Meteorological Service Bulletin 18, July 3, 2024

Press Release From The Meteorological Service - Bulletin 18, July 3, 2024: 

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The Hurricane Warning remains in effect as Hurricane Beryl moves close to the southern coastline of 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 1:00 p.m. the centre of Hurricane Beryl was located near latitude 17.3degrees
North, longitude 76.9degrees West. This is about 70 km (45 miles) south of Kingston, or 350km (220miles) east-southeast of Negril Point, Jamaica.
                          
Beryl is moving toward the west-northwest near 30 km/h (18mph) and this general motion should continue through today, followed by a turn more toward the west tonight or Thursday. The centre of Hurricane Beryl is expected to continue moving adjacent to the southern coastline of Jamaica this afternoon before moving away from the island during the evening.

Maximum sustained winds have decreased to near 225 km/h (140 mph), with higher gusts; however, Beryl remains a Category 4 hurricane on the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale. Although some weakening is forecast during the next day or two, Beryl is forecast to be at or near major hurricane intensity as it continues its passage near Jamaica today and moves near to 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).

Rainfall associated with the core of the hurricane will continue to spread across
the island for another several hours, and accumulations of 100-200 millimetres
(4-8 inches) are expected today.

Strong winds, reaching near hurricane force, are expected over sections of mainly
southern parishes today as the eye of Beryl move close to the coast. Tropical storm force winds are also likely over other parts of the island.

Dangerous storm surges raising water levels by as much as 2-3 metres (6-9 feet),and battering waves, will continue to affect coastal areas of the island, especially of 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 5:00 p.m. today.