Hurricane Beryl Impacts the Caribbean and Heads Toward Mexico

Playa del Carmen, Mexico, July 4, 2024 – Hurricane Beryl, the earliest storm to develop into a Category 5 hurricane in the Atlantic, has caused severe devastation across several Caribbean islands before making its way towards Mexico’s Caribbean coast.

After causing significant damage in Jamaica, Barbados, and the islands of St. Vincent and the Grenadines—where it damaged or destroyed 95% of homes—Beryl left at least seven dead in its path. It is now a Category 3 hurricane with sustained winds of 120 mph.

The storm’s eye is forecasted to pass just south of the Cayman Islands and make landfall on Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula in the early hours of Friday, likely as a Category 2 hurricane. Mexico’s officials have prepared shelters and evacuated some coastal communities, though tourists in Playa del Carmen and Tulum are largely continuing to enjoy the nightlife.

In Jamaica, Prime Minister Andrew Holness urged caution as the storm disrupted power and damaged homes, while in St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Michelle Forbes of the National Emergency Management Organization reported widespread destruction and multiple fatalities.

King Charles has expressed profound sadness over the loss and destruction, sending condolences to affected families. Additionally, the UK has deployed HMS Trent to assist relief efforts in the Cayman Islands, carrying emergency supplies and personnel for damage assessment and support.

Beryl’s trajectory indicates a potential second strike near the Texas-Mexico border after it crosses the Yucatan Peninsula and restrengthens over the Gulf of Mexico.