Hurricane Beryl heading for Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula after battering Jamaica: Live updates

Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula is bracing for Hurricane Beryl, now a Category 2 storm, to make landfall early Friday morning with 110mph winds and dangerous storm surge.

The region will see life-threatening winds, up to five feet of storm surge and up to ten inches of rainfall, National Hurricane Center Director Michael Brennan said on Thursday afternoon.

Hurricane Beryl will then bring dangerous rip currents to the Gulf Coast over the weekend before likely hitting southern Texas Monday, the National Weather Service forecast.

“Just a reminder for people, especially in South Texas, to continue to check back for updates to the forecast,” Brennan said.

Hurricane Beryl has killed at least ten people, Reuters reports. Two of those killed — the first in St George’s, Grenada and the second in Hanover, Jamaica — died after hurricane-force winds knocked trees onto their homes.

Hurricane Beryl devastated Jamaica on Wednesday, knocking out power to 400,000 and destroying buildings. While the storm is moving away, rainfall and flash-flooding still pose a risk to the island.

Grenada was also left with “unimaginable” destruction after the storm passed through Monday, Prime Minister Dickon Mitchell said, damaging or destroying 98 percent of buildings.

Key Points

• Hurricane Beryl tracker: When will storm hit Yucatan Peninsula?

• Mapped: Hurricane Beryl’s path

• Hurricane Beryl death toll rises to ten

• Hurricane Beryl has potential to hit Texas on Monday

ICYMI: Mexico evacuates sea turtle eggs from beaches ahead of Beryl

04:00 , Katie Hawkinson

Mexican officials evacuated sea turtle eggs from beaches ahead of Hurricane Beryl, the Associated Press reports.

For some eggs, experts transferred them to safer areas. In other cases, they created corrals with sandbags to keep the eggs safe where they were laid, the outlet reports.

“Look, it’s not the best thing to do, but we are facing an emergency in which if they don’t take them out, they all could be lost,” biologist Graciela Tiburcio told the AP.

“In a normal situation this would not be right, because this will surely cause mortality,” Tiburcio continued. “There will be a lower rate of hatched eggs, that is the reality. But it’s also a reality that if the nests are left there, they’ll all be lost.”

Video: When will Hurricane Beryl hit Texas?

03:00 , Katie Hawkinson

Hurricane Beryl could bring significant rainfall to Texas: meteorologist

02:00 , Katie Hawkinson

AccuWeather Meteorologist Geoff Cornish says Hurricane Beryl could bring four to eight inches of rain to Brownsville, Texas if it hits the region early next week.

“San Antonio and Austin will likely see several inches of rain from Beryl as well,” Cornish said on Thursday.

AccuWeather’s Paul Pastelok warns the storm could stall in the Gulf Coast, driving longer storm conditions.

“There is a chance that this storm may stall once it gets onshore in northern Mexico and southern Texas, which could lead to more rainfall and flooding concerns,” Pastelok said. The National Weather Service said Beryl has the potential to hit Texas on Monday into Tuesday.

For now, the Category 2 storm is set to make landfall on Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula in the coming hours.

In pictures: Mexico braces for Hurricane Beryl

01:00 , Katie Hawkinson

Hurricane Beryl no longer a ‘major’ hurricane

Friday 5 July 2024 00:00 , Katie Hawkinson

Hurricane Beryl weakened to a Category 2 storm this afternoon, with maximum sustained winds of 110mph.

This means the storm is no longer a “major hurricane,” which is defined as Category 3 and above.

However, it will still bring life-threatening storm conditions to Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula — including several popular tourist destinations along the coast — in the coming hours.

‘Life-threatening’ conditions in Yucatan Peninsula overnight as threat to Texas grows

Thursday 4 July 2024 23:00 , Katie Hawkinson

Hurricane Beryl, now a Category 2 storm, will bring “life-threatening” storm conditions to the Yucatan Peninsula overnight, National Hurricane Center Director Michael Brennan said this afternoon.

The storm is set to hit Texas by early Monday morning.

“We are forecasting some re-strengthening over the Gulf of Mexico as Beryl turns more northwestward and approaches the coast of northeastern Mexico and South Texas,” Brennan said. “We are forecasting it to be at or near hurricane strength by Monday morning, and expecting it to make landfall somewhere in that vicinity.”

Nearby residents should closely monitor the weather forecast and be on high alert for dangerous water conditions in the Gulf Coast over the weekend.

United Nations dedicates $4 million to aid for Jamaica, eastern Caribbean

Thursday 4 July 2024 22:30 , Katie Hawkinson

The United Nations will put $4 million towards aid efforts in Jamaica, Grenada and St Vincent and the Grenadines in the wake of Hurricane Beryl, the BBC reports.

Earlier this week, the UN said officials in Grenada and St. Vincent and the Grenadines are working closely with local leaders to help with recovery efforts.

“To date, Grenada and St Vincent’s and the Grenadines have reported hundreds of people in shelters,” a UN spokesperson said.

Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has asked for the international community to “show solidarity” with all the Caribbean countries in Hurricane Beryl’s path, the spokesperson said.

Thursday evening forecast: Hurricane Beryl to make landfall on Yucatan Peninsula within hours

Thursday 4 July 2024 22:03 , Katie Hawkinson

Hurricane Beryl, now a Category 2 storm, will make landfall on Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula within hours, the National Weather Service (NWS) said moments ago.

“Damaging winds, a dangerous storm surge and flooding rainfall are expected,” the NWS said.

The storm will move toward the Gulf Coast over the weekend, where it will create dangerous rip currents. The hurricane is likely to hit southern Texas early next week, forecasters say.

Googlebox stars stuck in Jamaica as Hurricane Beryl makes landfall: ‘I want to get out’

Thursday 4 July 2024 21:30 , Katie Hawkinson

Googlebox favorites Julie and Tom Malone have revealed they are stuck in Jamaica as Hurricane Beryl makes landfall.

The Channel 4 couple had oped for some sun and relaxation after jetting off to Jamaica for their summer holiday, but have instead got caught up in the Category 4 hurricane.

Beryl hit Jamaica earlier this week, with life-threatening rain, 145mph winds and storm surge, with the storm knocking down power lines in Portland.

Watch here:

Googlebox stars stuck in Jamaica as Hurricane Beryl strikes: ‘I want to get out’

Video: When will Hurricane Beryl hit Texas?

Thursday 4 July 2024 21:17 , Katie Hawkinson

Hurricane Beryl no longer a ‘major’ hurricane

Thursday 4 July 2024 20:30 , Katie Hawkinson

Hurricane Beryl weakened to a Category 2 storm this afternoon, with maximum sustained winds of 110mph.

This means the storm is no longer a “major hurricane,” which is defined as Category 3 and above.

However, it will still bring life-threatening storm conditions to Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula — including several popular tourist destinations along the coast — within the next day.

