🌀 Tropical Cyclone 9 causes extensive flooding in Cayman Islands

The Cayman Islands are currently under a tropical storm warning due to the passing of Potential Tropical Cyclone 9, according to the Cayman Islands National Weather Service. The storm was located 109 miles west-southwest of Grand Cayman and over 200 miles from the Sister Islands as of 7:00am, moving northwest at nine miles per hour. With maximum sustained winds of about 35mph, the storm is expected to bring more rain and gusty winds, potentially causing further flooding in already affected areas. However, the storm is now moving away from the islands and conditions are expected to improve from the afternoon.🌧️

As a result of the storm, both the Owen Roberts International Airport on Grand Cayman and the Charles Kirkconnel International Airport on Cayman Brac were closed on Monday evening. Cayman Airways has cancelled all domestic and international flights for Tuesday, with the exception of a single inbound flight from Havana, weather permitting. All other flights will resume once the all-clear is given by the Cayman Islands Government. Additionally, all courts and retail banks remain closed until further notice. The Health Services Authority has also closed its services on Grand Cayman, including elective surgeries, outpatient clinics, pharmacies, district health centres, urgent care, therapy services, mental health, phlebotomy, radiology, dental and eye clinics. 🏥