Hurricane Beryl slams into Jamaica with life-threatening storm surge and winds: Live updates

Hurricane Beryl is hitting Jamaica with life-threatening rain, 145mph winds and storm surge that could raise coastal levels by 9 feet after charting a deadly path through the eastern Caribbean.

High winds from the Category 4 storm have already knocked down power lines in Portland, the Jamaica Observer reports. Officials have declared Jamaica a disaster area and imposed a curfew for Wednesday.

There are more than 900 shelters across Jamaica and an evacuation process for those in flood-prone areas, Information Minister Dana Morris Dixon said.

The storm’s eye will approach the Cayman Islands tonight before heading toward Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula.

Hurricane Beryl has killed at least seven people. The storm intensified to the earliest Category 5 storm recorded in the Atlantic overnight before weakening back to Category 4 on Tuesday.

While the storm is expected to weaken later this week, it will likely remain a major hurricane. Hurricane Beryl has the potential to hit southern Texas and Louisiana over the weekend, according to the National Weather Service.

Grenada was left with “unimaginable” destruction after the storm passed through Monday, Prime Minister Dickon Mitchell said. Officials said 98 percent of buildings in the nation of 6,000 had been damaged or destroyed.

Key Points

• Hurricane Beryl tracker: When will storm hit Cayman Islands?

• Mapped: Hurricane Beryl’s path

• Texans should monitor Hurricane Beryl’s path, meteorologists say

• Death toll from Hurricane Beryl rises to seven

• Jamaica sees power outages as Hurricane Beryl hits

United Nations provides relief to Caribbean nations impacted by Hurricane Beryl

22:30 , Katie Hawkinson

United Nations officials in Grenada and St. Vincent and the Grenadines are working closely with local leaders to help with recovery efforts.

“To date, Grenada and St Vincent’s and the Grenadines have reported hundreds of people in shelters,” a UN spokesperson said.

Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has asked for the international community to “show solidarity” with all the Caribbean countries in Hurricane Beryl’s path, the spokesperson said.

Texans should monitor Hurricane Beryl’s path, meteorologists say

22:15 , Katie Hawkinson

The latest projections from the National Weather Service show Hurricane Beryl has the potential to hit southern Texas on Monday afternoon.

As experts work to chart Hurricane Beryl’s path with more certainity, a meteorologist with Fox 35 Orlando says Texans should be on high alert.

“Continues on the point that the Texas coastline to Louisiana should keep tabs closely with Hurricane Beryl,” Noah Bergen said on X. “I think the most likely path at now would be more into far [southeast Texas] or [northeast Mexico], but there is clearly a wide range of outcomes.”

Meteorologists will have more clarity on Beryl’s path after it passes by Jamaica, Bergen said. Beryl will hit the Cayman Islands overnight before slamming into Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula on Thursday, the National Weather Service said.

Hurricane Beryl’s latest path towards Cayman Islands

22:04 , Katie Hawkinson

Hurricane Beryl is passing by the south coast of Jamaica on its way toward the Cayman Islands, where it will bring hurricane conditions in a matter of hours, the National Weather Service said minutes ago.

Southern Haiti will also see life-threatening storm conditions today.

While Hurricane Beryl’s path is still uncertain, meteorologists say southern Texas could be at risk and residents should monitor its progression.

Shocking aerial photos show widespread devastation as Hurricane Beryl moves through Caribbean

21:47 , Katie Hawkinson

Hurricane Beryl: Aerial images show before and after of storm’s destruction

‘People are worried’: Jamaica prepares for arrival of Hurricane Beryl

21:15 , Katie Hawkinson

20:45 , Katie Hawkinson

Jamaican officials will mobilize the Constabulary Force and Defense Force to “maintain public order” and provide disaster relief after Hurricane Beryl passes, Prime Minister Andrew Holness said on Wednesday.

“The security forces have developed strategic plans to counter any potential threat of looting or any other opportunistic crimes during this period,” Holness said.

The storm’s eye is barreling toward Jamaica. Hurricane Beryl will then head for the Cayman Islands within hours.

High winds from the Category 4 storm have already knocked down power lines in Portland, the Jamaica Observer reports, while officials are working to evacuate unhoused people to hurricane shelters.

Officials have declared Jamaica a disaster area and imposed a curfew for Wednesday.

