Cayman Islands Receives All Clear From Hurricane Beryl

Cayman Islands Receives All Clear From Hurricane Beryl

4 July 2024   |   By: Takiyah Smith     

The National Emergency Operations Centre (NEOC) has issued the All Clear for Grand Cayman today Thursday, 4 July 2024 at 1pm.  Hurricane Beryl continues traveling west-northwest at a speed of 20 miles per hour.  

Weather conditions for Grand Cayman are overcast skies with widespread thunderstorms throughout the day. Flooding in multiple areas is expected with the risk reducing by this evening as Hurricane Beryl moves further away from the Cayman area. Extremely rough seas, significant swells, and possible chance of storm surge were expected to peak during the beginning of the day and should subside by this evening. Rough seas are still expected through Friday.

The Cayman Islands National Weather Service noted that a Marine Warning is in place for the Cayman Islands.  Noting that seas will remain dangerous, the government is warning the public against marine activity of any kind. The public should stay away from coastlines and from venturing into water as wave action is still strong.  

"It is with sincere gratitude and immense pride that I announce the All Clear for Grand Cayman.  This means that the Cayman Islands is no longer under a hurricane warning. Now that the All Clear has been given, I ask for the same love for neighbours and care as we begin to move about. However, I wish to emphasise the need for cautiousness and vigilance as we enter the post-storm phase", said Hon. Premier Juliana O'Connor-Connolly. “Again, I applaud the National Emergency Operations Centre for swift, strategic and effective delivery of services. I would also like to recognise the work of our National Weather Service, Hazard Management Cayman Islands, Department of Communications and Radio Cayman in keeping our community safe and informed at every phase of the storm threat", she stated. 

Preliminary damage assessments have taken place as follows:

Infrastructure:
-    Initial damage assessments and debris clearance have taken place; 

Utilities:
-    CUC advised of a transmission network on the island's eastern end receiving damage. Crews are currently patrolling the area and will provide an update at the earliest opportunity. Some customers are experiencing an interruption in service.  
-    Water Authority: assessments are ongoing; restoration is in progress
-    Cayman Water Company: assessment complete; no issues to report.

Emergency Services
-    Teams were deployed at 8:45am
-    Helicopter is awaiting the All Clear from the airport before commencing assessments
-    Department of Environment is supporting with drone footage to assess damage across the island

"Our first hurricane message of the season called for a culture of readiness, and as we mark the passage of Hurricane Beryl with no loss of life, the Cayman Islands seems to have attained that culture. We have a long and active season still ahead, so we are asking the community to remain vigilant, keep supplies stocked and remain informed by our official government channels", said Her Excellency the Governor Mrs Jane Owen. “The HMS Trent is in route to the Cayman Islands which demonstrates the UK’s commitment to support its Overseas Territories in a time of crisis.” 

All non-essential government offices in Grand Cayman and the Sister Islands will remain closed today, Thursday 4 July 2024. Updates will be provided on reopening times as they become available.