Flow prepared for 2026 hurricane season, says operators

KINGSTON, Jamaica – Liberty Caribbean, the operator of Flow, Liberty Business, and BTC, says it is in a state of readiness for the 2026 Atlantic Hurricane Season, which officially begins on June 1.

In a statement on Monday, Liberty Caribbean said with more than a century of service across the Caribbean, the company continues to “strengthen its preparedness, resilience, and emergency response capabilities to support customers, governments, and communities throughout the region during periods of crisis.”

The announcement follows the significant impact of Hurricane Melissa in Jamaica last year, which the company says reinforced the critical importance of resilient communications infrastructure and rapid response capabilities across the Caribbean.

“Hurricane Melissa reminded us once again that connectivity is far more than technology. In moments of crisis, it becomes a lifeline for families, businesses, emergency responders, and governments,” said Chief Executive Officer of Liberty Caribbean Inge Smidts.

“The lessons from that experience have further strengthened our resolve and accelerated our investments in network resilience, operational preparedness, and recovery capabilities across the region. We remain committed to ensuring our customers and communities can rely on us when it matters most.”

The company says over the past year it has continued to make strategic investments to strengthen its networks and improve disaster resilience across multiple markets.

In Jamaica, this included major investments in a new and enhanced mobile network, expanded spectrum capabilities, strengthened transport diversity, hardened infrastructure, backup power systems, and additional redundancy measures aimed at improving reliability and accelerating recovery.

The company says it has also continued simulation exercises, emergency response drills, fuel and logistics readiness planning, and cross-functional coordination efforts across all operating markets to ensure rapid mobilisation if required during the hurricane season.

“Our teams have worked tirelessly to modernise our infrastructure, strengthen operational

readiness, and improve how we respond during emergencies. While no network is immune to extreme weather events, our focus remains on building stronger, smarter, and more resilient systems capable of supporting the Caribbean through disruption and recovery alike,” added Smidts.

Forecasters at the National Weather Service of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) are predicting a below-normal hurricane season for the Atlantic basin this year.

NOAA’s forecast for the 2026 Atlantic hurricane season, which runs from June 1 to November 30, indicates a 35 per cent chance of a near-normal season, a 10 per cent chance of an above-normal season, and a 55 per cent chance of a below-normal season.

The agency forecasts a total of eight to 14 named storms (winds of 63 km/h or more). Of these, three to six are expected to become hurricanes (with winds of 75 mph or more), including one to three major hurricanes (Category 3, 4, or 5 with winds of 115 mph or more).

An average season sees 14 named storms, including seven hurricanes, three of which are major hurricanes.

“We understand the responsibility that comes with serving the Caribbean. Our commitment extends beyond connectivity alone. It is also about supporting the resilience of the communities we serve and standing beside them before, during, and after times of crisis,” said Smidts.

The company is encouraging customers and businesses across the region to review their own hurricane preparedness plans and remain informed throughout the season.