For the latest information on Hurricane Beryl, visit Storm Centre.
The Cayman Compass team has been bringing you live updates and comprehensive coverage throughout the day as Hurricane Beryl hammers Cayman.
The latest news and information will also be provided on Compass Media radio stations: Z99, Gold FM, Rooster 101, and Island FM.
Update: 1:10pm: All clear issued
The all clear has been announced for Grand Cayman.
Residents can now leave their households, but authorities are warning that there are potential hazards in the aftermath of the passage of Hurricane Beryl and urging people to be careful on the waterfront and on local roads.
Premier Juliana O’Connor-Connolly praised the teams, including civil service and public officers, that helped the islands navigate the passage of Hurricane Beryl.
“I am absolutely delighted He has delivered us yet another time. He did it before and He did it again,” O’Connor-Connolly said, as she thanked God.
Governor Jane Owen encouraged residents to continue to practise caution as they leave their homes and drive on the roads.
“There could still be things out there, hazards that could be dangerous,” Owen said, encouraging residents to report issues like downed power lines.
As rough seas continue across the Cayman Islands, a small craft warning remains in effect, and people should not go swimming at this time, the governor warned.
“Do not enter the water to go swimming,” she said. “There’s still rip tides, still quite a few dangerous currents out there, so it’s an all-clear but with a particular request to be cautious.”
Update 1:05pm: Live update from governor and premier
Governor Jane Owen and Premier Juliana O’Connor-Connolly are about to give a live update on the state of the Cayman Islands following the passage of Hurricane Beryl.
Watch the update on the CIGTV Youtube channel by clicking here.
Update: 11:30am: Hospitals given priority for water restoration
The director of Water Authority – Cayman, Gelia Frederick-van Genderen, says the utility is planning to restore water “as quickly as possible”.
Water supplies were shut off overnight as Hurricane Beryl approached Grand Cayman.
Frederick-van Genderen said priority for restoring the water supply was being given to the Cayman Islands Hospital and Doctors Hospital in George Town.
“We do have to go through a number of steps to assess our pipelines, especially those on the coastal roads. We will do this as expeditiously as possible,” she said.
She added that as soon as clearance is given to have Water Authority teams on the road, they would work simultaneously in the eastern districts and in the George Town area.
She asked that customers ensure their shut-off valves remain closed “as this will help us to expedite the restoration”.
As service is restored, any leaks can be reported to the Water Authority’s emergency hotline on 949-4357.
She urged people to stay off the roads so that traffic can be reduced while crews are carrying out assessments.
According to updates on the Water Authority website, the water supply in areas west of Bobby Thompson Way and Huldah Avenue had been restored by 11:30am.
Frederick-van Genderen also gave an update on Cayman Brac services, saying the process of restoring water on the South Side Road area is under way.
Restoration updates can be found at www.waterauthority.ky/hurricane-beryl-restoration-updates.
Update at 11am: Sea surges continuing on Grand Cayman
The Compass is getting reports of continuing sea surges along the coastlines of Grand Cayman.
Video shot from a condo in South Sound shows waves inundating South Sound Road and its boardwalk.
Compass staff report high wave activity is also being experienced along the coast in West Bay.
Power lines are down in some areas, including in Rock Hole in George Town.
Authorities are repeating calls for people to remain off the roads to avoid potential hazards and allow recovery teams to assess the post-storm situation.
Grand Cayman continues to experience tropical-storm-force winds this morning, and the island remains under a Hurricane Warning.
As of 10am, according to the latest National Weather Service update, Hurricane Beryl had moved 95 miles west-southwest of Grand Cayman, moving at 18 miles per hour. With its 115 mph winds, it remains a Category 3 hurricane as it moves towards the Yucatan Peninsula, where it is expected to make landfall tonight or early Friday.
Update at 9:45am: Sister Islands given ‘all clear’
The ‘all clear’ has been issued for Cayman Brac and Little Cayman.
According to the latest government notice, residents of the Sister Islands are being advised they can move about freely, but they are being encouraged to be vigilant.
The ‘all clear’ for Grand Cayman has not yet been given, due to ongoing tropical-storm-force winds and potential hazards, and residents are being asked to remain in place until further notice.
The government has issued some after-storm safety tips that include avoiding downed power lines; being cautious around floodwaters and avoiding driving through them; checking homes for structural damage before entering; and disposing of contaminated food and water.
Update at 8:30am: ‘All clear has not been given’
“Stay off the roads, the all clear has not been given, the all clear has not been given” – this from Ian Yearwood, cluster manager for emergency response just now.
