Meteorological Service Bulletin 10
A Hurricane Warning remains in effect for Jamaica as Hurricane Beryl continues to threaten the island with devastating impacts. The following dangerous effects of a hurricane are expected to affect Jamaica in 36 hours or less:
- Dangerously high water or a combination of dangerously high water and exceptionally high waves, even though winds expected may be less than hurricane force, and
- Average winds of at least 119 km/h (74 mph).
At 10:00 a.m. the eye of Hurricane Beryl was located near latitude 15.3 degrees North, longitude 68.9 degrees West. This is about 375 km (235 miles) southeast of Isla Beata, Dominican Republic, or 895 km (555 miles) east-southeast of Kingston, Jamaica.
Beryl is moving toward the west-northwest near 35 km/h (22 mph) and is forecast to continue moving rapidly west-northwestward during the next couple of days and turn westward by Thursday.
Maximum sustained winds remain near 260 km/h (160 mph), with higher gusts. Beryl is a Category 5 hurricane on the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale. Weakening should begin later today, but Beryl is still expected to be near major hurricane intensity as it moves into the central Caribbean and passes
near Jamaica on Wednesday and the Cayman Islands on Thursday. Additional weakening is expected thereafter, although Beryl is forecast to remain a hurricane in the northwestern Caribbean.
Hurricane-force winds extend outward up to 65 km (40 miles) from the centre and tropical-storm-force winds extend outward up to 205 km (125 miles).
Based on the current official forecast track, the eye of Hurricane Beryl is expected to be south of Hispaniola on Tuesday afternoon and evening before it moves just southeast of Jamaica on Wednesday morning and then follows a path over or along the coastline throughout the rest of the day. As the centre of Beryl moves closer to the island, expect heavy rainfall to begin affecting the island early on
Wednesday. This would later be accompanied by possible hurricane force winds across the island, and dangerous storm surges, and battering waves along coastal areas of mainly southern parishes.
The Meteorological Service continues to monitor the progress of Hurricane Beryl and all interests are encouraged to pay special attention to further Releases.
The next Bulletin on this system will be issued at 2:00 p.m. today.
TAJ
Tax Administration Jamaica (TAJ) will discontinue the Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT) service effective Friday, July 5, 2024, via its online payment platform at jamaicatax.gov.jm.
This means, that as of July 5, taxpayers will no longer have the option to electronically transfer funds directly from their bank account into the TAJ’s account via its website.
Taxpayers impacted by the change, may avail themselves of the suite of alternative payments options, when conducting business with the Tax Authority. These are:
- Scotia Online and Mobile App for Scotiabank clientele, who are able to add TAJ as a Payee using their banking platform.
- Direct Funds Transfer from a local (Jamaican) bank account to Tax Administration Jamaica’s bank account for payment for business related taxes, such as Income Tax, Payroll Deductions, Stamp Duty and Transfer Tax. Persons making payments using this method must follow the instructions for using the Direct Funds Transfer service at www.jamaicatax.gov.jm.
- Using either a MasterCard or Visa credit card or banking card with credit card features to pay via the TAJ website at www.jamaicatax.gov.jm.
Prime Minister Holness
Prime Minister Holness Urges Citizens to take Hurricane Beryl Seriously
"I am encouraging all Jamaicans to take the hurricane as a serious threat. It is, however, not a time for panic. It is a time for us to be very strategic and calculated in our approach."-Prime Minister Holness
Prime Minister Andrew Holness has called on all Jamaicans to take Hurricane Beryl seriously and to make thorough preparations in the time available. Prime Minister Holness emphasized that this is not a time for panic but a time for measured and thoughtful action to ensure everyone's safety.
"I am encouraging all Jamaicans to take the hurricane as a serious threat. It is, however, not a time for panic. It is a time for us to be very strategic and calculated in our approach," Prime Minister Holness stated.