Radar: Hurricane Beryl approaches Jamaica

20:16 , Katie Hawkinson

See it: Hurricane Beryl pictured from the International Space Station

19:45 , Katie Hawkinson

Jamaican officials working to evacuate unhoused people as Hurricane Beryl hits

19:15 , Katie Hawkinson

Officials in Kingston and St Andrew, Jamaica are working to evacuate unhoused people to shelters on Wednesday morning, Mayor Andrew Swaby told the Jamaica Observer.

Their efforts have so far been successful, Swaby said.

“Right here where I am, we have 32 males that have been here…They have gotten a chance to have a bath and we have given them some clothes and they are awaiting some food now,” he told the outlet.

High winds have already knocked down power lines in Portland, the Jamaica Observer reports. Officials have declared Jamaica a disaster area and imposed a curfew for Wednesday. There are more than 900 shelters across the nation and an evacuation process for those in flood-prone and low-lying areas, Information Minister Dana Morris Dixon said on Wednesday morning.

Eye of Hurricane Beryl approaching Jamaica

18:48 , Katie Hawkinson

The eye of Hurricane Beryl is now approaching Jamaica, the National Weather Service said moments ago.

The eye of the Category 4 storm will move toward the Cayman Islands, where it will bring life-threatening storm conditions this evening into Thursday morning.

Disaster relief organizations respond to Hurricane Beryl

18:45 , Katie Hawkinson

Relief organizations are preparing to send disaster aid to nations throughout the Caribbean Sea in the wake of Hurricane Beryl.

The Category 4 hurricane “presents major logistical challenges,” according to Cora Nally, director of international emergency response for the non-profit aid organization Americares.

“It’s going to take a lot of coordination between relief organizations and local partners and governments to ensure aid reaches those most in need,” Nally said in a statement. “Based on our past experience with similar storms, we can anticipate survivors will need assistance with mental health support and replacing medications lost in the storm.”

Sophie Powell, chief of advocacy for the United Kingdom-based non-profit Christian Aid, highlighted the role the climate crisis has played in Hurricane Beryl’s devastation.

“The people picking through the wreckage of such a devastating storm have done nothing to cause the climate crisis,” Powell said in a statement. “The carbon emissions of these small, low-lying islands are miniscule yet the consequences to their lives of climate breakdown are vast.

High water temperatures can contribute to sea level rise and hurt marine life in addition to fueling strong storms like Hurricane Beryl. Ocean temperatures will likely continue to rise even if we curb greenhouse gas emissions, according to NOAA.

Island nations are at the front lines of the climate crisis, given their vulnerability to violent storms and sea-level rise.

“These are the people that desperately need loss and damage finance to help them rebuild their lives and livelihoods,” Powell continued. “You cannot simply adapt to a category 5 hurricane destroying your home or killing your family.

Radar imagery shows Hurricane Beryl’s path towards Jamaica

18:30 , Katie Hawkinson

Hurricane Beryl inflicted ‘staggering’ damage on Barbados, prime minister says

18:15 , Katie Hawkinson

Hurricane Beryl devastated Barbados after barreling through the nation on Monday, Prime Minister Mia Mottley said.

“While Barbados was spared the worst of Hurricane Beryl, the damage left is still staggering,” Mottley wrote on X.

“Today, I toured some of the most affected areas to assess the damage, engage with those most affected and also chart the course forward for how we build back stronger and more resilient,” she continued.

Jamaica and the Cayman Islands will see similar devastating impacts on Wednesday as Hurricane Beryl, a Category 4 storm with 145mph winds, continues on its path through the Caribbean Sea.

Hurricane Beryl knocks out power in parts of Jamaica

18:00 , Katie Hawkinson

High winds from Hurricane Beryl have already knocked down power lines in Portland, the Jamaica Observer reports. A downed power line in the town of Anchovy has also created low voltage in a home, according to the outlet.

Officials have declared Jamaica a disaster area and imposed a curfew for Wednesday.

There are more than 900 shelters across Jamaica and an evacuation process for those in flood-prone and low-lying areas, Information Minister Dana Morris Dixon said on Wednesday morning.

In pictures: Jamaica prepares for Hurricane Beryl

17:30 , Katie Hawkinson

Parts of Mexico now under Hurricane Warning

17:01 , Katie Hawkinson

The National Weather Service has issued a Hurricane Warning for the coast of Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula from Puerto Costa Maya to Cancun.

