Hurricane Beryl, a powerful Category 4 storm, passed near Jamaica on Wednesday, bringing fierce winds and heavy rain. The storm has already caused significant damage and resulted in at least seven deaths in the southeast Caribbean.
Hurricane Beryl– Impact on Jamaica
The U.S. National Hurricane Center reported that Beryl’s eyewall was brushing the south coast of Jamaica. Wind-whipped rain battered the island for hours, leading residents to heed authorities’ warnings to shelter in place. Power outages affected much of the capital, Kingston, and nearly 500 people were placed in shelters.
Prime Minister Andrew Holness emphasized the severity of the situation, stating that Jamaica had not yet seen the “worst of what could possibly happen.”
Key Effects:
- Roadways impacted by fallen trees and utility poles.
- Northern communities without electricity.
- Coastal water levels expected to rise significantly, with the potential for flash flooding and mudslides.
Southeast Caribbean Damage
Beryl has caused widespread devastation in the southeast Caribbean:
- Grenada and Carriacou: Three fatalities reported, extensive home damage, impassable roads, and power outages.
- St. Vincent and the Grenadines: One fatality, significant home damage on Mayreau and Union Island.
- Northern Venezuela: Three fatalities, five missing, and approximately 25,000 people affected by heavy rainfall.
Grenada’s Prime Minister Dickon Mitchell described the situation as grim, with no power and impassable roads. St. Vincent and the Grenadines Prime Minister Ralph Gonsalves promised to rebuild the affected areas.
Hurricane Warnings and Forecast
- Current Status: Beryl had maximum sustained winds of 130 mph (215 kph) and was moving west-northwest at 21 mph (32 kph) as of late Wednesday.
- Warnings: A hurricane warning was in effect for Jamaica, Grand Cayman, Little Cayman, Cayman Brac, and the coast of the Yucatan Peninsula in Mexico.
- Future Path: Beryl is expected to weaken slightly but remain near major hurricane strength as it approaches the Cayman Islands and Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula. It is forecast to make landfall along the Caribbean coast of Mexico and then re-emerge in the Gulf of Mexico, potentially striking the Gulf coast states of Veracruz or Tamaulipas.
Preparations and Evacuations
Jamaica declared a state of emergency and evacuation orders were in place for flood-prone and landslide-prone areas. Mexico was also preparing for the storm, moving sea turtle eggs off Cancun beaches to protect them from the storm surge.
Historical Context
Beryl is the earliest storm to develop into a Category 5 hurricane in the Atlantic, reaching peak winds of 165 mph (270 kph) on Monday before weakening slightly. It is the strongest hurricane threat Jamaica has faced in decades, surpassing the impact of Hurricane Ivan 20 years ago.
As the storm continues its path, residents in affected areas are urged to remain vigilant and take necessary precautions to ensure their safety.