Yearwood asked people to “please remain indoors at this time”.
The plea comes as Hazard Management issued information about how an ‘all clear’ is determined. It comes “only after a thorough evaluation,” a social media post explains.
Here’s how it is determined:
1. Weather conditions: The hurricane or tropical storm must have completely passed, with no lingering hurricane-force winds, heavy rainfall, storm surges, or strong winds threatening the area.
2. Damage assessment: Major hazards like flooding, downed power lines, and structural damage are checked. Debris will be cleared, and roads and critical infrastructure will be be evaluated to ensure they are safe for travel and use.
3. Emergency services evaluation: Emergency response teams (police, fire, medical) will confirm that it is safe for residents to return home or move freely. Key services, including hospitals, shelters, and emergency centers, must be fully operational.
Only when all these criteria are met will the ‘all clear’ be issued to “guarantee safety and well-being,” the post states.
Update at 8:05am: Power outages mostly in EE
Sacha Tibbetts, VP Customer Service and Technology at CUC, has told the Compass the majority of outages affecting Grand Cayman are in the eastern districts.
According to CUC’s latetst outage map, 3,372 customers are currently affected, over 40 total outages.
Compass sources in East End confirmed the power went out at around 4am this morning and remains out now.
Two separate outages are believed to have affected 2,600 customers.
In the Sister Islands, crews are assessing lines and poles to begin restoring power.
Update at 7:30am: Waves lick southern coast
Compass reader Mel Hart sent us this video showing waves lapping at Sunset House, while scenes at the Ocean Club in Prospect indicate waves are building off the coast.
Remember there could be waves of up to 15 feet, accompanied by a storm surge of 2-4 feet along the coasts of Grand Cayman throughout today.
Waves of 5 to 7 feet with swells, mainly along the south coasts, are forecast on Friday.
Update at 7am: No evacuations so far
Acting Deputy Governor Eric Bush has told the Compass that while there have been no calls for evacuations yet, he is concerned that some people are already leaving their homes to film the hurricane.
He urged Cayman to osberve the ‘shelter in place’ advisory until the ‘all clear’ is formally given.
Update at 6:30am: Waves pound Grand Cayman’s southern coast
A new weather update, issued at 6am, places Hurricane Beryl just 40 miles away from Grand Cayman.
The Category 3 hurricane is now at or near its closest point of approach, south-southwest of the island.
Beryl is exhibiting maximum sustained winds of 120 mph and is moving WNW at a speed of 20 mph.
Compass sources report rough seas on Grand Cayman’s southern coast, bringing rolling waves.
Extremely rough seas, significant swells, and some storm surge is expected to peak during the morning and begin to subside by this evening. Rough seas are still expected through Friday.
The latest weather update anticipates there could be waves of up to 15 feet, accompanied by a storm surge of 2-4 feet along the south coasts throughout today.
Waves of 5 to 7 feet with swells, mainly along the south coasts, are forecast on Friday.
Wind and rain continue to bash the islands’ capital, to a steady, howling soundtrack.
Widespread flooding is anticipated, according to the latest forecast, but this risk will reduce by this evening, as Beryl moves out of the Cayman area. 2-4 inches of rainfall, potentially reaching 6 inches in some areas, is expected throughout the day.
Tropical storm-force winds are expected to cease in the Sister Islands around now, with the same forecast for Grand Cayman after 11am this morning.
Update at 6am: Beryl nears closest point of approach
We are bracing for Beryl to reach its closest point of approach to us in Grand Cayman.
Forecasts released in the last couple of hours indicate Beryl will pass 49 miles south of Grand Cayman around 6am this morning.
Acting Deputy Governor Eric Bush issued an audio note, as “we’re in the worst of it now”.
He said we can expect the rain and gusty winds to remain for another couple of hours, with tropical storm-force winds in the area until 11:30am.
He urged the community, once the winds subside, to allow emergency crews to be out and assess the situation to expedite the ‘all clear’ being issued.
Listen to the full message from the acting DG here:
Update at 5:30am: Almost 3,000 without power
More power outages are being reported across Grand Cayman.
According to CUC’s outage map, there are currently 44 incidents affecting 2,981 people.
North Side and East End each have more than 500 customers affected.
Here at the Compass Storm Centre in GT, we still have electricity. The lights have been flickering throughout the night and are doing so with increasing regularity.
