The NBC2 First Alert Hurricane Tracking team is tracking Hurricane Beryl as it races across the Caribbean Sea at 20 mph. Beryl is still a major Category 4 storm with winds sustained at 145 mph.
The storm will bring devastating hurricane-force winds and life-threatening storm surge to Jamaica and the Cayman Islands today. Because this is such a fast-moving storm, rainfall totals won't be the main threat, with 4 to 6 inches expected across Jamaica and isolated pockets up to 8 inches.
An increase in wind shear will slightly weaken Beryl as it works toward the Yucatan Peninsula on Friday, however, the storm will still produce dangerous storm surges and winds. Once Beryl works into the Gulf this weekend, the storm is expected to strengthen once again and is now projected to return to hurricane strength.
It is too soon to determine where Beryl will strike in the long-range as there is higher uncertainty on the influence of high pressure but those in Mexico and Texas will need to watch the track closely. A stronger storm would track farther north, whereas a weaker storm would track farther south.
A strong bubble of high pressure over the southern U.S. will keep the storm moving west through the Caribbean, preventing the storm from turning north toward Florida and the southeast.
It is extremely rare to see a major hurricane develop this far east in the Atlantic Basin this early in the season. Beryl broke the record for the easternmost hurricane development during June in the Atlantic. Typically, development in the early months of hurricane season is weaker and closer to home.
The average first hurricane of the Atlantic season is Aug. 11, so we are already running far ahead of schedule. The statistical peak of hurricane season is Sept. 10.
Stay prepared throughout hurricane season by checking in on your hurricane plans and frequently checking the forecast. Count on the NBC 2 Hurricane Tracking Team to keep you informed.
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