Hurricane Beryl Devastates Caribbean Islands, Approaches Jamaica as a Category 4 Storm

Hurricane Beryl, a powerful Category 4 storm, has already caused significant devastation across several Caribbean islands, leading to fatalities. As it approaches Jamaica, concerns are high for the potential impact on the region, with preparations and evacuations underway amidst fears of life-threatening floods and mudslides. The storm's historical significance as the earliest Category 5 hurricane in Atlantic history raises alarms about the severity of the current hurricane season.

Hurricane Beryl Approaches Jamaica: Category 4 Storm Devastates Caribbean

KINGSTON, Jamaica, July 3, 2024 - Hurricane Beryl, a Category 4 storm, is expected to make landfall near Jamaica on Wednesday afternoon. The storm has already caused significant destruction across several Caribbean islands, resulting in at least seven fatalities.

Incident Overview: - Where: Jamaica is the immediate target, while affected regions include Grenada, Venezuela, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, and Barbados. - When: The storm will hit Jamaica by Wednesday afternoon, with subsequent potential impacts on the Yucatán Peninsula by Friday and the Gulf of Mexico by the weekend. - Who: Those most at risk are residents of Jamaica, Grenada, and surrounding Caribbean nations. Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness has responded by declaring the country a disaster area, imposing a curfew, and issuing evacuation orders for low-lying areas.

Storm Impact: - Storm Surge: Jamaica is expecting water levels to rise by up to nine feet. Heavy rainfall up to a foot may also cause life-threatening floods and mudslides. - Affected Regions: Grenada’s islands of Carriacou and Petite Martinique experienced near-total destruction. Northern Venezuela reported severe flooding and three deaths. - Preparations: Evacuations and emergency plans are underway in the Yucatán Peninsula and Grand Cayman as the storm progresses.

Forecast: - Current forecasts suggest Beryl may weaken as it approaches Jamaica, but it might restrengthen in the Gulf of Mexico. A hurricane watch is in place for Mexico's east coast, indicating possible hurricane-force winds and significant storm surge.

Local Response: - Jamaican authorities have closed international airports and mobilized emergency services to maintain order and assist with relief efforts.

Hurricane Beryl marked historical weather phenomena by becoming the earliest Category 5 hurricane in Atlantic history, further underlining concerns over the ongoing hurricane season.