Hurricane Beryl Tears into Mexico’s Yucatan as a Category 2 Storm
Hurricane Beryl slammed into Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula on Friday, unleashing fierce winds and heavy rain in the popular tourist hotspot. The storm had previously reached record-breaking strength for this early in the season, leaving devastation across the Caribbean.
Red Alert Issued as Beryl Bears Down
Mexico’s civil protection agency raised a red alert, its highest warning, urging locals to stay indoors or find shelter. Authorities warned of widespread power outages, flooding, and dangerous storm surges, especially near coastal areas like Tulum where winds hit 160 km/h (100 mph).
Caribbean Hit Hard Before Mexico Landfall
- Beryl ripped through the Caribbean first, tragically causing at least 11 deaths across Jamaica, Grenada, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, and northern Venezuela.
- The hurricane made history as the earliest recorded Category 5 Atlantic hurricane, smashing records just weeks into the official June 1 season start.
- Experts link Beryl’s unprecedented strength to climate change driving fiercer, longer hurricane seasons.
Emergency Services Brace for Impact
With Beryl pushing inland, Mexican emergency teams are mobilising for rescue and recovery. The full damage is still unfolding, with fears of flash floods, landslides, and storm surge on the horizon.
As global temperatures climb, scientists warn this fiery start to the 2024 hurricane season may be just the beginning of a brutal few months ahead.
