Hurricane Beryl Approaches Mexican Coast After Ravaging Caribbean

Playa del Carmen, Mexico — Hurricane Beryl, which earlier had intensified into the earliest Category 5 hurricane in the Atlantic this year, has weakened to a Category 3 storm but continues to cause significant concern. The hurricane has already caused widespread damage across the southeastern Caribbean, destroying homes and infrastructure and claiming at least seven lives.

In its path, Beryl has affected Jamaica, where its eye wall impacted the southern coast, resulting in power outages and damaged homes. Prime Minister Andrew Holness noted that the country had not yet experienced the full potential of the storm’s devastation. The storm also hit Barbados and nearly obliterated the small islands of Mayreau and Union Island in St. Vincent and the Grenadines, damaging 95% of homes there.

As of early Thursday, Beryl’s center was about 50 miles southwest of Grand Cayman Island and approximately 500 miles east-southeast of Tulum, Mexico, with sustained winds of 120 mph. It’s projected to make landfall on the Yucatan Peninsula near Tulum early Friday, likely as a Category 2 storm. Precautions include evacuations in coastal communities and relocating sea turtle eggs to safer locations.

In Cancun, tourists like Scottish cardiac physiologist Donna McNaughton are preparing to ride out the storm, with some continuing to enjoy the nightlife in Playa del Carmen and Tulum despite the impending weather.

Meanwhile, King Charles has extended his condolences to the affected Caribbean nations, and the UK has deployed HMS Trent, an offshore patrol vessel, to assist with relief efforts in the region. The warship is bringing essential supplies and personnel to aid the recovery operations.

Officials in Mexico and other potentially impacted areas remain vigilant as Hurricane Beryl continues its westward trajectory.