Wind and rain are pounding the building with a relentless intensity now. It’s louder than it has been all night, with the rain coming down more vigorously and the howling and whistling gusts more akin to a low, rumbling roar.
These are very close to hurricane-force winds, chief meteorologist Kerry Powery tells the Compass.
In a statement posted to Facebook, CUC said they were “aware of multiple outages” and would “begin to assess the island and begin to restore power” once the ‘all clear’ has been issued.
Update at 5:20am: Need to know
Good morning, Cayman Islands, if you are just joining us.
Here’s your latest ‘need to know’ as Hurricane Beryl reaches its closest point to us in Grand Cayman.
- The latest forecast puts Hurricane Beryl 49 miles south of Grand Cayman around 6am this morning – the storm’s closest point of approach to the island.
- Beryl is a Category 3 hurricane; at the latest weather update, Beryl was 55 miles to the SSE of Grand Cayman, with maximum sustained winds of 120 mph.
- Beryl is also forecast to bring rainfall totals of 4 to 6 inches over the Cayman Islands; flooding of low-lying areas is expected. Storm surge is also expected.
- Water Authority customers on Grand Cayman remain without water, since 11pm last night.
- Reports of power outages occuring across Grand Cayman; CUC has said it will keep the power on as long as possible. Power outages were also reported across half of the Brac and island-wide in Little Cayman since midnight.
- Last night, we had some good news as we learned of the first ‘Hurricane Beryl baby’ born in Cayman – a baby girl who is doing well.
Update at 5:10am: Reports of a flight above Grand Cayman
Multiple Compass sources are reporting hearing a flight above Grand Cayman. We believe it to be so-called ‘storm chasers’.
A Compass reader got in touch to tell us the Hurricane Hunters had two flights in the Cayman area early this morning:
Mission 18 into Beryl
Lockheed WC-130J Hercules aircraft (from St. Croix)
This aircraft stayed well south of Grand Cayman.
Mission 19 into Beryl
Lockheed WP-3D Orion aircraft (from Lakeland FL)
This aircraft flew right over Grand Cayman.
Rather them than us!
Update at 5am: Weather update as Beryl nears closest point of approach
Wind and rain conditions are worsening, as we expect Hurricane Beryl to be at its closest to us within the next hour.
With several power outages reported across all three Cayman Islands, the wind is pelting Grand Cayman, to a howling, whistling soundtrack.
Trees, signs and traffic lights are fluctuating erratically in the winds and the rain is increasing in intensity.
Flashes of lightning are also now accompanying the winds and rain.
Here’s Reshma Ragoonath with the latest:
Update at 4:35am: 2,000 customers without power
Caribbean Utilities Company is reporting 45 known instances of electricity going out across Grand Cayman.
2,167 customers across the island have been impacted – from West Bay to the eastern districts, with over 500 customers affected in a vast swathe of East End.
District Commissioner Mark Tibbetts confirmed to the Compass that power remains off on half the Brac “since shortly after midnight” and island-wide in Little Cayman, since around the same time.
“They tried restoring power in Brac multiple times without success so they’re waiting for daybreak to try again,” Tibbetts told the Compass.
Update at 4:35am: Beryl will be 49 miles from Grand Cayman by 6am
Chief meteorologist in the Cayman Islands National Weather Service Kerry Powery says the latest forecast puts Hurricane Beryl 49 miles south of Grand Cayman by 6am this morning – the storm’s closest point of approach to the island.
In a live update after 4:30 am, Powery explained this will “bring us a bit closer to those dangerous, strong hurricane-force winds”.
Storm surge of 2-4 feet is also at heightened risk come 6am.
Powery said we can expect for it to take until midday until we start to see some improvement in the storm conditions.
Update at 4:25am: Closest point of approach will be around 6am
Chief meteorologist Kerry Powery has confirmed Beryl’s closest point of approach to Grand Cayman will occur around 6am this morning.
Powery said the hurricane has been weakening throughout the night, but that’s not been “too significant” by the time it gets to its closest point to us.
Update at 4am: Beryl 55 miles SSE of Grand Cayman
Hurricane conditions are expected to reach us imminently, as tropical storm conditions continue to strike Grand Cayman.
Strong winds, dangerous storm surge, and damaging waves are forecast to hit Grand Cayman later this morning.
The 4am weather forecast from the National Hurricane Center confirms the hurricane is now 55 miles south-southeast of Grand Cayman – closer than earlier forecasts had indicated.
“Weather deteriorating in the Cayman Islands,” the update states.
