Origins
During the early 1950’s the Eastern coast of the United States was hit by a number of hurricanes causing extensive damage and loss of lives. In response the United States funded the formation of 16 upper-air/weather stations in the Caribbean for early detection and warning, one such office was established in Grand Cayman.
The initial survey and the Cooperative Hurricane Upper Air Station were installed in Grand Cayman in early 1959. It was desired that the services would be run by local personnel, however in Cayman’s case this was not possible as most of the men were seamen by trade. The United States therefore obtained a number of officers to run the station from Trinidad and Tobago, who were replaced by local women.
On 13th April 1976 agreement signed between Agencies of the United States of America and the Cayman Islands Government to jointly run the upper-air station, hence the name cooperative upper-air station.
Cuban MET Office
Meteorological observations date back to 1937, when under orders from Cuban President Batista observations were taken by a small station consisting of three Cuban officers. Three local men were added at a later time. The office was operated 24 hrs per day but only carried out synoptic observations. In the latter stages the station was managed by Mr. Felix Delarosa, who later obtained political asylum and worked in the U.S.
Decades of Dedication
The Beginning
Hurricane Preparedness Era
Aviation & International Cooperation
Transfer of Operations
Independence in Forecasting
Expansion to Cayman Brac
