According to federal forecasters, the hurricane is currently a Category 4 with 145 mph winds. Hurricane Beryl has weakened slightly to a Category 4 system and is forecasted to hit Jamaica later today. The National Hurricane Center (NHC) predicts that the remains of the storm will impact Texas next week. The NHC’s latest update mentions that tropical storm conditions are spreading across Jamaica, with hurricane conditions expected within the next few hours. Beryl’s center is projected to track slightly to the south of Jamaica.
Over the next day or two, Beryl is expected to weaken but will remain at major hurricane intensity as it approaches Jamaica. Currently, the storm is classified as Category 4 with 145 mph winds. The NHC states that the center of Beryl will pass near or over Jamaica in the coming hours. Following this, the eye of the storm will hit the nearby Cayman Islands on Wednesday night and into Thursday morning.
A hurricane warning is in effect for Jamaica, Grand Cayman, Little Cayman, and Cayman Brac. Jamaica has been declared a disaster zone, and a state of emergency has been implemented. Prime Minister Andrew Holness has announced a seven-day disaster zone declaration and an island-wide curfew from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Wednesday.
Evacuation orders have been issued for flood-prone areas in Jamaica, and security forces are mobilized to maintain public order and assist with disaster relief. The NHC warns of storm surge and heavy rainfall in Jamaica, which could lead to life-threatening flash flooding and mudslides.
Before weakening, Beryl reached Category 5 strength with 160 mph winds on Tuesday. The storm is expected to weaken to a tropical storm as it crosses the Yucatan Peninsula and reemerge over the weekend in the Gulf of Mexico. Beryl is then forecasted to hit Mexican territory and potentially impact parts of southern Texas.
The U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration predicted above-normal hurricane activity in the Atlantic this year. The Associated Press contributed to this report. Please provide an alternative version of the text.
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