Beryl is now moving at 20 mph in an west-northwest direction and maximum sustained winds have decreased to near 120 mph with higher gusts.
Beryl remains a Category 3 hurricane.
Hurricane-force winds extend outward up to 45 miles from the center and tropical-storm-force winds extend outward up to 175 miles.
We’re still expecting 4-6 inches of rainfall today. We’ve started to see the rain pick up within the last hour.
Storm surge could raise water levels by 2-4 feet above normal tide levels.
Meanwhile, government in Jamaica has discontinued their hurricane warning.
Update at 3:45am: Weather deteriorating
Power is still on for us in George Town, although the lights have flickered a few times.
The street lamps outside are flexing and straining in the gusts.
You can really hear the wind howl in this clip shot outside the Compass Storm Centre.
Update at 3:20am: Infrastructure cluster urges heeding of ‘all clear’ once issued
Troy Whorms, manager of the infrastructure cluster in the National Emergency Operations Centre, has urged Cayman to stay off the roads until the ‘all clear’ is given.
In the latest live update from government, the Public Works director stressed this was to ensure that emergency responders, as well as infrastructure teams looking at dealing with “spills and slippages that might cause casualties in the future,” could move about as needed after Beryl has passed.
You can watch that full interview here:
Update at 3am: WATCH Rain and wind in Bodden Town
The outer bands of Hurricane Beryl have reached Grand Cayman.
Reports of gusty winds and rain in the eastern districts are filtering in. These are scenes in Bodden Town just moments ago:
Here in George Town, the wind is starting to howl and whistle as Beryl begins to make its presence known.
Now, street lamps are starting to rattle in among the cacophony of wind sounds.
Update at 2:45am: Check in with the weather at Compass Storm Centre
The Compass‘ Reshma Ragoonath brought us this live update as the gusty winds have started to ramp up.
Update at 2:30am: WATCH: Premier shares a message
Hazard Management has just posted a video from Premier Juliana O’Connor-Connolly.
She thanked emergency services, urged continued vigilance, and emphasised Cayman’s resilience and unity in the face of “one the most unprecedented hurricanes we have seen”.
The premier urged families to support children who maybe particularly unsettled by the hurricane.
Update at 2am: How are you holding up?
Here at the Compass, we’ve been monitoring Hurricane Beryl’s progress since the system first started gaining traction in the Atlantic last week.
With ominous predictions about an “extremely active” hurricane season this year, we know many in Cayman will also have been following the system’s development.
The mental health help line is open and available on 1-800-534-6463 for anyone needing a little extra help.
Update at 1:45am: Drizzle and winds up
Tropical storm force winds were forecast for Grand Cayman for after midnight; here at the Compass Storm Centre, the winds are now beginning to pick up, blowing the palm trees oustide more urgently than we’ve yet seen.
The gusts are now audible from inside our HQ.
A light drizzle has also started to fall.
Live storm maps currently show Beryl appears to have passed the Sister Islands, but remains south-east of Grand Cayman.
The 1am weather update from the National Hurricane Center and CINWS indicated Beryl was 100 miles south of Cayman Brac and 110 miles south-east of Grand Cayman at that time.
Maximum sustained wind speeds continue to drop and are now at 125 mph.
Update at 1:20am: Update from District Commissioner
District Commissioner for Cayman Brac and Little Cayman Mark Tibbetts has sent through an update to the Compass from the Sister Islands, as the community there hunkers down.
He reported the power had just gone out for a third time, as the Brac experiences “gusty winds”.
Power is now off in Little Cayman, he said.
“I am most happy to report that things are going fairly well over here in the Sister Islands,” Tibbetts said.
Community and government were well prepared, he added, thanking people for their co-operation “as we move through the process here”.
Update at 12:50am: Beryl drops to Category 3
Beryl – still a major hurricane – is now classified as a Category 3 storm, according to the latest from the National Hurricane Center.
Maximum sustained winds have decreased to 125 mph, as Beryl nears the jurisdiction. The hurricane is currently 110 miles south east of Grand Cayman.
“Some weakening is forecast during the next day or two, however, Beryl is forecast to be at or near major hurricane intensity while it passes by the Cayman Islands,” the update says.
Hurricane #Beryl Advisory 22A: Strong Winds, Dangerous Storm Surge and Damaging Waves Expected Across the Cayman Islands Overnight. https://t.co/tW4KeGe9uJ
— National Hurricane Center (@NHC_Atlantic) July 4, 2024
Hurricane conditions are expected to reach the Cayman Islands within the next several hours, with tropical storm conditions starting soon.
