Beryl moving away from Jamaica

The Met Office is reporting that Hurricane Beryl is about to begin moving away from Jamaica, with the system to past the southwestern coast of the country this evening.

At 7:00 p.m. the centre of Hurricane Beryl was located near latitude 17.5 degrees North and longitude 77.6 degrees West.

This is about 115 km (72 miles) south-southeast of Negril Point.

The country remains under a hurricane warning.

In its latest update, the Met Office says Beryl is moving toward the west-northwest near 31 km/h (20 mph) and this general motion should continue through this evening, followed by a turn more toward the west tonight or Thursday.

Beryl remains a Category 4 hurricane.

Some weakening is forecast during the next day or two and Beryl is forecast to be at or near major hurricane intensity as it moves away from Jamaica today and near the Cayman Islands tonight or early Thursday.

There are confirmed reports of sustained winds reaching tropical storm force over sections of Jamaica, as well as gusts to hurricane force in some areas.

Rainfall associated with Hurricane Beryl will continue across sections of mainly central and western parishes and may be accompanied by strong, gusty winds as the eye moves away from the west coast of the island.

Rising water levels will continue to affect coastal areas of southwestern parishes while Beryl remains in the vicinity.

All small craft operators are urged to remain in port until sea conditions return to normal.

We want to hear from you! Email us at star@gleanerjm.com and follow @thejamaicastar on Instagram and on X @JamaicaStar and on Facebook: @TheJamaicaStar, or on Whatsapp @ 876-550-2506.