Hurricane Beryl, currently a Category 4 storm with 145mph winds, is expected to hit the peninsula on Thursday after sweeping through the Cayman Islands.

The hurricane is currently off the coast of Jamaica, where residents are bracing for life-threatening rain and storm surge.

Video: Travel impacted by Hurricane Beryl

16:30 , Katie Hawkinson

Residents of Texas, Louisiana should keep close eye on Hurricane Beryl, meteorologist says

16:05 , Katie Hawkinson

As experts work to chart Hurricane Beryl’s potential path toward to the US this weekend, a meteorologist with Fox 35 Orlando says Texas and Louisiana residents should be on high alert.

“Continues on the point that the Texas coastline to Louisiana should keep tabs closely with Hurricane Beryl,” Noah Bergen said on X. “I think the most likely path at now would be more into far [southeast Texas] or [northeast Mexico], but there is clearly a wide range of outcomes.”

Meteorologists will have more clarity on Beryl’s path after it passes by Jamaica today, Bergen said. Beryl will hit the Cayman Islands overnight before slamming into Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula on Thursday, the National Weather Service said.

‘Life-threatening’ conditions to begin in Jamaica within hours

15:55 , Katie Hawkinson

“Devastating” winds and “life-threatening” storm surge will hit Jamaica in a matter of hours, the National Weather Service (NWS) said moments ago.

Mountain regions in Jamaica will see the worst of the “destructive” winds, according to the NWS.

Ahead of Beryl’s arrival, officials declared Jamaica a disaster area and imposed a curfew on Wednesday.

There are more than 900 shelters across the country and an evacuation process for those in flood-prone and low-lying areas, Information Minister Dana Morris Dixon said on Wednesday morning.

Climate change ‘contributing significantly’ to Hurricane Beryl: Jamaican official

15:50 , Katie Hawkinson

The human-driven climate crisis is “contributing significantly” to Hurricane Beryl, Jamaica’s Minister of Local Government and Community Development Desmond McKenzie told CNN on Tuesday.

“As a small island state, we are subjected to what the greater world around us is presenting,” McKenzie told the outlet. Hurricane Beryl is set to hit Jamaica this afternoon before rushing towards the Cayman Islands.

The Alliance of Small Island States, an organization designed to create a unified voice for small island nations to address the ongoing climate crisis, issued a similar statement on Tuesday after Hurricane Beryl brought destruction to several islands in the eastern Caribbean.

“We continue to be sacrificed on the frontlines of a climate crisis we did not cause,” the statement said. “Our sea temperatures grow warmer, encouraging storms to strengthen at alarming speed and increasing the dire threat to our developing countries. The increased danger is evident for the world to see.”

High water temperatures can contribute to sea level rise and hurt marine life in addition to fueling strong storms like Hurricane Beryl. Ocean temperatures will likely continue to rise even if we curb greenhouse gas emissions, according to NOAA.

Island nations are at the front lines of the climate crisis, given their vulnerability to violent storms and sea-level rise.

“If the world does not stand with [Small Island Developing States] now, it is only a matter of time before we are all lost,” the alliance continued.

Army deployed in Mexico to prepare for Hurricane Beryl on Thursday

15:30 , Jabed Ahmed

The US National Hurricane Center has also declared a hurricane watch for Mexico’s Yucatan peninsula, dotted with beach resorts popular with tourists.

Ahead of the storm’s approach expected Thursday night, Mexico’s defense ministry said the army, air force, and national guard had activated emergency response protocols in the three Yucatan states.

Some 120 shelters opened and nearly 4,900 troops on guard on the peninsula.

In the resort town of Cancun, supplies of the wooden boards used to protect shop fronts were dwindling as residents prepared for Beryl’s arrival.

‘People are worried’: Jamaica prepares for arrival of Hurricane Beryl

15:10 , Katie Hawkinson

Southern Florida residents evacuate Jamaica ahead of Hurricane Beryl

14:50 , Katie Hawkinson

Hundreds of southern Florida residents evacuated Jamaica this week, heading to Fort Lauderdale ahead of Hurricane Beryl, outlet Local10 reports.

“I couldn’t sleep last night because I didn’t know if I would be able to get out today, but it worked out fine,” Thomas Oliver told the outlet after arriving in Florida on Tuesday.

Norman Manley International Airport closed on Tuesday evening in preparation for the storm, according to the Jamaica Observer.

