Following their safe arrival in Fort Lauderdale on Tuesday, hundreds of evacuees shared their stories of stressful preparations and anxiety for those left behind as Hurricane Beryl makes her way toward Jamaica.
After fleeing Jamaica in advance of the hurricane that broke all previous records, Thomas Oliver was one of the hundreds of travelers who arrived at Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport safely on Tuesday.
“I couldn’t sleep last night because I didn’t know if I would be able to get out today, but it worked out fine,” Oliver stated.
Another evacuee, Hillary Palmer, spoke about the dangerous situation back in Jamaica.
“Everybody is in preparation mode for the storm, hoping that it will not hit because I will not be at home,” she stated.
Hurricane Beryl, which is expected to make landfall as a Category 3 or 4 storm, is expected to pass across Palmer’s home. Her top priorities are her loved ones, close friends, and people residing in flood-prone areas.
Jamaica’s prime minister, Andrew Holness, has been warning citizens not to panic but to get ready, stressing the gravity of the threat.
“I’m encouraging all Jamaicans to take the hurricane as a serious threat, but now is not a time for panic,” Holness stated.
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Flights from Montego Bay and Kingston were fully booked, and airlines had to change their itineraries to get as many people out as possible.
Those who have fled voice optimism for the safety of their native country as the storm approaches.
“I hope everything works out well with Jamaica,” Oliver stated.
As Hurricane Beryl gets closer, airport closures and airline cancellations have already begun for tomorrow. As the area prepares for the devastating storm, American Airlines has canceled all direct flights into Miami from Kingston and Montego Bay.
