Hurricane Beryl, the earliest storm on record to hit the Caribbean with such strength, has caused devastation in the eastern Caribbean, killing at least seven people and destroying or damaging almost every home on Union Island in the Grenadines. The storm is now heading towards Jamaica with life-threatening winds and a storm surge. Beryl is the first Category 4 storm to form in the Atlantic in June, breaking records for being the earliest to reach this intensity level. Experts attribute the storm’s rapid intensification to unusually warm ocean temperatures, likely caused by climate change.
The National Hurricane Centre has warned Jamaica to prepare for evacuation as the storm is expected to reach the island with strong winds and continue on to Mexico and Belize. The hurricane season in 2024 is predicted to be well above average, with up to 25 named storms and 13 hurricanes, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. This increase in storm activity is believed to be linked to global warming and rising sea temperatures, leading to stronger and more frequent hurricanes. Hurricane Beryl serves as a stark reminder of the potential impact of climate change on extreme weather events, highlighting the need for continued efforts to mitigate its effects.
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