Beryl becomes a “potentially catastrophic” Category 5 hurricane

 

The US National Hurricane Center warned on Monday night that Hurricane Beryl had strengthened as it advanced through the Caribbean, becoming a "potentially catastrophic" Category 5 hurricane.

The center said in a bulletin at 23:00 (03:00 GMT Tuesday) that "Beryl has now become a potentially catastrophic fifth category hurricane," explaining that "a decrease in strength is possible...but it is expected that Beryl will remain close." "From the strength of a major hurricane as it advances through the Caribbean region toward Jamaica."

The center said Beryl is advancing, accompanied by winds that have reached a maximum speed of 160 miles (260 kilometers) per hour.

This makes Beryl the earliest Category 5 hurricane of the Atlantic hurricane season.

According to the center, the island of Carriacou in Grenada received a direct hit from the hurricane's "extremely dangerous eye wall," with sustained winds exceeding 150 miles per hour.

In turn, nearby islands, including St. Vincent and the Grenadines, experienced catastrophic winds and life-threatening storms, according to the National Hurricane Center.