Storm surge could raise water levels by as much as 2 – 4 feet above normal tide levels in areas of onshore winds along the immediate coast of the Cayman Islands.
Beryl is also expected to bring rainfall totals of 4 to 6 inches through today.
The NHC reports Beryl continues to move towards the west-northwest near 21 mph. Hurricane-force winds extend outward up to 45 miles from the centre and tropical-storm-force winds extend outward up to 185 miles.
Watch the update:
Update at 12:35am: HMCI director ‘We start forward planning now’
In the latest update posted to government channels, HMCI director Danielle Coleman said teams in the National Emergency Operations Centre are already planning for the “recovery aspect” of the hurricane.
“A lot of things will go into that ‘all clear’ message. It’ll be weather, it’ll also be damage, assessment teams looking at the damage, debris clearance, clearing the roads,” she said, explaining that work is already being done for several hours down the line.
Watch that full update here:
Update at 12:10am: ‘Hurricanes stop many things but they don’t stop babies arriving’
Remember the good news we brought you just after 9pm?
Doctors Hospital’s Medical Director Richard Preece has been in touch with more details about Cayman’s first Hurricane Beryl baby.
It’s a girl!
“Hurricanes stop many things but they don’t stop babies arriving – when they’re ready we have to be ready too,” Preece told the Compass.
The baby was also the first delivery for ObGyn Dr Lisa Hinzmann and paediatrician Dr Tamara Bugembe – who are both new to Cayman.
The Compass understands both Lisa and Tamara volunteered to be on site for Beryl.
“I am very proud of Lisa, Tamara, and the whole Doctors Hospital team, and delighted for mum, baby, and family,” Preece said.
Update at midnight: Projected storm surge map re-issued
Government has just re-issued its map, showing coastal areas at potential risk of storm surge.
The latest graphic appears to show fewer areas projected to be at risk from storm surge.
Residents in the following areas are advised to take the necessary precautions:
Cayman Kai: This area is highly prone to sea level rise and storm surge impacts. Residents should prepare for elevated water levels and possible inundation.
Prospect: Known for flooding due to coastal inundation, Prospect may experience significant wave impacts from the North Sound.
South Sound/North Church Street area: As witnessed during past storms, this area is prone to strong wave activity and sea level rise. Residents should expect significant coastal flooding and high wave activity.
Storm surge is a dangerous rise in sea level caused by a hurricane’s strong winds pushing water towards the shore. This can lead to severe flooding, extensive property damage, and life-threatening conditions.
Even if Hurricane Beryl does not make direct landfall, significant impacts from storm surge may still occur.
Update at 11:35pm: Need to know
- Beryl remains a Category 4 hurricane; it has passed Jamaica and now approaches Cayman. At the latest forecast, Beryl was 160 miles to the south-east of Grand Cayman.
- As of the latest projections from the CINWS, the eye of the storm is projected to pass within 65 miles of Grand Cayman by early tomorrow morning.
- Beryl is also expected to bring rainfall totals of 4 to 6 inches over the Cayman Islands; flooding of low-lying areas is expected.
- The Water Authority turned off water to its customers on Grand Cayman at 11pm Wednesday night.
- CUC has said it will keep the power on as long as possible but outages are anticipated. Power outages were reported in the Brac on Wednesday evening, but were swiftly resolved.
- Tropical storm force winds are beginning to be felt on the Sister Islands and are anticipated in Grand Cayman from after midnight.
- Government has scheduled hourly updates throughout the small hours of Thursday.
Update at 11:20pm: Government updates to come
Government has announced a series of live updates, to keep the community “informed with the latest updates and safety information” as Beryl inches closer to Grand Cayman.
At the latest weather forecast, issued at 10pm, Beryl was 160 miles SE of Grand Cayman, with maximum sustained winds of 130 mph.
Tune in to Compass platforms, CIG TV, Facebook and YouTube at the following times:
Update at 11:10pm: Water Authority outage takes effect
An expected water outage for Water Authority customers has taken effect in George Town.
At the Compass Storm Centre, the water is now out.
According to the authority, updates as to when water service will be restored will be made once we get the all clear.
Update at 11pm: Power restored to the Brac
“One or two homes” remain without power in the Brac, after electricity has been restored to other affected parts of the island.
An update posted to Cayman Brac Power and Light’s Facebook page confirmed “all power currently restored’.
Crews are working on the remaining affected homes “as the weather allows,” the post said.
