For the latest information on storm activity in the Cayman Islands, as well as information on how to prepare for hurricane season, visit Storm Centre.
Update: 11:30am, 1 July: As Cayman prepares for potential impacts from Hurricane Beryl, the “extremely dangerous” Category 4 storm made landfall Monday morning at Carriacou island in Grenada.
Cayman is currently under a Hurricane Alert. Hurricane warnings are in effect for Barbados, Grenada, Tobago, and St. Vincent and the Grenadines, and Jamaica is currently under a hurricane watch.
According to the US National Hurricane Center’s 11am update, Beryl was producing “catastrophic winds and life-threatening storm surge to the Grenadine Islands, Carriacou Island, and Grenada”.
The maximum sustained winds were 150 miles per hour, the NHC noted.
The storm is moving west-northwest at 20 mph.
In Cayman, grocery and hardware stores were packed Monday morning, with extremely long queues as people made their last-minute hurricane purchases, following the announcement on Sunday night that the islands were under a Hurricane Alert – which means that the effects of a hurricane are expected to be felt within 48-72 hours.
Sand collection
As part of their preparations, residents flocked to hardware stores to buy sandbags and to sand-collection points on Monday.
Sand can be collected at the following locations:
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- Bobby Thompson Roundabout on the Linford Pierson Highway, George Town
- East End Civic Centre
- Frank Sound Fire Station
- West Bay Fire Station
- Anton Bodden Drive, Bodden Town
- Agriculture Grounds, Lower Valley
- Watering Place Gardens, Cayman Brac
- Lions Community Centre, George Town
- Poindexter Road, Prospect (Opposite Prospect Primary)
Government will also be making plywood available – details of which are expected to be released later today, Premier Juliana O’Connor-Connolly said in a video statement Sunday night.
Meanwhile, Water Authority – Cayman has warned that, depending on Beryl’s forecasted path and severity, it may be necessary for water service to be interrupted to protect the distribution system. “Should this action be necessary, the Authority will give as much notice as possible once such a decision has been made. Customers should ensure they have sufficient water stored for drinking and non-drinking purposes,” it said in a statement issued on Monday morning.
Cayman Airways waives change fees
Cayman Airways announced Monday that it will waive change fees for customers who want to adjust their travel plans due to Hurricane Beryl.
The national carrier, in a statement issued on Monday morning, said it would waive applicable change fees and fare difference for travel at a later date for customers whose existing bookings meet the following conditions:
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- Tickets must have been purchased on/before 29 June 2024
- Travel must have been scheduled between 2-4 July 2024
- New travel dates must be rebooked by 9 July 2024
- New travel dates must commence by 9 July 2024 and must be completed by 18 July 2024 or by the original return date
- All travel must be rebooked in the original cabin
- The airline noted that passengers wishing to travel at a later date will have the change fee waived but not the fare difference, provided that:
- Tickets had been purchased on/before 29 June 2024
- Travel had been scheduled between 2-4 July 2024
- New travel dates must be rebooked by 9 July 2024
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Contact Cayman Airways reservations on 949-2311, or your travel professional, to make changes.
The airline stated that customers residing in any of its international gateway cities may use an applicable toll-free number from this list:
USA: 1-800-422-9626
Jamaica: 866-759-1372
Honduras: 800-2791-9422
Panama: 800-0195
“Customers who have existing tickets for travel this week are also encouraged to ensure that their reservations are updated with the most current contact details, including an email address and phone number, so they can be contacted by the airline should any schedule adjustments become necessary,” the airline said.
Original story, 30 June: The Cayman Islands is currently under a Hurricane Alert, as Category 4 Hurricane Beryl hurtles through the Caribbean.
According to a statement issued by government on Sunday evening, on advice of the director general of the Cayman Islands National Weather Service and the director of Hazard Management Cayman Islands, Acting Deputy Governor Eric Bush, as acting chairman of the National Hazard Management Council placed the Cayman Islands under the Hurricane Alert from 8pm.
This alert means that a hurricane poses a potential threat within the next 48-72 hours.
The US National Hurricane Center in Miami advised earlier Sunday that Beryl had developed into an “extremely dangerous” Category 4 hurricane. The storm is expected to reach the Windward Islands later on Sunday or Monday morning.
“As we face the potential impact of Hurricane Beryl, it is imperative that our community gets prepared. I urge everyone to take the necessary steps and to get ready for what may be the first hurricane of the season to impact our Cayman Islands. Speak with your family and friends, make a plan together, and stay informed,” Bush said in a statement.
In its statement, the government urged residents to take the alert seriously and to prepare accordingly.
“We understand that the prospect of a hurricane can be unsettling but rest assured that we are committed to providing the necessary support and resources to ensure the safety and protection of our residents. Together, we can navigate the potential threat and emerge stronger,” the statement noted.
Late on Sunday afternoon, Premier Juliana O’Connor-Connolly convened an emergency caucus meeting to address preparations for the possible arrival of Hurricane Beryl.
According to a statement from government, that meeting focused on coordinating efforts as the storm approaches.
“As Hurricane Beryl makes its way through the Eastern Caribbean, the safety and well-being of our residents are paramount. We are actively monitoring the situation and taking all necessary precautions to protect our communities,” the premier said in the statement.
She added, “I strongly encourage everyone to stay informed and adhere to the safety guidelines provided by our emergency services.”
The National Hazard Management Executive will meet on Monday morning to review the status of preparedness efforts on all three islands.
The government statement noted that an update will be shared with the public following the meeting on recommendations for getting ready, public safety measures and next steps.
It also stated that Hazard Management, in partnership with government leaders and emergency services, is taking comprehensive measures to ensure the safety and recovery of all residents. Emergency response teams are on standby, shelters are being prepared, and resources are being allocated to manage potential impacts.
It added that coordination with local utilities and service providers is ongoing, to minimise disruption and expedite recovery efforts post-storm.
A number of grocery and hardware stores in Grand Cayman have announced they will open on Monday, which is a public holiday for Constitution Day, to allow residents time to stock up on hurricane supplies.
Key preparedness tips
Stay informed: Regularly check official government channels, such as the National Weather Service, Hazard Management, Cayman Islands Government and local news outlets for the latest updates and instructions.
Emergency kit: Assemble an emergency kit that includes water, non-perishable food, medications, important documents, batteries, flashlights, and other essential items.
Secure property: Bring outdoor furniture, decorations, and garbage cans inside. Secure windows and doors with shutters or plywood.
Evacuation plan: Familiarise yourself with local evacuation routes and have a plan in place for where you will go if an evacuation order is issued.
Communicate: Stay in contact with family and friends. Let them know your plans and ensure everyone in your household is aware of the emergency plan.
Fuel and power: Ensure your vehicles are fully fuelled and that you have backup power sources, such as generators, if possible.
Download NENS app: Register on www.nens.gov.ky and download the app to receive alerts.
Stay connected: For accurate and timely information, residents are encouraged to stay connected with the following official channels:
NEOC Call Centre: 949-6555
Emergency Services: 911
Mental Health Hotline: 1-800-534-6463
Local Weather Updates: www.weather.gov.ky
Hazard Management Cayman Islands: www.caymanprepared.gov.ky
Further details will be issued at 12 noon on Monday, the government advised.
View the premier’s statement here.
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