All preparations are in place to deal with Hurricane Beryl, according to Dana Morris Dixon, Jamaica’s information minister. There are more than 900 shelters across the country and an evacuation process for those in flood-prone and low-lying areas, Dixon said.

Hurricane Beryl on path to Jamaica, Yucatan Peninsula with possibility to hit Texas

14:30 , Katie Hawkinson

Hurricane Beryl will barrel through Jamaica and the Cayman Islands on Wednesday, the National Weather Service said in their latest forecast.

Then, it will move towards the Yucatan Peninsula and Belize while maintaining its strength. The NWS models show Texas could be in Hurricane Beryl’s path overnight Sunday into Monday.

Hurricane conditions will hit Jamaica at noon local time, the NWS said.

When will Hurricane Beryl reach Jamaica today?

14:21 , Katie Hawkinson

Hurricane conditions will hit Jamaica around midday, the National Weather Service says, as Beryl approaches the island’s coast.

All preparations are in place to deal with Hurricane Beryl, according to Dana Morris Dixon, Jamaica’s information minister.

There are more than 900 shelters across the country and an evacuation process for those in flood-prone and low-lying areas, Dixon said.

“We know that we’re susceptible to hurricanes... so we’ve been able to put in place a lot of very interesting financial instruments”, she told the BBC World Service.

Dixon added Jamaica has two “buffers” — a catastrophe bond and a disaster fund — that help pay for rebuilding, following a natural disaster like a hurricane.

Watch live as Jamaica braces for Hurricane Beryl as category 4 storm approaches

14:10 , Jabed Ahmed

Alliance of Small Island States issues statement on Hurricane Beryl and climate crisis

14:00 , Katie Hawkinson

The Alliance of Small Island States, an organization designed to create a unified voice for small island nations to address the ongoing climate crisis, issued a statement as Hurricane Beryl races through the Caribbean Sea.

“This monstrous storm is still sweeping through the region and the full extent of the losses and damages are yet to be ascertained,” the organization said in a statement.

“As the people of small island developing states, the growing sense of hopelessness is intensifying,” the statement continued. “For decades we have been straining to ensure the world hears our calls for urgent, increased ambition on climate action.”

Record-warm ocean temperatures gave Hurricane Beryl the strength to grow from a tropical depression to a Category 4 storm in a matter of days. While natural weather patterns like La Nina can help drive catastrophic storms like Hurricane Beryl, the human-driven climate crisis still plays a role, as oceans absorb more than 90 percent of excess heat produced by greenhouse gases.

High water temperatures can contribute to sea level rise and hurt marine life in addition to fueling strong storms like Hurricane Beryl. Ocean temperatures will likely continue to rise even if we curb greenhouse gas emissions, according to NOAA.

Island nations are at the front lines of the climate crisis, given their vulnerability to violent storms and sea-level rise.

“We continue to be sacrificed on the frontlines of a climate crisis we did not cause,” the Alliance of Small Island States statement said. “Our sea temperatures grow warmer, encouraging storms to strengthen at alarming speed and increasing the dire threat to our developing countries. The increased danger is evident for the world to see.”

“If the world does not stand with [Small Island Developing States] now, it is only a matter of time before we are all lost.”

Jamaica’s information minister: ‘Everything in place'

13:50 , Jabed Ahmed

Jamaica’s information minister has said “everything in place to deal with a hurricane of this strength”.

Dana Morris Dixon said there are more than 900 shelters across the country and an evacuation process for those in flood-prone and low-lying areas.

“We know that we’re susceptible to hurricanes... so we’ve been able to put in place a lot of very interesting financial instruments”, she told the BBC World Service.

Ms Dixon added Jamaica has two “buffers” - a catastrophe bond and a disaster fund - that help pay for rebuilding, following a natural disaster like a hurricane.

“In the past, we never really had that, so if a hurricane came, we weren’t really as resilient and able to find the money in order to do the rebuilding exercise.”

Video: Hurricane Beryl tears roof off school as storm rips through Caribbean

13:40 , Jabed Ahmed

Pictured: Residents and tourists in Cancun stock up on supplies

13:30 , Jabed Ahmed

Cruise lines forced to change plans as Hurricane Beryl moves through the Caribbean

13:20 , Jabed Ahmed

Hurricane Beryl diverts several major cruise lines in the Caribbean

Army deployed in Mexico to prepare for Beryl

13:00 , Jabed Ahmed

The US National Hurricane Center has also declared a hurricane watch for Mexico’s Yucatan peninsula, dotted with beach resorts popular with tourists.

