Hurricane Season 2026 Updates
Click HERE for up to date information on the 2026 Hurricane season in Cayman and how to prepare.
Hurricane Season Prep
Things to consider:
Hurricane dangers: Wind speed isn't all that matters. Storm surge and waves are significant 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 2004
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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 2026keyboard_arrow_right
The 2026 Atlantic hurricane season is expected to be active, with forecasts indicating near to slightly above-average activity, continuing the recent trend of busy seasons. While exact impacts cannot be predicted, conditions remain favourable for storm development, meaning hurricane risk to life and property in the Cayman Islands remains significant. Click here for everything you need to know about hurricanes, how they pose a risk to life and property in the Cayman Islands, storm prediction statistics, guides and tips, checklists and detailed information on what you need to know to get yourself ready.
Read MoreHurricane Key Tips
Carefully assess your home well before hurricane season begins (1 June–30 November) and identify potential hazards. Check trees and prune branches if necessary, especially those close to power lines or water pipes, as this helps minimise damage to electricity and water supplies from debris or uprooted plants. Never attempt to cut branches near power lines yourself; contact CUC on Tel: (345) 949 5200 and their Customer Service Department will send a team to evaluate your property and address any potential hazards. You should also ask your gardener or strata maintenance to remove coconuts, as they can become dangerous projectiles in high winds and pose a serious threat to your home.
Go through the ‘Things To Do’ Checklist well in advance and remember to turn off your main breaker and unplug appliances to help prevent electrical damage from lightning and power surges. Cayman is a low-lying island and sea levels can rise significantly during storm surge, particularly during major hurricanes. If a strong hurricane is forecast, avoid low-lying and flood-prone areas, seek higher ground where possible, and consider relocating vehicles and boats to safer locations.
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 or non-perishable food and water to last at least one week. It is recommended to store one gallon of water per person per day. To keep drinking water cooler for longer, store containers in dark locations. A battery-powered or wind-up radio with spare batteries is essential for receiving updates if power is lost. Radio Cayman 89.9FM (93.9FM in the Sister Islands) is a reliable source of official hurricane information and updates.
Preparation is the key – It is too late to install hurricane shutters, generators or purchase emergency supplies once a hurricane is imminent, as parts and supplies sell out quickly and conditions deteriorate well before the storm arrives. Important documents, medication, fuel, cash and water should all be prepared in advance, as utilities and banking services may be suspended up to 12 hours before impact.
Take out enough cash to last for several weeks, as personal cheques are rarely accepted after a storm and ATMs and electronic payment systems may not function for an extended period.
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 coastal or flood-prone areas, it may be the safest place to shelter. Speak with neighbours about local risks and identify the safest rooms and escape routes in your home. If your property is vulnerable, make arrangements to stay with family or friends on higher ground, or use an official hurricane shelter.
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 (2025)
The 2025 Atlantic hurricane season featured the powerful Hurricane Melissa, which rapidly intensified into a Category 5 storm and became one of the most intense Atlantic hurricanes of the year, causing widespread impacts across parts of the Caribbean, including Jamaica, Cuba and the Bahamas. Early outlooks for the 2026 season suggest continued active conditions in the Atlantic, meaning the Cayman Islands remain at risk of tropical storm and hurricane impacts each year.
Download the Cayman Islands National Emergency Notification System to receive direct alerts in the event of a disaster or emergency.
