Published 6th August 2012, 10:0am

The National Hurricane Center continues to issue advisories on Tropical Storm Ernesto, which at 10 a.m. was located near 15.8 N. 80.5 W. or about 245 south southeast of Grand Cayman. Ernesto is moving towards the west near 9 mph with maximum sustained winds near 65 mph. Strengthening is forecast.

THE CAYMAN ISLANDS GOVERNMENT HAS DISCONTINUED THE TROPICAL STORM WATCH FOR GRAND CAYMAN

Tropical Storm Ernesto is forecasted to pass approximately 216 miles south of Grand Cayman early this evening. Based on this path, rain bands associated with this storm will continue to affect the Cayman Islands through Tuesday afternoon.

The Cayman area will continue experience cloudy to overcast skies with frequent showers and thunder through tomorrow afternoon. Southeasterly winds of 20 to 25 knots with higher gusts are expected through tomorrow afternoon becoming moderate thereafter.

Seas will continue to be rough with wave heights of 6 to 8 feet especially along the east and south coasts.  All marine interests should remain in safe harbor until further notice.

Weather models forecast 1.00 to 1.50 inches of rainfall accumulation from Monday morning through Tuesday afternoon. This may lead to flooding of low lying areas and all residents should continue exercise caution.

Published 6th August 2012, 8:0am

The National Hurricane Center continues to issue advisories on Tropical Storm Ernesto, which at 4 a.m. was located near 15.2 N. 81.0 W. or about 380 miles east of Roatan. Ernesto is moving towards the west near 12 mph with maximum sustained winds near 50 mph.

A TROPICAL STORM WATCH REMAINS IN EFFECT FOR THE CAYMAN ISLANDS AND ALL RESIDENTS SHOULD CONTINUE TO MONITOR THE PROGRESS OF THIS STORM.

Tropical Storm Ernesto is forecasted to pass approximately 264 miles south of Grand Cayman early this evening. Based on this path, rain bands associated with this storm will continue to affect the Cayman Islands through Tuesday afternoon.

The Cayman area will continue experience cloudy to overcast skies with frequent showers and thunder through tomorrow afternoon. Southeasterly winds of 20 to 25 knots with higher gusts are expected through tomorrow afternoon becoming moderate thereafter. Seas will continue to be rough with wave heights of 6 to 8 feet especially along the east and south coasts.  All marine interests should remain in safe harbor until further notice.  Weather models forecast 1.00 to 1.50 inches of rainfall accumulation from Monday morning through Tuesday afternoon. This may lead to flooding of low lying areas and all residents should continue exercise caution.

Published 5th August 2012, 9:32pm

The National Hurricane Center continues to issue advisories on Tropical Storm Ernesto, which at 10 p.m. was located near 15.0 N. 79.7 W. or about 316 miles south southeast of Grand Cayman. Ernesto is moving towards the west near 15 mph with maximum sustained winds near 50 mph.

A TROPICAL STORM WATCH IS IN EFFECT FOR THE CAYMAN ISLANDS AND ALL RESIDENTS SHOULD CONTINUE TO MONITOR THE PROGRESS OF TROPICAL STORM ERNESTO.

Tropical Storm Ernesto is forecasted to pass approximately 244 miles south of Cayman tomorrow afternoon. Based on this path the rain band of tropical storm Ernesto will affect the Cayman Islands from this afternoon.

The Cayman area can expect cloudy to overcast skies with frequent showers and thunder tonight and tomorrow. Southeast winds of 20 to 25 knots with higher gusts are expected tonight. Weather models forecast 1.50 to 2.00 inches of rainfall accumulation from Sunday morning through Monday afternoon. This will lead to flooding of low lying areas and all residents should exercise caution.

Additionally the Cayman area can expect increasing winds and deteriorating marine conditions from tonight. All marine interests should seek safe harbor this evening and remain there.

The next bulletin will be issued at 5 a.m. Monday morning.

