The National Hurricane Center has issued an official forecast indicating that Hurricane Beryl is expected to make landfall in southern Jamaica on Wednesday. The latest projections suggest that Beryl will reach at least Category 3 strength by the time it hits the southern coast of Jamaica, making it a major hurricane.
Major hurricanes are classified as those that reach Category 3 strength or higher, with sustained winds of 111 mph or greater. Beryl, currently a Category 4 hurricane with sustained winds of 155 mph, poses a significant threat as it approaches Jamaica.
The updated track of the hurricane indicates that the eyewall, where the strongest winds are located, is likely to pass over land in Jamaica. This shift in trajectory is expected to intensify the impact felt by residents, with the potential for storm surge levels to rise up to eight feet above normal tide levels on Wednesday.
Several Caribbean islands have already experienced the destructive force of Hurricane Beryl, with reports of fatalities in areas such as Carriacou, Petite Martinique, Grenada, and St. Vincent and the Grenadines. The storm has claimed at least three lives, prompting emergency response efforts in the affected regions.
In response to the looming threat, the White House has expressed readiness to support US territories, particularly Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands. President Joe Biden emphasized the importance of addressing the climate crisis as a contributing factor to the intensification of extreme weather events, including an active hurricane season in 2024.
While concerns about potential disruptions to energy facilities have led to speculation about rising gas prices in the US, Hurricane Beryl is not expected to directly impact oil output or refinery operations in the region. However, traders are monitoring the situation closely, anticipating potential implications for the energy market in the coming days.