Ahead of the storm's approach expected Thursday night, Mexico's defense ministry said the army, air force, and national guard had activated emergency response protocols in the three Yucatan states.

Some 120 shelters opened and nearly 4,900 troops on guard on the peninsula.

In resort town of Cancun, supplies of the wooden boards used to protect shop fronts were dwindling as residents prepared for Beryl's arrival.

Watch live as Jamaica braces for Hurricane Beryl as category 4 storm approaches

12:55 , Jabed Ahmed

Watch The Independent’s live stream as Jamaica prepares for Hurricane Beryl:

Pictured: Kingston prepare for Beryl

12:50 , Jabed Ahmed

Residents in Jamaica rush to grab essentials supplies

12:39 , Jabed Ahmed

Residents in Jamaica are preparing for Hurricane Beryl to hit the island.

In the capital Kingston, cars queued at petrol stations as people filled additional containers with fuel. Residents stocked up on water and other essential supplies and boarded up shops and houses.

“Yeah right now we are worrying about the storm. You know it’s Category 5 and in Jamaica people are worried and always shopping and buying things as in this store” Andre, a salesperson in a local store told Reuters.

US National Hurricane Center gives update on storms arrival to Jamaica

12:35 , Jabed Ahmed

Hurricane conditions are expected to reach the coast of Jamaica about midday local time, with tropical storm-strength winds from late morning, the US National Hurricane Center announced.

At 9:00 (GMT), the hurricane was about 185 miles (300 km) east-southeast of the Jamaican capital of Kingston, packing maximum sustained winds of 145 miles per hour (230 kph).

"Beryl is expected to bring life-threatening winds and storm surge to Jamaica on Wednesday and the Cayman Islands Wednesday night and Thursday," NHC said in an advisory.

Satellite imagery shows the destruction of Beryl

12:32 , Jabed Ahmed

Major of Barbados visits badly damaged areas

12:28 , Jabed Ahmed

What causes a hurricane?

12:25 , Jabed Ahmed

In the tropical areas of the world, there is a large zone of low pressure which stretches either side of the equator.

The winds on the north side of this zone blow from the north-east (the north-east trades) and on the southern side blow from the south-east (south-east trades).

In areas of low pressure, the air is heated over the warm tropical ocean. This air rises in small parcels, causing thundery showers to form.

From time to time, they showers group together into large clusters of thunderstorms.

This creates a flow of very warm, moist, rapidly rising air, leading to the development of a centre of low pressure, or depression, at the surface.

There are various trigger mechanisms required to transform these cloud clusters into a tropical storm and eventually into a hurricane.

How do hurricanes get their names?

12:15 , Jabed Ahmed

Various meteorological organisations have responsibility for names of different hurricanes.

Some cycle through a set number of lists starting at “A” each year.

Some continuously cycle through names without reverting to a new list each year and some use a unique list each year.

The names of all tropical storms, hurricanes, typhoons and cyclones and are known in advance.

Hurricane Beryl: Travel advice after storm causes severe damage – with ‘life-threatening’ winds forecast

12:08 , Jabed Ahmed

The Independent’s Travel Correspondent Simon Calder explores what is being done for travellers in the region and what are their options.

Read the full article below:

Hurricane Beryl: Travel advice as ‘life-threatening’ winds forecast

Watch: NOAA plane flies into the eye of Hurricane Beryl

12:00 , Katie Hawkinson

Hurricane Beryl is the earliest category five storm on record

11:55 , Jabed Ahmed

Hurricane Beryl has become the earliest hurricane on record to develop into a category five storm.

This means its winds and sea surges could prove catastrophic, as warming oceans fuelled destruction across the Caribbean.

Simon Stiell, the head of the UN’s climate change authority, who is from Carriacou, said his homeland had been “hammered by Hurricane Beryl”.

“It’s clear that the climate crisis is pushing disasters to record-breaking new levels of destruction,” he said.

Pictured: latest Hurricane Beryl damage

11:30 , Jabed Ahmed

National Hurricane Center: 'Potential for catastrophic damage'

11:20 , Jabed Ahmed

The director of the United States National Hurricane Center has said Hurricane Beryl could have catastrophic consequences as it passes over Jamaica.

