Cayman Prepares for Gustav

(CNS): The Cayman Islands remain under a Hurricane Watch as Tropical Storm Gustav continues moving away from Haiti. Gustav is expected to slowly regain hurricane strength tomorrow evening as it passes north of Jamaica, and tropical storm force winds are likely to start affecting the Sister Islands from around 11:00 pm Thursday, 28 August 28. The timing of local activities such as airport closures will be announced to residents.

According to the National Hurricane Centre in Miami, at 1:00 pm local time, the centre of Tropical Storm Gustav was located near 18.8 N 74.4 W, or 358 miles east-southeast of Cayman Brac. Gustav is moving west near 5mph, with maximum sustained winds near 60 mph. A west to west-northwest track is forecast during the next day or two, with a gradual increase in forward speed.

The Hazard Management Cayman Islands’ Joint Communications Service (JCS) reports that the Sister Islands Emergency Committee is monitoring Tropical Storm Gustav and making preparations, and keeping in close touch with Hazard Management Cayman Islands. Cayman Islands residents should monitor all local media outlets that carry local news in order to stay informed about Gustav.
 

At this time, residents should make sure they have food and medicine supplies, shuttering supplies, as well as important documents, including travel documents, in order. They should also look after marine interests and have a pet safety plan. Residents are also advised to check generators and make sure they have fuel, and ensure that family members and anyone who will be staying with them in the event of a storm are aware of the plan.

The Water Authority – Cayman is urging all customers to take note of the water specific tips on their website www.waterauthority.ky. Customers are also reminded that major hurricanes do pose a serious threat to our pipelines along the coast, and therefore it may become necessary for the Authority to temporarily disrupt service in order to protect the distribution system. Should this action become necessary, the Water Authority will give as much notice as possible once the decision has been made.

The Public Works Department and National Roads Authority will close for regular business tomorrow (Wednesday, 27 August) and Thursday, 28 August. Both departments will begin shuttering and preparing government facilities for the passage of Hurricane Gustav. Anyone in need of emergency assistance may call the helpdesk at 916-6694.
In order to facilitate hurricane preparations, the Planning Department will be closed to the public on Wednesday, 27 August, and will reopen as soon as practical thereafter.
The meeting of the Central Planning Authority scheduled for Wednesday, 27 August, has been rescheduled for Wednesday 3 September 2008, conditions permitting. Interested parties are asked to monitor the media for further announcements.
The Department would also like to remind all residents and contractors to take a moment to ensure that all construction material and jobsites are secured to minimise flying and floating debris.