Episcopal Relief and Development is monitoring Hurricane Emily, a powerful Category 3 storm with 125 mph winds, as it heads towards the central Caribbean Sea.

On Thursday, the hurricane struck the Windward Islands, hitting St. Vincent with strong winds which tore the roofs off homes. Damage assessments continue, particularly of the island’s banana crop.

One person was killed in Grenada following heavy rain which caused flooding and mudslides. The storm also flooded areas in Trinidad and Tobago.

Hurricane Emily is now headed toward Jamaica and the Cayman Islands. A tropical storm warning is in effect for southwestern peninsula of Haiti, and the southern portion of the Dominican Republic. The hurricane could threaten the Caribbean coasts of Colombia, Venezuela, and the Belizean Cayes. It may make landfall near the Texas-Mexico border on Tuesday.

We pray for families being affected during this active hurricane season in the Atlantic Ocean. ERD staff will continue watching Hurricane Emily’s path. We stand ready to respond and provide emergency assistance to affected dioceses as needs are identified.

Please visit our News Room for updates.