Last Updated on July 4, 2024, 8:30 AM AST by Anthony Morris
The National Hurricane Center in its 11 PM EST Update on Hurricane Beryl revealed that the Hurricane Beryl has maintained the category 4 status with a maximum sustained winds remaining near 130 mph (215 km/h) with higher gusts.
The advisory related to Hurricane Beryl states that it is Category 4 Hurricane now and is pulling away from Jamaica. It is also expected to pass just South of the Cayman Islands Overnight.
The core of Beryl has now passed through Jamaica and is approaching the Cayman Islands. Satellite images indicate that the eye has become cloud filled, and reports from both the NOAA and Air Force Hurricane Hunters indicate that the eyewall is open on the southwest side.
Despite the degraded structure, a blend of the NOAA and Air Force reconnaissance data indicates that Beryl is still an extremely dangerous category 4 hurricane with an initial intensity of 115 kt.
A Tropical Storm Watch is in effect for Coast of Belize from south of Chetumal to Belize City. A Hurricane Watch means that hurricane conditions are possible within the watch area, generally within 48 hours.
Over the Yucatan Peninsula into northern Belize, Beryl is expected to produce rainfall totals of 4 to 6 inches with localized amounts of 8 inches late Thursday through Friday. Scattered instances of flash flooding are also anticipated during this time.
Sharing the key messages the NHC stated:
- Devastating hurricane-force winds, life-threatening storm surge, and damaging waves are expected to continue in Jamaica for a few more hours and spread into the Cayman Islands tonight. Mountainous locations in Jamaica are likely to experience destructive wind gusts.
- Life-threatening flash flooding and mudslides from heavy rainfall are expected over much of Jamaica overnight.
- Damaging winds, a dangerous storm surge, and heavy rainfall are expected over portions of the Yucatan Peninsula and Belize beginning Thursday night as Beryl approaches that area as a hurricane. Hurricane and Tropical Storm Warnings are now in effect for portions of that area.
- There remains uncertainty in the track and intensity forecast of Beryl over the western Gulf of Mexico this weekend. Interests in eastern Mexico and southern Texas should monitor the progress of Beryl.
Regardless of the exact track, rip currents could cause life-threatening beach conditions beginning late Friday and continuing through the weekend across much of the Gulf coast.
Anthony Morris covers stories related to politics and regional developments. His in-depth reporting about governance and reforms makes him stand out in regional journalism, with a deep analysis of political trends and their impact on Caribbean communities.
