Bad weather causing flight diversions and flooded roads

Severe weather and constant downpour are causing flooding on Cayman's roads and flight diversions.

Cayman Airways flight KX 883 from Honduras and KX 201 from Tampa have been diverted to Cayman Brac due to the severe weather conditions. At this time they are still there waiting for clearance. Sources also indicate that British Airways had to return to Nassau, the Bahamas due to the weather.

Roads are also drenched due to the constant rain all afternoon and motorists are encouraged to exercise extreme caution this weekend.

The Mosquito Research and Control Unit (MRCU) is expecting a significant emergence of mosquitoes during the next few days due to the recent heavy rains. The increased rainfall results in a higher number of mosquitoes hatching during this period, compared to dryer conditions. The wet and stormy weather has also been hampering MRCU’s control efforts, as neither ground, nor aerial operations can be conducted in extreme wet or windy conditions.

As soon as weather conditions permit, MRCU will respond to the expected mosquito emergence.

At 500 PM EDT (2100 UTC), Potential Tropical Cyclone 18 was centered near latitude 17.5 North, longitude 84.5 West. The system is moving toward the north-northwest near 6 mph. A faster northward motion is expected to begin tonight, followed by a faster motion toward the northeast on Saturday and Sunday. On the forecast track, the system will move across western Cuba late Saturday and move through the northwestern Bahamas Saturday night and early Sunday.

Data from an Air Force Reserve Hurricane Hunter aircraft indicate that maximum sustained winds are near 40 mph with higher gusts. Some strengthening is forecast during the next 24 to 36 hours.

Tropical-storm-force winds extend outward up to 80 miles (130 km), mainly to the south of the center.

The Cayman Islands can expect cloudy rainy weather conditions lasting through Sunday morning. Weather models forecast 1 to 1.25 inches to fall between 7 pm this evening through 7 pm tomorrow evening. This will result in continued flooding of low lying areas and residents of low lying areas should exercise caution.

Additionally, winds and seas will gradually increase over the Cayman Islands through tomorrow morning. Tomorrow Grand Cayman can expect southerly winds at 20 to 25 knots with higher gusts, Sister Islands 15 to 20 knots with higher gusts. This will result in very rough seas of 7 to 9 feet with swells along the west coast Grand Cayman. A marine warning is in effect. All residents and marine interests are advised to stay in the safe harbor.

Note: Stock photo used