Jamaica reels from Hurricane Beryl

Thursday 4 July 2024 20:10 , Katie Hawkinson

Hurricane Beryl destroyed several buildings and left 400,000 customers without power in Jamaica on Wednesday.

Several roadways in the country’s interior settlements were impacted by fallen trees and utility poles, Jamaican officials said, while some communities in the northern section and the capital were without electricity.

“It’s terrible. Everything’s gone. I’m in my house and scared,” resident Amoy Wellington told Reuters. “It’s a disaster.”

While storm surge will gradually dwindle in the coming hours, Jamaica will still see heavy rain and potential flooding throughout the day.

Some 1,000 people were in hurricane shelters on Wednesday as the storm, now a Category 3, battered the nation.

Hurricane Beryl is now expected to make landfall on Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula within the next day.

Hurricane Beryl death toll rises to ten

Thursday 4 July 2024 19:50 , Katie Hawkinson

Hurricane Beryl has killed at least ten people after devastating Jamaica, Grenada and St. Vincent and the Grenadines this week.

At least two of those killed — the first in St George’s, Grenada and the second in Hanover, Jamaica — died after hurricane-force winds knocked trees onto their homes.

“It’s terrible. Everything’s gone. I’m in my house and scared,” Amoy Wellington of St. Elizabeth, Jamaica told Reuters. “It’s a disaster.”

Hurricane Beryl caused widespread destruction in Jamaica, Grenada and St. Vincent and the Grenadines this week.

The storm left 400,000 customers in Jamaica without power on Wednesday after flattening Grenada’s Carriacou Island in half an hour on Monday.

‘Life-threatening’ conditions in Yucatan Peninsula overnight as threat to Texas grows

Thursday 4 July 2024 19:30 , Katie Hawkinson

Hurricane Beryl, now a Category 2 storm, will bring “life-threatening” storm conditions to the Yucatan Peninsula overnight, National Hurricane Center Director Michael Brennan said minutes ago.

The storm is set to hit Texas by early Monday morning.

“We are forecasting some re-strengthening over the Gulf of Mexico as Beryl turns more northwestward and approaches the coast of northeastern Mexico and South Texas,” Brennan said. “We are forecasting it to be at or near hurricane strength by Monday morning, and expecting it to make landfall somewhere in that vicinity.”

Nearby residents should closely monitor the weather forecast and be on high alert for dangerous water conditions in the Gulf Coast over the weekend.

Hurricane Warning ended in Cayman Islands

Thursday 4 July 2024 19:20 , Katie Hawkinson

The National Weather Service has ended Hurricane Warnings for the Cayman Islands as Beryl passes through the region.

Hurricane Beryl is now on its way to Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula.

See it: Hurricane Beryl lashes Montego Bay, Jamaica

Thursday 4 July 2024 19:10 , Katie Hawkinson

Indian cricket team stranded by Hurricane Beryl in Barbados returns home to hero’s welcome

Thursday 4 July 2024 18:50 , Katie Hawkinson

The Indian men’s cricket team arrived to a colourful welcome in capital Delhi on Thursday after being stranded in Barbados due to Hurricane Beryl.

Led by Indian skipper Rohit Sharma, the men’s team on Sunday won the T20 World Cup against South Africa in a nail-biter that broke a 12-year unsuccessful streak.

The team was eagerly expected after being stranded for three days in the Caribbean nation due to the Category 4 hurricane which passed through Barbados early Monday morning, causing heavy storm and high winds in the region.

The Independent’s Arpan Rai has the story:

Indian cricket team stranded by Hurricane Beryl returns home to hero’s welcome

Hurricane Beryl and the role of climate change

Thursday 4 July 2024 18:30 , Katie Hawkinson

Record-breaking hurricanes like Beryl — the earliest recorded Category 5 storm — are being driven in part by the climate crisis.

“It’s really scary stuff,” Steve Maximay, a climate and agriculture expert in Grenada, previously told The Independent.

”When you talk about Category 4 and 5, there are very few systems or protocols that can prepare you for that,” Maximay continued. “You can have resilient buildings but category five winds can move concrete structures.”

Hurricane Beryl’s growth into a Category 5 storm can be attributed to record-warm ocean temperatures. High water temperatures can contribute to sea level rise and hurt marine life in addition to fueling strong storms like Hurricane Beryl. Ocean temperatures will likely continue to rise even if we curb greenhouse gas emissions, according to NOAA.

Island nations are at the front lines of the climate crisis, given their vulnerability to violent storms and sea-level rise.

The Alliance of Small Island States, an organization designed to create a unified voice for small island nations to address the ongoing climate crisis, denounced the climate crisis and its impact on island nations.

“We continue to be sacrificed on the frontlines of a climate crisis we did not cause,” the statement said. “Our sea temperatures grow warmer, encouraging storms to strengthen at alarming speed and increasing the dire threat to our developing countries. The increased danger is evident for the world to see.”

“If the world does not stand with [Small Island Developing States] now, it is only a matter of time before we are all lost,” the alliance continued.

Sophie Powell, chief of advocacy for the United Kingdom-based non-profit Christian Aid, highlighted the role the climate crisis has played in Hurricane Beryl’s devastation.

“The people picking through the wreckage of such a devastating storm have done nothing to cause the climate crisis,” Powell said in a statement. “The carbon emissions of these small, low-lying islands are miniscule yet the consequences to their lives of climate breakdown are vast.”

Video: Googlebox stars stuck in Jamaica as Hurricane Beryl makes landfall

Thursday 4 July 2024 18:10 , Katie Hawkinson

Hurricane Beryl could bring significant rainfall to Texas: meteorologist

Thursday 4 July 2024 17:50 , Katie Hawkinson

AccuWeather Meteorologist Geoff Cornish says Hurricane Beryl could bring four to eight inches of rain to Brownsville, Texas if it hits the region early next week.

“San Antonio and Austin will likely see several inches of rain from Beryl as well,” Cornish said.

AccuWeather’s Paul Pastelok warns the storm could stall in the Gulf Coast, driving longer storm conditions.

“There is a chance that this storm may stall once it gets onshore in northern Mexico and southern Texas, which could lead to more rainfall and flooding concerns,” Pastelok said. The National Weather Service said Beryl has the potential to hit Texas on Monday into Tuesday.

For now, the Category 3 storm is blowing through the Cayman Islands on its way to Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula.

In pictures: Mexico braces for Hurricane Beryl

Thursday 4 July 2024 17:30 , Katie Hawkinson

Hurricane Beryl has potential to hit Texas on Monday

Thursday 4 July 2024 17:16 , Katie Hawkinson

Hurricane Beryl could hit Texas by early Monday morning, the National Weather Service forecast on Thursday morning.

Regardless of its exact path, the Category 3 storm will create life-threatening rip currents in the Gulf Coast this weekend.

The impact on Texas will become clearer in the coming days. Officials say residents should remain on high alert and monitor their local weather forecast.

