As the Atlantic’s earliest-ever category five hurricane causes destruction in the region, this is everything we know about travelling to the area right now
4 July 2024
A category four storm – known as Hurricane Beryl – has made landfall in the Caribbean, causing destruction in the area since Monday, 1 July. Hurricane Beryl first hit Grenada and has since passed through Jamaica. This article provides crucial information about the current situation in the Caribbean, safety for travelers, and considerations regarding ongoing or upcoming trips.
What is happening during Hurricane Beryl in the Caribbean?
As of Thursday, 4 July, Hurricane Beryl has been downgraded to a category three storm. Initially classified as a category five (the strongest), followed by a category four storm, experts predicted catastrophic damage to buildings and significant power outages. After making landfall in Carriacou, Grenada, the storm moved through Jamaica on the evening of Wednesday, 3 July. An island-wide overnight curfew was enacted, and flash flood warnings are presently in effect. Unfortunately, several fatalities have been reported.
Where is Hurricane Beryl currently?
At present, the hurricane is located south of the Cayman Islands.
Where is the path of the hurricane heading?
Hurricane Beryl is projected to move from the Cayman Islands towards Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula and Belize on Thursday, 4 July. It is anticipated that the hurricane will downgrade to a tropical storm before entering the Gulf of Mexico. Should Hurricane Beryl maintain its current intensity, it could potentially impact various regions of the US, including Louisiana and Texas.
Is it safe to travel to the Caribbean?
Currently, there is limited official travel advice regarding visiting the Caribbean. The government website advises travelers to “follow and monitor local and international weather updates from relevant authorities, including any evacuation orders.” Moreover, airlines such as American Airlines, JetBlue, and Virgin Atlantic are offering customers the opportunity to reschedule their trips to affected locations later in July. However, we recommend contacting your airline for the most up-to-date information as the situation evolves.
If your journey is planned for later in the year, consider all options before making cancellation decisions. It is often ill-advised to travel into a disaster zone immediately following a crisis. Nevertheless, tourism serves as a crucial revenue source for many places impacted by Hurricane Beryl, so consider postponing rather than outright cancelling your trip.
What about travelers currently in affected areas of the Caribbean?
While some flights to and from affected areas have been grounded in recent days, operations are expected to resume as Hurricane Beryl moves away from these regions. Travelers are advised to heed local authorities’ instructions, which may include sheltering in place when directed. Many travelers have had their hotel stays extended to ensure their safety during this period.
