Hurricane Beryl is sweeping across the Caribbean, destroying everything in its path. Winds are blowing at speeds of up to 290 kilometers per hour, almost off the scale. Meteorologists are already classifying it as a Category 5 hurricane, although it was previously forecast to be just a tropical storm.
Hurricane Beryl is heading towards Jamaica. “We are very concerned about Jamaica right now. Our forecast is that Beryl will move near the island on Wednesday and then move towards the Cayman Islands from Thursday into Friday,” says Michael Brennan of the US National Hurricane Center.
Meteorologists are already classifying it as a Category 5 hurricane, the highest possible. That means that the accompanying winds and storm surges could be catastrophic. “Prepare food supplies, batteries, candles, and also water. Make sure your identity documents are safe and that you have them with you,” Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness appealed to citizens.
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Concerns about Jamaica are growing, especially now that we know what Beryl has left behind. On tiny Union Island in St. Vincent and the Grenadines, 90 percent of homes were severely damaged or completely destroyed, and at least one death was confirmed.
– Hurricane Beryl, dangerous, devastating, came and went, leaving in its wake enormous destruction, as well as pain and suffering throughout our nation, says Ralph Gonsalves, Prime Minister of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines.
Thousands of people are still without power, and many are sheltering in place. The hurricane made landfall on Monday, where it was classified as a Category 4 hurricane, with sustained winds of 150 miles per hour, with gusts of up to 180 miles per hour. “The gusts are and will be higher, especially in some mountainous areas,” Brennan said.
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Devastation in Barbados
The hurricane has also hit Barbados, among other places. – The government has issued orders to all hotels and resorts to close by 8:00 pm on Sunday. From what I understand, everyone has complied with these orders. We have been given dinner in containers, we are eating in our rooms. The same applies to breakfast. We are doing well – informs Nauman Khan, a travel vlogger.
In Barbados, the fishermen suffered the most. Many of them lost their boats, and as a result – their only chance of earning a living. – It's total devastation. Right now I'm talking to you and I'm watching my friends who are fishermen, their boats are destroyed, they're sinking – said Kerryann Nowell-Browne, a fisherwoman from Barbados.
The phenomenon has surprised experts, because on Friday it was barely a tropical storm. The forecast was mild. “Climate change is affecting hurricanes. But it's a complicated story. The first major factor is global warming and rising sea surface temperatures, which are setting the stage for stronger storms to develop,” explains Christopher Rozoff, a climatologist at the U.S. National Center for Atmospheric Research.
Beryl in BarbadosPAP/EPA/BARBADOS GOVERNMENT HANDOUT
Beryl has already made history. “The change in intensity from a Category 1 hurricane to a Category 4 hurricane in less than 24 hours is the most impressive rapid intensification event in Atlantic history,” Rozoff added.
It also became the earliest Category 4 hurricane. The Atlantic hurricane season runs from June to late November, but stronger storms tend to occur later in the year because the ocean is typically warmest then.
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Main image source: CNN