Hurricane Beryl, the earliest Category 4 and Category 5 hurricane in the Atlantic, is currently on its path towards Jamaica after causing devastation in the Windward Islands. The storm has resulted in fatalities and significant infrastructure damage, prompting warnings and preparations in the expected affected regions.
Hurricane Beryl, which has set historical records as the earliest Category 4 and Category 5 hurricane in the Atlantic, is currently heading towards Jamaica. As of Tuesday, July 2, 2024, the storm has been downgraded to a Category 4 with winds reaching 155 mph.
Beryl initially made landfall in the Windward Islands, causing significant devastation, loss of life, and infrastructure damage. At least seven fatalities have been reported, including three in Venezuela due to heavy rainfall from the hurricane’s outer rings. The storm extensively damaged homes and essential services in Grenada, St Vincent, and the Grenadines. Prime Minister Dickon Mitchell reported widespread destruction in Carriacou and Petite Martinique, with Union Island seeing around 90% of homes damaged or destroyed.
As Beryl continues its path, it is expected to deliver up to three feet of storm surge to Hispaniola and pass near Jamaica on Wednesday. Jamaica is under a Hurricane Warning, and authorities are urging residents in vulnerable areas to prepare for possible evacuations.
Beryl is forecasted to impact the Cayman Islands on Thursday and the Yucatan Peninsula by Friday, threatening the regions with significant storm surge, flash floods, and mudslides.
