After devastating parts of the southeast Caribbean, Hurricane Beryl churned toward Jamaica as a monstrous storm. While the extent of the damage so far is unclear, authorities have said the picture on some islands is grim, with widespread destruction.

Bridgetown

Hurricane Beryl has caused widespread devastation in parts of the southeast Caribbean. Some areas are experiencing significant communication difficulties, prompting anxiety among those separated from loved ones. Canadian Emily Edwards, whose husband was on Carriacou when it was hit, is anxiously awaiting news but remains hopeful given his history as a retired Canadian Forces veteran.

Authorities report that up to 90% of houses in the hardest-hit areas have been severely damaged or destroyed. With Beryl now heading towards Jamaica, residents are preparing for potentially dangerous conditions. The U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration warns of life-threatening winds and storm surges in the region.

Experts have identified high ocean temperatures as a key factor in the rapid intensification of hurricanes like Beryl. Recent years have seen record high global temperatures, contributing to more frequent and intense storms. Forecasters express concern for the upcoming months of the Atlantic hurricane season, which could see further severe weather due to these warming ocean conditions.



Widespread destruction across Jamaica after Storm Beryl

Bearing the brunt of an unprecedented storm parts of the southeast Caribbean now grappling with widespread devastation. With communication in some areas difficult anxiety for loved ones caught in the hurricane. He was scared. He was worried what the right thing to do was. Canadian Emily Edwards is still waiting to hear from her husband who was on the island of Carriacou when it took a direct hit. She's now trying to stay positive. He's a retired Canadian Forces veteran. So as worried as I am right now by the fact that I haven't spoken to him since this happened I have full faith that he's doing what he has to do right now. So far reports out of the region hit are devastating. The reports that I have received indicate that 90% of the houses have been severely damaged or destroyed. And with Beryl headed towards Jamaica residents are preparing aware of how dangerous a powerful hurricane like this can be. Yeah and it developed so quick from a tropical depression so fast and first time to develop in June, July. People are already stockpiling what they can. As the U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration says life-threatening winds and storm surges are expected into Wednesday. This is an early and intense start to the hurricane season. In May, NOAA projected 17 to 25 tropical storms. The most they have ever forecasted. And 8 to 13 hurricanes. A consequence of record high ocean temperatures in the region. We know that temperatures in the North Atlantic Ocean are about a degree and a half warmer celsius. Warmer than they would have been say 100 years ago when human-caused climate change wasn't a factor. Last year was the warmest year on record for the planet and our oceans. It's those warm waters that act as fuel for hurricanes and can help them intensify rapidly as was the case with Hurricane Beryl. These warm sea surface temperatures that are being driven in part by human-caused climate change allow these storms to have a lot of growth potential. A lot of ability to spin faster and faster. The Atlantic hurricane season only began a month ago and forecasters are concerned about what the next three months of the season will have in store. Nicole, we saw this storm intensify quickly. Is this something we can expect more of? Yeah, climate scientists are actually really concerned about this which is called rapid intensification. We saw it last August in Florida. Hurricane Adalia went from a Category 1 to a Category 4 in 24 hours and in October there was the catastrophic Hurricane Otis that struck Mexico and that intensified from a Category 1 to a Category 5 in 24 hours. So warmer ocean waters, climate change. There is concern that this is going to happen more often. Scary stuff. Nicole Mortallaro, thank you. Thanks.

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