Storm watch over for CI

(CNS): Update: Monday  -- The Cayman Islands government discontinued the Tropical Storm Watch for Grand Cayman on Monday morning as Tropical Storm Ernesto was forecast to pass about 216 miles south of Grand Cayman early this evening. However, local forecasters warned that on its current path, rain bands associated with the storm would affect Cayman Islands until tomorrow afternoon. Government opened for business as usual Monday when it was clear the storm would pose no real threat locally. Cayman can however expect cloudy and overcast conditions with frequent showers and thunder until tomorrow.

South-easterly winds of 20 to 25 knots and higher gusts will continue and boat captains were warned to keep vessels in safe harbour as seas will be rough with wave heights of 6 to 8 feet especially along the east and south coasts.  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.

On Monday morning TS Ernesto was about 190 miles ENE OF the Nicaraguan and Honduran border
about 405 miles east of Isla Roatan. Winds had increased to 65 MPH and Ernesto had slowed down to 9 MPH.

This general motion is expected to continue for the next 48 hours, the NHC in Miami said but the storm may increase slightly in forward speed. Strengthening is forecast and Ernesto could become a hurricane by tonight with further strengthening before it makes landfall. Tropical storm force winds extend outward up to 125 miles from the centre.
Meanwhile, TS Florence had dissipated and become a post tropical remnant low with winds of 35mph which were expected to fall as the weather system was expected to weaken further over the next couple of days.

Visit the Cayman Airways website for information on the schedule. 

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