Jamaica reels from Hurricane Beryl

Thursday 4 July 2024 17:05 , Katie Hawkinson

Hurricane Beryl destroyed several buildings and left 400,000 customers without power in Jamaica on Wednesday.

Several roadways in the country’s interior settlements were impacted by fallen trees and utility poles, Jamaican officials said, while some communities in the northern section and the capital were without electricity.

“It’s terrible. Everything’s gone. I’m in my house and scared,” resident Amoy Wellington told Reuters. “It’s a disaster.”

While storm surge will gradually dwindle in the coming hours, Jamaica will still see heavy rain and potential flooding throughout the day.

Some 1,000 people were in hurricane shelters on Wednesday as the storm, now a Category 3, battered the nation.

Hurricane Beryl is now on a path to the Cayman Islands in the coming hours. It is expected to hit Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula within the next day as well.

Shocking aerial photos show widespread devastation as Hurricane Beryl moves through Caribbean

Thursday 4 July 2024 16:54 , Katie Hawkinson

Hurricane Beryl: Aerial images show before and after of storm’s destruction

Video: Hurricane Beryl devastates Jamaica

Thursday 4 July 2024 16:32 , Katie Hawkinson

Hurricane Beryl’s potential impact on Texas

Thursday 4 July 2024 17:11 , Katie Hawkinson

Hurricane Beryl has the potential to hit southern Texas by early Monday morning, according to the National Weather Service.

Regardless of its exact track, the hurricane will likely bring life-threatening rip currents to the Gulf Coast this weekend.

The Category 3 storm’s path will become clearer in the coming days. For now, meteorologists say residents of the Gulf Coast region should stay on alert and monitor the forecast over the weekend.

Hurricane Beryl death toll rises to ten

Thursday 4 July 2024 16:00 , Katie Hawkinson

Hurricane Beryl has killed at least ten people after devastating Jamaica, Grenada and St. Vincent and the Grenadines this week.

At least two of those killed — the first in St George’s, Grenada and the second in Hanover, Jamaica — died after hurricane-force winds knocked trees onto their homes.

“It’s terrible. Everything’s gone. I’m in my house and scared,” Amoy Wellington of St. Elizabeth told Reuters. “It’s a disaster.”

Hurricane Beryl caused widespread destruction in Jamaica, Grenada and St. Vincent and the Grenadines this week.

The storm left 400,000 people in Jamaica without power on Wednesday after flattening Grenada’s Carriacou Island in half an hour on Monday.

Mapped: Hurricane Beryl powers through Caribbean islands as Category 3 storm

Thursday 4 July 2024 15:45 , Katie Hawkinson

Hurricane Beryl is barreling towards Mexico and possibly the US, after tearing through Jamaica and the Windward Islands, bringing devastating winds and storm surges that have destroyed homes, wiped out power, and left at least eight people dead.

The storm continues to be a “major hurricane” after it got downgraded to Category 3 hurricane on Thursday morning, packing maximum sustained winds of 120mph (195kph).

See Hurricane Beryl’s path:

Mapped: Hurricane Beryl powers through Caribbean islands as Category 3 storm

Indian cricket team stranded by Hurricane Beryl in Barbados returns home to hero’s welcome

Thursday 4 July 2024 15:30 , Katie Hawkinson

The Indian men’s cricket team arrived to a colourful welcome in capital Delhi on Thursday after being stranded in Barbados due to Hurricane Beryl.

Led by Indian skipper Rohit Sharma, the men’s team on Sunday won the T20 World Cup against South Africa in a nail-biter that broke a 12-year unsuccessful streak.

The team was eagerly expected after being stranded for three days in the Caribbean nation due to the Category 4 hurricane which passed through Barbados early Monday morning, causing heavy storm and high winds in the region.

The Independent’s Arpan Rai has the story:

Indian cricket team stranded by Hurricane Beryl returns home to hero’s welcome

Mexico evacuates sea turtle eggs from beaches ahead of Beryl

Thursday 4 July 2024 15:15 , Katie Hawkinson

Mexican officials are evacuating sea turtle eggs from beaches ahead of Hurricane Beryl’s expected overnight, the Associated Press reports.

For some eggs, experts are transferring them to safer areas. In other cases, experts are creating corrals with sandbags to keep the eggs safe where they were laid, the outlet reports.

“Look, it’s not the best thing to do, but we are facing an emergency in which if they don’t take them out, they all could be lost,” biologist Graciela Tiburcio told the AP.

“In a normal situation this would not be right, because this will surely cause mortality,” Tiburcio continued. “There will be a lower rate of hatched eggs, that is the reality. But it’s also a reality that if the nests are left there, they’ll all be lost.”

United Nations dedicates $4 million to aid for Jamaica, eastern Caribbean

Thursday 4 July 2024 14:45 , Katie Hawkinson

The United Nations will put $4 million towards aid efforts in Jamaica, Grenada and St Vincent and the Grenadines in the wake of Hurricane Beryl, the BBC reports.

Earlier this week, the UN said officials in Grenada and St. Vincent and the Grenadines are working closely with local leaders to help with recovery efforts.

“To date, Grenada and St Vincent’s and the Grenadines have reported hundreds of people in shelters,” a UN spokesperson said.

Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has asked for the international community to “show solidarity” with all the Caribbean countries in Hurricane Beryl’s path, the spokesperson said.

Mexico braces for Hurricane Beryl’s impact as the storm hurls towards the Yucatan Peninsula

Thursday 4 July 2024 14:19 , Amelia Neath

Business owners and citizens in portions of Mexico are bracing for Hurricane Beryl’s impact as the dangerous storm barrels towards the Yucatan Peninsula.

“A westward to west-northwestward motion is expected during the next day or two, taking the core of Beryl away from the Cayman Islands this morning and over the Yucatan Peninsula early Friday. Beryl is expected to emerge over the southwestern Gulf of Mexico Friday night and turn northwestward,” the National Hurricane Center wrote in their most recent advisory.

The hurricane is currently passing southwest of the Cayman Islands, and is forecast to weaken during the next day or two, although it is thought to remain a hurricane until it makes landfall on the Yucatan Peninsula.

A Hurricane Warning is currently in effect for Grand Cayman, Little Cayman and Cayman Brac, the coast of the Yucatan Peninsula of Mexico from Puerto Costa Maya to Cancun, including Cozumel.

A Hurricane Watch is also in effect for the coast of the Yucatan Peninsula of Mexico south of Puerto Costa Maya to Chetumal and the coast of the Yucatan Peninsula of Mexico north of Cancun to Cabo Catoche.

Hurricane conditions are expected in the Warning area on the Yucatan Peninsula late today or early Friday.

In the Watch area, hurricane conditions are possible along the east coast of the Yucatan Peninsula as early as late today.

Tropical Storm Watches and Warnings are also in place for some areas of Mexico and Belize.

