Hurricane Paloma heads for Cayman Islands, Cuba and Jamaica nov7th

Antaletriangle · 11-07-2008, 02:19 PM

http://www.guardian.co.uk/global/200...anislands-cuba
Hurricane Paloma was gathering pace as it headed towards the Cayman Islands today, with winds increasing to 80mph, and authorities poised to put hurricane warnings in place across Cuba, according to forecasters.

The category one storm is expected to keep gaining momentum as it moves across open waters in the Caribbean. It is thought it will pass the Cayman Islands late today or early Saturday with fears the storm could then strengthen as it moves north, becoming a category three hurricane by tomorrow as it reaches Cuba.

The National Hurricane Center in Miami says warnings may be issued to parts of Cuba today and a prediction that there could be up to 8in of rain in the Cayman Islands.

"Interests in Cuba and Jamaica should closely monitor the progress of Paloma," it said in a statement.

Paloma may make landfall in Cuba over the weekend, and Jamaica was warned to also monitor its progress, the center said.

The Cayman Islands planned to close its main airport on Friday morning, although no mandatory evacuation will be issued, Tourism Minister Charles Clifford said.

Extra flights had been added for those wishing to leave. Guests who remain on the island will be moved to higher floors in anticipation of flooding, he said.

Grocery stores reported heavy business yesterday, and some people had started to board up their windows.

Many cars lines up around petrol stations, with residents recalling how they were left without fuel during Hurricane Ivan in 2004.

The Cayman Islands' top elected official, Kurt Tibbetts, urged residents not to wait until the last minute to prepare for the storm.

"History has taught us that we cannot afford complacency during hurricane season, for conditions can rapidly deteriorate," he said.

11-07-2008, 02:19 PM	#1
Antaletriangle Avalon Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: U.K. Posts: 3,380	Hurricane Paloma heads for Cayman Islands, Cuba and Jamaica nov7th http://www.guardian.co.uk/global/200...anislands-cuba Hurricane Paloma was gathering pace as it headed towards the Cayman Islands today, with winds increasing to 80mph, and authorities poised to put hurricane warnings in place across Cuba, according to forecasters. The category one storm is expected to keep gaining momentum as it moves across open waters in the Caribbean. It is thought it will pass the Cayman Islands late today or early Saturday with fears the storm could then strengthen as it moves north, becoming a category three hurricane by tomorrow as it reaches Cuba. The National Hurricane Center in Miami says warnings may be issued to parts of Cuba today and a prediction that there could be up to 8in of rain in the Cayman Islands. "Interests in Cuba and Jamaica should closely monitor the progress of Paloma," it said in a statement. Paloma may make landfall in Cuba over the weekend, and Jamaica was warned to also monitor its progress, the center said. The Cayman Islands planned to close its main airport on Friday morning, although no mandatory evacuation will be issued, Tourism Minister Charles Clifford said. Extra flights had been added for those wishing to leave. Guests who remain on the island will be moved to higher floors in anticipation of flooding, he said. Grocery stores reported heavy business yesterday, and some people had started to board up their windows. Many cars lines up around petrol stations, with residents recalling how they were left without fuel during Hurricane Ivan in 2004. The Cayman Islands' top elected official, Kurt Tibbetts, urged residents not to wait until the last minute to prepare for the storm. "History has taught us that we cannot afford complacency during hurricane season, for conditions can rapidly deteriorate," he said. Last edited by Antaletriangle; 11-07-2008 at 02:24 PM.