Hurricane Beryl caused extensive damage in southern Jamaica, killing two people and leaving hundreds homeless. The storm is now heading towards the Cayman Islands and Mexico as a Category 3 storm. Widespread damage is expected in the Caymans, with strong winds, storm surges, damaging waves, and heavy rainfall. In Mexico, communities on the Caribbean coast were evacuated, and sea turtle eggs were moved to safety.
Jamaica’s hurricane warning has been lifted, but a flash flood warning is in place. Honeymooners Casey and Warner Haley from Tennessee were stranded in Montego Bay after their wedding as flights were booked and the storm hit unexpectedly. Beryl is projected to reach Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula as a Category 2 storm before moving into the Gulf of Mexico. There is uncertainty about the storm’s impact on the Gulf Coast of Texas over the holiday weekend.
The National Hurricane Center warned of possible re-strengthening of Beryl over the warm Gulf waters, potentially reaching the U.S. coast at hurricane strength. The storm is also expected to cause dangerous beach conditions due to rip currents along the Gulf coast. The smaller islands in the Caribbean, such as Mayreau and Union Island, have faced significant destruction, with homes damaged or destroyed. Rebuilding efforts are expected to be challenging and will require massive efforts to restore the affected areas.
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