Update at 10:40pm: NHC issues key messages
Hurricane-force winds will move to the Cayman Islands tonight,” the US-based National Hurricane Center has said.
“Devastating hurricane-force winds, life-threatening storm surge, and damaging waves are expected to continue in Jamaica for a few more hours,” the update said.
Beryl’s core is expected to pass just south of Cayman overnight, as it moves westwards, and over the Yucatan Peninsula late Thursday night and Friday.
11pm EDT July 3rd — Key Messages for #Hurricane #Beryl. Devastation hurricane-force winds expected over #Jamaica for a few more hours, but will move to the #Cayman Islands overnight.
Visit https://t.co/RX183Ip5Fx for the latest updates. pic.twitter.com/GmhjMgXjPH
— National Hurricane Center (@NHC_Atlantic) July 4, 2024
Update at 10:30pm: Parts of Brac lose power
Parts of the Brac are currently without electricity, according to an update from Cayman Brac Power and Light.
Northside East, Southside East and Southside West are among the areas affected.
Tropical storm force winds are beginning to ramp up in the Sister Islands, Compass sources indicate.
According to an update posted to the energy provider’s social media, crews are currently assessing to determine whether power can be restored.
Update at 10:15pm: Roads quiet ahead of first storm force winds
As Cayman braces for the onset of tropical storm force winds – forecast to begin in Grand Cayman around 12:30am – the trees and roads outside the Compass Storm HQ remain resolutely still.
The heat feels heavy.
Update at 10pm: WATCH the latest from the Compass Storm Centre
Compass journalists Reshma Ragoonath and Andrel Harris bring you the latest weather forecast, as Hurricane Beryl makes its way towards the islands.
Update at 9:40pm: Beryl 160 miles SE of Grand Cayman
According to the latest projections for Hurricane Beryl, just released by the National Hurricane Center, Beryl has now passed Jamaica and is heading on a track which will take it south of Cayman.
Jamaica is expected to continue to experience hurricane-force winds, as well as life-threatening storm surge and damaging waves, as Beryl makes its way towards Cayman.
On current forecast projections, Beryl will still be a major hurricane when it passes us, defined as having winds greater than 110 mph.
The storm is currently 160 miles south-east of Grand Cayman, per this latest update, with maximum sustained winds of 130 mph. This is a decrease from 140 mph as Beryl moves off the coast of Jamaica.
Beryl remains a Category 4 hurricane at this point.
Tropical storm force winds are expected in Grand Cayman after midnight and a storm surge is expected, particularly on the south coast.
Flooding of low-lying areas is also anticipated.
Update at 9:30pm: Shelters see steady numbers
At the press conference held by government leaders earlier today, conerns were raised about the capacity of Cayman’s shelter provisions, should they see an influx of concerned residents and visitors.
Danielle Coleman, director of HMCI provided the Compass with some of the recent capacity numbers, which indicate those fears are – as yet – unfounded. There is currently space at every shelter across all three islands:
37 at S. Marie Martin Primary School (formerly George Town Primary)
7 in Breakers
156 at John Gray High School
11 in North Side
34 in Savannah
37 in Bodden Town
201 at Aston Rutty.
Update at 9:20pm: Hurricane baby born!
Compass journalist Reshma Ragoonath has just spoken to Hazard Management’s indefatigable director, Danielle Coleman.
Among the updates, we can bring you some good news!
Cayman’s first hurricane baby has been born and is doing well.
No word on the sex yet, but we are told the parents will not be calling the new baby, Beryl.
Congratulations to the new parents and the hospital staff involved.
Update at 8:50pm: Beryl’s compactness
One of the interesting things about this storm is how compact it is. While the winds are extremely powerful, upwards of 150mph close to the eye, those speeds quickly reduce as you move away from the centre.
There’s an interesting article here on Weather Underground about how smaller storms present a challenge for forecasters. It indicates the hurricane force wind field from the storm was just 15 miles on Sunday – a third of the size of the more typical Hurricane Ian, from 2022.
It’s expanded since then but remains a fairly tight storm, with the severe winds concentrated in that tight and powerful core.
This map shows how the wind spirals out from the centre along the projected path.
Update at 8:35pm: Humane Society thanks volunteers
Here at the Compass, we’re a team of animal lovers. We even have three feline friends – Monk, Stevie and Oscar – working through the night with us here at the Compass Storm HQ.
So, it’s a bit of good news we can bring you from the Humane Society, who confirmed earlier today that all shelter animals are “out and safe”.
