Schools open despite continued squalls and flooding
(CNS): Government schools will reopen Thursday, having been closed for three days, even though the weather forecast is for continued floods and squalls into the afternoon. A release from the Ministry of Education (MOE) said the decision had been made based on consultations with the Cayman Islands National Weather Service.
The release said that the MoE and the Department of Education Services (DES) “are committed to the safety and well-being of all students and will continue to closely monitor evolving weather conditions in collaboration with the relevant agencies and promptly communicate any changes should conditions worsen”.
Due to the likelihood of continued flooding in some areas, the ministry said that special precautions were being implemented to ensure student safety during pick-up and drop-off. Parents and guardians are encouraged to be present at drop-off points when possible to ensure their children’s safe arrival.
While public schools are scheduled to open, private educational institutions will manage their own reopening plans, the MoE said.
In a 5:00pm severe weather bulletin on Wednesday, CINWS Chief Meteorologist Kerry Powery noted that while the tropical storm warning has been lifted for the Cayman Islands, the all-clear has not been issued. Showers and squally conditions that have been impacting the islands are likely to continue through tonight and into tomorrow morning.
A decreasing frequency of squalls and showers is expected overnight, and the weather is expected to improve tomorrow afternoon through Friday. With high tides and more rain anticipated, flooding is expected to continue. As such, the flood warning remains in effect.
Grand Cayman could see up to 0.75 inches of rain Wednesday night and 0.2 to 0.6 inches on Thursday, while the Sister Islands could have up to 0.5 inches on Wednesday night and 0.5 inches or less on Thursday. Winds will be southerly at 20-25 knots with higher gusts tonight and 15-20 knots with higher gusts tomorrow.
Powery said marine conditions remain a concern, especially along the south coast. Wave heights of six to eight feet are expected tonight and tomorrow, and a marine warning will remain in effect tomorrow, Thursday, September 26.
Residents are advised that increased flooding is likely as Cayman continues to experience frequent rainfall. Mariners should seek and remain in safe harbour until further notice.
The Water Authority is advising the general public to avoid contact with standing water if their onsite wastewater treatment system is flooded. Due to the flooding issues caused by Tropical Storm Helene, the effluent disposal well may not be able to drain effluent from the system into the groundwater. This creates a risk that the system backs up and sewage overflows onto the ground or back up into your home, the WA said in a release.
The public is also advised to exercise caution around flooded wastewater systems as this poses a public health hazard due to sewage contamination.
Residents are urged to monitor septic/wastewater treatment systems and be aware of signs that the system is not working properly. Possible signs include sinks and/or toilets draining slowly, floor drains overflowing, and sewage being visible outside the home. If residents experience any of these issues, they are advised to contact a plumber immediately.
If items in the home come in contact with sewage or contaminated water, anything that cannot be washed and disinfected should be removed and discarded. Such items include mattresses, carpeting, carpet padding, rugs, upholstered furniture, cosmetics, stuffed animals, baby toys, pillows, foam-rubber items, books, wall coverings, and most paper products.
Cayman Airways has said it is extending change fee waiver for Florida flights due to Hurricane Helene. See details on the CAL website.
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Category: Science & Nature, Weather
Sometimes I wonder why Cayman has the class of politician or political leadership that it does – but every time an even remotely critical or important decision is made, I get a stark reminder.
Its because smart people see the responses, reactions and people you have to deal with and steer clear. Seriously why would they get involved? When something as simple as being cautious in a storm becomes some massive controversy. Why would people with expertise and knowledge throw their hats in the ring to have to deal with the types of idiots who regularly run their mouths in Cayman.
Thanks to the internet every Tom, Dick and Harry is an expert meteorologist, immunologist, virologist, laywer, doctor, economist, architect, contractor, city planner, road and traffic expert, criminal analyst, immigration expert etc etc.
We get the class of leader we deserve.
Mentality.
I am very concerned. I saw four puddles this morning and seven leaves which I think blew off a tree. luckily, I have Cayman News Service to keep me in a permanent state of worry.
Take the whole week and have an official paid holiday.
schools are not flooded…teachers can get to school, students acan get to school.
why were schools closed???
Why are you so angry? Take a chill pill.
Has Govt. considered locking down the island next week?
Noting that the mosquitos will probably carry you away if you venture outside in the coming days.
We live in the tropics. It rains and the wind blows sometimes. CIG took 3 days off while the private sector carried on. The weather we had during these closures would be considered normal in some parts of the world. Any excuse not to go to work.
Well difference is CIG get paid by our tax dollars but private sector has to earn it.
No reason for Cayman Brac schools not to be open.
Closing for rain, how pathetic. When did Caymanians get so soft?
Once they started getting used to being subsidised by expats.
Let’s face it, CIG, the entire civil service and the NAU are one big amorphous blob engineered to extract import taxes, stamp duty and other fees from expats, and funnel them into Caymanian pockets. That’s not actually a bad objective, but it would be simpler and actually in most Caymanians’ long-term best interests to do it more efficiently. For example, reform election laws so criminals can’t stand, and the constituency system is replaced (see articles passim re. incompetence/corruption), decimate the civil service (see Panton’s comments re. cessation of ‘social hiring’ – better yet, reverse it entirely), and abolish the NAU: there are many, many jobs as cleaners, shop workers and security guards currently done by expats, so the NAU simply represents vote buying.
None of the above will happen, so Cayman will continue its devolution into a more expensive version of Miami, just with slightly warmer weather. Not really a problem for expats, whether of the high end, or service sector variety – but tragic for Caymanians whose kids’ future is being eviscerated.
Perhaps they should have been open on Monday?