Hurricane Paloma

Pre-Landfall 1 | Summary
Posting Date: November 7, 2008, 8:30:00 AM

Hurricane Paloma became the eighth hurricane of the 2008 Atlantic season yesterday. The storm intensified from a tropical depression to a Category 1 storm within a span of 24 hours, and forecasters expect that Paloma will continue to strengthen before making a landfall on Cuba's south coast sometime early Sunday. Interaction with the mountainous interior and an increase in wind shear should weaken the storm thereafter. As of 1 p.m. EST, November 7, the center of the storm is currently 60 miles south of Grand Cayman and moving to the north-northeast at 6 mph. Maximum sustained winds are currently 90 mph, with higher gusts. According to the National Hurricane Center (NHC), Paloma is expected to shift to the northeast and pass near the Caymans in the next twelve hours. A hurricane warning has been issued for the Cayman Islands and a hurricane watch is in effect for parts of Cuba. The Cayman Islands government began an evacuation of low-lying southern coastal regions and the airport was shut down on Friday morning. Some 5 to 10 inches of rain are possible in the Caymans, with up to 15 inches in isolated pockets. Insured residential properties are dominated by wood frame and confined masonry. Commercial properties tend to not exceed six stories and are constructed of reinforced concrete. However, after the destruction wrought by Hurricane Ivan in 2004, the Cayman Islands underwent a major rebuilding process. New construction is now superior to much of the rest of the Caribbean countries in terms of wind resistivity. As a result, depending on Paloma's track through the islands, properties may sustain only minor to moderate damage to roof shingles and non-structural elements. This year has seen another active Atlantic hurricane season, with 16 named storms. Caribbean countries have been affected this year by Tropical Storm Fay, Hurricane Gustav, and Hurricane Ike. Most notably, Hurricanes Ike and Gustav both hit Cuba, causing extensive destruction and billions of dollars in damage. The AIR tropical cyclone team is monitoring the progress of Paloma and will make additional information available after the storm has run its course through the Caribbean.

Pre-Landfall 1 | Downloads
Posting Date: November 7, 2008, 8:30:00 AM