US Embassy in Jamaica issues warning and travel advice due to Hurricane Beryl

The US Department of State has one weather warning for Jamaica and the Cayman Islands on the potential threats that Hurricane Beryl will bring to the islands starting Wednesday.

Hurricane Beryl began barreling toward Jamaica on Tuesday evening, with weather experts warning of potentially deadly winds and storm surge.

To date, the hurricane has killed seven people, while others have gone missing.

It has caused widespread destruction in Grenada and some other areas in the southeastern Caribbean.

“The National Hurricane Center (NHC) predicts that the hurricane [will] reach the coast of Jamaica within the warning area on Wednesday morning. Winds are expected to reach tropical storm strength early Wednesday and become stronger throughout the day. make external preparations difficult or dangerous,” reads the advice.

If you are visiting or living on one of these islands, there are some actions you should take right away.

First and foremost, look for a shelter that can withstand hurricane winds. Contrary to what you may think, you may not seek shelter at the U.S. embassy or consular agencyas they will operate at a very limited capacity, authorities said.

“You want to be in a safe place where you can weather the storm by nightfall (Tuesday). Be prepared to remain at that location through Wednesday,” Prime Minister Andrew Holness said on Tuesday.

Have both your ID and travel documents ready and, if you have time, prepare an emergency kit with plenty of water, food, a flashlight and a phone with chargers and a spare battery. Find other recommended articles at www.ready.gov.

Last but not least, don’t forget to inform your family and friends in the US about your whereabouts.

Do not take these official recommendations lightly.

This hurricane has already caused devastation across Grenada, with 98% of the island’s buildings damaged or completely destroyed in one day.

The destruction is “unimaginable.” “We will have to rebuild from the ground up” Grenada Prime Minister Dickon Mitchell said yesterday.

After passing Jamaica, the hurricane will head towards the Cayman Islands on Thursday.

Arrival is expected on Friday in Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula, including Cancun.