Published 5th August 2012, 4:16pm

At 4 p.m. on Sunday August 5th, Tropical Storm Ernesto was located near Latitude 15.3N and Longitude 78.6W or 331 miles Southeast of George Town, Grand Cayman. Ernesto is moving towards the west near 20 mph with maximum sustained winds near 50 mph.

A TROPICAL STORM WATCH FOR GRAND CAYMAN AND ALL RESIDENTS SHOULD CONTINUE TO MONITOR THE PROGRESS OF TROPICAL STORM ERNESTO

Tropical Storm Ernesto is forecasted to pass approximately 230 miles south of Cayman tomorrow afternoon. Based on this path the rain band of tropical storm Ernesto will affect the Cayman Islands from this afternoon.

The Cayman area can expect cloudy to overcast skies with frequent showers and thunder tonight and tomorrow. Southeast winds of 20 to 25 knots with higher gusts are expected tonight. Weather models forecast 1.50 to 2.00 inches of rainfall accumulation from Sunday morning through Monday afternoon. This will lead to flooding of low lying areas and all residents should exercise caution.

Additionally the Cayman area can expect increasing winds and deteriorating marine conditions from tonight. All marine interests should seek safe harbor this evening and remain there.

The Core Group of the National Hazard Management Council will meet at around 4.30 p.m. on Sunday afternoon and at that time a decision will be made by the Deputy Governor regarding whether or not Government offices will open on Monday. Following the meeting, the decision will then be communicated through Radio Cayman and other media sources and also posted on the Cayman Prepared website.

THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE WILL CONTINUE TO MONITOR THE PROGRESS OF THIS STORM.

ALL RESIDENTS ARE URGED TO STAY TUNED TO THE LOCAL MEDIA FOR THE LATEST INFORMATION.

Published 5th August 2012, 11:18am

At 10 a.m. on Sunday August 5th, Tropical Storm Ernesto was located near Latitude 15.0N and Longitude 77.1W or about 200 miles South of Kingston, Jamaica. Minimum central pressure is 1006 MB. Maximum sustained are near 50 MPH with higher gusts. Tropical storm force winds extend outwards approximately 125 miles.

THE CAYMAN ISLANDS GOVERNMENT HAS ISSUED A TROPICAL STORM WATCH FOR GRAND CAYMAN.

A TROPICAL STORM WATCH MEANS THAT TROPICAL STORM CONDITIONS ARE POSSIBLE WITHIN THE WATCH AREA...IN THIS CASE WITHIN 24 TO 48 HOURS.

Ernesto is currently heading West near 23 miles per hour. This motion is expected to continue today and tonight with a decrease in forward speed. Some strengthening is possible as the storm moves across the Western Caribbean Sea. On the forecast track the centre of Ernesto is expected to pass South of the Cayman Islands on Monday.

Tropical Storm Conditions are possible in Grand Cayman tonight and early Monday.

The closest point of approach to the Cayman Islands from the centre of Ernesto is currently forecast to be over 200 miles away. However the effects of Ernesto from this distance are rough seas (dangerous at times) on the south coast and gusty winds. Not much rainfall is currently forecast.

A small craft warning will go into effect beginning on Monday with wave heights of 5 to 7 feet expected for Monday and Tuesday.

The Core Group of the National Hazard Management Council will meet at around 4.30 p.m. on Sunday afternoon and at that time a decision will be made by the Deputy Governor regarding whether or not Government offices will open on Monday. Following the meeting, the decision will then be communicated through Radio Cayman and other media sources and also posted on the Cayman Prepared website.

THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE WILL CONTINUE TO MONITOR THE PROGRESS OF THIS STORM.

ALL RESIDENTS ARE URGED TO STAY TUNED TO THE LOCAL MEDIA FOR THE LATEST INFORMATION.

Published 5th August 2012, 8:50am

At 7 a.m. on Sunday August 5th, Tropical Storm Ernesto was located near Latitude 15.0N and Longitude 76.0W or about 215 miles South South East of Kingston, Jamaica. Minimum central pressure is 1006 MB.

