Hello everyone,

As of 23rd September 2022, the Cayman Islands is under a Hurricane Watch, recognising the potential for Tropical Depression 9 to strengthen.

As of 4:00pm today, the depression is 737 miles East South-East of Grand Cayman and moving to the West North-West at 15 miles per hour, with maximum sustained winds of 35 miles per hour.

The system is forecast to strengthen to a hurricane as it moves towards Grand Cayman and the Sister Islands.

Tropical storm force winds are expected to begin at 6:00pm on Sunday evening. We can expect flooding on Grand Cayman in low lying areas with projected rainfall to be in the region of 8 to 10 inches.

I urge everyone to monitor official communication channels, including Radio Cayman, to track the development of this storm system, as storms are unpredictable and can change course at any time.

Please ensure that you have ample supplies to provide for yourself and your loved ones through the storm and 48 hours thereafter. Important

provisions include prescription medications, baby supplies, non-perishable food and drinking water. Be prepared for potential loss of power.

All Government offices closed at 3:00pm today, and the National Emergency Operations Centre will meet as the storm develops and respond to the changing conditions accordingly.

I ask that you remain calm. Preparation and caution are key to remaining safe. Please conclude your preparations as quickly as possible and plan to be safely sheltered by Sunday afternoon.

Rest assured that the Cayman Islands Government is fully prepared and all emergency services are available to provide assistance as necessary.

Visit weather.gov.ky, caymanprepared.gov.ky, gov.ky and Radio Cayman for up-to-date information on Tropical Depression 9, which will be named Hermine when it becomes a Tropical Storm. Shelters will open at 2:00pm on Sunday, 25 September.

To allow the public to make final preparations, we have today authorised for supermarkets, hardware stores, and home depots to be open for business on Sunday, 25 September 2022 from 6:00am to 4:00pm.

If you need emergency assistance at any time, please call 911.

The Mental Health hotline will remain open at 1-800-543-6463.

Be reminded that forecasts and models can change quickly, thus it is critical that we prepare for the worst and pray for the best.

I thank you for your attention. I trust you will be well prepared and above all, stay safe. God bless each of you and our beloved Cayman Islands.

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