The Cayman Islands is bracing itself for the potential onslaught of Tropical Cyclone 9 over the coming days as the storm, just 110 miles south-southwest of Grand Cayman and heading north at around 6mph is likely to intensify and is expected to become a hurricane as it heads through the Gulf of Mexico.

Flooding is the main concern for low-lying areas as the weather system is expected to begin dousing the Islands with heavy rain followed by strong winds and more rain.

Schools are to remain closed but all Health Services Authority (HSA) locations, including district health centres, plan to remain open.