Grand Cayman will experience heavy
rain and windy weather through Tuesday afternoon as the tropical low-pressure
weather system dubbed Invest 92L passes to the south.
Things could have been much worse,
however, because it was thought 92L, which was identified last week, would
develop into a tropical cyclone before it reached the Cayman Islands. Although
it could still develop into a tropical depression or Tropical Storm Karl, it
likely will not happen until the storm is well past Cayman.
Cayman Islands National Weather
Service Meteorologists Allan Ebanks believes Cayman is lucky to just get rain
and gusty conditions from the storm.
“The way the atmosphere was set up
kept it from developing into anything,” he said, noting that dry, cold air in
the mid-to-upper levels of the atmosphere surrounding the system got “sucked
into” the system, hindering development.
The system is still expected to
bring up to two inches of rain between Monday night and Tuesday night. Hazard
Management Cayman Islands issued a press release Monday morning warning of
flooding in low-lying areas as a result of the heavy rains.
“Roads, homes, businesses and parking
lots may be affected,” Hazard Management stated. “Residents in low-lying areas
need to take precautionary measures if they live in areas with a history of
flooding.”
The press release advised residents
to avoid driving on flooded roads.
“If you have to drive through flood
water, drive very slowly,” it stated.
Hazard Management said there were
no plans to open storm shelters, but it advised residents to monitor the media
for further announcements.
The storm system is also expected
to bring gusty winds of 10 to 15 knots out of the east-northeast, shifting to
the east-southeast as the system passes by Grand Cayman on Tuesday. Mr. Ebanks
said the seas were expected to be moderate with three- to five-foot waves. He
also said to expect higher gusts and rough seas in and around the heavier showers.
The National Weather Service
advised small craft should exercise caution in open waters through Tuesday
night.