The eye of Hurricane Baryl is on a collision course with Jamaica, where devastating winds and potentially catastrophic storm surges are expected by midday. “Beryl is expected to bring hurricane conditions to Jamaica by noon today with potentially deadly winds and storm surges. It is expected to approach the Cayman Islands tonight through Thursday,” warned the National Hurricane Center (NHC) via its social media channels.
With a Category 5 status (the highest on the Saffir-Simpson scale) and winds exceeding 250 km/h, the hurricane threatens to cause massive destruction primarily in the southern part of the Caribbean island. “Devastating hurricane-force winds, potentially deadly storm surges, and damaging waves are expected in parts of Jamaica from this afternoon and in the Cayman Islands early Thursday. Residents in these areas should heed the advice of local governments and emergency management officials for preparation and/or evacuation orders,” the NHC alerted.
In this regard, they forecast “life-threatening flash floods and landslides caused by heavy rains in much of Jamaica and southern Haiti.” “Beryl will remain a hurricane as it approaches the Yucatan Peninsula and Belize by Thursday night, where hurricane and tropical storm warnings have been issued. There is still uncertainty in Beryl’s track and intensity forecast over the western Gulf of Mexico this weekend,” the agency stated.
Meanwhile, the Forecasting Center of the Cuban Institute of Meteorology (INSMET) indicated that Beryl "should increase rainfall in the eastern region, with somewhat strong winds in southern Oriente." "It will produce strong swells with light to moderate coastal flooding in southern Granma and Santiago de Cuba (Guamá)," added INSMET via its social media.
Key Information about Hurricane Baryl's Impact
This section addresses some frequently asked questions regarding Hurricane Baryl's path and its potential impacts on Jamaica and surrounding regions.
What areas are most at risk from Hurricane Baryl?
The southern part of Jamaica and the Cayman Islands are most at risk from Hurricane Baryl, with potential impacts also expected in the eastern region of Cuba, including Granma and Santiago de Cuba.
What precautions should residents take?
Residents should follow local government and emergency management officials' advice on preparation and evacuation orders. This includes securing property, stocking up on essentials, and moving to safer areas if advised.
What is the forecast for Beryl's trajectory?
Hurricane Beryl is expected to move towards the Yucatan Peninsula and Belize by Thursday night. However, there remains some uncertainty regarding its track and intensity as it moves over the western Gulf of Mexico this weekend.