🌀 Category four hurricane Beryl heads towards Jamaica

Category four Hurricane Beryl, with winds of 145mph, is moving towards Jamaica, according to a 7am local report. The storm is currently located about 430 miles east-southeast of Grand Cayman, which is under a hurricane warning. Beryl is moving at approximately 20mph, and a slight change in its track has pushed the predicted path a little further south. The storm's eye is now expected to approach the Cayman Islands about 70 miles south of Grand Cayman. 🌀

The storm's path and intensity after it passes over or near Jamaica and moves over some of the world's warmest ocean waters in our region are difficult to predict. According to the National Hurricane Centre, hurricane winds extend up to 45 miles from the center, with tropical-storm-force winds extending some 185 miles out. Tropical force winds are expected to begin impacting the Sister Islands from around 9:30 Thursday night and on Grand Cayman after midnight. However, weather conditions are expected to worsen earlier in the evening. 🌩️

The National Emergency Operations Centre (NEOC) will be activated at 10:00am, and the Cayman Regiment will also be deployed at noon. Shelters are expected to open this morning. Most banks and businesses in the Cayman Islands will be closed on Wednesday, although some stores and supermarkets will remain open until at least lunchtime. Officials are urging residents to be prepared, remain vigilant, and follow official information to prevent extensive property damage and loss of life. 🏠