Hurricane Beryl has been tracking westward, headed this way since it spread havoc on the southeastern Caribbean the week before. The U.S. Gulf Coast just became part of its potential target. Here’s a timeline of what we can expect concerning the latest updates in the coming days:
July 1, 11:00 PM EST
Hurricane Beryl had reached 165 mph (270 kph) maximum sustained winds, making it a Category 4 hurricane. This has become the earliest formation of a Category 5 hurricane in the Atlantic Basin in the historical record.
8:00 am EST
Beryl weakens slightly into a category 4, BUT does not lose any of her unbelievable potential for destruction. Jamaica is bracing, as this storm is expected to do the hardest pounding on the southern coast, close to the capital, Kingston.
July 2, 5 PM EST
Beryl menaces Jamaica with heavy rain, strong winds, and storm surge. Although there ends up being no direct strike on the island, at least seven people are reported dead down in the southeastern Caribbean due to the storm.
July 3, 2 AM EST
Beryl’s winds have weakened some, down to 130 mph (215 kph). Beryl is passing close to the Cayman Islands with damaging gusts and potential flooding.
July 3rd, 11:00 PM EST
The latest forecast issuance out of the National Hurricane Center has Beryl west-northwest bound towards the southwest Gulf of Mexico. A heat dome building over the southeastern United States is expected to steer the storm, causing potential landfall along eastern Mexico or South Texas between July 7th and 8th.
Hurricane Beryl and Its Impact on US
Though Hurricane Beryl is expected to continue weakening during the next 24-48 hours due to wind shear and interaction with land before it reaches the U.S., it’s had enough -power to make the Gulf Coast see a major dose of heavy action from either a tropical storm or a weaker hurricane.
According to the NHC, several potential dangers associated with these weather events include the following:
Heavy rainfall
Present risks of flash flooding and river flooding in many areas, particularly of those that are already seriously affected.
Strong winds
There could be wind-induced damages, and thereby, some inconveniences from disruption in electricity, partial road blockade because of uprooted trees, etc. Current status (4th July 2024 Time 10:34 IST)
There are no tropical storm watches or warnings in effect for the U.S. However, interests along the Gulf Coastal region from Texas to Florida should remain in good situational awareness regarding the progression of the storm and monitor the latest advisories from the NHC.
What Do You Do Now?
Stay informed
National Hurricane Center updates and local VHEM End of page information.
Make a plan. Talk about a hurricane action plan with your household: be sure that every member knows precisely what they have to do if an evacuation order is given. This means making sure you’ve identified the route you will take to get out and the place outside the storm area where you will meet if you are separated.
Get an emergency kit
Stock your kit with nonperishable food, water, first-aid supplies, any medications you may need, flashlights and extra batteries, and a battery-powered radio.
Be aware at all times
Do not wait until the last minute to get ready. Take the actions you can now to safeguard your safety and that of those around you.
Hurricane Beryl is a serious storm, and while it may weaken before reaching the States, preparation is everything. Because of preparedness, being informed on the storm, having a plan—you can actually relieve this impact of the storm and keep the family safe
