Hurricane Beryl Targets Jamaica with Potentially Devastating Impact

Current Status: Hurricane Beryl, a Category 4 storm, is rapidly advancing west-northwest in the northern Caribbean Sea, closing in on Jamaica. On Beryl’s eastern side, bands of heavy rain are impacting Haiti, raising concerns about potential flooding and mudslides.

Impact Forecast

– Jamaica: Beryl is expected to hit Jamaica on Wednesday with potentially devastating winds, particularly in mountainous regions, and a life-threatening storm surge reaching 6 to 9 feet above normal tide levels. Torrential rain could lead to flash flooding and landslides, marking the strongest hurricane strike on Jamaica since Hurricane Dean in 2007.

– Cayman Islands: On Wednesday night and Thursday, Beryl is forecasted to make its closest approach to the Cayman Islands, especially Grand Cayman, bringing storm surge flooding, high winds, and heavy rain. This could be the most significant hurricane impact on Grand Cayman since Hurricane Paloma in November 2008.

– Yucatan Peninsula: By Friday, Beryl is expected to make landfall as a hurricane on Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula, affecting areas from the Belize border to Cozumel with storm surge flooding, damaging winds, and heavy rain.

Warnings and Watches:

– Hurricane Warning: Issued for Jamaica and the Cayman Islands.
– Hurricane Watch: Issued for the eastern coast of Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula, including Costa Maya, Tulum, Cozumel, and Cancún.
– Tropical Storm Watch: Issued as far south as Belize City, Belize.

Areas under hurricane warnings are urged to complete preparations immediately. Those under hurricane watches should ensure their plans are ready to implement.

Hurricane Beryl became the earliest Atlantic Category 5 storm on record after impacting the Windward Islands on Monday. Beryl will continue its west-northwest trajectory through the Caribbean Sea this week. Although it will likely lose some intensity due to increasing wind shear, it remains a significant threat. The storm’s future in the Gulf of Mexico is uncertain, with potential impacts on eastern Mexico and Texas early next week.