Meteorological Office Bulletin 17

Press Release From The Meteorological Service - Bulletin 17 - 2024/07/03: 

Audio

A Hurricane Warning remains in effect as Hurricane Beryl continues to make its way towards Jamaica with the following dangerous effects of a hurricane: 

Dangerously high water or a combination of dangerously high water and exceptionally high waves, and Average winds of at least 119 km/h (74 mph). 

At 10:00 a.m. the centre of Hurricane Beryl was located near latitude 17.1 degrees North, longitude 76.1 degrees West. This is about 90 km (55 miles) east-southeast of Morant Point, or 125 km (75 miles) east-southeast of Kingston, Jamaica.  

Beryl is moving toward the west-northwest near 30 km/h (18 mph) and this general motion should continue through today, followed by a turn more toward the west tonight or Thursday. 

Maximum sustained winds are near 230 km/h (145 mph), with higher gusts; and, Beryl is a Category 4 hurricane on the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale.  Some weakening is forecast during the next day or two; however, Beryl is forecast to be at or near major hurricane intensity when it passes near Jamaica today and the Cayman Islands tonight or early Thursday. 

Hurricane-force winds extend outward up to 75 km (45 miles) from the centre and tropical-storm-force winds extend outward up to 295 km (185 miles).  

The centre of Hurricane Beryl is expected to continue moving quickly towards the southeastern coast of Jamaica this morning.  The eye is not as clearly defined as before and the system could wobble as it approaches Jamaica. On this forecast track, the centre of the hurricane is expected to be passing near or over the island’s southern coastline, from east to west, between 12 noon and 8:00 p.m. today.   

Rainfall associated with the core of the hurricane will migrate across the island over the next couple of hours. Heavy rainfall and gusty winds have already been affecting sections of eastern St. Thomas. Rainfall totals of 100-200 millimetres (4-8 inches) are forecast for most areas over the period, with higher amounts in higher elevations.   

Strong winds, reaching near tropical storm force, are expected to reach Jamaica by midday.  These will quickly increase to near hurricane strength as the centre of Beryl remains close to the island throughout the day.   

Dangerous storm surges raising water levels by as much as 2-3 metres (6-9 feet), and battering waves, will also be generated along coastal areas of the island.   

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. 

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Sent you videos and pictures capturing hurricane Beryl scenes with text to 876 816-5261.

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