From National Hurricane Center:
July 2, 2024 update – Hurricane Beryl has upgraded to a Category 5 hurricane. As it continues its Westward path, there is still no impact to Polk County.
8 am update (July 2, 2024) – …BERYL EXPECTED TO BRING LIFE-THREATENING WINDS AND STORM SURGE TO JAMAICA ON WEDNESDAY… …HURRICANE HUNTER AIRCRAFT REPORT LITTLE CHANGE IN STRENGTH OVER THE PAST FEW HOURS…
Maximum sustained winds 165 mph.
Moving WNW at 22 mph.
Beryl has made landfall on some of the Caribbean islands and the aftermath is devastating. Please keep these islands in your thoughts and prayers.
The following image is an enhanced satellite photo from the National Weather Service and they stated that “Hurricane Beryl became the earliest Atlantic Category 5 on record overnight following a historic Windward Islands landfall earlier Monday.”
National Hurricane Center added, ”Beryl is forecast to remain a powerful hurricane as it moves across the Caribbean Sea later this week. A Hurricane Warning is in effect for Jamaica, where hurricane conditions are expected on Wednesday. A
Tropical Storm Warning is also in effect for the south coast of Hispaniola, and a Hurricane Watch is now in effect for all of the Cayman Islands.
Heavy rainfall and flash flooding are
likely over much of Jamaica on Wednesday.
Interests in Belize, the Yucatan Peninsula, Cuba, and the southwestern Gulf of Mexico should monitor the progress of Beryl. Additional watches and warnings will likely be required later today or Wednesday.”
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Previous report:
As of 11:35 am on June 30, 2024 Hurricane Beryl is now a Category 4 Hurricane.
Maximum sustained winds 130 mph.
Moving W at 21 mph.
The Westward path means no impact to Polk County, but it is predicted to be a busy hurricane season, so start preparing now for future impacts/storms if you haven’t already.
Below is some information on hurricanes and what the different categories entail.
Breakdown from the National Hurricane Center:
Category 1
74-95 mph
Very dangerous winds will produce some damage: Well-constructed frame homes could have damage to roof, shingles, vinyl siding and gutters. Large branches of trees will snap and shallowly rooted trees may be toppled. Extensive damage to power lines and poles likely will result in power outages that could last a few to several days.
Category 2
96-110 mph
Extremely dangerous winds will cause extensive damage: Well-constructed frame homes could sustain major roof and siding damage. Many shallowly rooted trees will be snapped or uprooted and block numerous roads. Near-total power loss is expected with outages that could last from several days to weeks.
Category 3
(major)
111-129 mph
Devastating damage will occur: Well-built framed homes may incur major damage or removal of roof decking and gable ends. Many trees will be snapped or uprooted, blocking numerous roads. Electricity and water will be unavailable for several days to weeks after the storm passes.
Category 4
(major)
130-156 mph
Catastrophic damage will occur: Well-built framed homes can sustain severe damage with loss of most of the roof structure and/or some exterior walls. Most trees will be snapped or uprooted and power poles downed. Fallen trees and power poles will isolate residential areas. Power outages will last weeks to possibly months. Most of the area will be uninhabitable for weeks or months.
Category 5
(major)
157 mph or higher
Catastrophic damage will occur: A high percentage of framed homes will be destroyed, with total roof failure and wall collapse. Fallen trees and power poles will isolate residential areas. Power outages will last for weeks to possibly months. Most of the area will be uninhabitable for weeks or months.
