A boost to Cayman’s weather radar means that staff can now display accurate rainfall rates measured in inches per hour.
The Cayman Islands National Weather Service said when radar images return to its website on Christmas Eve, it will include the new rainfall measurements.
The service explained that heavier showers can cause “gusty conditions” reduce visibiilty and lead to localised flooding if prolonged.
Kerry Powery, the chief meteorologist, added the weather bureau was looking at further technical improvements to the service.
Work is also underway to improve user experience on the website so “future forecast products can be delivered more effectively to the public”.
John Tibbets, the director general of the weather service, said the radar’s manufacturer, the German arm of Leonardo, a global aerospace, defence, and security firm, and the service’s technical services manager Michael Carey had delivered the upgrade ahead of schedule and to a high standard.
Radar imagery is expected be back on the service’s website at www.weather.gov.ky by noon on 24 Dec.