Cuban authorities are maintaining close vigilance over the dangerous Hurricane Beryl, which has reached category five status over the eastern Caribbean, becoming the first maximum intensity hurricane of the season.
A report published by Canal Caribe indicates that Beryl continues to move rapidly over the southern Caribbean Sea under atmospheric conditions that have allowed it to gain more organization and intensity.
The maximum sustained winds have increased to 270 kilometers per hour, with higher gusts, and its minimum central pressure has dropped to 935 hectoPascals, classifying it as an intense category five hurricane on the Saffir-Simpson scale.
As of 6:00 am, Beryl's center was estimated at 14.7 degrees north latitude and 67.2 degrees west longitude, positioning it approximately 500 kilometers southeast of Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, and about 1080 kilometers east-southeast of Kingston, Jamaica.
The hurricane continues to move west-northwest at a translation speed of 35 kilometers per hour.
Cuban meteorologists forecast that in the next 12 to 24 hours, the system will continue with a similar course and speed and could begin to gradually weaken during the day, although it will remain a high-intensity hurricane while moving over the central Caribbean Sea, approaching Jamaica by Wednesday.
The next tropical cyclone advisory on this system will be issued at 6:00 pm on Tuesday, as it could impact Cuba, which is already deeply mired in a widespread crisis that could worsen with the passage of a hurricane.
Key Information About Hurricane Beryl
Here are some frequently asked questions and answers about Hurricane Beryl, its potential impact, and preparations you can take to stay safe.
What category is Hurricane Beryl?
Hurricane Beryl is currently classified as a category five hurricane on the Saffir-Simpson scale.
Where is Hurricane Beryl currently located?
As of 6:00 am, Beryl's center is located at 14.7 degrees north latitude and 67.2 degrees west longitude, about 500 kilometers southeast of Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic.
What areas could be affected by Hurricane Beryl?
Hurricane Beryl could affect areas in the eastern Caribbean, including the Dominican Republic and Jamaica, and potentially impact Cuba.