MEANDERING MELISSA HAS CAYMAN ON STANDBY

The slow and meandering movement of storm Melissa has become a cause of concern for Cayman as residents and authorities closely monitor the movement of the hard-to-predict weather system.

With the high risk of flooding a main concern, the government and Hazard Management Cayman have activated the disaster preparedness plan, starting with sandbag distribution as a safeguard against flooding.

An official notice says this is to support residents in their preparedness efforts.

“Residents are encouraged to collect sandbags early to help safeguard their properties, and to assist elderly or vulnerable neighbours where needed.” It also urges everyone to remain calm, vigilant, and prepared.

Weather forecasters at the US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration(NOAA) say it has been a challenge to determine the exact path of the storm. Different models have suggested several possible tracks it might take.

One has it moving across Jamaica and possibly affecting Cayman and southeastern Cuba, while a second shifts it to the north in the vicinity of Haiti and the Dominican Republic, while a third model suggests a more westerly track away from the area.

Melissa was expected to slow down even further and possibly even stall, potentially becoming a hurricane by this weekend.

Forecasters say that due to the slow movement, the threat of significant flash flooding and landslides increases for areas where the storm could potentially make landfall.

According to the NOAA, additional heavy rainfall is possible beyond Friday, but it noted that uncertainty in Melissa’s track and forward speed reduces confidence in exact totals.