WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. — In the tropics, we continue to watch powerful Hurricane Beryl, as it takes aim at Jamaica as a Category 4 hurricane Tuesday.
As of 5 p.m., the storm was moving west-northwest at 22 mph with winds of 155 mph. The storm’s winds have been as high as 165 mph.
This is the strongest hurricane ever recorded in the Atlantic basin this early in the season.
TRACKING THE TROPICS: Hurricane Center | Hurricane Guide
WPTV First Alert Chief meteorologist Steve Weagle said some dry air has filtered into the storm Tuesday, causing some slight weakening.
Beryl is forecast to be a powerful hurricane when it reaches Jamaica on Wednesday, and a direct hit is possible.
“This brings back memories of Hurricane Gilbert in 1988 — a September storm that devastated the island,” Weagle said.
Another landfall is likely on the Yucatan Peninsula on Friday, then the storm will track into the Gulf of Mexico this weekend.
It should drop to a Category 2 by late Wednesday.
Beryl will not have any impact on South Florida.
Behind Beryl, there’s another wave that we’re watching. That one is interacting with a lot of dry air, so the chance that it becomes a tropical cyclone is getting lower, down to a 30% chance.
WPTV
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