See it: Hurricane Beryl pictured from the International Space Station

Thursday 4 July 2024 14:00 , Katie Hawkinson

Damaged fishing boats sinking in port after Hurricane Beryl lashes Barbados

Thursday 4 July 2024 13:47 , Amelia Neath

Barbados was caught in the tail end of Hurricane Beryl, which passed by the island on Monday as a Category 4 storm with winds of at least 130mph, enough to cause significant damage.

Fishermen in the region said that all the boats at the Bridgetown marina suffered some degree of damage, while a few entirely sank under big waves that washed over the docks. Footage shows the water in the marina littered with the debris of smashed boats.

Beryl remains a Category 3 hurricane as it passes southwest of Grand Cayman

Thursday 4 July 2024 13:22 , Amelia Neath

The center of Hurricane Beryl, remaining a dangerous Category 3 storm, is passing just 50 miles (80km) southwest of Grand Cayman as of 8am EDT this morning.

Reports from a NOAA Hurricane Hunter aircraft states that maximum sustained winds are near 120 mph (195 km/h) with higher gusts as Beryl tears into the region.

Beryl’s hurricane-force winds are currently extending outward up to 45 miles (75 km) from the center and tropical-storm-force winds extend outward up to 175 miles (280 km).

Storm surges could raise water levels along the immediate coast of the Cayman Islands as much as two to four feet above normal, bringing with it large and destructive waves.

Beryl is also bringing rainfall totals of four to six inches over the Cayman Islands on Thursday, the same expected for the Yucatan Peninsula later today into Friday. The Yucatan Peninsula could see localized amounts of 10 inches as well.

Scattered instances of flash flooding is expected over the region and large surf swells currently impacting portions of the coast of Jamaica, Cuba, and the Cayman Islands, which have the potential to cause life-threatening surf and rip current conditions.

These swells are also predicted to spread to the Yucatan Peninsula and portions of Central America later today and to eastern Mexico and much of the Gulf Coast of the US by late Friday

Preparations were already underway before the hurricane reached the Cayman Islands, after Beryl already left a path of destruction it its wake this week through Jamaica, Grenada and St Vincent and the Grenadines.

More than 1,000 people in the Cayman Islands were evacuated, George Town officials said, as two dozen additional flights were added to help with the evacuations off the islands, The New York Times reported.

Premier Juliana O’Connor-Connolly appeared on Radio Cayman on Wednesday, according to the newspaper, and strongly urged residents to stay in place beginning at 6pm Wednesday until an all-clear was issued.

“Let us remain calm, stay prepared, look after one another as we face this challenge together,” she said. “We can minimize the impact of Hurricane Beryl and protect our community if we do it together.”

Shocking aerial photos show widespread devastation as Hurricane Beryl moves through Caribbean

Thursday 4 July 2024 13:00 , Katie Hawkinson

Hurricane Beryl: Aerial images show before and after of storm’s destruction

What hurricanes has Jamaica experienced before?

Thursday 4 July 2024 12:59 , Amelia Neath

After Hurricane Beryl passed near Jamaica on Wednesday, its hurricane conditions brought destruction to homes, power outages and the confirmed death of at least one person.

However, the island is no stranger to the wrath of deadly hurricanes ripping through the region.

While many hurricanes have passed near Jamaica in recent years, only a few have actually made landfall in the country in the past 40 years.

The most notable hurricane was one named Gilbert, which made landfall near Kingston, Jamaica on September 12, 1988 as a Category 4 hurricane, and remains an infamous storm event in the country.

The catastrophic storm sustained winds of 130mph, causing hundreds of millions of dollars in damage and leading to the deaths of at least 45 people.

The eye of Hurricane Gilbert barrelled its way across the entire island of Jamaica, only weakening back to 125 mph by the time it emerged from its western coast by late afternoon.

Other notable hurricanes that significantly hit Jamaica include Hurricane Sandy, which made landfall in 2012 as a Category 1 hurricane.

Areas of Mexico and Texas told to monitor the progress of Beryl: Map

Thursday 4 July 2024 12:22 , Amelia Neath2

The National Hurricane Center has said there is uncertainty in the track and intensity forecast of Beryl over the western Gulf of Mexico this weekend.

Interests in eastern Mexico and southern Texas should monitor Beryl’s progress, yet regardless of what path the hurricane takes, rip currents could cause life-threatening beach conditions beginning late Friday and through the weekend across much of the Gulf Coast.

Meanwhile, hurricane-force winds, dangerous storm surge and heavy rainfall is expected over portions of the Yucatan Peninsula and Belize beginning Thursday night as Beryl approaches, with strong winds, dangerous storm surge, damaging waves and flooding expected in the Cayman Islands today.

Laura Velazquez, the head of Mexico’s civil defence agency said the hurricane is expected to make landfall along a relatively unpopulated stretch of the Caribbean coast between Tulum and the inland town of Felipe Carrillo Puerto.

Because the coast there is largely made up of lagoons and mangroves, there are few resorts or hotels in the area south of Tulum.

Ms Velazquez said that Beryl is then expected to hit Mexican territory a second time in the Gulf coast states of Veracruz or Tamaulipas, near the Texas border.

If Hurricane Beryl maintains its strength, it has the potential to hit southern Texas and Louisiana over the weekend, according to the National Weather Service.

Read the story:

Mapped: Hurricane Beryl powers through Caribbean islands as Category 3 storm

Satellite imagery: Hurricane Beryl’s eyewall slams into the southern coast of Jamaica.

Thursday 4 July 2024 12:00 , Katie Hawkinson

Indian cricket team stranded by Hurricane Beryl in Barbados returns home to hero’s welcome

Thursday 4 July 2024 11:55 , Amelia Neath

The Indian men’s cricket team arrived to a colourful welcome in capital Delhi on Thursday after being stranded in Barbados due to Hurricane Beryl.

The team was eagerly expected after being stranded for three days in the Caribbean nation due to the Category 4 hurricane which passed through Barbados early Monday morning, causing heavy storm and high winds in the region.

Despite overcast weather in Delhi, the mood on the team’s arrival from Barbados was lifted by dhol beats, flower bouquets and cakes bearing the winning team’s photos.

Read the full story:

Indian cricket team stranded by Hurricane Beryl returns home to hero’s welcome

400,000 without power in Jamaica after Hurricane Beryl battered island

Thursday 4 July 2024 11:40 , Amelia Neath

Hundreds of thousands of homes are without power in the aftermath of Hurricane Beryl’s destruction after its conditions hit Jamaica on Wednesday.

The country’s energy provider, JPS, said that 65 per cent, which is around 400,000 of its customers, were left without power on Thursday morning.

The Jamaican government said on Wednesday several roadways in the country’s interior settlements were impacted by fallen trees and utility poles, while some communities in the northern section and the capital were without electricity.

