Hurricane Beryl Now at Category 4 but Likelihood of Direct Impact Increases

Hurricane Beryl weakened to category 4 on Tuesday afternoon. However, Jamaicans have been urged to prepare for the potentially life-threatening effects of the dangerous weather system as the likelihood of Beryl making a direct impact on the island has increased.

According to reports from the Meteorological Services of Jamaica, at 1:00 p.m. this afternoon, Beryl’s eye was located near latitude 15.6 degrees North, longitude 69.9 degrees West, 780 km (485 miles) east-southeast of Kingston, Jamaica.

Before moving near the southeast of Jamaica on Wednesday morning, the eye is projected to be south of Hispaniola this evening.

Hurricane Beryl’s maximum sustained winds have slightly decreased to almost 250 km/h (155 mph) but with higher gusts.

The meteorological service also shared that the chances of Beryl’s eye passing over southern sections of Jamaica have increased.

Beryl is projected to weaken further over the next few hours as conditions are not favourable for the hurricane to regain its strength.

Heavy rainfall is expected to begin affecting Jamaica early Wednesday morning, as Beryl’s centre moves closer to the country.

View reports 11 and 12 below: