Introduction
In late June, the Atlantic Ocean gave rise to a powerful and unprecedented storm named Beryl (Hurricane Beryl).
This hurricane shattered multiple records and left a path of destruction and tragedy across several countries, from the Caribbean to the United States. Over two weeks, Beryl grew from a tropical depression into a record-breaking Category 5 hurricane, causing catastrophic damage and loss of life.
Formation and Rapid Intensification
Beryl began as a tropical depression, quickly evolving into a tropical storm with 40 mph winds. On June 29, it was officially named Beryl and rapidly intensified into a Category 1 hurricane. The storm’s strength escalated with alarming speed, reaching Category 3 status by June 30, with winds of 115 mph. Beryl continued to strengthen, becoming the earliest Category 4 hurricane on record in the Atlantic, boasting winds of 130 mph.
Destruction in the Caribbean
After an eyewall replacement cycle, Beryl passed between Barbados and Tobago before making landfall on July 1 over Carriacou, part of Grenada, with 150 mph winds. This made Beryl the most powerful Category 4 hurricane by wind speed to ever hit the area. The storm caused significant devastation, killing at least three people in Grenada and another three in St. Vincent and the Grenadines.
Peak Intensity and Jamaica Impact
On July 2, Beryl reached its peak intensity as a Category 5 hurricane with winds of 165 mph. This placed Beryl at the highest classification on the Saffir-Simpson scale. The storm brushed Jamaica on July 3, bringing severe rain and damaging winds. Norman Manley International Airport in Kingston recorded wind gusts of 81 mph, damaging infrastructure and marking the strongest hurricane to hit Jamaica since Hurricane Dean in 2007.
Further Path of Destruction
Beryl’s destructive path continued as it approached Grand Cayman Island on July 4, with winds gusting up to 54 mph. Despite weakening to a Category 2 storm, Beryl regained strength due to favorable conditions and struck near Tulum, Mexico, on July 5 with 110 mph winds. The storm’s strength waned as it entered the Gulf of Mexico, but it re-intensified before making its final landfall in Texas as a Category 1 hurricane with 80 mph sustained winds.
Impact on the United States
Texas bore the brunt of Beryl’s final fury, with winds exceeding 90 mph along the coast and causing widespread power outages affecting over 2.7 million people. Houston experienced significant wind damage, with gusts reaching up to 84 mph. The storm unleashed torrential rain, leading to severe flash flooding in southeast Texas. Houston metro areas recorded nearly 15 inches of rain, resulting in extensive flood damage.
Tornadoes and Inland Flooding
As Beryl moved inland, it transformed into a storm system that impacted a vast area of the U.S. The threat of tornadoes loomed over regions from Louisville to Cincinnati, prompting over 200 tornado warnings. Heavy rains and flash flooding affected states from Arkansas to Vermont, with up to six inches of rain falling in parts of New York, Vermont, New Hampshire, and Maine. These areas faced severe flooding just one year after the devastating floods in Montpelier-Barre, Vermont.
Conclusion
The full recovery from Beryl’s widespread devastation will take considerable time and effort. The storm’s impact on the Caribbean, Mexico, and the United States was profound, with a death toll surpassing 20 by July 12. Beryl’s unprecedented intensity and destructive power have left an indelible mark on the regions it ravaged, highlighting the need for preparedness and resilience in the face of increasingly severe weather events.
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