Ernesto is currently heading West (270 degrees) at 22 miles per hour. This motion is expected to continue today and tonight with a decrease in forward speed. On the forecast track Ernesto is expected to pass south of Jamaica on Sunday afternoon and South of the Cayman Islands on Monday.

Maximum sustained are near 50 MPH with higher gusts. Slow strengthening is possible over the next 48 hours. Tropical storm force winds extend outwards approximately 125 miles.

The closest point of approach to the Cayman Islands from the centre of Ernesto is expected to be over 200 miles away. The effects of Ernesto from this distance are rough seas (dangerous at times) on the south coast and gusty winds. Not much rainfall is currently forecast.

A small craft warning will go into effect beginning on Monday with wave heights of 5 to 7 feet expected for Monday and Tuesday.

The Core Group of the National Hazard Management Council will meet at around 4.30 p.m. on Sunday afternoon and at that time a decision will be made by the Deputy Governor regarding whether or not Government offices will open on Monday. Following the meeting, the decision will then be communicated through Radio Cayman and other media sources and also posted on the Cayman Prepared website.

THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE WILL CONTINUE TO MONITOR THE PROGRESS OF THIS STORM.

ALL RESIDENTS ARE URGED TO STAY TUNED TO THE LOCAL MEDIA FOR THE LATEST INFORMATION.

Published 4th August 2012, 4:26pm

At 4 p.m. on Saturday August 4th, Tropical Storm Ernesto was located near Latitude 14.8N and Longitude 70.1W or about 495 miles East South East of Kingston, Jamaica. Minimum central pressure is 1003 MB.

Ernesto is currently heading West (280 degrees) at 18 miles per hour. This motion with a gradual decrease in forward speed is expected to continue during the next 48 hours and on the forecast track Ernesto is expected to pass south of Jamaica on Sunday afternoon and South of the Cayman Islands on Monday and Tuesday. If Ernesto follows the expected forecast track, the closest point of approach to the Cayman Islands will be approximately 125 miles away on Tuesday evening.

Maximum sustained winds remain near 60 MPH. No significant change of strength is expected today but some intensification is possible on Sunday. Ernesto is forecast to become a Category 1 hurricane in the next 24 to 48 hours. Tropical storm force winds extend outwards about 140 miles mostly to the North and East of the centre of circulation.

A Tropical Storm Warning is currently in effect for Jamaica.
No watches or warnings have been issued for the Cayman Islands at this time.

The Cayman Islands National Weather Service is forecasting east to southeast winds 15 to 20 knots, with higher gusts on Monday. On Tuesday the forecast calls for southeast winds 20 to 25 knots with higher gusts.

Seas are expected to be rough, especially on the south coast on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday with wave heights of 5 to 7 feet. A small craft warning will go into effect beginning on Monday.

The Core Group of the National Hazard Management Council will meet at around 4.30 p.m. on Sunday afternoon and at that time a decision will be made by the Deputy Governor regarding whether or not Government offices will open on Monday. Following the meeting, the decision will then be communicated through Radio Cayman and other media sources and also posted on the Cayman Prepared website.

THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE WILL CONTINUE TO MONITOR THE PROGRESS OF THIS STORM.

ALL RESIDENTS ARE URGED TO STAY TUNED TO THE LOCAL MEDIA FOR THE LATEST INFORMATION.

Published 4th August 2012, 4:3pm

At 1 p.m. on Saturday August 4th, Tropical Storm Ernesto was located at 14.5N 69.3W or about 550 miles East South East of Kingston, Jamaica. Minimum central pressure is 1004 MB.

Ernesto is currently heading West (280 degrees) at 18 miles per hour. This motion is expected to continue during the next 48 hours and on the forecast track Ernesto is expected to pass south of Jamaica on Sunday evening and South of the Cayman Islands on Monday and Tuesday. If Ernesto follows the expected forecast track, the closest point of approach to the Cayman Islands will be approximately 125 miles away on Tuesday evening.

