GEORGE TOWN, Cayman Islands (12 August 2004) -- The National Hurricane Committee (NHC) issued the All-Clear with effect from 1:30 p.m. today (Thursday), bringing to a close a 24-hour vigil that closed offices and kept residents indoors while Hurricane Charley surged forward dangerously close to Grand Cayman on one side and the Sister Islands on the other. "It has been a close call and we are thankful that we have once again been spared," said Deputy Chief Secretary Donovan Ebanks who headed the operations of the National Hurricane Committee. "It is even more sobering in light of the current intensification taking place as it moves away." Mr. Ebanks noted that there had been no reports of injuries or damage to property. With Charley's departure, the Islands' two airports are reopening this afternoon and the national flag carrier, Cayman Airways, is expecting the return of its first flight back to Grand Cayman early afternoon. Other carriers are expecting to resume services as early as possible; members of the travelling public should contact their carriers for details. In the meantime, the Islands should continue to expect some adverse weather from the receding system. This includes windy conditions on all islands and heavy wave action and rough seas on all coasts, particularly southern and western coasts. Marine interests are urged to continue to take all precautions. At 1 p.m., the National Hurricane Center in Miami reported the centre of Tropical Storm Charley near latitude 20.4 north and longitude 81.5 west, moving WNW at 17 mph. Currently, maximum sustained winds are 105 mph with higher gusts. This makes it a Category 2 hurricane. Tropical storm-force winds continue to extend out 125 miles from the centre. | | In the Government sector, essential services such as immigration, customs, medical, etc., are scheduled to resume normal services. Other departments are expected to resume full operations on Friday morning, unless directed otherwise by respective heads of departments. Employees in the private sector should contact their employers immediately to determine when they should report to work. Hurricane Charley is expected to make a gradual turn to the north-northwest continuing its track away from the Islands, and some strengthening is expected during the next 24 hours. SOURCE - Cayman Net News |
