Rina churns to category 2 as rains continue locally

(CNS): The wet weather associated with Hurricane Rina is expected to continue in Cayman as the category two hurricane rumbles across the region. Situated around 215 miles south-west of Grand Cayman at 7:00am Tuesday Rina is packing winds in excess of 100mph. The National Hurricane Centre said it is expected to strengthen and become a major hurricane by this evening or Wednesday. Moving toward the west- northwest near 3mph a turn toward the northwest with some increase in forward speed is forecast over the next 48 hours. Although Rina poses no direct threat to Cayman local weather experts are warning residents of the continued risk of flooding in low lying areas.

Cayman can expect cloudy skies with sporadic showers and thunder heavy at times. Resident of low-lying areas should take precautions as the heavy showers may enhance any flooding problems in their areas. Temperatures will rise to the mid 80’s. Winds will be east to northeast 10 to 15 knots. Seas will be moderate with wave heights 3 to 5 feet becoming rough in and around showers. Swells are possible especially along the south coast.

The outlook calls for a break in the shower activity on Wednesday morning with an increase in cloudiness and showers from Thursday as a trough approaches the Cayman area.

Meanwhile, an area of low pressure just to the north of Curacao is producing scattered showers and thunderstorms is expected to become more conducive for development as the disturbance moves over the south-central Caribbean, the NHC reports.  The system has a 40 percent chance of becoming a tropical cyclone during the next 48 hours as it moves west-north-westward at 15 to 20 mph.

For more on regional weather go to http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/ and for local forecasts visit www.weather.ky