FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. – As Hurricane Beryl barrels toward Jamaica, hundreds of evacuees arrived safely in Fort Lauderdale Tuesday, sharing stories of tense preparations and concern for those left behind.
Thomas Oliver was among the hundreds of passengers who arrived safely at Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport Tuesday after evacuating Jamaica ahead of the record-breaking hurricane.
“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 said.
Hillary Palmer, another evacuee, described the tense atmosphere 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 said.
Palmer’s home lies in the path of Hurricane Beryl, which is projected to impact as a Category 3 or 4 storm. Her main concern is for family, friends and those living in vulnerable areas prone to flooding.
Jamaica’s Prime Minister Andrew Holness has been urging residents to prepare, emphasizing the seriousness of the threat while advising against panic.
“I’m encouraging all Jamaicans to take the hurricane as a serious threat, but now is not a time for panic,” Holness said.
Every seat was filled on flights from Montego Bay and Kingston, with airlines adjusting schedules to evacuate as many people as possible.
As the storm nears, those who have evacuated express hope for the safety of their homeland.
“I hope everything works out well with Jamaica,” said Oliver.
Airport closures and flight cancellations are already starting for tomorrow as Hurricane Beryl approaches.
Local 10 News has learned that American Airlines has canceled all direct flights into Miami from both Kingston and Montego Bay, as the region braces for the catastrophic storm.
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