PORTSMOUTH, Va. (WAVY) — Promising an idyllic escape, Sandals South Coast touts its resort with the slogan: “Water flows through, under and around.” This allure was precisely what three families were seeking for their annual getaway to the islands this October. While they were aware of a potential storm, it seemed unlikely to pose any real threat.

Jessica Pope recounted, “We had heard about a tropical depression. It wasn’t unexpected because we travel to the Caribbean every October and have never faced any major issues before. When we departed on Tuesday, we were aware of the tropical depression. However, by Thursday, the situation escalated, and it was clear that a major event was brewing.”