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“We’ve never seen a hurricane this powerful this early in the season,” extreme weather expert Colin McCarthy said of Hurricane Beryl.
The hurricane hit Jamaica and the Cayman Islands and is now heading towards Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula, a region extremely popular with tourists.
Hurricane Beryl brought winds of 225 km/h and continuous rains, causing severe damage to many Caribbean islands: buildings were flattened, electricity and water were cut off and lives were lost.
At 4am UK time on Friday morning, the US National Hurricane Center warned: “Hurricane-force winds, dangerous storm surge and heavy rainfall are expected to begin in the coming hours over the Yucatan Peninsula within the Hurricane Warning Area.
“Residents in this area should remain sheltered for the duration of these life-threatening conditions.
“There is an increasing risk of strong winds, storm surge and heavy rain across parts of northeastern Mexico and southern Texas late this weekend.”
In the United States, President Biden and his team are closely monitoring the situation, and residents in the region are urged to follow the advice of local officials.
The UK Foreign Office said citizens should “follow and monitor local and international weather updates from the US National Hurricane Center and follow the advice of local authorities, including any evacuation orders.”
This comes at a time of year when many travelers visit the Caribbean. Here are the key questions and answers.
What are the effects so far?
The most significant damage appears to have been on the small islands of Carriacou and Petite Martinique, which are part of Grenada. Carriacou was “razed” and more than 98% of buildings, including the main health centre and the airport, were damaged.
“We have to rebuild from scratch,” Grenada Prime Minister Dickon Mitchell said after visiting the islands of Carriacou and Petite Martinique.
Two of the three deaths in Grenada were recorded in Carriacou. “The potential for further deaths remains a sad reality as movement is still very restricted,” Mr Mitchell said.
St. Vincent and the Grenadines has also been hit hard. Prime Minister Ralph Gonsalves said: “On one island in the Grenadines, Union Island, 90 percent of the homes have been badly damaged or destroyed.”
The storm’s impact on Jamaica has been devastating. Nearly two-thirds of homes are without power. All flights from the island’s airports were cancelled on Wednesday and authorities will assess the situation before reopening. Damage has been reported at the airport serving the capital, Kingston.
What are the prospects?
A hurricane warning is in effect for the coast of Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula from Puerto Costa Maya to Cancun, including the island of Cozumel. The National Hurricane Center said, “Preparations to protect lives and property should be completed as soon as possible.”
A less severe hurricane watch is in effect for the southern portion of Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula and the area north of Cancun,
Additionally, a tropical storm warning is in effect for the coast of Belize south to Belize City.
The National Hurricane Center added: “Regardless of the exact track, rip currents could cause life-threatening beach conditions beginning Friday night and continuing through the weekend across much of the Gulf Coast.”
What are the options for travelers in the area?
Flights from Jamaican airports to the United States are expected to resume Friday morning after two days of blanket cancellations.
Virgin Atlantic and Virgin Holidays say: “If airports have to close due to weather conditions and flights are disrupted, we will work with local hotels to extend your stay until flights resume.”
Hotels have plans to ensure the safety of guests and their instructions must be followed.
British Airways’ departure from London Gatwick to Kingston on Friday is expected to go ahead on time.
A BA spokesperson said: “Safety is always our top priority and we continue to monitor the situation closely.
“Like other airlines, we adjust our flight schedules in the event of airport closures and offer all affected customers alternatives, including flight rebooking options or full refunds.” BA’s flight from London to Cancun on Friday is currently listed as operating on time.
Are Mexico’s airports open?
The main airport on Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula, Cancun, already saw many flights cancelled on Friday.
The Tui flight from Gatwick to Cancun scheduled for 10am next Friday is delayed until midday and is expected to arrive around 4.30pm local time. The Manchester flight scheduled for 10.20am appears to be four hours late.
The US Embassy states:
- Cancun International Airport continues to operate but with many flight cancellations.
- Cozumel International Airport has suspended flights on the Cancun-Cozumel route.
- Tulum International Airport has suspended operations and plans to resume operations on July 7.
- Merida airport remains open but with many flight cancellations
I have to travel to the area soon. What are my options?
American Airlines says passengers booked to or from Belize City, Cancun, Cozumel, Merida or Tulum on July 5 or 6 can postpone their travel.
Those booked to or from Barbados, Grenada, St. Lucia, St. Vincent, Grand Cayman, Kingston, Montego Bay and Ocho Rios up to and including Friday, July 6, can postpone their travel until July 10.
JetBlue has a similar policy for passengers flying to Belize City, Cancun, Grand Cayman, Kingston, Montego Bay and Tulum.
Virgin Atlantic is allowing passengers who booked this week to postpone their trips until July 17.
“We are reaching out to affected customers regarding their travel arrangements, including the ability to change their booking if they no longer wish to travel. We would like to thank them for their patience and understanding and recommend that all customers who are scheduled to travel to or from the Caribbean in the next 48 hours check the status of their flight on virginatlantic.com before heading to the airport.”
Can travel insurance help?
Christina Tunnah, Managing Director of the Americas for World Nomads, said: “If Hurricane Beryl derails your travel plans, the first thing to do is contact your airline or travel agent as they can provide assistance. The same goes if your accommodation is affected by the disaster.”
“Travel insurance can provide cover for a range of events including trip cancellation, missed connections and travel delays, but this depends on the type of travel insurance policy you have and whether you have already started your trip.
“At World Nomads, with our Explorer Package, if your accommodation is affected, you can be covered for reasonable additional accommodation and transportation costs. You can also claim reimbursement for additional expenses incurred if your pre-booked public transportation is cancelled or delayed by more than 12 to 24 hours, depending on the scenario.”