In Pictures: Hurricane Beryl leaves a path of devastation in Grenada

Thursday 4 July 2024 11:25 , Amelia Neath

Hurricane Beryl: Travel advice after storm causes severe damage – with ‘life-threatening’ winds forecast

Thursday 4 July 2024 11:00 , Katie Hawkinson

Hurricane Beryl: Travel advice as ‘life-threatening’ winds forecast

Death toll rises to at least eight after Beryl tearing through the Caribbean

Thursday 4 July 2024 10:48 , Amelia Neath2

At least one person more has died as Beryl devastates the southeastern Caribbean after one death was confirmed in Jamaica.

A woman has been killed after a tree fell on her house in the western parish of Hanover, Richard Thompson, the head of the country’s disaster agency, told The New York Times.

A rescue team was also searching for a 20-year-old man who had been swept away in a gully after he was trying to retrieve a ball he was playing with in Kingston, the newspaper reports.

At least three people died in Venezuela, three died in Grenada and one person died in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines.

Weather is deteriorating in the Cayman Islands as Beryl’s core nears

Thursday 4 July 2024 10:40 , Amelia Neath

While Hurricane Beryl has dropped down to a Category 3, the National Hurricane Centre warns that it is still forecast to be ‘near major hurricane intensity’ on Thursday as it passes by the Cayman Islands.

As of 5am EDT (10am GMT), Beryl was located just 55 miles (90km) south-southeast of Grand Cayman. Weather is deteriorating in the Cayman Islands with strong winds, dangerous storm surge and damaging waves expected there later Thursday morning, the National Hurricane Center states in its most recent update.

A Hurricane Warning is in effect for Grand Cayman, Little Cayman and Cayman Brac and the coast of the Yucatan Peninsula of Mexico from Puerto Costa Maya to Cancun, including Cozumel.

Beryl’s winds have decreased, but are still at a strong 120mph (195 km/h).

Very soon, the Cayman Islands are expected to experience hurricane wind conditions, as well as in the Yucatan Peninsula late today or early Friday.

Storm surges could raise water levels along the immediate coast of the Cayman Islands as much as two to four feet above normal, bringing with it large and destructive waves.

Beryl is also bringing rainfall totals of four to six inches over the Cayman Islands on Thursday, the same expected for the Yucatan Peninsula later today into Friday. The Yucatan Peninsula could see localized amounts of 10 inches as well.

Scattered instances of flash flooding is expected over the region.

Cruise lines forced to change plans as Hurricane Beryl moves through the Caribbean

Thursday 4 July 2024 10:30 , Stuti Mishra

Hurricane Beryl diverts several major cruise lines in the Caribbean

Hurricane conditions diminishing across Jamaica as it moves towards Cayman Islands

Thursday 4 July 2024 10:20 , Amelia Neath

After Hurricane Beryl devastated several Caribbean islands this week and most recently battered Jamaica with Category 4-force winds, the National Hurricane Center said the extreme conditions should be subsiding around the island.

Storm surge should gradually be dwindling in Jamaica on Thursday morning; however, Beryl is still expected to produce rainfall totals of four to eight inches with localized amounts of 12 inches across this morning in the nation.

The rain could still cause life-threatening flash flooding and mudslides.

A Hurricane Warning has been discontinued in Jamaica as Beryl begins to move away from the island, the country’s Meteorological Service said on Wednesday night.

However, a flash flood watch was still in effect until 5am on Tuesday EST.

“With Jamaica now being outside of the range of hurricane force winds from Hurricane Beryl, and with storm surge no longer posing a threat to coastal areas of the island, the Hurricane Warning is being discontinued with immediate effect,” the Meteorological Service wrote in their bulletin.

Along with the continuing threats of rainfall and flash flooding in Jamaica in the aftermath of the hurricane, strong, gusty winds could still exist, and rising water levels will continue to affect southwestern coastal areas.

All small craft operators are urged to remain in port until sea conditions return to normal, the Meteorological Service said.

Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness announced that the curfew imposed in the island nation will be extended until Thursday morning amid continuing adverse weather conditions.

The curfew went into effect at 11.00pm Wednesday (4am GMT Thursday) and will stay through the night until 6am (11am GMT) on Thursday.

Video: Aerial view captures extensive devastation in Carriacou caused by Hurricane Beryl

Thursday 4 July 2024 10:00 , Katie Hawkinson

Hurricane Beryl dropped to a Category 3 storm

Thursday 4 July 2024 09:56 , Amelia Neath

Hurricane Beryl has weakened to a Category 3 storm, however, it is still sustaining strong winds of 125mph (205 km/h), the National Hurricane Center has said in its most recent update.

Strong winds, dangerous storm surge and damaging waves are expected across the Cayman Islands overnight.

As of 2am EDT, the center of Hurricane Beryl was located by Grand Cayman and Air Force Hurricane Hunter radar imagery near latitude 18.3 North, longitude 80.1 West – around 110 miles (175km) southeast of Grand Cayman.

The core of Beryl will sweep just south of the Cayman Islands overnight and over the Yucatan Peninsula early Friday.

The hurricane is then expected to emerge over the southwestern Gulf of Mexico Friday night and turn northwestward.

Hurricane Beryl leaves Caribbean in 'immense destruction'

Thursday 4 July 2024 09:45 , Stuti Mishra

“The hurricane has come and gone, and it has left in its wake immense destruction,” prime minister Ralph Gonsalves of St Vincent and the Grenadines said.

In Grenada, prime minister Dickon Mitchell said they'll have to “We "rebuild from the ground up" after visiting the islands of Carriacou and Petite Martinique, which sustained the maximum damage from Beryl.

“There’s no power and there’s almost complete destruction of homes and buildings on the island. The roads are not passable, and in many instances, they are cut off because of the large quantity of debris strewn all over the streets.”

Beryl is the earliest ever category 5 storm ever recorded. It occurred as ocean heat in the Atlantic was already higher due to global heating, nearing levels usually seen in peak season in September.

This has raised alarm over what the rest of the Atlantic hurricane season could be like.

“It’s really scary stuff,” Steve Maximay, a climate and agriculture expert in Grenada, told The Independent.

”When you talk about category four and five, there are very few systems or protocols that can prepare you for that. You can have resilient buildings but category five winds can move concrete structures.”

Read the full story:

Seven people killed and islands flattened as hurricane Beryl devastates Carribean

Mexico's Caribbean coast prepares for 'rare' double strike of Hurricane Beryl

Thursday 4 July 2024 09:15 , Stuti Mishra

The head of Mexico's civil defence agency said that Hurricane Beryl is expected to make a rare double strike on Mexico.

Late on Wednesday night, the storm's centre was about 500 miles (800 kilometres) east-southeast of Tulum, Mexico.

It had maximum sustained winds of 130 mph (215 kph) and was moving west-northwest at 21 mph (32 kph). Hurricane strength winds extended 45 miles from the centre.

