Hurricane Beryl strengthened on Monday into a “potentially catastrophic” category 5 storm as it moved across the eastern Caribbean, putting Jamaica near its path after downing power lines and flooding streets elsewhere.
Beryl brings an unusually fierce and early start to this year’s Atlantic hurricane season, with scientists saying climate change probably contributed to the rapid pace of its formation as global warming has boosted North Atlantic temperatures.
At the Chillin’ restaurant in Kingston, waiter Welton Anderson said he felt calm despite the hurricane’s approach.
“Jamaicans wait until the last minute,” he said. “The night before or in the morning, the panic sets in. It’s because we’re used to this.”
Across other islands in the eastern Caribbean, residents had boarded up windows, stocked up on food and fuelled up cars as the storm approached.
Earlier on Monday, vehicles were seen driving through a flooded boardwalk in Bridgetown, Barbados.
The St. Vincent community of Prospect reported roofs ripped off buildings and power cuts in some areas.
In Grenada, a Reuters reporter said power was down islandwide.
