Texas braces for storm - "Beryl" continues towards the US coast and northern Mexico
Tropical Storm "Beryl" is steering towards the US Gulf Coast and North Mexico. After causing devastating damage as a major hurricane in the Caribbean with winds up to 175 kilometers per hour, it is now moving northwest over the Gulf of Mexico. According to the US Hurricane Center, "Beryl" is predicted to regain hurricane strength shortly before reaching the US-Mexico border, possibly by Sunday.
The US state of Texas is reportedly at risk for dangerous wind damage and storm surges. Texas authorities are urging coastal residents to prepare for the storm. Currently, "Beryl" is still hundreds of kilometers away from the threatened areas along the US-Mexico border.
In Mexico, "Beryl" made landfall as a Hurricane Category 2 storm near the resort town of Tulum on the Yucatan Peninsula on Friday, with sustained winds of up to 175 kilometers per hour. The strong winds caused extensive damage: trees and road signs fell, and power outages were reported in many parts of the popular vacation region. However, the destruction was less severe than anticipated. No fatalities were reported initially.
Devastation on several Caribbean islands
Before reaching Mexico, "Beryl" caused destruction on several Caribbean islands, leaving a trail of devastation in its wake. At least eleven people have died, and the UN Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Events Department (OCHA) in Geneva reported that more than 90% of houses on some Caribbean islands were damaged or destroyed. At one point, "Beryl" was a Category 5 hurricane with winds of around 270 kilometers per hour.
According to JPS, more than half of the households in Jamaica are still without electricity. OCHA reports that 40,000 people in St. Vincent and the Grenadines, 100,000 in Grenada, and 120,000 in Jamaica have been affected by the storm.
Never before in the Atlantic hurricane season has such a powerful storm been recorded so early. The season begins in June and lasts for half a year. Warmer sea water due to climate change increases the likelihood of strong tropical storms.
- Following its devastation in the Caribbean, Tropical Storm "Beryl" is now aiming towards the USA's Gulf Coast and Northern Mexico.
- The storm, which previously reached hurricane strength with winds up to 175 km/h in the Caribbean, is expected to regain power before hitting the US-Mexico border, potentially by Sunday.
- Texas, specifically its coastal regions, is at risk of experiencing dangerous wind damage and storm surges due to "Beryl."
- Although currently still far from the threatened areas, "Beryl" has already caused significant damage in Mexico, making landfall as a Category 2 hurricane near Tulum with winds of 175 km/h.
- The hurricane-force winds in Mexico resulted in extensive damage, with fallen trees and road signs, power outages, and substantial destruction in popular vacation areas.
- Prior to reaching Mexico, "Beryl" had left a path of destruction on several Caribbean islands, causing at least eleven fatalities and extensive damages, with over 90% of houses on some islands being damaged or destroyed.
- Beyond Mexico, the storm's impact extended to countries like Jamaica, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, and Grenada, affecting more than 270,000 people, according to OCHA reports.
- The early emergence of such a powerful storm in the Atlantic hurricane season, which runs from June to November, underscores growing concerns about climate change and its impact on weather patterns, resulting in the increased likelihood of strong tropical storms.
