Ky. couple rides out Hurricane Beryl in Jamaica

Rose Marie Rock and her husband flew from Kentucky to Jamaica with plans to celebrate their 40th wedding anniversary.
Published: Jul. 5, 2024 at 4:26 PM EDT

LEXINGTON, Ky. (WKYT) - As Hurricane Beryl bashed the Caribbean, a couple from Kentucky was stranded in Jamaica. Unable to leave the island before Beryl arrived, the couple had no choice but to hunker down and ride out the storm.

Now they wait for the earliest flight home.

Rose Marie Rock and her husband flew from Kentucky to Jamaica with plans to celebrate their 40th wedding anniversary.

“So we have quite the story to tell for many years to come about it.”

When the Rocks learned they were set to be in the path of Hurricane Beryl, they tried to get an earlier flight out. But by Tuesday, every flight was booked. And by midnight that night, the airports were shut down.

The next afternoon, Beryl hit Jamaica as a category four storm.

“We go through tornadoes at home, but you know tornadoes come down, go a little bit and they’re gone. But hurricanes take their time. So I was concerned.”

Hours before the storm hit, the island was declared a disaster zone, and Rock said some hotel staff had to stay and shelter with the guests. She began blogging what she could for worried family back home.

“It’s been a way to keep my family and friend updated. Apparently it’s helped a lot of other people who have family here. We’ve had a lot, a lot of people praying for us. We’ve definitely felt those prayers.”

Beryl was one of the most powerful storms to ever hit the country. Hundreds of thousands of homes remain without power.

And the cleanup has only just begun.

“You walked around this morning, and guests, my husband included were helping. Clearing brush, making paths so water could run out. It was just something to see all the people.”

And if the Rocks can weather this storm together, she’s sure they can weather the next 40 years.

Rock says they hope to fly back home on Sunday.