Maximum sustained winds remain near 50 MPH. No significant change of strength is expected today but some intensification is possible on Sunday. Ernesto is forecast to become a Category 1 hurricane in the next 24 to 48 hours. Tropical storm force winds extend outwards about 100 miles mostly to the North and East of the centre of circulation.

A Tropical Storm Warning is currently in effect for Jamaica.
No watches or warnings have been issued for the Cayman Islands at this time.

The Cayman Islands National Weather Service is forecasting east to southeast winds 15 to 20 knots, with higher gusts on Monday. On Tuesday the forecast calls for southeast winds 20 to 25 knots with higher gusts.

Seas are expected to be rough, especially on the south coast on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday with wave heights of 5 to 7 feet. A small craft warning will go into effect beginning on Monday.

The Core Group of the National Hazard Management Council will meet at around 4.30 p.m. on Sunday afternoon and at that time a decision will be made by the Deputy Governor regarding whether or not Government offices will open on Monday. Following the meeting, the decision will then be communicated through Radio Cayman and other media sources and also posted on the Cayman Prepared website.

THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE WILL CONTINUE TO MONITOR THE PROGRESS OF THIS STORM.

ALL RESIDENTS ARE URGED TO STAY TUNED TO THE LOCAL MEDIA FOR THE LATEST INFORMATION.

Published 3rd August 2012, 5:7pm

The National Hurricane Center, in Miami Florida, continues to issue advisories on Tropical Storm Ernesto. At 4 p.m. today, Ernesto was located near 13.9 N. 64.1 W. or about 210 miles west of St. Lucia. Presently, Ernesto is moving towards the west near 21 mph with maximum sustained winds near 50 mph.

The latest track forecast carries the storm southwest of Grand Cayman with tropical storm force winds brushing the island.

The closest point of approach will be 123 miles on 11 p.m. Monday night.

The Core Group of the National Hazard Management Council will meet at around 4.30 p.m. on Sunday afternoon and at that time a decision will be made regarding whether or not Government offices will be open on Monday. Following the meeting, the decision will then be communicated through Radio Cayman and other media sources and also posted on the Cayman Prepared website.

THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE WILL CONTINUE TO MONITOR THE PROGRESS OF THIS STORM.  ALL RESIDENTS ARE URGED TO STAY TUNED TO THE LOCAL MEDIA FOR THE LASTEST INFORMATION.

Published 3rd August 2012, 12:15pm

Hazard Management Cayman Islands and the National Weather Service are currently monitoring Tropical Storm Ernesto which is located close to St. Lucia and heading west at 21 mph.  Tropical Storm Ernesto remains poorly organized and does not pose an immediate threat to the Cayman Islands, but some strengthening could occur over the next few days and residents should remain alert to the possible threat posed by this system.  The Cayman Islands are currently included in the National Hurricane Centre’s Potential Forecast Track cone.

Residents should have a week’s supply of non-perishable food and water, a portable radio, a flashlight, and extra batteries available at all times, but particularly during the hurricane season. For a complete list of items you should have in your emergency supply kit, and other tips for protecting your life and property visit Cayman Prepared.ky; or stop by at the Hazard Management office in the Government Administration Building.

Published 2nd August 2012, 3:32pm

Hazard Management Cayman Islands and the National Weather Service are currently monitoring Tropical Depression number 5 which is located east of the Windward Islands. Tropical Depression number 5 does not pose an immediate threat to the Cayman Islands. The system is disorganized and while the National Hurricane Center in Miami is currently predicting only a 10 to 20 percent chance that the Cayman Islands could be affected by Tropical Storm winds within the next 5 days, the Tropical Depression serves as a reminder that residents need to be prepared.

Residents should have a week’s supply of non-perishable food and water, a portable radio, a flashlight, and extra batteries available at all times, but particularly during the hurricane season. For a complete list of items you should have in your emergency supply kit, and other tips for protecting your life and property visit Cayman Prepared.ky; or stop by at the Hazard Management office in the Government Administration Building.

For more information contact Simon Boxall at 526-2027 or Simon.boxall@gov.ky