Laura Velazquez said the hurricane is expected to make landfall along a relatively unpopulated stretch of the Caribbean coast between Tulum and the inland town of Felipe Carrillo Puerto.

Because the coast there is largely made up of lagoons and mangroves, there are few resorts or hotels in the area south of Tulum.

On Wednesday, Mexican government officials moved sea turtle eggs off Cancun beaches in an attempt to protect them from storm surge.

The hurricane is expected to weaken to a tropical storm as it crosses the Yucatan peninsula and re-emerge over the weekend at storm strength into the Gulf of Mexico.

Ms Velazquez said that Beryl is then expected to hit Mexican territory a second time in the Gulf coast states of Veracruz or Tamaulipas, near the Texas border.

In Photos: Damage wrought by Hurricane Beryl

Thursday 4 July 2024 08:45 , Stuti Mishra

Curfew extended in Jamaica

Thursday 4 July 2024 08:31 , Stuti Mishra

Jamaican prime minister Andrew Holness announced that the curfew imposed in the island nation will be extended until Thursday morning amid continuing adverse weather conditions.

The storm caused flooding, mudslides and knocked off trees and electricity poles, cutting connectivity to several towns.

More than 400,000 people were without power, according to the Jamaica Gleaner newspaper, citing a public service company.

"After reviewing the current situation, it was assessed that the continuing weather conditions, in addition to consideration for public safety, public order, and the protection of property, warrant the declaration of a new curfew," Mr Holness wrote on X.

The curfew went into effect at 11.00pm Wednesday (4am GMT Thursday) and will stay through the night until 6am (11am GMT) on Thursday.

"This storm will pass, and we will recover," Mr Holness wrote.

Hurricane Beryl tears roof off school as storm rips through Caribbean

Thursday 4 July 2024 08:00 , Katie Hawkinson

Hurricane Beryl pulling away from Jamaica as it heads to Caymon Islands next

Thursday 4 July 2024 07:14 , Stuti Mishra

Ferocious winds, rainfall, and life-threating storm surges from Hurricane Beryl were still battering Jamaica on Wednesday night local time as the storm continues to tread westwards, eyeing Caymon Islands next.

The Jamaican government said several roadways in the country’s interior settlements were impacted by fallen trees and utility poles, while some communities in the northern section and the capital were without electricity.

Beryl was forecast to weaken slightly over the next day or two, but still be at or near major-hurricane strength when it passes near the Cayman Islands on Thursday morning and into Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula late Thursday or Friday, according to the US National Hurricane Centre.

The storm is still packing maximum sustained winds of 130mph (215kph), making it a category 4 storm, and was moving west-northwest at 21mph (32kph). Hurricane strength winds extended 45 miles from the centre.

Hurricane Beryl inflicted ‘staggering’ damage on Barbados, prime minister says

Thursday 4 July 2024 06:33 , Stuti Mishra

Hurricane Beryl devastated Barbados after barreling through the nation on Monday, Prime Minister Mia Mottley said.

“While Barbados was spared the worst of Hurricane Beryl, the damage left is still staggering,” Mottley wrote on X.

“Today, I toured some of the most affected areas to assess the damage, engage with those most affected and also chart the course forward for how we build back stronger and more resilient,” she continued.

ICYMI: Watch as plane flies into the eye of Hurricane Beryl

Thursday 4 July 2024 06:00 , Katie Hawkinson

Indian cricket team returns after Hurricane Beryl

Thursday 4 July 2024 05:36 , Stuti Mishra

India's World Cup winning team reached home on Thursday morning in a special flight sent to evacuate the players and officials.

The team had been stuck in Barbados due to Hurricane Beryl since Sunday.

The team, accompanied by their families, support staff, board officials, and media representatives, travelled back on a specially arranged Air India charter flight.

However, despite the delay, enthusiastic fans stood at the airport to welcome the team and the T-20 World Cup trophy.

United Nations provides relief to Caribbean nations impacted by Hurricane Beryl

Thursday 4 July 2024 05:01 , Katie Hawkinson

United Nations officials in Grenada and St. Vincent and the Grenadines are working closely with local leaders to help with recovery efforts.

“To date, Grenada and St Vincent’s and the Grenadines have reported hundreds of people in shelters,” a UN spokesperson said.

Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has asked for the international community to “show solidarity” with all the Caribbean countries in Hurricane Beryl’s path, the spokesperson said.

Texans should monitor Hurricane Beryl’s path, meteorologists say

Thursday 4 July 2024 04:00 , Katie Hawkinson

Projections from the National Weather Service show Hurricane Beryl has the potential to hit southern Texas on Monday afternoon.

As experts work to chart Hurricane Beryl’s path with more certainity, a meteorologist with Fox 35 Orlando says Texans should be on high alert.

“Continues on the point that the Texas coastline to Louisiana should keep tabs closely with Hurricane Beryl,” Noah Bergen said on X. “I think the most likely path at now would be more into far [southeast Texas] or [northeast Mexico], but there is clearly a wide range of outcomes.”

Meteorologists will have more clarity on Beryl’s path after it passes by Jamaica, Bergen said. Beryl will hit the Cayman Islands overnight before slamming into Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula on Thursday, the National Weather Service said.

Shocking aerial photos show widespread devastation as Hurricane Beryl moves through Caribbean

Thursday 4 July 2024 03:00 , Katie Hawkinson

Hurricane Beryl: Aerial images show before and after of storm’s destruction

Disaster relief organizations respond to Hurricane Beryl

Thursday 4 July 2024 02:00 , Katie Hawkinson

Relief organizations are preparing to send disaster aid to nations throughout the Caribbean Sea in the wake of Hurricane Beryl.

The Category 4 hurricane “presents major logistical challenges,” according to Cora Nally, director of international emergency response for the non-profit aid organization Americares.

“It’s going to take a lot of coordination between relief organizations and local partners and governments to ensure aid reaches those most in need,” Nally said in a statement. “Based on our past experience with similar storms, we can anticipate survivors will need assistance with mental health support and replacing medications lost in the storm.”

Sophie Powell, chief of advocacy for the United Kingdom-based non-profit Christian Aid, highlighted the role the climate crisis has played in Hurricane Beryl’s devastation.

“The people picking through the wreckage of such a devastating storm have done nothing to cause the climate crisis,” Powell said in a statement. “The carbon emissions of these small, low-lying islands are miniscule yet the consequences to their lives of climate breakdown are vast.

High water temperatures can contribute to sea level rise and hurt marine life in addition to fueling strong storms like Hurricane Beryl. Ocean temperatures will likely continue to rise even if we curb greenhouse gas emissions, according to NOAA.

Island nations are at the front lines of the climate crisis, given their vulnerability to violent storms and sea-level rise.

“These are the people that desperately need loss and damage finance to help them rebuild their lives and livelihoods,” Powell continued. “You cannot simply adapt to a category 5 hurricane destroying your home or killing your family.

