Hurricane Beryl is continuing its destructive path through the Caribbean, prompting urgent preparations in Jamaica and the Cayman Islands. The storm, which recently weakened from a Category 5 to a Category 4 hurricane, has already caused significant damage and loss of life in the Windward Islands.
Jamaica is bracing for Beryl’s impact, expected on Wednesday. Prime Minister Andrew Holness has taken swift action, declaring a state of disaster and implementing an island-wide curfew. Residents in vulnerable areas have been ordered to evacuate due to the dangers posed by potential flooding and landslides.
“We urge all Jamaicans to comply with notices to evacuate,” the Prime Minister said. “Even without a notice, if you live in a low-lying area or near a river or gully, evacuate to safer ground.”
The Cayman Islands are next in Beryl’s projected path and the storm is expected to arrive late Wednesday or early Thursday. In a Facebook post, Governor Jane Owen has assured residents of British support if needed, while local officials urge inhabitants to “prepare for the worst.”
Additionally, Hurricane Beryl’s approach has disrupted travel in the region. Cayman Airways is modifying its operations to assist with evacuations. Both Jamaica and the Cayman Islands are under hurricane warnings, with forecasters predicting dangerous winds, heavy rainfall, and significant storm surges.
The storm has already left a trail of destruction in its wake. In the Windward Islands, particularly Grenada and St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Hurricane Beryl caused extensive damage to homes and infrastructure. The death toll currently stands at six, with officials warning this number may rise.
Meteorologists are still closely monitoring its path. Current projections suggest the hurricane may reach Mexico’s Yucatán Peninsula by Friday before potentially entering the Gulf of Mexico. This event marks a historic moment in hurricane records as Beryl may become the earliest Category 5 hurricane ever recorded, beating the previous record by more than two weeks.