Hurricane "Beryl" gains strength again as it heads for Mexico
"Beryl" was only 140 kilometers away from Yucatan early on Friday morning (local time). In Cancún and Tulum, storm surges, strong winds, and destructive waves were expected to hit soon, warned the NHC.
In Tulum, where the storm center was supposed to make landfall according to predictions, hotels directly on the beaches were evacuated. Many tourists tried to leave the danger zone with buses. "We're going to Cancún," said British tourist Lili. "We want to be as close to the airport as possible."
Other tourists enjoyed a sunny day at the beach. "Our flight was canceled and we had to pay for two extra nights in the hotel," said Mexican woman Virginia Rebollar. "We're a bit scared, but we're sure that the people here are prepared and know what to do." At Cancún airport, the second largest in Mexico, around 100 flights were canceled. Tulum airport had already stopped operations on Thursday.
Mexico's army reportedly sent around 8000 soldiers to Tulum. They are supposed to distribute food and 34,000 liters of drinking water to the population in case of an emergency. In Cancún, many people had already emptied the supermarkets in the past few days. Hotels boarded up their windows in advance. Schools were closed and emergency shelters were set up, where tourists could also stay.
According to government reports, "Beryl" will hit Mexico twice on land, first with hurricane strength on the Yucatan Peninsula and then on the northwest coast of Mexico, after crossing the Gulf of Mexico. Preparations are also underway in the neighboring state of Tamaulipas, President Andrés Manuel Lopez Obrador announced.
"Beryl" caused severe damage in several countries in the Caribbean with its devastating path. At least seven people have died in Grenada, Venezuela, and the island state of St. Vincent and the Grenadines since Monday. The latest, "Beryl" caused storm surges and mudslides on the Cayman Islands.
"Beryl" was the first hurricane since records began to reach hurricane strength 4 at the beginning of the Atlantic hurricane season in June. Moreover, no storm has ever reached the highest hurricane category 5 so early in the year.
Crucial for the formation of hurricanes is the ocean surface temperature. According to the US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), the water temperature in the North Atlantic is currently between one and three degrees Celsius warmer than normal. The NOAA expects an "exceptional" hurricane season this year with up to seven storms of category 3 or higher.
- Despite the ongoing threat from "Beryl," some tourists in Cancún were still basking in the sun, as their flights had been canceled and they had to extend their stays.
- The USA issued travel advisories for tourists planning to visit Tulum, urging them to consider rescheduling their trips due to the impending storm.
- The Mexican government is closely monitoring "Beryl" as it approaches the Yucatan Peninsula, as the strength of the hurricane is predicted to be significant, with high wind speeds.
- Great Britain is among the countries that have advised their citizens to avoid non-essential travel to the Yucatan Peninsula and Cancún, due to the potential danger posed by "Beryl."
- In light of the approaching hurricane, tour operators in Tulum are offering alternative itineraries, such as visits to inland Mayan ruins, to those who still wish to explore Mexico while avoiding the beach.
- After causing destruction in the Caribbean, "Beryl" is now moving towards the Gulf of Mexico with Hurricane strength, potentially posing a significant threat to Mexico's northwest coast.