Beryl losing strength as it heads through Caribbean

Thursday 4 July 2024 01:30 , Mike Bedigan

In an update on Hurricane Beryl posted at 8pm ET on Wednesday the National Hurricane Center noted that the storm had lost strength, with max winds speeds of 130mph.

The center said that Beryl continued westward through the Caribbean, after thrashing Jamaica on Wednesday.

“A westward to west-northwestward motion is expected during the next day or two, taking the core of Beryl just south of Cayman Islands tonight and over the Yucatan Peninsula late Thursday night and Friday,” the update statement said.

Beryl is expected to emerge over the southwestern Gulf of Mexico on Friday night and turn northwestward, potentially heading towards Texas.

Further weakening of the category 4 storm is forecast during the next day or two, though Beryl is forecast to be at or near major hurricane intensity while it passes the Cayman Islands, the center said.

National Hurricane Center Wednesday evening update

Thursday 4 July 2024 01:15 , Mike Bedigan

Watch: Hurricane Beryl’s gulf path uncertain

Thursday 4 July 2024 01:00 , Katie Hawkinson

Video: Actress Sheryl Lee Ralph posts from Kingston, Jamaica as Hurricane Beryl hits the island

Thursday 4 July 2024 00:00 , Katie Hawkinson

Satellite imagery: Hurricane Beryl’s eyewall slams into Jamaica

Wednesday 3 July 2024 23:00 , Katie Hawkinson

United Nations provides relief to Caribbean nations impacted by Hurricane Beryl

Wednesday 3 July 2024 22:30 , Katie Hawkinson

United Nations officials in Grenada and St. Vincent and the Grenadines are working closely with local leaders to help with recovery efforts.

“To date, Grenada and St Vincent’s and the Grenadines have reported hundreds of people in shelters,” a UN spokesperson said.

Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has asked for the international community to “show solidarity” with all the Caribbean countries in Hurricane Beryl’s path, the spokesperson said.

Texans should monitor Hurricane Beryl’s path, meteorologists say

Wednesday 3 July 2024 22:15 , Katie Hawkinson

The latest projections from the National Weather Service show Hurricane Beryl has the potential to hit southern Texas on Monday afternoon.

As experts work to chart Hurricane Beryl’s path with more certainity, a meteorologist with Fox 35 Orlando says Texans should be on high alert.

“Continues on the point that the Texas coastline to Louisiana should keep tabs closely with Hurricane Beryl,” Noah Bergen said on X. “I think the most likely path at now would be more into far [southeast Texas] or [northeast Mexico], but there is clearly a wide range of outcomes.”

Meteorologists will have more clarity on Beryl’s path after it passes by Jamaica, Bergen said. Beryl will hit the Cayman Islands overnight before slamming into Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula on Thursday, the National Weather Service said.

Hurricane Beryl’s latest path towards Cayman Islands

Wednesday 3 July 2024 22:04 , Katie Hawkinson

Hurricane Beryl is passing by the south coast of Jamaica on its way toward the Cayman Islands, where it will bring hurricane conditions in a matter of hours, the National Weather Service said minutes ago.

Southern Haiti will also see life-threatening storm conditions today.

While Hurricane Beryl’s path is still uncertain, meteorologists say southern Texas could be at risk and residents should monitor its progression.

Shocking aerial photos show widespread devastation as Hurricane Beryl moves through Caribbean

Wednesday 3 July 2024 21:47 , Katie Hawkinson

Hurricane Beryl: Aerial images show before and after of storm’s destruction

‘People are worried’: Jamaica prepares for arrival of Hurricane Beryl

Wednesday 3 July 2024 21:15 , Katie Hawkinson

Wednesday 3 July 2024 20:45 , Katie Hawkinson

Jamaican officials will mobilize the Constabulary Force and Defense Force to “maintain public order” and provide disaster relief after Hurricane Beryl passes, Prime Minister Andrew Holness said on Wednesday.

“The security forces have developed strategic plans to counter any potential threat of looting or any other opportunistic crimes during this period,” Holness said.

The storm’s eye is barreling toward Jamaica. Hurricane Beryl will then head for the Cayman Islands within hours.

High winds from the Category 4 storm have already knocked down power lines in Portland, the Jamaica Observer reports, while officials are working to evacuate unhoused people to hurricane shelters.

Officials have declared Jamaica a disaster area and imposed a curfew for Wednesday.

Radar: Hurricane Beryl approaches Jamaica

Wednesday 3 July 2024 20:16 , Katie Hawkinson

See it: Hurricane Beryl pictured from the International Space Station

Wednesday 3 July 2024 19:45 , Katie Hawkinson

Jamaican officials working to evacuate unhoused people as Hurricane Beryl hits

Wednesday 3 July 2024 19:15 , Katie Hawkinson

Officials in Kingston and St Andrew, Jamaica are working to evacuate unhoused people to shelters on Wednesday morning, Mayor Andrew Swaby told the Jamaica Observer.

Their efforts have so far been successful, Swaby said.

“Right here where I am, we have 32 males that have been here…They have gotten a chance to have a bath and we have given them some clothes and they are awaiting some food now,” he told the outlet.

High winds have already knocked down power lines in Portland, the Jamaica Observer reports. Officials have declared Jamaica a disaster area and imposed a curfew for Wednesday. There are more than 900 shelters across the nation and an evacuation process for those in flood-prone and low-lying areas, Information Minister Dana Morris Dixon said on Wednesday morning.

Eye of Hurricane Beryl approaching Jamaica

Wednesday 3 July 2024 18:48 , Katie Hawkinson

The eye of Hurricane Beryl is now approaching Jamaica, the National Weather Service said moments ago.

The eye of the Category 4 storm will move toward the Cayman Islands, where it will bring life-threatening storm conditions this evening into Thursday morning.

Disaster relief organizations respond to Hurricane Beryl

Wednesday 3 July 2024 18:45 , Katie Hawkinson

Relief organizations are preparing to send disaster aid to nations throughout the Caribbean Sea in the wake of Hurricane Beryl.

The Category 4 hurricane “presents major logistical challenges,” according to Cora Nally, director of international emergency response for the non-profit aid organization Americares.

“It’s going to take a lot of coordination between relief organizations and local partners and governments to ensure aid reaches those most in need,” Nally said in a statement. “Based on our past experience with similar storms, we can anticipate survivors will need assistance with mental health support and replacing medications lost in the storm.”

Sophie Powell, chief of advocacy for the United Kingdom-based non-profit Christian Aid, highlighted the role the climate crisis has played in Hurricane Beryl’s devastation.

“The people picking through the wreckage of such a devastating storm have done nothing to cause the climate crisis,” Powell said in a statement. “The carbon emissions of these small, low-lying islands are miniscule yet the consequences to their lives of climate breakdown are vast.

High water temperatures can contribute to sea level rise and hurt marine life in addition to fueling strong storms like Hurricane Beryl. Ocean temperatures will likely continue to rise even if we curb greenhouse gas emissions, according to NOAA.