Dr Michael Brennan said: “We we could see the potential, obviously, of the core of a major hurricane moving across Jamaica with the potential for devastating to catastrophic wind damage.”

He further warned of "widespread damage" to homes and infrastructure and a potential storm surge of five to eight feet.

Jamaica’s capital Kingston could see “potentially devastating wave action on top of that storm surge, creating a life-threating situation as well,” Dr Brennan added.

Mapped: Hurricane Beryl powers through Caribbean islands as Category 4 storm

11:10 , Jabed Ahmed

Hurricane Beryl is barreling towards Jamaica as a Category 4 storm after making landfall in the Windward Islands, bringing devastating winds and storm surges that have destroyed homes, wiped out power, and left at least seven people dead.

The storm continues to beat records, first becoming the earliest Category 4 hurricane and later the earliest Category 5 hurricane in the Atlantic.

Read the full story below to see where Beryl will hit:

Mapped: Hurricane Beryl powers through Caribbean islands as Category 4 storm

Union island residents left homeless

11:00 , Jabed Ahmed

Residents in Union Island, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, have been left homeless after their houses were decimated by Hurricane Beryl.

“There are hardly any buildings left standing. Houses are flattened, roads are blocked, the electricity poles are down in the streets,” Katrina Coy, a resident of Union island told the BBC.

She added every building on the island had been destroyed or badly damaged.

Hurricane Beryl named earliest Category 5 hurricane on record in the Atlantic

11:00 , Katie Hawkinson

Hurricane Beryl has now beaten two historic records in the Atlantic.

Beryl was named the earliest Category 5 hurricane recorded in the Atlantic after it strengthened late on Monday, the National Hurricane Center has said. The previous title was held by Hurricane Emily, who reached Category 5 on July 16, 2005.

Beryl was also named the earliest-ever Category 4 hurricane as it approached the eastern Caribbean over the weekend, as well as the only Category 4 in the month of June.

In this category, Beryl beat Hurricane Dennis, which became a Category 4 storm on July 8, 2005.

The deadly storm weakened back down to a Category 4 on Tuesday afternoon. It is now barreling towards Jamaica, where officials warn residents should rush life-saving protections to completion.

World Central Kitchen delivering aid to destroyed Union Island

10:50 , Jabed Ahmed

Food aid charity World Central Kitchen (WCK) have begun delivering food and water to Union Island in St. Vincent and the Grenadines after it was ravaged by Beryl.

“We are mobilising across the Caribbean to access the hardest hit islands to get some support to the community here that has experienced a Category 4 storm,” a WCK worker said in a video posted on X.

The team was able to deliver water, fruit and sandwiches after arriving on the island by helicopter.

World Central Kitchen founder Jose Andres said in a separate post that the organization is delivering aid to multiple islands that were hit by Beryl.

U.N. Climate Change Executive’s home damaged by Beryl

10:40 , Jabed Ahmed

One of the homes that Beryl damaged belongs to the parents of UN Climate Change Executive Secretary Simon Stiell, who is from Carriacou, Granada.

The storm also destroyed the home of his late grandmother. In a statement, Stiell said that the climate crisis is worsening, faster than expected. “Whether in my homeland of Carriacou — hammered by Hurricane Beryl, or in the heatwaves and floods crippling communities in some of the world’s largest economies, it’s clear that the climate crisis is pushing disasters to record-breaking new levels of destruction,” he said.

Jamaican prime minister imposes nationwide curfew

10:30 , Jabed Ahmed

With Hurricane Beryl is barreling towards Jamaica, prime minister Andrew Holness has imposed a nationwide curfew from 6am to 6pm.

“This is to ensure the safety of everyone during the passage of the storm and prevent any movement with the intent to carry out criminal activity,” Mr Holness said in a video on Instagram.

The announcement came after Holness declared the whole of Jamaica would be a “disaster area” for the next week after reviewing the storm’s “likely strength and impact.”

Bird’s eye view: Hurricane Beryl, now Category 4, races towards Jamaica

10:30 , Stuti Mishra

Watch: Plane flies into the eye of Hurricane Beryl

10:20 , Jabed Ahmed

Grenada prime minister: ‘complete destruction of homes and buildings'

10:09 , Jabed Ahmed

In a video briefing, Grenada's prime minister, Dickon Mitchell, stressed that Carriacou and Petite Martinique, two of the three islands that make up the country, bore the brunt of the natural disaster, calling the situation "Armageddon-like".

