Hurricane Beryl is set to unleash destructive forces over a significant portion of Mexico's Yucatan Peninsula, including popular tourist destinations like Cozumel and Tulum. The storm is expected to make landfall late Thursday night or early Friday morning in the state of Quintana Roo, potentially just south of Tulum.
With hurricane-force winds at landfall, Beryl poses a serious threat of damaging wind gusts to any location in its path. The storm's powerful gusts will also generate up to 5 feet of storm surge on the eastern shores of the Yucatan, while western shores could see up to 3 feet of surge as Beryl's winds push into the coast upon landfall.
Widespread rainfall amounts of 2 to 6 inches are anticipated across much of the Yucatan Peninsula through Friday, with higher totals possible near the storm's landfall location. Coastal areas from Punta Allen to Puerto Aventuras, including Cozumel, could experience rainfall totals of 6 to 8 inches. Some areas may even see double-digit rainfall totals as Beryl's heaviest rain bands pass through.
The combination of damaging winds, dangerous surf, and flooding rainfall will create hazardous conditions, particularly along the beaches, making it unsafe for anyone to be outdoors on Friday. Tourists and residents alike are urged to take necessary precautions and stay indoors during the storm.