Waves pose a very real danger for coastal residents on open coastlines, as opposed to canals. In addition to the surge, hurricanes are usually accompanied by very large waves, which are a different and separate threat from the surge. Both Grand Cayman and Little Cayman are generally very low lying (on average less than seven feet above sea level), and a hurricane can cause the sea level to rise as high as 20 feet above the usual sea level in some extreme, albeit rare, cases. These elements can affect the height of the storm surge, which is the most significant threat to life and property. The hurricane category only measures wind speed it does not consider things like the size of the hurricane wind field, the angle of approach or the forward speed. Hurricanes are measured by the Saffir-Simpson wind scale, but this scale is not a very good indicator of the likely impacts, so it is important to tune in to Radio Cayman, the Cayman Islands National Weather Service, HMCI and other official Government information sources when a hurricane is threatening. Once closed circulation occurs and winds reach 74mph, it becomes classified as a hurricane. Hurricanes start out as tropical disturbances when a mass of organised, oceanic thunderstorms persists. Keep a hurricane plan in place until the end of November and maintain a supply of emergency food, water, and other essential items on hand. Therefore, it is important for residents and visitors to Cayman to be prepared for hurricanes, particularly as a storm can be upon the Islands with less warning time, for geographically speaking, they are likely to form in closer proximity. However, the statistics show that October is the most active month for hurricanes in the western Caribbean over the long term. Some years, there may be very few hurricanes in the western Caribbean in October, while other years, there may be several. Whilst it is important to note that hurricane activity can vary from year to year. Some of the most powerful and destructive hurricanes in recent history have formed in the western Caribbean at this time, including Hurricane Michael in 2018, Hurricane Delta in 2020, and Superstorm Sandy in 2012. It can tear apart developing hurricanes, so lower wind shear is more favorable for hurricane development.Īs a result of these factors, the western Caribbean Sea is a prime breeding ground for hurricanes in October. Wind shear is the change in wind speed and direction with height. In addition, the wind shear in the western Caribbean is typically lower than it is in other months of the hurricane season. This is above the 26.5 degrees Celsius (80 degrees Fahrenheit) threshold that is needed for hurricanes to form. So whereas the Atlantic hurricane season's statistical peak for storm activity is September 10th, in the western Caribbean, it is actually October 12th.Īccording to the National Hurricane Center, the average sea surface temperature in the western Caribbean in October is 28.5 degrees Celsius (83.3 degrees Fahrenheit). This is because the water temperatures in the western Caribbean are still very warm, which provides the fuel that hurricanes need to develop and grow. The Atlantic hurricane season officially runs from June 1 to November 30, but October is the most active month for hurricanes in the western Caribbean Sea. Caring for the Vulnerable in a Hurricane.
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