Forecasters predict 2024 to be an overly-active hurricane season, with 4-7 major hurricanes expected.
Hurricane Season Prep
Cayman has entered the 2024 hurricane season, which is predicted to be above average with the potential for more storms and an increased likelihood that they may develop into major hurricanes. Residents should prepare now with emergency plans, supplies and staying informed throughout the season.
Hurricane dangers: Wind speed isn't all that matters. Storm surge and waves are big threats in Cayman Islands due to low elevation.
Plan for power outages: Stock up on food, water, and a radio for hurricane aftermath. Prepare for at least a week without utilities.
Get prepared before the season: Install shutters, gather supplies, and withdraw cash. Don't wait until the last minute.
Choose your shelter: Decide whether your home is safe or in case of too powerful a storm to contend with, you would evacuate to higher ground or a shelter. Consider medical needs and pets when choosing shelter.
Hurricane Ivan approaches Grand Cayman on September 11th 2024
On This Page
When is Hurricane Season in the Cayman Islands
The Atlantic hurricane season is from the 1st June to 30th November every year. The peak months typically run from August through October, according to NOAA.
Hurricane Season 2024keyboard_arrow_right
A very active Atlantic hurricane season is currently the forecast for 2024. Click here for everything you need to know about hurricanes, how they pose a risk to life and property in Cayman, current storm prediction statistics, guides and tips, checklists and detailed information on what will need to know to get yourself ready.
Read MoreHurricane Key Tips
Carefully assess your home. Start by ensuring that trees are gently pruned (if necessary), especially if they are close to power lines or water pipes. This will minimise damage to your electricity and water supply from debris and uprooted plants. Never attempt to cut branches close to power lines yourself; call CUC on Tel: (345) 949 5200 and their Customer Service Department will send a team to evaluate your property and trim any potential hazards. You should also ask your gardener or strata maintenance to remove coconuts as they become dangerous missiles in high winds and a threat to your home.
Go through the ‘Things To Do’ Checklist leading up to a storm and ensure that you turn off your main breaker and unplug appliances to prevent electrical damage from lightning and power surges. Cayman is a small, flat island so sea levels can rise during storm surge. In the event of a major hurricane (category three or above), move to at least 10ft above sea level (the storm surge during Ivan was measured at 8-10ft). If possible find higher ground to park your car and boat.
Make plans to be without power for 5–7 days, though it could be even longer. After Hurricane Ivan, it took 3–8 weeks for electricity and landline telephones and about 1–2 weeks for water supplies to be restored to most parts of Cayman. You should have an emergency supply of canned food and water that will last for at least a week. It is advised to store a gallon of water per day for each person in your house. To keep drinking water cool, store containers in dark locations. Also, having a portable radio with extra batteries on hand is very important. Radio Cayman 89.9FM is a good radio station for hurricane information and updates on how the storm is progressing, although your favourite radio station will also keep you updated.
Preparation is the key – it’s too late to install hurricane shutters or a generator during the hurricane season as parts take time to order and install. When a hurricane is imminent, it is too late to measure up and try to fit plywood shutters or to buy supply kits, as other people will be doing the same and supplies may run short. It is also too late to think about saving your personal items, important documents, filling the car gas tank and water containers or withdrawing money from the bank when a hurricane is imminent, as the water and power may be turned off 12 hours before the hurricane hits! Remember that weather conditions will turn wet and windy well before the hurricane is due to hit, so your preparations will be further hampered.
Take out enough cash to last you for a few weeks, as no one will take personal cheques after a storm, ATM machines may not work and banks could ration cash withdrawals.
Decide where you are going to stay for the duration of a hurricane well ahead of time. If your home is strong, elevated and away from the coastline, then it is probably the best place to ride out a storm. Check with neighbours ahead of time and ask about the vulnerability of the surrounding area in which you live. If you decide that it is safe to stay in your home, find the safest areas in your house and potential escape routes as well. If you determine that your property is not strong enough (or if the location in which you live makes it vulnerable) then plan to evacuate. Low-lying areas or areas prone to flooding are at particular risk.
Many people are often able to take shelter at their place of work or at a friend’s house on higher ground. Hurricane shelters are certainly an option to consider and a list of locations are available on our Hurricane Shelters page or the Cayman Prepared website.
A very good hurricane information pack is available from Hazard Management. Download it here!
Storm Aftermath Tips
The aftermath of hurricane can be a stressful time, even though the worst is finally over. To remain healthy and safe after the storm, follow these helpful tips:
- Always assume that powerlines are live and never touch low hanging lines or objects in contact with them.
- Only turn on your main breaker once you are sure that every secondary breaker is switched off.
- Open windows and doors to ventilate your house and dry flooded or damp areas to mitigate damage from mould.
- Boil any water before consuming.
- Do not turn your water back on until advised that water services have been restored in your area. Once you turn on the water, inspect your home for damaged pipes.
- Be especially careful of pests, such as scorpions, which disperse during storms.
- Check thoroughly for gas leakages before striking a match.
- Try to restrict using the telephone unless it is an emergency to save battery life and keep lines open.
- Avoid walking in settled water as there may be bacteria in it.
Last Year's Hurricane Season (2023)
The Atlantic hurricane season in 2023 was above-normal, with warm sea surface temperatures being at record highs. The year saw 20 named storms, ranking fourth for the most named storms in a year since 1950. Seven of these were hurricanes, with three becoming major hurricanes.
Thankfully, the Cayman Islands remained unscathed for the season, with the only threat coming from a tropical depression in October
Download the Cayman Islands National Emergency Notification System to receive direct alerts in the event of a disaster or emergency.