Rina becomes hurricane as it passes SW of Cayman

(CNS): Updated — Situated some 195 miles to the southwest of the Cayman Islands Hurricane Rina was still packing winds of more than 75mph on Monday afternoon as it passed south of Cayman. Moving at only 3mph weather experts at the National Hurricane Centre in Mimai said additional strengthening was expected soon. As anticipated the hurricane turned west-northwest mid afternoon and although Rina is more than 80 miles away from Cayman forecasters said it could bring around four inches of rain to the local area as it passes by. Huricane winds extend outward some 15 miles from the centre while tropical force winds extend some 115 miles out.

Rina is now expected to turn further toward the west later today and with additional strengthening over the next 48 hours it is forecast to become a major hurricane by late Tuesday.

Local residents are urged to keep watch on local weather forecasts and to prepare for flooding in low lying areas as the rainy weather is expected to continue through into Wednesday afternoon.