The Prime Minister underscored the importance of using the available time wisely for preparation, during which conditions could rapidly change. "We have a few hours in which to prepare. Within that few hours, a lot could change. But we are taking this precautionary stance now because it is easier to be prepared when you're standing on your two feet than when you are in the midst of a hurricane.”
Reassuring the public, Prime Minister Holness says the government will take a measured and intentional approach, to ensure the safety and readiness of all citizens. "We are being very strategic in our response, and we want to convey that to the general public. You have enough time and enough notice to take the necessary precautions."
The Prime Minister is urging the public to stay informed through official channels, follow safety advisories, and take all necessary steps to protect themselves and their properties. Citizens should secure their homes, stock up on essential supplies, and stay tuned to official local news for updates and instructions from authorities.
Office of The Prime Minister
Major Government Agencies Report Preparedness for Hurricane Beryl
“We will be with you, the citizens of Jamaica, during this period, and we will weather the storm together.” - Kevin Kerr Acting President, NWC.
As Jamaica braces for the impact of the powerful Hurricane Beryl, both the National Works Agency (NWA) and the National Water Commission (NWC) have detailed their comprehensive preparedness plans to ensure their systems deliver service to the nation throughout the storm.
The heads of both Agencies were speaking during a press conference hosted by Prime Minister Andrew Holness to update the nation about the preparedness of the island’s disaster management agencies and emergency services ahead of the impact of Hurricane Beryl.
Both the NWA and NWC have given their commitment to ensuring the safety and resilience of Jamaica during the Hurricane period.
The National Water Commission will immediately lift all water restrictions islandwide to ensure customers stock up and prepare for the weather event.
Acting NWC President Kevin Kerr said critical facilities, especially hospitals, have standby capacity to maintain water supply. The Commission will also fill all storage tanks and gasoline storage to keep water trucks operational.
"We have also ensured that all pumping stations that were out of operations are put back in service to ensure business continuity and service reliability during the period. We at the NWC, we will be with you, the citizens of Jamaica, during this period, and we will weather the storm together," Kerr concluded.
The NWC acting head said the Commission will ensure the continuity of water services during the hurricane. "We have activated our In-house Committee for Preparedness, for which I am the chairman. We are to update our contact listing and share with ODPEM and municipal corporations,” said Kerr. The NWC has reinforced its disaster plan, procured additional emergency supplies, and ensured the availability of essential chemicals needed during the event. The NWC has also activated parish teams and coordinated with local municipalities, as well as the relevant disaster preparedness apparatus in each of the respective parishes.
In the meantime, the NWA has committed to ensure the major roadways are accessible and protocols are in place to mitigate road blockages following Hurricane Beryl.
Chief Executice Officer of the NWA E.G. Hunter emphasized the Agency’s critical role in maintaining the island's road network. To reduce the impact of the hurricane on construction sites, the NWA has phased their operations and secured vulnerable areas, particularly along the South Coast Highway Improvement Projects. "Areas such as Harbour View to Yallahs Bridge, Stellar Road, Shooters Hill, Rest Haven, Open Sea Close, Morales Drive, Peasant Drive, and Camrose Drive are particularly vulnerable, and we have taken special steps to secure the site in these locations," Hunter noted.
The Agency will continue its focus on drain cleaning.
"In addition to the constituency-based drainage cleaning exercise, we've also added a couple other areas based on our analysis: Wickie Wackie in St. Andrew, the Sandy Gully, and the two bridges on the Sandy Gully in the vicinity of the Washington Boulevard and on Spanish Town Road," Hunter stated.
Hunter also acknowledged the challenges posed by the existing drainage capacity but assured that precautionary measures are in place. "We are realistic. The intensity of the rains that are anticipated will overwhelm the existing capacity of the drains in those areas. So some flooding will be expected, and we advise the public to adhere to the warnings being given by the various agencies," he added.
Office of The Prime Minister
Major Government Agencies Report Preparedness for Hurricane Beryl
“We will be with you, the citizens of Jamaica, during this period, and we will weather the storm together.” - Kevin Kerr Acting President, NWC.
