New storm gains strength near Caymans
New storm gains strength near Caymans: "GEORGE TOWN, Cayman Islands -- Residents were on alert but 'not panicking' as the outer edge of Tropical Storm Wilma neared the Cayman Islands on Monday, the record-tying 21st named system of the season.
Schools and businesses were open and skies were mostly clear, but authorities urged people to be alert as the storm moved closer to the island chain, which was badly damaged in Hurricane Ivan last year.
'We're waiting with bated breath to see what will happen,' said Brent Santha, vice president of a water company. 'We're hoping and praying it will change direction.'
Forecasters predicted the storm would move to within 70 miles of Grand Cayman, the largest island in the chain, on Tuesday afternoon - at which point it could be a Category 1 hurricane.
At 2 p.m. EDT, Wilma had top sustained winds of 50 mph. It was centered about 235 miles south-southeast of Grand Cayman.
A hurricane watch and tropical storm warning were posted over the weekend for the Caymans.
This is only the second time since record-keeping began 154 years ago that 21 storms have been named in one season, according to the National Hurricane Center in Miami. There were also 21 named storms in 1933."
Schools and businesses were open and skies were mostly clear, but authorities urged people to be alert as the storm moved closer to the island chain, which was badly damaged in Hurricane Ivan last year.
'We're waiting with bated breath to see what will happen,' said Brent Santha, vice president of a water company. 'We're hoping and praying it will change direction.'
Forecasters predicted the storm would move to within 70 miles of Grand Cayman, the largest island in the chain, on Tuesday afternoon - at which point it could be a Category 1 hurricane.
At 2 p.m. EDT, Wilma had top sustained winds of 50 mph. It was centered about 235 miles south-southeast of Grand Cayman.
A hurricane watch and tropical storm warning were posted over the weekend for the Caymans.
This is only the second time since record-keeping began 154 years ago that 21 storms have been named in one season, according to the National Hurricane Center in Miami. There were also 21 named storms in 1933."
posted by Ben | 
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