Cayman Islands' Hurricane Season 2024

And, we're off!

Hurricane season 2024 has now started. Whilst the Cayman Islands are a relatively small target in a large ocean, the Islands' history books record that even a brush with an uppity tropical storm, let alone a Category 1 hurricane, can cause irreparable damage and bring about a power outage for several days. Category 3-5 storms are much rarer still, but ask anyone who was on Grand Cayman in 2004 and they will tell you they are nothing if not catastrophic.

So, being prepared and having a plan well in advance is key to weathering the storm. Read on for all the information you'll need to know, to get you and your family ready, as we all play the waiting game this hurricane season.

Record Breaking Season Predicted

And not in a good way...

With La Niña conditions developing in the Pacific (cooling), and near-record warm waters in the Atlantic, scientists anticipate a busy, even 'historic', 2024 Atlantic hurricane season. In late May 2024, The Climate Prediction Center in the US (CPC) made the following observations:

• 85% chance of above-normal activity
• 17 to 25 named storms (winds of at least 39 mph or 63 kph)
• 8 to 13 may become hurricanes (winds of at least 74 mph or 119 kph)
• 4 to 7 potentially reaching major hurricane status (Category 3 or higher, with winds of at least 111 mph or 179 kph)

A typical season has 14 named storms, 7 hurricanes, and 3 major hurricanes.

Multiple factors are responsible for this season's dire predictions, almost unquestionably as a result of climate change. Record or near-record Atlantic ocean water temperatures, abundant atmospheric moisture, and low vertical wind shear, are all key conditions favorable for storm formation and rapid intensification.

Given this outlook, it's crucial for Cayman's population, particularly those living on or near the coastline (let's face it, given Cayman's topography and size most of us are) to take a preemptive approach.

Prepare for 2024's heightened storm risk by reviewing emergency plans, ensuring adequate supplies, and staying informed about weather updates throughout the season. Read on for our guide on how to do that.

Eye on the Storm Stats 2024

Colorado State University, a leading authority on tropical weather systems and climate research, has utilised NOAA’s Historical Hurricane Tracks website to examine the paths of all named storms, hurricanes, and major hurricanes that have tracked within 50 miles of a given landmass from 1880 to 2020, including the Cayman Islands. Using this extensive historical data, they have analysed the probabilities of tropical cyclone impacts in those same locations in 2024 (versus an average year).

While this analysis should not be taken as a reason to forego your own preparations for hurricane season well in advance (remember, it only takes one!), it may help to put the frequency of storm hits into perspective.

You can view historic storm tracks here: NOAA Historical Hurricane Tracks.

You can also see the full list of statistics for the US and the Caribbean here: CSU Tropical Cyclone Impact Probabilities

The table below shows the chances of a storm impact in the Cayman Islands in 2024 versus the yearly average. An 'impact' is defined as meaning one or more storms passing within 50 miles of the Islands.

Chances of hurricane 'impacts' in the Cayman Islands in 2024

Hurricanes in Cayman 101

Hurricanes are measured by the Saffir-Simpson wind scale, but this scale is not a very good indicator of the likely impacts, so it is important to tune in to Radio Cayman, the Cayman Islands National Weather Service, HMCI and other official Government information sources when a hurricane is threatening. The hurricane category only measures wind speed; it does not consider things like the size of the hurricane wind field, the angle of approach or the forward speed. These elements can affect the height of the storm surge, which is the most significant threat to life and property. Both Grand Cayman and Little Cayman are generally very low lying (on average less than seven feet above sea level), and a hurricane can cause the sea level to rise as high as 20 feet above the usual sea level in some extreme, albeit rare, cases. In addition to the surge, hurricanes are usually accompanied by very large waves, which are a different and separate threat from the surge.

Waves pose a very real danger for coastal residents on open coastlines, as opposed to canals. Most properties located on the coast are vulnerable to impacts from the sea in a hurricane, but some people are not aware that the surge risk also exists for residents living well inland, especially those living in single-storey dwellings in low-lying areas. For example, if a very large and powerful hurricane threatens and your ground floor is 10ft above sea level, it is possible for the storm surge to fill the house with water up to the ceiling and, in some cases, leave you trapped.

If Cayman gets a significant hit by a hurricane, plan to be without power and water for seven days minimum. After Hurricane Ivan in 2004, it took two to three months for most residents to get their electricity back and about a month for water. Keep in mind that there were no banks, supermarkets or gas stations open for at least a week, so it is vital to have an emergency supply of canned food and water that will last up to at least one week per person. You are advised to store a gallon of water per day for each person in your house and to keep it cool by storing it in a dark location. Have a portable radio with extra batteries on hand because radios are an important medium for information sources in the aftermath of a storm. Internet, television and cell phone systems may go down for hours, days or weeks.

