PORTSMOUTH, Va. (WAVY) — The description on the website vividly portrays Sandals South Coast as a resort interlaced with water. This aquatic allure was precisely what drew three families to the islands for their traditional October getaway. Although there was a possibility of a storm, it was initially deemed improbable.

“We heard about a tropical depression,” shared Jessica Pope. “Aware of it, but considering we visit the Caribbean every October without any issues, we figured it was routine. When we departed on Tuesday, we knew of the depression, but by Thursday, it escalated into a major threat.”