TRAVEL ALERT ? HURRICANE PALOMA

UNCLAS STATE 118919 SIPDIS E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: CASC PTER ASEC XL SUBJECT: TRAVEL ALERT ? HURRICANE PALOMA ¶1. This Travel Alert is being issued to urge American citizens to consider carefully the risks of travel to areas that may be affected by Hurricane Paloma in the Cayman Islands, Jamaica, and Cuba. U.S. citizens located in areas likely to be affected by Hurricane Paloma who do not have access to adequate and safe shelter should consider departing while commercial flights are still available. This Travel Alert expires December 6, 2008. ¶2. The hurricane is predicted to pass close to and possibly over the Cayman Islands, Jamaica, and Cuba on November 8 and 9, 2008, and it is expected to increase to a category 2 hurricane. The National Hurricane Center (NHC) reports are posted at: http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/refresh/graphics_at3+ shtml/145412 .html ¶3. The U.S. Embassy in Kingston, the Consular Agency in the Caymans Islands, and the U.S. Interests Section in Havana will be available for emergency services but may be forced to suspend regular operations without notice during the storm. Seating capacity on commercial flights may be extremely limited. Flights into and out of international airports may be suspended at any time. If staying in country, U.S. citizens are urged to locate shelter, monitor media reports, and follow all official instructions. Visitors to affected areas of the Cayman Islands, Jamaica, and Cuba should be familiar with their hotel or cruise ship evacuation plans, policies, and procedures. Please see the Hurricane Travel Alert dated May 30, 2008, on the Department's website at www.travel.state.gov and http://www.travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/ hurricane_se ason/hurricane_season_3795.html . ¶3. U.S. citizens should carry their travel documents (e.g., U.S. passport, birth certificate, photo ID's, etc.) with them at all times or secure them by placing them in a safe, waterproof location. Additionally, American citizens in the areas affected by the storm are reminded to stay in contact with friends and family in the United States to keep them apprised of their current whereabouts. ¶4. Americans residing or traveling in the Cayman Islands, Jamaica, and Cuba are encouraged to register with the U.S. Embassy through the State Department's travel registration website, https://travelregistration.state.gov . ¶5. Updated information on travel may be obtained from the Department of State by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll- free within the United States and Canada, or from overseas, a regular toll line at 1-202-501-4444. For further information please consult the Country Specific Information available via the Internet at http://travel.state.gov . Please see the following contact information for the U.S. Embassy, Consular Agency and Interests Section: U.S. Embassy Kingston is located at 142 Old Hope Road in the Liguanea area of Kingston, tel. (876) 702-6000. For emergencies after hours, on weekends, and holidays, U.S. citizens may call the Embassy at (876) 702-6000 and ask to speak to the Embassy duty officer. The U.S. Embassy also is responsible for consular services in the Cayman Islands. The Consular Agency in the Cayman Islands is located at 222 Mirco Center, North Sound Road, Georgetown, Grand Cayman, tel (345) 945-8173. The U.S. Interests Section in Havana, Cuba, is located at Calzada between L and M Streets, Vedado: tel (537) 833- 3551 through 833-3559. Hours are Monday through Thursday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. ¶6. Minimize considered. RICE