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(Central Nervous System) Update 1:15pm: Beryl was still a major Category 4 hurricane with winds of 140 mph when it began moving across Jamaica on Wednesday. The National Hurricane Center issued a midday update at about 1 p.m. local time, saying the center of Beryl was about 45 miles southeast of Kingston and about 320 miles east-southeast of Grand Cayman with winds of 18 mph. The center of Beryl is still expected to pass near or over the Cayman Islands as a major hurricane tonight.
Although Hurricane Beryl is moving slightly south, placing the Cayman Islands slightly outside the NHC tracking cone, the hurricane is still expected to pass within 70 miles south of Grand Cayman at its closest approach early Thursday morning.
Residents are asked to complete all preparations today and remain in place from 6pm tonight until officials give the signal that everything is normal.
See previous reports and important information below
10:15am: Hurricane Beryl’s winds slowed slightly to 18 mph as it moved toward Jamaica Wednesday morning, according to the National Hurricane Center’s 10 a.m. bulletin. Beryl was 75 miles southeast of Kingston and about 365 miles east-southeast of Grand Cayman and remained a dangerous Category 4 hurricane with winds of 145 mph and higher gusts.
According to the forecast track, while wind shear is currently affecting Beryl, it still has the potential to become a major hurricane as it moves across the Cayman Islands late tonight and early Thursday morning. The center of Beryl will pass near or over Jamaica in the next few hours. Thereafter, Beryl will move toward the Cayman Islands.
Cayman Airways has also added an additional flight to Miami tonight to assist with evacuations. Flight KX3136 will depart GCM at 3:40 p.m. and arrive in Miami at 6:20 p.m.
Officials also issued a flood warning for the Cayman Islands, with about 4-10 inches of rain expected Thursday. Wave heights are expected to reach 6-9 feet tonight, 10-15 feet Thursday and drop to 5-7 feet Friday.
The Cayman Islands government is urging the public to stay where they are from 6pm tonight until officials issue the all-clear as Hurricane Beryl approaches. There are no plans to formally restrict movement as the public needs to follow guidance given for their own safety, officials said. Non-essential travel during this time of heightened response measures could lead to more emergencies. With this in mind, people who choose to shelter from their homes should do so before nightfall to ensure they are in a safe place before weather conditions begin to deteriorate.
Original Post: Beryl was headed toward Jamaica with winds of 145 mph on Wednesday and remained a dangerous Category 4 hurricane at 7 a.m. local time, when it was about 430 miles east-southeast of Grand Cayman, which remained under a hurricane warning. Beryl was traveling at about 20 mph, with slight fluctuations in its path that moved the forecast path slightly southward.
The eye of the hurricane is now estimated to be about 70 miles south of Grand Cayman at its closest point in the Cayman Islands. However, it remains difficult to predict the path of this hurricane and the intensity we can expect to experience as the storm passes near or over Jamaica before returning to unusually warm waters.
According to the latest advisory from the National Hurricane Center, hurricane-force winds extend up to 45 miles from the center, and tropical storm-force winds extend up to 185 miles. TSF winds are expected to begin affecting the Sister Islands around 9:30 p.m. Thursday and Grand Cayman after midnight. However, weather conditions are expected to deteriorate early tonight.
Government will hold a press conference at 2pm, which will be broadcast on Radio Cayman, CIGTV and social media channels. The National Emergency Operations Centre (NEOC) will be activated at 10am this morning and the Cayman Regiment will deploy at noon upon receipt of official orders.
The Cayman Islands Coast Guard is urging all boat owners to take immediate action to secure their vessels, preferably inland. Listen to the Marine Alert here.
Shelter It is also expected to open this morning.
Most banks and businesses in the Cayman Islands said they would be closed on Wednesday, but some shops and supermarkets would remain open until at least lunchtime.
Officials urged residents to be prepared, remain vigilant and follow official information as this is critical to preventing massive damage to property, infrastructure and, most importantly, loss of life. Residents should regularly check official sources for updates, including the National Weather Service, Local government websites and trusted news media.
People must follow guidance provided by local authorities, including potential evacuation orders and shelter-in-place information.
Import numbers and web pages:
- NEOC Call Center: 949-6555
- Emergency Services: 911
- Mental Health Hotline: 1-800-534-6463
- Local weather updates: www.weather.gov.ky
- Cayman Islands Hazard Management: www.caymanprepared.gov.ky
- Local news media: CIG TV and Radio Cayman
- Social Media: Follow @caymangov @caymanprepared on Instagram and Facebook for real-time updates.
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