As Jamaica braces for the impact of the powerful Hurricane Beryl, both the National Works Agency (NWA) and the National Water Commission (NWC) have detailed their comprehensive preparedness plans to ensure their systems deliver service to the nation throughout the storm.
The heads of both Agencies were speaking during a press conference hosted by Prime Minister Andrew Holness to update the nation about the preparedness of the island’s disaster management agencies and emergency services ahead of the impact of Hurricane Beryl.
Both the NWA and NWC have given their commitment to ensuring the safety and resilience of Jamaica during the Hurricane period.
The National Water Commission will immediately lift all water restrictions islandwide to ensure customers stock up and prepare for the weather event.
Acting NWC President Kevin Kerr said critical facilities, especially hospitals, have standby capacity to maintain water supply. The Commission will also fill all storage tanks and gasoline storage to keep water trucks operational.
"We have also ensured that all pumping stations that were out of operations are put back in service to ensure business continuity and service reliability during the period. We at the NWC, we will be with you, the citizens of Jamaica, during this period, and we will weather the storm together," Kerr concluded.
The NWC acting head said the Commission will ensure the continuity of water services during the hurricane. "We have activated our In-house Committee for Preparedness, for which I am the chairman. We are to update our contact listing and share with ODPEM and municipal corporations,” said Kerr. The NWC has reinforced its disaster plan, procured additional emergency supplies, and ensured the availability of essential chemicals needed during the event. The NWC has also activated parish teams and coordinated with local municipalities, as well as the relevant disaster preparedness apparatus in each of the respective parishes.
In the meantime, the NWA has committed to ensure the major roadways are accessible and protocols are in place to mitigate road blockages following Hurricane Beryl.
Chief Executice Officer of the NWA E.G. Hunter emphasized the Agency’s critical role in maintaining the island's road network. To reduce the impact of the hurricane on construction sites, the NWA has phased their operations and secured vulnerable areas, particularly along the South Coast Highway Improvement Projects. "Areas such as Harbour View to Yallahs Bridge, Stellar Road, Shooters Hill, Rest Haven, Open Sea Close, Morales Drive, Peasant Drive, and Camrose Drive are particularly vulnerable, and we have taken special steps to secure the site in these locations," Hunter noted.
The Agency will continue its focus on drain cleaning.
"In addition to the constituency-based drainage cleaning exercise, we've also added a couple other areas based on our analysis: Wickie Wackie in St. Andrew, the Sandy Gully, and the two bridges on the Sandy Gully in the vicinity of the Washington Boulevard and on Spanish Town Road," Hunter stated.
Hunter also acknowledged the challenges posed by the existing drainage capacity but assured that precautionary measures are in place. "We are realistic. The intensity of the rains that are anticipated will overwhelm the existing capacity of the drains in those areas. So some flooding will be expected, and we advise the public to adhere to the warnings being given by the various agencies," he added.
Ministry of Education
The Ministry
of Justice (MoJ) would like to advise all Jamaicans that due to the expected
landfall of hurricane Beryl, all our offices to include; our Head Office, Victim Services and
Restorative Justice Offices and all Justice Centres across the island will
close today, Tuesday, July 2, 2024 at 12
noon.
We wish for
all Jamaicans, to stay safe at this time. As soon as it is safe for our staff,
our offices will reopen for regular services.
Ministry of Culture,Gender, Entertainment and Sport
Kingston, 2 July 2024 – Due to the impending hurricane, the Ministry of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport has cancelled the tributes marking the birth of the National Hero, the Right Excellent Norman Manley, which were to take place on Thursday, July 4, 2024 at the National Heroes Park and at Roxborough, Manchester.
The Ministry has also postponed the following Jamaica Festival Song Road Shows:
July 4 Ocho Rios and St Ann’s Bay
July 5 May Pen, Mandeville and Santa Cruz
July 6 Savanna-la-mar, Montego Bay and Falmouth
New dates will be announced.
The Ministry encourages everyone to take the threat of the hurricane seriously and prioritise their safety and well-being.
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