"There is no power. There is almost complete destruction of homes and buildings," he said, citing impassable roads due to downed power lines and destroyed fuel stations crimping supplies.

Mr Mitchell said at least two deaths were attributed to the impact of Beryl so far.

Fallen trees and debris scattered the streets after the storm, which Mitchell said had totally destroyed the mangroves on Carriacou, leaving "literally no vegetation" and destroying the island's agriculture.

Where had Hurricane Beryl been?

10:05 , Jabed Ahmed

Hurricane Beryl has barreled toward Jamaica as the powerful Category 4 storm flattened homes and devastated agriculture on smaller islands in the eastern Caribbean, killing at least three people.

The Caribbean island of Carriacou in Grenada and St. Vincent and the Grenadines saw the most severe damage from Beryl.

At least seven people were killed in the two nations and Venezuela.

Damage has also been reported on the island of Petite Martinique and in Barbados.

Watch: Hurricane Beryl brings a storm surge to southern Barbados

10:00 , Katie Hawkinson

Hurricane Beryl: Meteorologists warn of 'increasing risk' to US

09:30 , Stuti Mishra

Meteorologists from AccuWeather have raised concerns about the growing threat that Hurricane Beryl poses to the Texas Gulf Coast this weekend, even as the storm is expected to weaken as it moves closer.

Beryl, recently downgraded from a Category 5 to a Category 4 storm, is currently bearing down on Jamaica with maximum sustained winds of 155 mph.

While Beryl is expected to weaken due to wind shear as it moves west, if it remains strong, the storm could turn north towards the US and impact areas from the Louisiana coastline south of New Orleans to the Texas coast.

“We’re getting more concerned that the upper-level atmospheric winds that steer a hurricane like Beryl can support a turn to the north this weekend,” said AccuWeather Lead Hurricane Forecaster Alex DaSilva.

“If Beryl is torn apart by wind shear over the next few days, it’s more likely to follow the trade winds and move west into Mexico.”

“Unfortunately, we’re more concerned the storm will be a little stronger, which combined with the steering winds, may lead to Beryl moving toward the Texas Gulf Coast.”

Jamaica declared 'disaster area' ahead of Hurricane Beryl

09:11 , Stuti Mishra

The entire island of Jamaica has been declared a ‘disaster area’ ahead of Hurricane Beryl’s arrival.

Prime minister Andrew Holness made the pre-emptive announcement on Tuesday night in an address to the public ahead of the storm’s arrival on Wednesday.

An island-wide curfew will also be in place from 6am to 6pm local time (11am-11pm GMT) on Wednesday.Three airports - Sangster International (Montego Bay), Norman Manley International (Kingston) and Ian Fleming International (Ocho Rios) - were shut down on Tuesday evening and will remain closed through Wednesday.

Jamaica is right on the path of the hurricane which is heading to the island with as a Category 4 storm with 155mph.

Beryl charted a deadly path through Grenada and St Vincent and the Grenadines, destroying buildings and killing at least seven.

ICYMI: Grenada reopens airport after destructive Hurricane Beryl

08:00 , Katie Hawkinson

Grenada’s Maurice Bishop International Airport reopened Tuesday morning after Hurricane Beryl swept through the region yesterday, a spokesperson for the island’s tourism authority said in a statement.

“However, we’re deeply saddened by the widespread damage and news of fatalities on our sister islands of Carriacou and Petite Martinique,” the spokesperson continued. “We are working closely with the emergency services to ensure support and relief efforts are in place as soon as possible, as well as the restoration of vital services.”

Several airports in the eastern Caribbean saw widespread cancelations as Hurricane Beryl blew through.

Special flight lands in Barbados to evacuate stranded Indian cricket team

07:41 , Stuti Mishra

A special Air India flight has landed in Barbados to evacuate the Indian cricket team which got stranded in the Caribbean due to Hurricane Beryl.

The team, along with coaches and officials from the cricket board, will fly back to India on Wednesday, news agency ANI reported.

The world-cup winners were celebrating their victory when airports shut down on Sunday due to Hurricane Beryl, leaving the the players and officials stranded in Barbados, along with many cricket fans.

