After making landfall in Grenada on Monday, Hurricane Beryl, the first storm of the 2024 Atlantic season, continues to be a formidable cyclonic threat closely monitored by meteorologists.
In its fifth tropical cyclone advisory, the Institute of Meteorology of Cuba (INSMET) reports that "today, Hurricane Beryl has impacted the southern islands of the Lesser Antilles Archipelago as a high-intensity hurricane. Despite some intensity fluctuations, its maximum sustained winds are 240 kilometers per hour, with higher gusts, and its central minimum pressure has dropped to 944 hectoPascals, maintaining its status as a powerful Category 4 hurricane on the Saffir-Simpson scale, which has a maximum of five."
The Cuban meteorological entity adds that "Beryl is now moving over the southeastern waters of the eastern Caribbean, with its central region estimated at six this evening at 13.3 degrees north latitude and 63.5 west longitude, positioning it approximately 710 kilometers east of Aruba and about 1510 kilometers east-southeast of Kingston, Jamaica." The storm is traveling at a speed of 33 kilometers per hour, heading west-northwest.
Predicted Evolution of Hurricane Beryl
The forecast indicates that "some weakening is expected as it moves into the central Caribbean Sea in the coming days." Forecast models continue to place this potent hurricane outside of Cuban territory. Nevertheless, INSMET emphasizes that "due to its evolution and future trajectory, close monitoring of this tropical cyclonic organism will continue."
The National Hurricane Center (NHC) in the United States confirms that this hurricane "should remain powerful as it progresses through the Caribbean Sea this week. A tropical storm warning is in effect for the southern coast of Hispaniola, and a hurricane watch is in effect for Jamaica."
On Monday, a reconnaissance aircraft from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) of the United States captured stunning images of the powerful Hurricane Beryl. The video posted on the social media platform X clearly shows part of the atmospheric phenomenon.
Hurricane Beryl: Key Questions and Answers
As Hurricane Beryl continues to move through the Caribbean, many are seeking answers about its potential impacts and trajectory. Here are some frequently asked questions and their answers.
What is the current status of Hurricane Beryl?
Hurricane Beryl remains a Category 4 storm with maximum sustained winds of 240 kilometers per hour and is moving west-northwest through the southeastern Caribbean.
Will Hurricane Beryl affect Cuba?
Current forecast models indicate that Hurricane Beryl will stay outside of Cuban territory. However, the situation is being closely monitored by INSMET.
What warnings are in place due to Hurricane Beryl?
A tropical storm warning is currently in effect for the southern coast of Hispaniola, and a hurricane watch is in effect for Jamaica.