Hurricane Beryl, the strongest July hurricane on record, has caused at least four deaths in the Caribbean and continues to bring heavy rainfall, “life-threatening” winds, and flooding to the region. The storm, currently a Category 5, is moving westward across the Caribbean towards Mexico, with sustained windspeeds of almost 165 mph. Three people were killed in Grenada and one in St. Vincent and the Grenadines, with officials warning of potential additional fatalities.
Jamaica has upgraded its advisory to a hurricane warning, with Prime Minister Andrew Holness urging residents to seek higher ground and be prepared for the storm’s impact. Impact is also expected in Haiti, the Cayman Islands, and possibly the continental U.S. as well.
The storm surge in Jamaica could reach 5-8 feet above normal tide levels, with heavy rain and flooding likely on Wednesday. The effects of Beryl have already caused significant damage in the Caribbean, with reports of downed power lines and blocked roads in Grenada.
Beryl is the earliest Category 4 hurricane in the Atlantic hurricane season and the strongest to pass through the Windward Islands. The storm is expected to weaken as it moves towards Mexico, but could still remain a hurricane in the northwestern Caribbean. As the region prepares for further impact, emergency services are advising residents to take precautions and be prepared for severe weather conditions.
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