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.
Thousands of people rushed to stores across the Cayman Islands on Monday, urgently preparing for what is currently an “extremely dangerous” Category 4 hurricane.
While the projected track of the storm fluctuated Monday, with Cayman moving in and out of the danger zone, officials warned residents must prepare for the worst and pray for the best.
That warning seemed to have been heeded with grocery and hardware stores packed to the rafters as shoppers stocked up on last minute supplies for an unseasonably early storm.
Danielle Coleman of Hazard Management and John Tibbetts of the Cayman Islands National Weather Service offered a “positive” update on Hurricane Beryl during a radio interview on Monday morning, noting that the storm was on trajectory to pass about 40 miles south of Cayman.
However, during their interview, Tibbetts acknowledged the unpredictability of the “fairly compact” storm and later forecasts had the track much closer to the islands. Cayman is currently under a Hurricane Alert.
“When a storm is fairly compact, it is very difficult to forecast the path,” Tibbetts explained.
“What I want the Cayman Islands public to know and to look at right now, is just understanding that you have a major Category 4 hurricane coming towards [us].
“Whether it is going to hit the Cayman Islands or not, we don’t know at this particular point. However we have to treat it as if it is coming,” he stressed.
The uncertainty surrounding Beryl’s passage prompted residents to ramp up their storm preparations in earnest on Monday.
The Compass visited several stores including Foster’s, Hurley’s, the Savannah Rubis, Cost.U.Less and A. L. Thompson’s.
‘Like Black Friday outside’
Moises Sevilla, A. L. Thompson’s store manager, told the Compass that the hardware shop had been jam-packed since it opened at 8am.
“I rolled in at about 7:40 am and it was a long, waiting line,” Sevilla said.
He said the rush of buyers is reminiscent of Tropical Storm Grace in 2021 but admitted this time around, the amount of people trying to be prepared is unlike anything he has ever seen.
“It’s a huge rush,” he said. “I think because of how Grace was, with people not being fully prepared, this is even more; I think this is the worst I’ve ever seen, it was like Black Friday outside.”
Sevilla further noted that all their solar fans are sold out but there is still an ample supply of other things that will assist during the hurricane, like plywood, propane, generators, and flashlights.
One store having trouble keeping things on the shelf was the Savannah gas station. A storekeeper told the Compass that they are completely out of bread, propane, water, sardines and soups, but said their gas supply is more than enough for all those looking to fill their vehicles, which is recommended by Hazard Management.
‘Store remains well-stocked’
Several shoppers with groceries overloading their carts, echoed each other in terms of their storm preparedness.
“I’d rather have enough because you never know and I have kids,” one shopper told the Compass.
Although shelf-stackers at grocery stores across Cayman had an extremely busy day, executives from both stores said they remain equipped with dry foods and canned goods to sustain the islands, before and after Hurricane Beryl.
“We want to reassure you that Hurley’s is fully prepared to support our community during this time,” Allie Merren-Johnson, E-commerce manager at Hurley’s, told the Compass. “We have taken extensive measures to ensure that our store remains well-stocked and ready to serve our customers’ needs.”
“Our dedicated staff has been working tirelessly to replenish our shelves, focusing on high-demand items such as water, non-perishable foods, batteries, and other essential goods,” she said, noting that her team has also coordinated with suppliers to expedite deliveries to those who can’t make it out.
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
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