Hurricane Rafael: Impact on Cayman Islands and Approach Toward Cuba

On Tuesday night, Hurricane Rafael made landfall over Little Cayman, bringing torrential rain, powerful winds, and rough seas to the Sister Islands. Initial assessments by emergency teams on Little Cayman and Cayman Brac are set to begin early Wednesday as recovery efforts are underway. Power outages swept across both islands as emergency responders braved the harsh conditions to assist residents.

The government advised that while an ‘all clear' would be in effect for Grand Cayman by 4 a.m., a shelter-in-place order remains for the Sister Islands until a further assessment. Authorities have urged residents across the islands to remain indoors, with emergency responders working on the ground to log and address reports of damage.

Widespread Impact and Damage Reports

Premier Juliana O'Connor-Connolly, stationed in Cayman Brac, emphasized the importance of following shelter-in-place orders as conditions remain hazardous. Despite the lifting of restrictions on Grand Cayman, she warned of rough seas and potential flooding, especially in coastal areas.

The Royal Cayman Islands Police Service (RCIPS) and emergency response teams are actively monitoring the Sister Islands, reporting downed trees and severe conditions. RCIPS Chief Inspector Wade Chase stated that no plans for a curfew are in place but encouraged residents to stay sheltered.

District Commissioner for the Sister Islands, Mark Tibbetts, described the storm as intense, noting severe weather since the late afternoon and confirming that residents on Cayman Brac are facing hurricane-force winds. "We're hanging in here, but the conditions have worsened significantly," Tibbetts said. Though rumors circulated about evacuations at local resorts, these reports were later clarified as false.

Eye of the Storm Passes Little Cayman

As of 10 p.m., Hurricane Rafael's eye passed just offshore of Little Cayman, according to Chief Meteorologist Kerry Powery. The strongest winds struck the Sister Islands, leaving behind flooded roads and widespread power outages. “The Sister Islands are experiencing hurricane-force winds, so damage assessments may take longer than usual,” Powery explained.

The U.S. National Hurricane Center (NHC) reported that Hurricane Rafael, now moving northwest at 13 mph, could strengthen to a Category 2 hurricane before making landfall in Cuba. Wind gusts reached up to 80 mph on Cayman Brac, with hurricane-force winds extending up to 15 miles from the center and tropical-storm-force winds reaching up to 115 miles.

Emergency Response and Damage Control

Island Energy Ltd initiated scheduled power outages to prevent further infrastructure damage as the winds intensified. VP of Operations Simon Watson confirmed that crews would begin repairs once conditions are safe.

Hazard Management Director Dani Coleman stated that response efforts are currently focused on the Sister Islands. Early assessments will determine the extent of resources needed for recovery, with aerial support from the National Emergency Operations Centre ready to assist.

“Emergency services are working tirelessly to ensure residents' safety, and we're planning for a full assessment as early as possible tomorrow,” Coleman said. With a multi-agency response in place, the premier, governor, and other executive officials remain closely involved in monitoring and coordinating relief efforts.

Residents Share Experiences of the Storm

Peter Quilliam, a resident of Little Cayman and president of the Sister Island Tourism Association, shared that this was the largest storm he had experienced. “The island is taking a beating, but so far everyone seems safe,” he said. Another resident described the terrifying intensity of the storm, as gusting winds shook her home despite boarded windows.

District Commissioner Tibbetts mentioned sporadic reports of downed trees and minor flooding, but emphasized the resilience of the community. “We're holding strong, but the storm has brought severe weather since the afternoon,” he added.

Travel and Infrastructure Updates

• Power: Island Energy Ltd will resume repairs to transmission infrastructure when safe.
• Airports: Cayman Airways' fleet, including one B737 jet and two Twin Otters, has been secured and is expected to resume operations on Wednesday, pending weather conditions. Owen Roberts International Airport plans to reopen at 9 a.m. and Charles Kirkconnell International Airport at noon.
• West Bay Police Station: Temporarily relocated to Sir John A. Cumber Primary School for operational safety during the storm.

Schools and Public Safety

Premier O'Connor-Connolly confirmed that all schools will remain closed on Wednesday to allow time for safety checks. Reminding the community of the unexpected reversal of Hurricane Paloma in 2008, she urged residents to avoid venturing outdoors until authorities issue the official ‘all clear.'

Coleman added that public shelters have seen a high uptake, with nearly 60 residents utilizing shelters on the Sister Islands and over 50 in Grand Cayman. This early response reflects the community's preparedness and caution in light of Rafael's unpredictable strength.

As Hurricane Rafael continues northwest, its projected path toward Cuba poses additional risks for the island nation. The Cayman Islands, having faced the brunt of the storm, are mobilizing recovery efforts, with safety and infrastructure repair as the top priorities.