Island nations are at the front lines of the climate crisis, given their vulnerability to violent storms and sea-level rise.

“These are the people that desperately need loss and damage finance to help them rebuild their lives and livelihoods,” Powell continued. “You cannot simply adapt to a category 5 hurricane destroying your home or killing your family.

Radar imagery shows Hurricane Beryl’s path towards Jamaica

Wednesday 3 July 2024 18:30 , Katie Hawkinson

Hurricane Beryl inflicted ‘staggering’ damage on Barbados, prime minister says

Wednesday 3 July 2024 18:15 , Katie Hawkinson

Hurricane Beryl devastated Barbados after barreling through the nation on Monday, Prime Minister Mia Mottley said.

“While Barbados was spared the worst of Hurricane Beryl, the damage left is still staggering,” Mottley wrote on X.

“Today, I toured some of the most affected areas to assess the damage, engage with those most affected and also chart the course forward for how we build back stronger and more resilient,” she continued.

Jamaica and the Cayman Islands will see similar devastating impacts on Wednesday as Hurricane Beryl, a Category 4 storm with 145mph winds, continues on its path through the Caribbean Sea.

Hurricane Beryl knocks out power in parts of Jamaica

Wednesday 3 July 2024 18:00 , Katie Hawkinson

High winds from Hurricane Beryl have already knocked down power lines in Portland, the Jamaica Observer reports. A downed power line in the town of Anchovy has also created low voltage in a home, according to the outlet.

Officials have declared Jamaica a disaster area and imposed a curfew for Wednesday.

There are more than 900 shelters across Jamaica and an evacuation process for those in flood-prone and low-lying areas, Information Minister Dana Morris Dixon said on Wednesday morning.

In pictures: Jamaica prepares for Hurricane Beryl

Wednesday 3 July 2024 17:30 , Katie Hawkinson

Parts of Mexico now under Hurricane Warning

Wednesday 3 July 2024 17:01 , Katie Hawkinson

The National Weather Service has issued a Hurricane Warning for the coast of Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula from Puerto Costa Maya to Cancun.

Hurricane Beryl, currently a Category 4 storm with 145mph winds, is expected to hit the peninsula on Thursday after sweeping through the Cayman Islands.

The hurricane is currently off the coast of Jamaica, where residents are bracing for life-threatening rain and storm surge.

Video: Travel impacted by Hurricane Beryl

Wednesday 3 July 2024 16:30 , Katie Hawkinson

Residents of Texas, Louisiana should keep close eye on Hurricane Beryl, meteorologist says

Wednesday 3 July 2024 16:05 , Katie Hawkinson

As experts work to chart Hurricane Beryl’s potential path toward to the US this weekend, a meteorologist with Fox 35 Orlando says Texas and Louisiana residents should be on high alert.

“Continues on the point that the Texas coastline to Louisiana should keep tabs closely with Hurricane Beryl,” Noah Bergen said on X. “I think the most likely path at now would be more into far [southeast Texas] or [northeast Mexico], but there is clearly a wide range of outcomes.”

Meteorologists will have more clarity on Beryl’s path after it passes by Jamaica today, Bergen said. Beryl will hit the Cayman Islands overnight before slamming into Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula on Thursday, the National Weather Service said.

‘Life-threatening’ conditions to begin in Jamaica within hours

Wednesday 3 July 2024 15:55 , Katie Hawkinson

“Devastating” winds and “life-threatening” storm surge will hit Jamaica in a matter of hours, the National Weather Service (NWS) said moments ago.

Mountain regions in Jamaica will see the worst of the “destructive” winds, according to the NWS.

Ahead of Beryl’s arrival, officials declared Jamaica a disaster area and imposed a curfew on Wednesday.

There are more than 900 shelters across the country and an evacuation process for those in flood-prone and low-lying areas, Information Minister Dana Morris Dixon said on Wednesday morning.

Climate change ‘contributing significantly’ to Hurricane Beryl: Jamaican official

Wednesday 3 July 2024 15:50 , Katie Hawkinson

The human-driven climate crisis is “contributing significantly” to Hurricane Beryl, Jamaica’s Minister of Local Government and Community Development Desmond McKenzie told CNN on Tuesday.

“As a small island state, we are subjected to what the greater world around us is presenting,” McKenzie told the outlet. Hurricane Beryl is set to hit Jamaica this afternoon before rushing towards the Cayman Islands.

The Alliance of Small Island States, an organization designed to create a unified voice for small island nations to address the ongoing climate crisis, issued a similar statement on Tuesday after Hurricane Beryl brought destruction to several islands in the eastern Caribbean.

“We continue to be sacrificed on the frontlines of a climate crisis we did not cause,” the statement said. “Our sea temperatures grow warmer, encouraging storms to strengthen at alarming speed and increasing the dire threat to our developing countries. The increased danger is evident for the world to see.”

High water temperatures can contribute to sea level rise and hurt marine life in addition to fueling strong storms like Hurricane Beryl. Ocean temperatures will likely continue to rise even if we curb greenhouse gas emissions, according to NOAA.

Island nations are at the front lines of the climate crisis, given their vulnerability to violent storms and sea-level rise.

“If the world does not stand with [Small Island Developing States] now, it is only a matter of time before we are all lost,” the alliance continued.

Army deployed in Mexico to prepare for Hurricane Beryl on Thursday

Wednesday 3 July 2024 15:30 , Jabed Ahmed

The US National Hurricane Center has also declared a hurricane watch for Mexico’s Yucatan peninsula, dotted with beach resorts popular with tourists.

Ahead of the storm’s approach expected Thursday night, Mexico’s defense ministry said the army, air force, and national guard had activated emergency response protocols in the three Yucatan states.

Some 120 shelters opened and nearly 4,900 troops on guard on the peninsula.

In the resort town of Cancun, supplies of the wooden boards used to protect shop fronts were dwindling as residents prepared for Beryl’s arrival.

‘People are worried’: Jamaica prepares for arrival of Hurricane Beryl

Wednesday 3 July 2024 15:10 , Katie Hawkinson

Southern Florida residents evacuate Jamaica ahead of Hurricane Beryl

Wednesday 3 July 2024 14:50 , Katie Hawkinson

Hundreds of southern Florida residents evacuated Jamaica this week, heading to Fort Lauderdale ahead of Hurricane Beryl, outlet Local10 reports.

“I couldn’t sleep last night because I didn’t know if I would be able to get out today, but it worked out fine,” Thomas Oliver told the outlet after arriving in Florida on Tuesday.

Norman Manley International Airport closed on Tuesday evening in preparation for the storm, according to the Jamaica Observer.

All preparations are in place to deal with Hurricane Beryl, according to Dana Morris Dixon, Jamaica’s information minister. There are more than 900 shelters across the country and an evacuation process for those in flood-prone and low-lying areas, Dixon said.