The MRCU also said residents will be seeing intensified mosquito-control operations across Grand Cayman as it responds to the expected increase.
Click to listen to Powery’s weather update:
Reshma Ragoonath and Sarah Bridge contributed to this report.
