(CNS): Cayman Islands National Meteorological Service has issued a severe weather alert over the weekend given the potential for a tropical system to develop across our region over the next few days. An extended area of ​​low pressure in the southwestern Caribbean has a 90% chance of developing over the next few days around the Cayman area.

A tropical cyclone could form over the next 24-48 hours, with peak rainfall of up to 11 inches in the Sister Islands and up to 5 inches on Grand Cayman.

There is still uncertainty about the exact path and intensity of the system, but a flood warning is likely to be in effect Tuesday, Wednesday and possibly Thursday, when the Cayman Islands can expect to see the most rain from the system and strong. winds, possibly up to tropical force.

A small craft advisory is already active and a marine warning could be issued in the coming days. Boats should remain in safe harbor as of Monday evening.

According to the National Hurricane Center, scattered showers and storms associated with an extended area of ​​low pressure over the southwestern Caribbean Sea are expected to become a tropical depression early this week, moving generally north-northwest over the center and the western Caribbean Sea.

Regardless of development, heavy rain is possible over portions of adjacent land areas in the western Caribbean.

Listed in Chief Meteorologist Kerry Powery’s update: