The second named storm of the Atlantic hurricane season, Beryl, has been making its impact on the southeastern Caribbean islands as of early Monday morning. Having strengthened into a Category 4, Beryl is the strongest storm to have affected the Windward Islands, which includes Grenada, Trinidad & Tobago, and St. Vincent and the Grenadines, in two decades. Record-breaking in more ways than one, the storm marks an unusually early start to the season. Here’s what you need to know as Hurricane Beryl makes its way across the Caribbean.
An Early Storm for the Season
Extreme weather scientist Colin McCarthy shared early Sunday morning on X (formerly Twitter) that Hurricane Beryl is officially the first June Category 4 Atlantic hurricane in history, calling the record-breaking occurrence “unprecedented”. The storm’s rapid strengthening is due in part to the above-average water temperatures that are a result of the growing climate change threat.
Similar: What to Know About Traveling in the Caribbean’s Hurricane Season
“Beryl is breaking records for June because the ocean is as warm now as it would normally be at the peak of hurricane season, said Hurricane expert Jim Kossin to CNN News.“Beryl is breaking records for the month of June because Beryl thinks it’s September.”
Countries to be Impacted
Hurricane Beryl. Photo by CNN Weather
As of 9:00 AM CST, the NOAA has reported that Beryl remains a category 4 hurricane with maximum sustained winds near 140 mph (220 km/h). Currently, Hurricane warnings are in effect for Barbados, Grenada, Tobago, and St Vincent and the Grenadines. Meanwhile, a Tropical Storm warning is in effect for St. Lucia and Trinidad.
Most of the islands are already experiencing the effects of the storm. And, even if the Windward Islands do not see Beryl make true landfall (meaning its eye remains over water), the island nations can still expect very dangerous weather conditions including heavy winds and storm surges.
Beyond the southeastern Caribbean, the storm is expected to impact Jamaica as well as parts of Belize and Mexico though the extent is still uncertain. In fact, according to the NOAA’s latest update, the government of Jamaica has already issued a Hurricane Watch for the island.
Residents in Jamaica, the Cayman Islands, the Yucatán Peninsula, and Belize are advised to begin making preparations for potential impacts by midweek. Current predictions are that, by late Thursday Night or early Friday morning, Beryl will have made its way to the western Caribbean.
Hurricane Preparedness: What to Know and What to Do
A rainstorm rolls in towards St. George’s Caye. Photo by Carolee Chanona
As airports and businesses shut down and residents of the southeastern Caribbean take shelter, early planning and preparation are key for residents of countries in Beryl’s path. That includes here in Belize. Most important of all, however, is remaining calm in the face of a potential storm. Create an emergency plan. Write a list of items that you can keep stocked in your home. That should include a first aid kit, water, non-perishable foods, and other supplies you may need.
Be sure to remain updated and read the NOAA’s latest advisories on Hurricane Beryl.
Featured Photo courtesy of the National Hurricane Center.
