How does Great Guana Cay fare during hurricanes?
The unique physical features of Guana Cay provide a natural barrier to hurricane-related forces such as wind damage and flooding. Guana Cay’s orientation runs southeast to northwest, versus south to north like many of its neighboring islands. Because of this orientation, the island does not typically bear the full force of hurricane winds or storm surge. Instead, most of the surge is pushed around the island, as opposed to through it. Further, the exposed eastern shore of Guana Cay is protected by natural dunes and a protective barrier reef. The ability of a house to withstand hurricanes is a function of the force of the hurricane, and the construction and location of the house. While a major hurricane will cause damage, Baker’s Bay has worked on both the site and building standards of the homes to insure safe, secure construction, set well back from the sea. Native plants on Guana Cay fare extremely well in hurricane conditions. Plants will experience wind burn, but typically very few