Satellite imagery: Hurricane Beryl moves through Caribbean Sea

07:00 , Katie Hawkinson

Death toll from Hurricane Beryl rises to 7

06:21 , Stuti Mishra

Venezuela has announced a third death as the death toll from Hurricane Beryl rises to at least seven people.

Venezuelan president Nicolás Maduro announced on Tuesday that the deceased included two men and one woman from the northeastern town of Cumanacoa, in the state of Sucre.

“May they rest in peace, our condolences, and sentiments to their families. I have ordered full support to the families,” Mr Maduro said.

In other regions, four people - one in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, and three others in Grenada - died when Beryl tore through the islands on Monday night.

Mr Maduro said four people are still missing and 8,000 homes have been affected, with 400 of them completely destroyed, according to the president.

Video: Hurricane Beryl hits Bridgetown, Barbados

06:00 , Katie Hawkinson

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines suffer 'horrendous' damages, prime minister says

05:35 , Stuti Mishra

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines have suffered hundreds of millions of dollars worth of "horrendous" damages after Hurricane Beryl, the prime minister said.

"This is a horrific hurricane," said Ralph Gonsalves, prime minister of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines to Al Jazeera, adding that houses, schools and health facilities were without electricity and some parts didn't have drinking water

"On the main island of Saint Vincent, we have had substantial damage, horrendous damage but not to the same extent as the devastation in the southern part," he said on Tuesday.

"It could be hundreds of millions of dollars worth of damage and loss."

President Biden speaks on extreme weather and climate crisis

05:01 , Katie Hawkinson

As Hurricane Beryl rages through the Caribbean Sea, President Joe Biden spoke on the impacts of the climate crisis.

“Everyone who wilfully denies the impacts of climate change is condemning the American people to a dangerous future, and either is really, really dumb or has some other motive,” Biden said on Tuesday afternoon.

Record-warm ocean temperatures gave Hurricane Beryl the strength to grow from a tropical depression to a Category 4 storm in a matter of days.

While natural weather patterns like La Nina can help drive catastrophic storms like Hurricane Beryl, the human-driven climate crisis still plays a role, as oceans absorb more than 90 percent of excess heat produced by greenhouse gases.

High water temperatures can contribute to sea level rise and hurt marine life in addition to fueling strong storms like Hurricane Beryl. Ocean temperatures will likely continue to rise even if we curb greenhouse gas emissions, according to NOAA.

X labeled AccuWeather’s Hurricane Beryl map as misinformation. Meteorologists worry it could cost lives

04:00 , Katie Hawkinson

AccuWeather meteorologists say X labeled their projected Hurricane Beryl path as “false information” but allowed other obvious misinformation on the site - a decision that could cost lives.

At least six people have died as Hurricane Beryl sweeps through the eastern Caribbean.

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Hurricane Beryl update: AccuWeather says X is allowing misinformation on site

Video: Hurricane Beryl hits Bridgetown, Barbados

03:00 , Katie Hawkinson

In photos: Devastation in Bequia after Hurricane Beryl

02:00 , Katie Hawkinson

Hurricane Beryl destroyed homes and knocked out power as it passed through Bequia, the largest island in the Grenadines.

At least one person died on the island because of the storm, Prime Minister Ralph Gonsalves said on Monday. The hurricane also damaged or destroyed 90 percent of homes on the nation’s Union Island.

Hurricane Beryl became earliest Category 5 hurricane on record in the Atlantic

01:00 , Katie Hawkinson

Hurricane Beryl has now beaten two historic records in the Atlantic.

Beryl was named the earliest Category 5 hurricane recorded in the Atlantic after it strengthened late on Monday, the National Hurricane Center has said. The previous title was held by Hurricane Emily, who reached Category 5 on July 16, 2005.

Beryl was also named the earliest-ever Category 4 hurricane as it approached the eastern Caribbean over the weekend, as well as the only Category 4 in the month of June.

In this category, Beryl beat Hurricane Dennis, which became a Category 4 storm on July 8, 2005.

The deadly storm weakened back down to a Category 4 on Tuesday afternoon. It is now barreling towards Jamaica, where officials warn residents should rush life-saving protections to completion.

Watch: Plane flies into the eye of Hurricane Beryl

Wednesday 3 July 2024 00:00 , Katie Hawkinson

Video: Hurricane Beryl tears roof off school as storm rips through Caribbean

Tuesday 2 July 2024 23:00 , Katie Hawkinson