A man watches the waves at high tide on the Malecon in Santo Domingo after Hurricane Beryl struck on July 2, 2024. Hurricane Beryl was hurtling towards Jamaica as a Category 5 superstorm on July 2 after killing at least five people and causing widespread destruction in a devastating smash across the southeastern Caribbean. (Photo: AFP)
July 3, 2024
In its latest bulletin, the Jamaica Meteorological Service said rainfall from the outer bands of Hurricane Beryl is expected to begin affecting parts of Jamaica overnight, with strong winds associated with the storm expected to reach the island as early as 9:00 a.m.
A hurricane warning is in effect for Jamaica as a Category 4 storm heads toward the island.
As of 4 a.m., the eye of Hurricane Beryl was located about 240 kilometers (150 miles) east-southeast of Morant Point and about 300 kilometers (185 miles) east-southeast of Kingston, Jamaica, the weather service said.
Beryl is expected to reach major hurricane strength by the time it reaches Jamaica on Wednesday, and its predicted path will see its centre pass near or over the southern coastline of Jamaica between 10am and 8pm, according to the Meteorological Agency.
Tropical storm-force winds are expected to reach Jamaica as early as 9 a.m. Weather officials said the winds could quickly strengthen to near hurricane strength as Beryl’s center is close to the island.
Rain from the outer bands of the powerful hurricane began affecting Jamaica late Tuesday, but the Meteorological Agency said in a 5 a.m. bulletin that it expected rain associated with the storm’s center to begin affecting the eastern end of the island “within the next three to four hours.” Rainfall amounts of 100 to 200 millimeters (4 to 8 inches) are expected in most areas during this period, with more at higher elevations.
Dangerous storm surges, with water levels rising by 2 to 3 metres (6 to 9 feet), and strong waves are also expected along the island’s coast, the weather bureau said.
{“jamaica-observer”:”Jamaica Observer”}