The animal rescue charity sent “huge thanks” to the volunteer foster families who stepped up to ensure the islands’ furriest residents stay safe as Hurricane Beryl approaches us.
Update at 8:25pm: Water Authority shut-off delayed
Water Authority has confirmed it is pushing back its planned water shut-off for customers on Grand Cayman to 11pm.
A statement said this decision came following the latest forecast for Beryl and its “projected impact”.
Update at 8:15pm: OfReg probes source of internet outages
Both Logic and C3 have reported internet outages earlier this afternoon.
According to a PSA from OfReg, the utilities regulator investigated reports that the outage was on “one of our two international submarine cables”.
“OfReg can confirm that after inquiring into the matter with several of its licensees as well as the operators of the submarine cable- that there was no such outage,” the statement said.
The regulator confirmed that while there was loss or “degradation” for many customers, it was related to “on-island” network issues and not connected to probelms on the submarine cable systems.
Update at 8:05pm: Dream vacations cut short
Cayman’s airports are now closed as we anicipate the arrival of the first tropical storm winds from Beryl from 9pm on the Sisiter Islands and midnight on Grand Cayman.
Earlier today, the Compass’ Andrel Harris caught up with some of the tourists leaving the island – including a family whose holiday plans were first derailed by COVID in 2020 and now cut short by Beryl.
Read more from Andrel’s report here.
Update at 7:55pm: Calm before the storm?
Here at the Compass Storm Centre, it’s eerily quiet. It’s very hot and still. The wind is barely troubling nearby trees.
There are a few cars still on the road, but the majority of people appear to have heeded the stay at home directive given by the jurisdiction’s leaders earlier today.
All day, residents across all three islands have been boarding up homes, putting up shutters, moving boats out of the water to safe places and finalising perparations as Beryl looms.
Update at 7:50pm: Reports of low water pressure in Savannah and further east
Earlier this evening, Water Authority reported a “high demand” for water ahead of a planned shut-off had caused low to no water pressure for some parts of Grand Cayman.
We’re anticipating they’ll shut water down to their customers here at 9:30 pm tonight.
The outage is planned for Water Authority only – Cayman Water, which supplies West Bay and Seven Mile Beach, has told the Compass they have no immediate plans to cut water supplies, unless necessary due to the intensity of the storm.
Update at 7:45pm: Need to know
- This is currently a Category 4 storm, passing just south of Jamaica as it approaches Cayman.
- As of the latest forecast from the CINWS, the eye of the storm is projected to pass within 67 miles of Grand Cayman at 4:30am tomorrow.
- Beryl is also expected to bring rainfall totals of 4 to 6 inches over the Cayman Islands Wednesday night into Thursday and flooding is expected.
- A ‘stay in place’ directive is in effect from 6pm.
- The Water Authority plans to turn off supply to its customers at 6:30pm in Cayman Brac and at 9.30pm on Grand Cayman.
- CUC has said it will keep the power on as long as possible but outages are anticipated.
- Tropical storm force winds are forecast to begin impacting the Sister Islands from 9pm and Grand Cayman from midnight.
- There are now 20 shelters open across Grand Cayman and Cayman Brac.
- The Regiment has deployed and a British Royal Navy ship is on standby in the region.
Update at 7:30 pm: Doctors Hospital prepares
The team at Doctors Hospital has been in touch with the Compass where teams are preparing to manage any emergency patients and labouring mothers.
“DH team looking after our community, including expectant mothers and urgent cases with plans to be fully open once the all clear is given,” they told us.
Will we have any baby Beryls born overnight?
Update at 7:25 pm: Beryl’s impact in Jamaica unclear
In Jamaica the early reports suggested that the storm had skirted the island, delivering a glancing blow rather than a direct hit.
Web cams in Kingston showed relatively benign conditions in the capital but the winds ramped up later in the day.
There were reports of damage to a section of the roof at the Norman Manley International Airport, but with tropical storm force winds still buffetting the island it will likely be some time before the full impact in Jamaica is known.
The Jamaica Observer reported in the last hour that Mandeville, Manchester continues to be battered by Hurricane Beryl resulting in downed trees, utility lines, and other damage.
Update at 7:10 pm: Beryl will be ‘at or near’ major hurricane strength when it passes Cayman
The US National Hurricane Center has said Hurricane Beryl is forecast to be at or near major hurricane intensity while it passes the Cayman Islands later tonight into tomorrow morning as it continues to maintain its category 4 strength.
