Cayman Islands: Tropical Storm Watch issued ahead of impact from Storm Eta November 6

Event

A Tropical Storm Watch has been issued for the Cayman Islands as former Hurricane Eta has re-emerged in the Caribbean Sea off the coast of Belize on Friday, November 6. The storm is forecast to strengthen into a Tropical Storm later in the day and expected to pass just to the north of the island throughout Saturday, November 7. The Department of Education has closed schools and government buildings are also closed on Friday with employees expected to work from home. The US National Hurricane Center (NHC) advisory as of 07:00 (EST) reports the storm immediately off the Belize coast and moving north at 7mph (11kph) with maximum sustained winds of 35mph (56kph). A turn to the northeast is expected later in the day with further strengthening over the coming days as the storm moves into warmer water.

Context

The Atlantic hurricane season runs from late May through to the end of November, with activity typically peaking in late August and early September. Numerous tropical storms form in the Atlantic Ocean during this period, with most affecting the Caribbean, the Gulf of Mexico, and the east coast of the United States. Although communities in the region are generally well prepared for adverse weather conditions during the hurricane season, severe storms bring a significant risk of flooding and infrastructural damage.

Advice

Those in the Cayman Islands are advised to monitor local weather reports, avoid areas directly affected by flooding, confirm road conditions before setting out, and adhere to instructions issued by local authorities.