Janice R. Andrews
As it gets closer to the Cayman Islands, Hurricane Beryl, a once-powerful Category 4 hurricane, has been downgraded to a Category 3 storm. The storm’s highest sustained winds had dropped to 120 mph as of 5 a.m.
On Thursday, Beryl is predicted to deliver the Cayman Islands severe winds, potentially hazardous storm surges, and a lot of rain. It is predicted that the hurricane will approach major hurricane intensity as it approaches the islands.
Route and Prognosis
Beryl is expected to cross the Yucatan Peninsula by Friday morning and stay a hurricane until it makes landfall. On Friday night, the storm is predicted to form over the southwest Gulf of Mexico and move northwest.
There is uncertainty regarding Beryl’s route and intensity once it approaches the Gulf of Mexico this weekend, according to the National Hurricane Center (NHC). Despite this uncertainty, a large portion of the Gulf Coast is predicted to see dangerous beach conditions and rip currents beginning late Friday and lasting through the weekend.
Alerts and Cautionary Notes
Alerts for Hurricanes:
- Grand Cayman
- The Cayman Brac and Little Cayman
- the Yucatan Peninsula’s (Puerto Costa Maya to Cancun) coastline, which includes Cozumel
- Hurricane watches: are in effect from Chetumal to the southernmost point of the Yucatan Peninsula in Mexico.
- The Yucatan Peninsula in Mexico stretches from Cabo Catoche north to Cancun.
- Tropical Storm Warnings: The Yucatan Peninsula in Mexico, from Chetumal south of Puerto Costa Maya
- The Yucatan Peninsula’s northern shore, stretching from Cancun to Campeche
- Tropical Storm Warnings: Belize’s southern coast, extending south of Chetumal to Belize City
Preparedness
Residents in the affected areas are urged to finalize their preparations and heed local authorities’ advice. It is crucial to stay informed with the latest updates from the National Hurricane Center and local weather services as Beryl continues its path.
