Hurricane Beryl Brief for July 2, 2024
As Hurricane Beryl continues to churn through the Caribbean Sea, its maximum sustained winds have reached a powerful 160 miles per hour, down slightly from its peak of 165 miles per hour last night. Although the storm is expected to gradually weaken over the next couple of days, its uncertain track has raised concerns for some in Southeast Texas and Southwest Louisiana.
Note: At the time this article was published on July 2, 2024, Hurricane Beryl posed no immediate threat to Southwest Louisiana though residents are advised to stay informed about Beryl’s progress.
Expected Landfall Location and Affects on Southwest Louisiana
According to the National Weather Service, Beryl’s forecast track currently indicates a landfall in northern Mexico on Sunday, July 7, which would result in only minor coastal flooding in Southeast Texas and Southwest Louisiana. However, if the storm takes a more northerly track, additional impacts could occur in these regions.
NWS in Lake Charles Warns of Inaccurate or Misleading Models
The National Weather Service in Lake Charles has urged residents in Southwest Louisiana to closely monitor Beryl’s progress and exercise caution when seeking weather information, as inaccurate data can be misleading. It’s essential to remember that computer models and “spaghetti” plots are not forecasts and can change dramatically from one model to another and from one run to another.
Hurricane Beryl’s Location and Current Track
As of July 2, 2024, the center of Hurricane Beryl was located near latitude 15.9 North, and longitude 70.8 West. The storm is moving west-northwest at 22 miles per hour and is expected to continue in this direction through Wednesday, followed by a turn more toward the west on Wednesday night or Thursday.
On its current track, Beryl will quickly cross the central Caribbean Sea tonight and pass near or over Jamaica on Wednesday. The storm is forecast to pass near or over the Cayman Islands on Wednesday night or early Thursday and approach the Yucatan Peninsula of Mexico on Thursday night.
Hurricane Beryl’s Wind and Conditions as of July 2
Beryl’s maximum sustained winds have reached 155 miles per hour, with higher gusts, making it a Category 4 hurricane on the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale. Although weakening is forecast during the next day or two, Beryl is expected to remain a major hurricane as it passes near Jamaica on Wednesday and the Cayman Islands on Wednesday night. Further weakening is anticipated thereafter, but the storm is forecast to remain a hurricane in the northwestern Caribbean.
Hurricane-force winds extend outward up to 40 miles from the center, and tropical-storm-force winds extend outward up to 185 miles. The estimated minimum central pressure is 943 millibars (27.85 inches).
Residents in Southeast Texas and Southwest Louisiana are advised to stay informed about Beryl’s progress and be prepared for any potential impacts. As the storm’s track becomes clearer, authorities will provide further updates and guidance.
Hurricane Beryl Probably Path
Hurricane Beryl Most Likely Arrival Time of Tropical Storm Force Winds
