Hurricane Beryl has intensified to a Category 5 storm, raising concerns about its potential impact on the popular tourist destination of Cancun. While the eye of the hurricane is not expected to directly hit Cancun, the outer bands of the storm could still bring heavy rain and strong winds to the area.
According to the U.S. National Hurricane Center (NHC), Beryl is a “potentially catastrophic” hurricane with sustained winds of 160 mph. The storm is currently moving through the eastern Caribbean and is expected to track towards Jamaica later this week.
The NHC has issued a hurricane watch for Jamaica, and a tropical storm watch for the Dominican Republic and Haiti. While Cancun is not currently under any watches or warnings, the NHC is urging residents and visitors to monitor the storm closely and be prepared for potential impacts.
The Mexican National Water Commission (Conagua) has also issued a statement confirming that Beryl has intensified to a Category 5 hurricane. However, they predict that the storm will weaken to a Category 4 hurricane by Tuesday and a Category 1 hurricane by the time it reaches the Yucatan Peninsula.
According to Conagua’s latest forecast, Beryl is expected to make landfall on the Yucatan Peninsula on July 4th or 5th as a Category 1 hurricane. The storm is then expected to weaken further before making a second landfall in Veracruz and Tamaulipas on July 7th.
ALSO READ. Happy Fourth of July: What’s Trending on Google in the United States?
Beryl Projected Path
- Monday, July 1, 9:00 PM: Hurricane category 5, located 2,460 kilometers east-southeast of Cancun, Quintana Roo.
- Tuesday, July 2, 6:00 AM: Hurricane category 4, located 2,140 kilometers east-southeast of Cancun.
- Wednesday, July 3, 6:00 AM: Hurricane category 3, positioned 1,315 kilometers east-southeast of Cancun.
- Wednesday, July 3, 6:00 PM: Hurricane category 2, 945 kilometers east-southeast of Cancun.
- Thursday, July 4, 6:00 PM: Hurricane category 1, 230 kilometers east-southeast of Punta Herrero, Quintana Roo.
- The night of July 4 or early July 5: Beryl is expected to make landfall on the coasts of Quintana Roo as a category 1 hurricane.
- Saturday, July 6, 6:00 PM: Tropical storm 285 kilometers east-northeast of Río Pánuco, Veracruz.
- July 7: Beryl is projected to impact the coasts of Veracruz and Tamaulipas as a category 1 hurricane.
How to track Beryl’s path live?
Google has enabled real-time tracking of this cyclone’s path. You can access it by typing “Hurricane Beryl” in the search bar.
Devastating Effects in the Caribbean
Before heading towards Mexico, Beryl left a trail of destruction in the southeastern Caribbean, specifically on the island of Carriacou, where it reached Category 4 status.
The consequences included severe damage to infrastructure, with roofs, doors, and windows torn off, as well as widespread debris and damage to local flora and fauna. Despite the magnitude of the storm, no casualties have been reported so far.
2024 Hurricane Season
The early formation and strength of Beryl confirm forecasts of an especially intense hurricane season in the Atlantic, influenced by the La Niña phenomenon.
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) predicts that the season could feature up to 25 named storms, including up to 13 hurricanes and four major hurricanes, indicating a significantly more active year compared to the average.
