As of the latest update from the National Hurricane Center at 5:00 a.m. ET, Category 3 Hurricane Beryl has slightly weakened, with winds now at 120 mph. The Cayman Islands are currently experiencing deteriorating weather conditions, including strong winds, dangerous storm surge, and damaging waves. Tropical storm conditions are already present, with hurricane conditions expected to follow shortly.
Residents of the Cayman Islands should be prepared for storm surge that could elevate water levels by 2 to 4 feet above normal tide levels, along with expected rainfall totals of 4 to 6 inches, potentially leading to flooding.
Meanwhile, Jamaica has lifted its hurricane warning as Beryl moves away from the island, with the southern coast experiencing the strongest impact of the storm.
Looking ahead, Beryl is forecasted to reach the Yucatan Peninsula by early Friday as a hurricane, then transition into a tropical storm as it enters the southern Gulf of Mexico by early Saturday. The storm is expected to gain some strength over the warm Gulf waters and is likely to make another landfall on the coast of Mexico or Texas early next week.
Tropical storm conditions are anticipated to reach the Yucatan Peninsula later today, intensifying to hurricane-force winds by early Friday. Beryl is projected to bring storm surge of 4 to 6 feet and rainfall amounts ranging from 4 to 6 inches, with localized areas potentially receiving up to 10 inches of rain.
Currently, a hurricane warning is in effect for Grand Cayman, Little Cayman, and Cayman Brac, as well as the coast of the Yucatan Peninsula of Mexico from Puerto Costa Maya to Cancun, including Cozumel. Additionally, a tropical storm warning has been issued for the Yucatan Peninsula coast south of Puerto Costa Maya to Chetumal, and from north of Cancun to Campeche.
