Published 24th August 2020, 10:37am

THIS IS A SEVERE WEATHER BULLETIN

PREPARED BY THE CAYMAN ISLANDS NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE.

10 am August 24th 2020, Tropical storm Laura Bulletin 4.

At 10 am Tropical Storm Laura was located near Latitude 21.2 North… Longitude 80.6 West or about 115 miles north-northwest of Cayman Brac and 142 miles north-northeast of Grand Cayman. The storm is moving towards the west-northwest near 20 mph with maximum sustained winds of 60 mph.

THE GOVERNMEMT OF THE CAYMAN ISLANDS MAINTAINS A TROPICAL STORM WARNING IN PLACE FOR THE SISTER ISLANDS.

Conditions expected over the Sister Islands:

The latest forecast issued by the National Hurricane Center in Miami, Florida, suggests that Tropical Storm Laura will continue on its present track. On this projection, the threat of Tropical Storm Force winds affecting the Sister Islands will cease by this afternoon. Wind direction is expected to be from the south-southwest near 25 to 30 knots becoming southeasterly 15 to 20 knots by this evening. Higher gusts nearing 35 knots are likely especially through this afternoon.

Moderate to locally heavy showers are expected through this evening as Tropical Storm Laura moves along the south coast of Cuba. Rainfall accumulation estimates between 2 to 4 inches with a localized maximum of 6 inches of rainfall could occur over the Sister Islands during the next 24 hours and FLOODING OF LOW LYING AREAS IS LIKELY. Residents in these low-lying areas should take the necessary precautions.

Seas conditions over the Sister Islands are expected to be rough with wave heights of 6 to 8 feet today and subsiding with wave heights of 4 to 6 feet by tonight. ALL MARINE INTEREST OVER THE SISTER ISLANDS SHOULD SEEK SAFE HARBOUR AND REMAIN THERE UNTIL AT LEAST TOMORROW MORNING.

Conditions expected over Grand Cayman:

Over Grand Cayman, conditions are expected to be bit more subdued with Tropical Storm Laura passing about 142 miles north-northeast of Grand Cayman. The wind direction is expected to be the southwesterly at 15 to 20 knots with higher becoming southerly 15 to 20 knots by evening and southeasterly 10 to 15 knots later tonight.. Higher gust are likely in and around heavy showers.

Rainfall estimates for Grand Cayman suggest accumulations of 1 to 3 inches are likely through tomorrow morning. Showers may be locally heavy at times.

Seas around Grand Cayman are expected to be rough with wave heights of 4 to 6 feet. While the risk to marine interests in Grand Cayman might be low at this time, extra caution should be taken through the next 24hrs.

The next bulletin will be issued at 4 pm