Hurricane Beryl has intensified to a Category 5 storm, the highest on the Saffir-Simpson scale, with winds exceeding 155 mph (250 km/h), and is advancing towards the Gulf of Mexico at a speed of 22 mph (35 km/h).
The National Hurricane Center (NHC) forecasts that Beryl will continue to move rapidly west-northwest over the next two days before turning west on Thursday. The projected path indicates that Beryl's center will swiftly traverse the southeastern and central Caribbean Sea today and tomorrow.
Jamaica and the Cayman Islands are on high alert, with the powerful hurricane expected to impact these regions by Thursday. "Beryl has reached Category 5 and is intensifying in the southeast Caribbean. It's anticipated to bring life-threatening winds and storm surges to Jamaica later this week," the NHC stated on X (formerly Twitter).
With maximum sustained winds of 167 mph (270 km/h) and even stronger gusts, Beryl is expected to gain further intensity throughout the day. However, the NHC predicts that the hurricane will start to weaken by Tuesday afternoon.
As Beryl passes near Jamaica on Wednesday and the Cayman Islands on Thursday, further weakening is anticipated. Alerts for storm surges and precipitation, which could lead to flash flooding, have been issued for these islands, as well as Puerto Rico and Hispaniola.
Beryl is notable for being the farthest east June-formed hurricane on record, presenting challenges in predicting its path beyond 72 hours. According to the NHC, Beryl's intensity forecast remains uncertain.
While the hurricane is expected to weaken starting Tuesday afternoon and continue losing strength as it interacts with Jamaica's elevated terrain, forecast models suggest it could evolve into a strong tropical storm or a significant hurricane as it approaches the Yucatán Peninsula.
Given this, the NHC predicts that Beryl will remain a powerful hurricane as it moves through the Caribbean Sea later this week, prompting a hurricane warning for Jamaica and the Cayman Islands. Additionally, a tropical storm warning is in effect for the southern coast of Hispaniola.
Frequently Asked Questions About Hurricane Beryl
To provide more clarity on Hurricane Beryl, here are some frequently asked questions and their answers.
What is the current strength of Hurricane Beryl?
Hurricane Beryl is currently a Category 5 storm with sustained winds of 167 mph (270 km/h).
Which areas are under alert due to Hurricane Beryl?
Jamaica, the Cayman Islands, Puerto Rico, and Hispaniola are under various alerts due to the hurricane.
When is Beryl expected to weaken?
The National Hurricane Center predicts that Beryl will start to weaken by Tuesday afternoon.