NHC Upgraded the System at 11 am

Published 2nd August 2016, 11:36am

AT 11 am the National Hurricane Center, in Miami Florida, has begun issuing advisories on Tropical Storm Earl. At this time, TS Earl was located near 16.3N 80.2W or about 215 miles south-southeast of Grand Cayman with maximum sustained winds of 45 mph. TS Earl is expected to continue moving towards the west near 22 mph.

Given the new details, the Cayman Islands National Weather Service has discontinued the Tropical Storm Watch for the Sister Islands but will keep a Tropical Storm Watch for Grand Cayman. While this put the Sister Islands in the clear, some showers and thunderstorms may still be experience over the Sister Islands.

Grand Cayman can expect an increase cloudiness and showers from this afternoon as TS Earl moves west of our area tonight. The current models indicate that rainfall maxima will pass to the south of Grand Cayman with approximately 1 inch of rainfall expected over the Cayman Island; however, there is the potential for some of these showers being locally heavy at times may lead to higher accumulation and to flooding of low lying areas.

Over Grand Cayman, moderate to fresh east to southeasterly winds near 10 to 15 knots and rough seas with wave heights of 4 to 6 will becoming very strong near 20 to 25 knots with wave heights increasing to 7 to 9 feet by this evening. Higher gust are likely in and around showers. All marine interests in Grand Cayman should seek safe harbor and remain there until further notice.

While conditions over the Sister Islands are expected to be slightly better; some showers and thunderstorms could spread over them. Winds speed should remain near 15 to 20 knots with higher gust possibly in and around showers with the seas remaining rough with wave heights of 4 to 6 feet. Small craft warning is in effect for the Sister Islands.

All residents in Grand Cayman should continue be attentive to any new weather bulletin that will ensue from the Cayman Islands National Weather Service.

The next bulletin will be issued at 5 p.m. this evening.

FORECASTER

Powery

Computer models are in agreement that the centre of Tropical Storm Earl will pass well south of all three Cayman Islands, however it is still possible that rainfall associated with the system could result in flooding of low lying areas. It is unlikely that the rain and wind associated with Tropical Storm Earl will have adverse effects on properties, however driving conditions may become more challenging during locally heavy rain showers, and residents are asked to drive with additional care and consideration on the roads. The National Emergency Operations Centre (NEOC) remains on standby. Members of the NEOC are monitoring the progress of the Tropical Storm Earl and are prepared to activate the response mechanism if required.

Residents should monitor local bulletins issued by media houses and log on to Caymanprepared.ky for further updates.