An aerial reconnaissance aircraft from the United States' National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has captured stunning images of the powerful Hurricane Beryl, a Category 4 storm sweeping across the Caribbean Sea.
In a video released on the social media platform X, a clear part of the atmospheric phenomenon can be observed. The hurricane made landfall on Carriacou, a small island in Grenada, on Monday morning, bringing wind gusts of up to 150 miles per hour (240 km/h).
“Views of Hurricane Beryl from this morning's mission aboard the WP-3D Orion NOAA43 'Miss Piggy,’” wrote the NOAA in a previous post, sharing photos of the hurricane.
This past Sunday, another video revealed the magnitude of the phenomenon. “Incredible satellite images of the churning Category 4 Hurricane Beryl and its impressive, yet dangerous, eye currently approaching the Windward Islands,” was posted on the Weather/Meteo World X account.
It is the first time in history that a storm of this magnitude has occurred so early in the year. Meteorologists agree that this cyclonic system is the earliest Category 4 hurricane ever recorded in the Atlantic, surpassing Dennis in 2005 by a week.
Future Path of Hurricane Beryl Remains Uncertain
The long-term trajectory of Beryl remains uncertain. By the coming weekend, the storm could enter the Gulf of Mexico, but it is “too early” to predict what will happen if and when it does, as meteorologists stated Monday morning according to live tracking by The New York Times.
For now, the general consensus is that the hurricane will move generally west or northwest over the Caribbean Sea until Thursday, and it is expected to remain a major hurricane (Category 3 or stronger) until mid-week before losing some strength.
Understanding the Impact of Hurricane Beryl
Below are some frequently asked questions and answers to help you understand more about the impact of Hurricane Beryl and its significance in meteorological history.
What makes Hurricane Beryl historically significant?
Hurricane Beryl is historically significant because it is the earliest Category 4 hurricane ever recorded in the Atlantic, surpassing the previous record held by Hurricane Dennis in 2005.
Where did Hurricane Beryl make landfall?
Hurricane Beryl made landfall on Carriacou, a small island in Grenada, bringing wind gusts of up to 150 miles per hour.
What is the expected path of Hurricane Beryl?
The expected path of Hurricane Beryl is generally west or northwest over the Caribbean Sea until Thursday, remaining a major hurricane until mid-week before slightly weakening.