Hurricane Grace

International Operations – Grace passed just south of Grand Cayman and made landfall in Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula, near Tulum, early Thursday morning, weakening to Tropical Storm strength with winds of 65 mph.  There are reports of heavy rain and wind but impacts were less significant than anticipated.  However, the storm, currently moving west at 18mph,  is expected to reform into a hurricane as it passes through the Gulf and is anticipated to make a second landfall in Mexico in the state of Veracruz. The team is continuing to monitor this storm for heavy rainfall, mudslides and the effects of potential storm surge as the situation develops early into the weekend and will look to understand the impact after Grace makes its second landfall.  Current program teams both in Mexico and Guatemala are prepared for severe weather that may impact them.

International Operations – Tropical Storm Grace developed into a Hurricane Grace with maximum sustained winds of 75 mph headed west towards Mexico. Over the next few days, heavy rainfall across the Cayman Islands, as well as portions of the Yucatan Peninsula and Veracruz State, could lead to flash and urban flooding. We will continue to monitor the hurricane as it progresses.

International Operations – We are currently monitoring impacts of Grace as it travels westward.  Grace weakened over the weekend but is expected to strengthen by today.  It is currently bringing heavy downpours in Haiti and the Dominican Republic, and a tropical storm warning remains in effect for parts of Cuba and the Cayman Islands, as well as a storm watch in Jamaica. We will continue to monitor the impacts of this storm as it compounds the effects of the recent earthquake.

Previously Tropical Depression 7, Tropical Storm Grace is forming in the Atlantic. There is a high probability of further formation in the next 24 hours and is expected to reach Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands by Sunday.  We will continue to monitor for heavy rain and  flash floods in the Caribbean throughout the weekend and next week.