Record-Breaking Category 5 Hurricane Beryl Heads for Jamaica After Devastating Caribbean Islands

Hurricane Beryl, now categorised as potentially catastrophic at Category 5 strength, is targeting Jamaica after already causing significant damage across several Caribbean islands.

At least one fatality has been reported, and the storm is expected to bring life-threatening winds and storm surges to Jamaica by Wednesday, with the Cayman Islands also under threat by Thursday, prompting hurricane watches.

Beryl, unusually strong for July and the earliest Category 5 hurricane on record, devastated Grenada swiftly, destroying buildings and disrupting essential services.

Prime Minister Dickon Mitchell described Carriacou (an island of the Grenadine Islands) as flattened within half an hour.

St. Vincent and the Grenadines also suffered immense destruction, with reports of fatalities and widespread infrastructure damage, including hospitals and homes without electricity and water.

The storm’s impact extends well beyond its centre, affecting much of the Caribbean with strong winds, heavy rainfall, and dangerous seas.

Even if Beryl doesn’t make direct landfall in Jamaica, its outer bands are expected to cause significant disruptions.

A hurricane warning is in effect for Jamaica, with hurricane conditions expected to impact the island on Wednesday.

Tropical storm-force winds are anticipated to arrive earlier in the day.

The storm surge could elevate water levels by 3 to 5 feet above normal tide levels, and rainfall is forecasted to be between 4 to 8 inches, with isolated areas potentially receiving up to 12 inches.

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