Nearly six months have passed since the Turks and Caicos experienced two hurricanes in one month. While power was quickly restored to the entire country, and damage was cleaned up very rapidly, we still get questions about how Turks and Caicos is recovering from the hurricanes of 2017.
In short, everything was quickly restored to normal following the storms in September, and we’re waiting for you to come and visit us here on Grace Bay beach.
The September 2017 Turks and Caicos Hurricanes
In September 2017, the Turks and Caicos experienced two hurricanes, Hurricane Irma and then Hurricane Maria. Of the two storms, Irma earlier in September had the greater impact on Turks and Caicos. Irma, which reached Turks and Caicos on September 7, brought with it high winds, powerful waves and a storm surge.
Most of the effects from Irma were experienced to the east of Providenciales, notably on North Caicos and on the island of Grand Turk. Grand Turk, about a 12o kilometers east of Providenciales and Grace Bay beach, is the location of Cockburn Town, the capital city, and the major cruise ship port serving the country. The damage was more serious than here on Providenciales.
On Providenciales, the storm mostly affected the residential are of Blue Hills. Damage was significant, but luckily visitors and many others contributed to a reconstruction fund to help residents rebuild.
The main challenge following Irma was downed power lines. Thankfully, the local power utility worked quickly to restore electrical service, with help from crews from all over North America.
A few members of the FortisTCI team taking part in the @officialtchta Post Hurricane Clean-Up in Blue Hills, this morning. pic.twitter.com/SvKAGkURK7
— FortisTCI Ltd. (@fortistci) September 29, 2017
Power was restored throughout the Turks and Caicos quite quickly. In the meantime, the resorts along Grace Bay beach worked to patch up damage from Irma. This included fixing up landscaping, touching up paint, and generally tidying up. Grace Bay beach itself was unaffected by the storms, and is now more beautiful than ever.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BenhG7gnBWa/
Providenciales International Airport (PLS) was also quickly reopened following the hurricane, and actively received flights. Cargo freighters also started arriving on Providenciales just after Hurricane Irma to deliver all commodities, making sure grocery stores were open and re-stocked.
Recovery happened quickly, in time for the winter holiday season.
“Guests will also be pleased to know that Grace Bay Beach, acclaimed as one of the world’s best and most award-clad beaches, remains just as spectacular as ever,” said Mona Beeson, General Manager of The Sands at Grace Bay, in an announcement at the end of the September. “In fact, waves from the storms broke at the reef and actually brushed more sand upon the island’s shores in this area giving us an even more expansive beach.”
None of the Sands resort’s recently remodeled 114 studio- and suite-style accommodations were impacted and all are fully functional with electrical power, A/C, water, and WiFi to provide guests with plush comfort throughout their stay.
In addition to offering some of the most affordable rates along Provo’s world-famous Grace Bay Beach, guests of The Sands at Grace Bay also benefit from the following free resort amenities during your stay:
- Three freeform swimming pools
- Complimentary use of watersports equipment – including kayaks, stand-up paddle boards, snorkel gear and Hobie Cats
- Bicycles for nearby exploration on the island
- A weekly Manager’s cocktail party
- A tennis/basketball court
- The resort’s spacious studio and suite accommodations are equipped with all the comforts of home with most suite units featuring modern kitchens and appliances, dining and living room areas, screened-in balconies, washer & dryers, free WiFi and more.
Come join us, we’re waiting for you on Grace Bay Beach.
