Jamaica’s chief meteorologist, Evan Thompson, says the rapid intensification of Hurricane Beryl, which strengthened from a tropical depression to a major hurricane in a matter of 42 hours, is unprecedented at this early stage of the hurricane season.
The season runs from June 1 to November 30.
Beryl is the second named storm of the 2024 Atlantic Hurricane season.
It reached Category 4 on Sunday afternoon, becoming the earliest Category 4 Atlantic hurricane on record.
Speaking with Desmond McKenzie on the Mayor’s Parlour on Nationwide on Sunday, Evan Thompson said Beryl is moving unusually fast while also gaining strength.
Thompson said prior to Beryl, Hurricane Dennis held the record of being the earliest Atlantic storm to become a Category 4, which it did on July 8, 2005.
Thompson says the fast rate of strengthening was due to elevated sea temperatures and the La Nina phenomenon which produces more rainfall.
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration predicts the 2024 hurricane season will likely be well above average, with between 17 and 25 named storms.
According to the forecast, the season will see as many as 13 hurricanes, four of which could be major.
Meanwhile, the Mr. Thompson says even if Jamaica is spared the brunt of Hurricane Beryl’s onslaught, the country should expect heavy rainfall and flooding.
While not forecasting a direct hit, Mr. Thompson says Jamaicans may start feeling the effects of Beryl by Wednesday.
Evan Thompson, head of the Met Service.
And the Met Service has issued a public advisory for fisher folk in anticipation of deteriorating weather conditions associated with Hurricane Beryl.
In a post on X on Sunday evening, the service said fishers on the cays and banks are to evacuate immediately and return to the mainland.
The Met Service says small craft operators are advised to return to port, and those who are in port should stay put.
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