Jamaica, a beautiful island in the Caribbean, has faced its fair share of tropical cyclones over the years. While Hurricane Beryl did not make landfall in Jamaica, the island experienced the wrath of the storm with destructive winds and storm surge.
Direct hits from tropical storms or hurricanes are rare for Jamaica. In the last 40 years, only two hurricanes have made landfall in the country: Sandy in 2012 and Gilbert in 1988.
Hurricane Sandy, a Category 1 storm, struck Jamaica in 2012, causing significant damage. However, it was Hurricane Gilbert in 1988 that left a lasting impact on the island. Gilbert, a Category 4 hurricane with sustained winds of 130 mph, inflicted catastrophic damage, resulting in at least $2 billion in losses and the loss of 45 lives.
Interestingly, the storm name 'Beryl' was also used in the 1988 Atlantic hurricane season. While the 1988 Beryl made landfall in Louisiana, it is a reminder of the potential dangers posed by tropical cyclones.
Although Jamaica has not experienced many direct hits from hurricanes, the island often faces the threat of storms passing nearby. In recent years, several named cyclones have come within 100 miles of Jamaica, bringing strong winds and heavy rainfall.
As Jamaica continues to navigate the challenges posed by tropical cyclones, it remains vigilant and prepared to respond to any future threats that may come its way.
