NASSAU, BAHAMAS — Hurricane Beryl has dramatically strengthened in record-breaking fashion, becoming a monster Category 5 storm as it barrels westward through the southern Caribbean.
Beryl, just the second-named storm of the 2024 Atlantic hurricane season, shattered the previous record for the earliest Category 5 storm to form in the Atlantic in recorded history.
The previous record was set by Hurricane Emily, which reached Category 5 status on July 17, 2005.
One person has been confirmed dead in St. Vincent and the Grenadines.
“There may well be more fatalities; we are not yet sure,” announced Prime Minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalves on Monday night in an address to the nation.
Early reports from countries such as Grenada and St Lucia have already revealed evidence of catastrophic damage. The hurricane had 150 mph winds when its eye made landfall on Carriacou, Grenada.
Officials expect the storm to weaken as it travels toward Jamaica, though Beryl’s rapid intensification has been a sober reminder of how unpredictable storms can be.
Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness posted on the platform “X,” formerly known as Twitter: “It is better to be safe than sorry; please prepare for Hurricane Beryl. I encourage all citizens to assess the threat to your environment and decide if you need to evacuate.
