‘Potentially Catastrophic’ Hurricane Beryl Approaches Jamaica

Preparations are in full swing in Jamaica as Hurricane Beryl approaches, threatening to bring severe weather conditions to the island. Authorities are taking precautionary measures, including stocking shelters, safeguarding homes, and pulling boats from the water.

Prime Minister Andrew Holness has announced that electricity and water services are likely to be shut off as a preventive measure to avoid fires and damage to equipment. He urged residents to stock up on candles or batteries and to be cautious when lighting fires, noting that it would be “very difficult” for firefighters to respond during the storm.

In Kingston, the capital city, long queues have formed at petrol stations as people fill containers with extra fuel in anticipation of the hurricane.

Dr. Michael Brennan, director of the US National Hurricane Center, has warned that Hurricane Beryl could have catastrophic consequences for Jamaica. “We could see the potential, obviously, of the core of a major hurricane moving across Jamaica with the potential for devastating to catastrophic wind damage,” he said.

Brennan also warned of “widespread damage” to homes, roofs, trees, power lines, and infrastructure, with a possible storm surge of five to eight feet above normal tide levels along the coast of Jamaica. Additionally, the capital Kingston and other areas on the island’s south coast could face “potentially devastating wave action on top of that storm surge,” creating a life-threatening situation.

As Hurricane Beryl advances, residents and authorities in Jamaica are bracing for its impact, making necessary preparations to mitigate the potential damage and ensure safety.