About Beryl: A Record-Breaking Storm
What You Need to Know
- Beryl made three landfalls
- It was the first hurricane to make landfall in the 2024 Atlantic hurricane season
- Beryl was the earliest Category 5 storm to form in the Atlantic on record
Formation and Early Development
Beryl formed on June 28, 2024, becoming the second named storm of the 2024 Atlantic hurricane season. It quickly intensified into a hurricane on June 29 and reached the earliest Atlantic Category 4 storm on record on June 30.
Landfalls and Strengthening
Beryl made its first landfall on Carriacou Island in Grenada on July 1 as a strong Category 4 hurricane with maximum winds of 150 mph. It then moved back over the southeastern Caribbean Sea and continued to strengthen into a Category 5 hurricane. On July 1, Beryl became the earliest Category 5 storm to form in the Atlantic on record, breaking the previous record held by Hurricane Emily in 2005 by two weeks. With maximum winds of 165 mph, it also made Beryl the strongest July Atlantic hurricane on record.
Caribbean and Mexico Landfalls
As Beryl moved across the Caribbean Sea, it brought strong winds, heavy rain, and dangerous storm surge and waves to the southern coast of the Dominican Republic and Haiti. It then moved towards Jamaica as a major hurricane, with its eyewall brushing past the southern side of the country, but did not make landfall. It also closely passed the Cayman Islands.
Beryl made its second landfall on July 5 near Tulum on the Yucatan Peninsula in Mexico, as a Category 2 hurricane with maximum winds of 110 mph. It weakened over the Yucatan Peninsula, becoming a tropical storm again, before moving back over water in the Gulf of Mexico.
Texas Landfall and Aftermath
As Beryl moved over the Gulf of Mexico, it gradually strengthened into a Category 1 hurricane with maximum winds of 80 mph before making its third and final landfall near Matagorda, Texas, on July 8, 2024. Heavy rainfall and hurricane-force winds knocked out power for more than 2.7 million homes and businesses around Houston.
Beryl weakened as it moved inland, eventually transitioning into a post-tropical cyclone on July 9. The remnants of Beryl brought heavy rainfall across the Central U.S. and the Great Lakes, and spawned a widespread, multi-day tornado outbreak. As of July 9, there were 28 deaths attributed to Beryl, including 12 in the U.S., with more still missing.
Conclusion
Beryl was an exceptional storm, with multiple landfalls, record-breaking strength, and a prolonged impact on the Caribbean, Mexico, and the United States. Its effects will be felt for a long time, and we will continue to monitor the latest tropical development.
FAQs
Q: What was the significance of Beryl?
A: Beryl was the earliest Category 5 storm to form in the Atlantic on record, breaking the previous record held by Hurricane Emily in 2005.
Q: How many landfalls did Beryl make?
A: Beryl made three landfalls, in Grenada, Mexico, and Texas.
Q: How many deaths were attributed to Beryl?
A: As of July 9, 28 deaths were attributed to Beryl, including 12 in the U.S.
Q: What was the impact of Beryl’s storm surge and rainfall?
A: Beryl brought strong winds, heavy rain, and dangerous storm surge and waves to the Caribbean and the U.S., causing widespread damage and power outages.
