“Hurricane Beryl Makes Landfall on Mexico’s Yucatán Peninsula as Category 2 Storm”
Hurricane Beryl Makes Landfall on Mexico’s Yucatán Peninsula as Strong Category 2 Storm
Hurricane Beryl has made landfall on Mexico’s Yucatán Peninsula as a strong Category 2 storm early Friday, with damaging winds, a storm surge of up to six feet, and life-threatening surf and rip currents expected. The Yucatán Civil Protection Department confirmed that the storm touched down north of Tulum with winds of 108 mph and gusts of 136 mph.
Although Beryl is not expected to stay over land for long, it is set to emerge over the Gulf of Mexico later on Friday, potentially gathering strength on its path towards the Gulf coast of Mexico and possibly southern Texas. The storm’s northern projected routes increase the likelihood of a landfall in Texas.
The National Hurricane Center had earlier downgraded Beryl from a Category 3 to a strong Category 2 storm, but reiterated the serious and widespread risk it still poses. The hurricane has already been linked to nine deaths in Venezuela, Jamaica, Grenada, and St. Vincent and the Grenadines, causing severe damage to homes in those regions.
As of the latest update, Beryl was 77 miles west of the Yucatán Peninsular, with the region under a hurricane warning and expecting up to 10 inches of rain, leading to possible flash flooding. Mexican President Andrés Manuel López Obrador urged residents to seek higher ground or take shelter as the storm heads towards Tulum.
The forecast predicts that Beryl will weaken after landfall, moving into the Gulf of Mexico on Friday night before potentially regaining strength and heading towards northeastern Mexico or southern Texas by the end of the weekend. The National Hurricane Center warns of increasing risks of strong winds, storm surge, and heavy rainfall in those areas.
Scientists note that Beryl’s formation and strength break records, with rapid intensification becoming more common due to climate change raising sea surface temperatures. American tourists in the region are preparing for the storm, with flights canceled and residents taking precautions to stay safe.
Despite the challenges posed by Hurricane Beryl, residents and tourists alike are hunkering down and hoping for the best outcome as the storm passes overhead. The Mexican government has implemented safety measures, including halting alcohol service in some resorts.
As the situation continues to develop, officials and individuals are urged to stay vigilant and prioritize safety in the face of this powerful storm.