Hurricane Beryl reached Category 5 status in the early hours of Tuesday, leaving a trail of destruction in Grenada, Barbados, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, and Saint Lucia, among other islands in the Lesser Antilles.
Images shared on social media illustrate the extensive damage caused by the meteorological phenomenon on the islands, which have fragile infrastructure. In Grenada, Prime Minister Dickon Mitchell provided an update on Beryl's impact, noting that the island of Carriacou was "devastated" in just "half an hour."
Barbados' Prime Minister Mia Mottley reported that the hurricane sank more than twenty fishing boats, including the historic vessels Jolly Roger and Dreamchaser. Additionally, two of the country's main highways are impassable, while electricity and water companies are working to restore services.
The Prime Minister of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Ralph Gonsalves, announced that at least one person died during the storm's passage and that there is "immense destruction" on the islands of Union, Mayreau, and Canouan.
Beryl continues to move west-northwest at a speed of 35 km/h, with winds exceeding 250 km/h. The forecasted path indicates that Beryl's center will move quickly through the southeast and central Caribbean Sea over the next couple of days. Jamaica and the Cayman Islands are on alert and could be affected by the powerful hurricane on Thursday.
With maximum sustained winds of 270 km/h and even stronger gusts, Beryl is expected to gain further intensity throughout the day. However, the National Hurricane Center (NHC) anticipates that it will begin to weaken on Tuesday afternoon. A further weakening is expected as it passes Jamaica (Wednesday) and the Cayman Islands (Thursday). Alerts for storm surges and rainfall that could cause flash flooding have been issued for these islands, Puerto Rico, and Hispaniola.
Beryl, which has set a record as the easternmost-formed hurricane in June, displays a complex behavior that makes its trajectory prediction beyond 72 hours challenging. According to the NHC, the intensity forecast for Beryl is also quite uncertain. Beryl is the earliest Category 5 hurricane recorded in the Atlantic hurricane season. After losing strength during its trajectory, it regained power on Monday when it made landfall on the island of Carriacou in Grenada. With maximum sustained winds of 270 km/h, Beryl has been described by the NHC as "potentially catastrophic."
This year, the Atlantic hurricane season is expected to be very active, with the possibility of up to 13 hurricanes forming, seven of which could reach major hurricane status, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).
Impact of Hurricane Beryl on the Lesser Antilles
Below are some frequently asked questions about the impact of Hurricane Beryl and what to expect in the coming days:
What areas have been most affected by Hurricane Beryl?
The areas most affected by Hurricane Beryl include Grenada, Barbados, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, and Saint Lucia. The island of Carriacou in Grenada was particularly devastated.
What is the current status of Hurricane Beryl?
Hurricane Beryl is currently moving west-northwest at a speed of 35 km/h with winds exceeding 250 km/h. It is expected to gain further intensity but is anticipated to weaken starting Tuesday afternoon.
What measures are being taken to address the damage caused by Beryl?
Efforts are underway in the affected areas to restore essential services such as electricity and water. Local governments are also assessing the damage and providing updates on the situation.