Hurricane Ivan wreaked havoc on the Cayman Islands in 2004

There is an entire department of the Cayman Islands Government which prepares for disasters including hurricanes: Hazard Management Cayman Islands has a dedicated team who can and do advise businesses, schools, community groups and other departments of Government what to do and how to prepare. They have a very useful website where they update the public on what they are doing, what is happening with named storms or any other hazard or disaster.

Preparation is key. Install hurricane shutters or get plywood sheets (to cover openings) before the hurricane season so you can protect your property when you need to. Once the wind breaches the home it is much easier for the roof to be lifted off. It’s too late to think about saving your personal items, important documents, filling the car up with gas or buying supply kits and non-perishable supplies when a hurricane is imminent. Also, withdraw enough cash to last for a few weeks, as after a storm ATM machines may not work, banks might ration cash withdrawals and personal cheques will not be accepted. Prepare an evacuation ‘to-go bag’ containing important documents (inside a watertight ziplock bag) and enough clothes, water, food, snacks and medication for each member of your family for at least five days. Please refer to the checklists in this chapter.

Decide ahead of time where you will stay during a hurricane. If your home is high enough and durable enough to withstand the winds, storm surge and waves, then it is probably the best place to stay. Ask your neighbours about the vulnerability of your neighbourhood in the case of flooding and wave threats, or reach out to Lands and Survey to get a topographical map of your specific area. This costs roughly CI$45. If you decide that it is safe to stay in your home, find the most secure areas in your house to shelter and potential escape routes.

If your home is not secure, then evacuate! Low-lying areas will flood, so take shelter on higher ground at your workplace or a friend’s house. Hurricane shelters are also an option; a complete list of locations can be found in the Hurricane Shelters section below. Remember, ambulances will not be running during a hurricane, so if you have a health issue that may require medical attention it is best to go to an Emergency Medical Centre (EMC) shelter.

Hurricane Checklistkeyboard_arrow_right

Supplies, important document safety, pre-storm to-do list and even leaving the Island on a temporary basis. We thought of it so you don't have to.

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Hurricane Scale and Flagskeyboard_arrow_right

Know the signs, warnings and the meaning behind the categories.

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Hurricane Shutterskeyboard_arrow_right

Shutters are an excellent investment for homeowners, adding that extra level of security to your property when you are off-Island, and most importantly, peace of mind during hurricane season.

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Hurricane Shelterskeyboard_arrow_right

Know where to go in Cayman if the risk posed by a tropical storm or higher is just too great to remain in your own home.

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Storm Insurancekeyboard_arrow_right

Examine the insurance on your home and/or business to ensure that the full value of the building(s) and contents are protected. Document the contents and take photographs of furnishing and valuables in advance. Keep these on a digital memory stick or backup drive. If you sustain damage, these photographs will support your insurance claim.

Read More

Medical Assistance During a Storm

Every district has a shelter that is specifically designated as an Emergency Medical Centre (EMC). If you have an existing medical condition, this may be the best place to seek shelter because there are medical personnel on hand. During high winds or flooding, however, ambulances will not respond until it is safe, which could potentially be more than 24 hours later. Make sure that your health insurance is up-to-date, so you are covered in the event of a medical emergency.

Visit the Hurricane Shelters page for a list of the designated emergency medical centres so that you can plan ahead of time the best course of action for you and your family. Also check out our Health Services page for more on medical services in the Cayman Islands.

Caring for the Vulnerable

Children & the Elderly

Young children and the elderly are vulnerable during a storm and, without support, can suffer great emotional distress. If you have an elderly friend or relative, consider offering your home as a safe-haven. If they are in a nursing home, be sure to confirm their emergency plans. If accompanied by an elderly person, keep in mind that they may take daily medication. Ensure that there is a sufficient supply and that it is stored in watertight containers. Young children may need special items, such as diapers, formula and bottles.

Medically Challenged & Disabled

If you have someone in your family with a serious medical condition or disability, consider leaving the Island with them prior to a serious hurricane hitting. If this is not possible, consult with a medical professional who is familiar with your loved ones medical history in order to receive tips on how to keep them as healthy as possible during a high stress situation. Also, if they are reliant on special medication, ensure you have an ample supply on hand.

Pets

There are only two pet-friendly shelters on Grand Cayman and there is limited capacity. Space will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis. Refer to our Looking After Your Pets page for helpful information on how to protect your pets during a hurricane.