Hurricane Beryl Barrels Toward Jamaica as Category 5 Storm After 'Flattening' Grenada Island

Jamaica Braces for Impact

Hurricane Beryl, now a formidable category five storm, is hurtling towards Jamaica, bringing with it the potential for catastrophic damage. The US National Hurricane Center (NHC) has warned that Beryl could bring life-threatening winds and storm surges to Jamaica by Wednesday afternoon. The Jamaican government has issued a hurricane warning and is urging residents in low-lying and flood-prone areas to seek shelter immediately.

Destruction in Grenada

Grenada Devastated:

On Monday, Beryl made landfall on Carriacou, a small island that is part of Grenada, with sustained winds of 150mph (240km/h). The island took a direct hit from Beryl's "extremely dangerous eyewall," resulting in widespread destruction. Communications with Carriacou and the nearby Petite Martinique have been severely disrupted, making it difficult to assess the full extent of the damage.

Prime Minister Dickon Mitchell expressed grave concerns about the situation, noting that there could be more fatalities than initially reported. "The true extent of the damage will not be known until officials are able to reach the islands," he said. Mikey Hutchinson, a journalist in Grenada, described the impact of the storm as "really, really bad," highlighting extensive damage to homes and government buildings.

Impact on St Vincent and the Grenadines

Severe Damage:

St Vincent and the Grenadines also faced immense destruction from Hurricane Beryl. Prime Minister Ralph Gonsalves reported at least one fatality and extensive damage, particularly on Union Island, where 90% of homes were severely damaged or destroyed. "The reports that I have received indicate that 90% of the houses have been severely damaged or destroyed," he said. Thousands of residents are without power and have sought refuge in temporary shelters. Footage shared on social media shows homes with their roofs blown off and residents picking through rubble to salvage their possessions.

Other Caribbean Nations Affected

Barbados Spared Major Damage:

Barbados, which had issued a hurricane warning as Beryl approached, appears to have been spared major damage. However, government officials have urged residents to remain vigilant as strong winds and gusts continue to pose a threat. "While the country has dodged a bullet, people should not let down their guard as gusts are still coming, the storm-force winds are still coming," a government official warned.

Preparations in Jamaica

Urgent Warnings:

As Beryl approaches, the Jamaican government has issued a hurricane warning, urging residents in vulnerable areas to seek shelter. The atmosphere in Kingston remains calm, though locals are expected to prepare as the storm nears. "Jamaicans wait until the last minute. The night before or in the morning, the panic sets in. It's because we're used to this," said a waiter in Kingston. However, the mayor of Montego Bay has emphasized the need for residents to be "prepared for anything."

Threat to Hispaniola

Haiti and the Dominican Republic at Risk:

Before reaching Jamaica, Hurricane Beryl could also impact Haiti and the Dominican Republic, which share the island of Hispaniola. Haiti, still recovering from past earthquakes and political instability, is particularly vulnerable. Guy Vital-Herne from World Vision expressed concerns about Haiti's readiness for the storm. "As of right now, Haiti is definitely not ready for something like that," he said. He noted that heavy rains could cause severe flooding and infrastructure collapse, further exacerbating the country's challenges.

Record-Breaking Hurricane

Early Formation:

Hurricane Beryl is the earliest category five storm ever recorded in the Atlantic, forming much earlier in the hurricane season than usual. The storm rapidly intensified from a tropical depression to a major hurricane in just 42 hours, according to hurricane expert Sam Lillo. The US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has warned that the North Atlantic could see up to seven major hurricanes this year, significantly higher than the average of three per season.

Meteorologists have been astonished by how quickly Beryl developed, highlighting the unpredictability and power of such storms. The NHC continues to monitor the hurricane's path closely, providing updates and warnings to the affected regions. As Beryl barrels toward Jamaica, the urgent focus remains on preparation and safety for all those in its path.