Jamaica Braces for Hurricane Beryl

Category 4 Storm Expected to Pass South of Cayman Islands

KINGSTON, Jamaica (AP) — Hurricane Beryl was roaring toward Jamaica on Wednesday with islanders bracing for flooding rains, damaging winds and possible landslides. The storm was expected to pass south of the Cayman Islands, according to the National Hurricane Center. As of 6:52 a.m. PDT on July 3, 2024, Beryl was located southwest of Jamaica, moving northwest at 14 mph. Maximum sustained winds were 130 mph.

Hurricane Season in Jamaica

Hurricane season in Jamaica runs from the beginning of June until the end of November. However, the peak of the season is from August to October, when most storms form and intensify. Jamaica is located in the Caribbean Sea, which is home to some of the most active hurricane-forming regions in the world. As a result, the island is at risk of being hit by hurricanes every year.

The most recent hurricane to make landfall in Jamaica was Hurricane Matthew in 2016. Matthew caused widespread damage and flooding, and killed at least four people. Other recent hurricanes to impact Jamaica include Hurricane Ivan in 2004, Hurricane Dean in 2007, and Hurricane Wilma in 2005.