It has reported that the center of Hurricane Beryl was located just offshore of the southwest part of Jamaica at 7pm. Beryl is moving toward the west-northwest near 20 mph.
A westward to west-northwestward motion is expected during the next day or two, taking the core of Beryl just south of Cayman Islands tonight.
Maximum sustained winds are near 130 mph with higher gusts.
Some weakening is forecast during the next day or two.
Hurricane-force winds extend outward up to 45 miles from the centre and tropical-storm-force winds extend outward up to 185 miles.
Update at 7pm: Cayman Airways fleet overseas
Cayman Airways aircraft will be stationed overseas for safety during Hurricane Beryl, the airline has confirmed.
One B737-8 jet will remain in LA; one in New York and the remaining two B737-8 planes, which were being used for evacuation flights, will overnight in Miami for safety.
Additionally, the two Twin Otter aircraft and one Saab 340B+ aircraft will stay in Miami overnight. CAL confirmed the second Saab 340B+ aircraft is already positioned overseas where it has been undergoing its annual maintenance.
Fabian Whorms, President and CEO of Cayman Airways, said the airline is already coordinating with the Cayman Islands Airports Authority to ensure the earliest possible return of its fleet to Cayman after the passage of the hurricane.
Update at 6:50 pm: Storm surge warning
Cayman’s National Weather Service has issued a strom surge warning, as Beryl approaches.
The following wave heights are expected:
6-9 feet are expected on Wednesday evening
10-15 feet on Thursday, 4 July
5-7 feet on Friday, 5 July.
The areas marked in green on the below post are the potential storm surge risk areas.
Update at 6:30 pm: Water Authority due to shut off Brac water
We are anticipating Water Authority doing the same thing on Grand Cayman at 9:30 pm tonight.
The outage is planned for Water Authority customers – but Cayman Water, which supplies West Bay and Seven Mile Beach, has told the Compass they have no immediate plans to cut water supplies, unless necessary due to the intensity of the storm.
There are reports of rain bands and some thunder on the Sister Islands, with wind coming and going. The sun has been in and out, too.
Over on the Brac, the last flight left Charles Kirkconnell airport shortly after 2pm today. Shelters are open with people in place. HSA has moved operations to the ARC, we’re told, as per their storm protocols.
Update at 6pm: Need to know
As of now, this is the key ‘need to know’ information about Hurricane Beryl.
- This is currently a Category 4 storm, passing just south of Jamaica as it moves towards Cayman.
- As of the 4:30pm forecast, the eye of the storm was projected to pass within 67 miles of Grand Cayman at 4:30am tomorrow.
- Beryl is also expected to bring rainfall totals of 4 to 6 inches over the Cayman Islands Wednesday night into Thursday and flooding is expected.
- A ‘stay in place’ directive is in effect from 6pm.
- The Water Authority plans to turn off supply to its customers at 6:30pm in Cayman Brac and at 9.30pm on Grand Cayman.
- CUC has said it will keep the power on as long as possible but outages are anticipated.
- Tropical storm force winds are forecast to begin impacting the Sister Islands from 9pm and Grand Cayman from midnight.
- Multiple evacuation flights left Cayman today and the airport is now closed.
- There are now 20 shelters open across Grand Cayman and Cayman Brac.
- The Regiment has deployed and a British Royal Navy ship is on standby in the region.
Cayman advised to shelter in place
Earlier today, the government issued a ‘stay in place’ notice for 6pm today in preparation for the arrival of Hurricane Beryl.
Members of the public are being advised to remain indoors from now until after the all-clear is issued.
The notice is an advisory; however, Premier Juliana O’Connor-Connolly said while the shelter-in-place notice issued was not an official curfew, Commissioner of Police Kurt Walton had the discretion to implement one if necessary.
Speaking at a press briefing on Wednesday, along with other government officials, the premier has also warned that police will not tolerate incidents of looting while Cayman’s population is hunkered down for the impending hurricane.
Read more on that story from the Compass’ Norma Connolly here.
The Cayman Islands Regiment has also been deployed into the community on Wednesday morning ahead of the arrival of the strom.
Captain and Logistics Officer Theo Kelly, told the Compass’ Reshma Ragoonath that all members have been called in ahead of the arrival of Beryl.
He said the team was trying to get everything sorted and make sure their “t’s were crossed [and] i’s dotted”. Read more about those preparations here.
Compass journalists Caroline James, Reshma Ragoonath and James Whittaker contributed to this report.
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