Hurricane Beryl, the first hurricane of the 2024 Atlantic season, has carved a path of destruction across the Caribbean and into the United States. Initially breaking records as the earliest Category 5 hurricane in July, Beryl has since weakened but continues to impact communities with heavy rainfall and flooding. For those seeking the latest information, the most pressing question is: Where Is Beryl Right Now?
As of the latest updates, Beryl has moved inland and weakened significantly from its peak intensity. While no longer a hurricane, its remnants are still causing disruption.
Beryl’s Current Location and Status (July 11, 2024)
According to the most recent update on July 11, 2024, at 12:00 (EDT), the immediate threat from Hurricane Beryl as a powerful storm has diminished. Beryl is currently inland, moving across the United States and has weakened to a tropical storm and further to a tropical depression. The primary concerns now are shifting to the aftermath and recovery efforts in the areas initially impacted.
Damage assessment in Grenada following Hurricane Beryl, illustrating the widespread impact and the initial response phase.
The All Hands and Hearts Disaster Assistance Response Team (DART) has arrived in Grenada to assess the widespread damage caused by Beryl in the Caribbean. The team is actively working to understand the extent of the impact and connect with local partners to facilitate effective aid and support. They are also extending their assessment to Carriacou to gain a comprehensive understanding of the needs in the region.
Beryl’s Journey: From Category 5 Fury to Inland Impact
To fully understand where Beryl is right now, it’s crucial to trace its path and evolution over the past weeks. Beryl’s journey has been marked by rapid intensification and significant landfalls, impacting both the Caribbean and the United States.
Caribbean Landfall and Initial Devastation
Beryl first made landfall in Grenada as a Category 4 hurricane, leaving a trail of destruction across the Windward Islands. This initial impact was particularly severe, with communities in Grenada and Carriacou bearing the brunt of the storm’s force. Prior to Grenada, Beryl rapidly intensified, briefly reaching Category 5 status, an unprecedented event for early July in the Atlantic.
Satellite image capturing Hurricane Beryl approaching Grenada at Category 4 strength, highlighting the imminent threat to the Caribbean islands.
The storm then moved through Jamaica and the Cayman Islands, bringing hurricane conditions and significant rainfall, further exacerbating the situation in already vulnerable regions. The heavy rainfall led to dangerous flash flooding and mudslides, particularly impacting Jamaica and Haiti.
Texas Landfall and Inland Movement
After traversing the Caribbean, Beryl made a second landfall near Matagorda, Texas, on July 8th as a Category 1 hurricane. While weakened from its peak intensity, it still packed a punch, bringing life-threatening storm surges, damaging winds, and widespread flooding to southeastern Texas.
Extensive flooding in Texas communities following Hurricane Beryl’s landfall, showcasing the storm’s impact on infrastructure and residential areas.
Beryl then veered northeast, passing near Houston, Texas, and continuing inland across the United States. As it moved inland, Beryl weakened to a tropical storm and then a tropical depression, with maximum sustained winds decreasing significantly. However, even in its weakened state, Beryl brought heavy rainfall and the risk of flash flooding to portions of the Lower Missouri and Mid Mississippi Valleys, extending its impact far beyond the coastal areas.
Impact and Damage of Hurricane Beryl
The widespread journey of Hurricane Beryl has resulted in significant damage and disruption across multiple regions.
Caribbean Devastation
In the Caribbean, particularly in Grenada and surrounding islands, the impact of Beryl was severe. The strong winds and heavy rainfall caused widespread damage to infrastructure, homes, and agriculture. All Hands and Hearts’ DART is currently assessing the full extent of the damage to determine the most effective response strategies.
Texas Power Outages and Flooding
In Texas, Beryl left over 2.2 million people without power at its peak, with millions facing dangerous heat in the aftermath. The storm caused significant flash flooding and even tornadoes in eastern Texas and western Louisiana. The combination of power outages and extreme weather conditions created a challenging situation for residents and emergency responders.
All Hands and Hearts Response
Responding to the urgent needs created by Hurricane Beryl, All Hands and Hearts has deployed Disaster Assistance Response Teams to both the Caribbean and Texas. This dual deployment highlights the widespread impact of Beryl and the commitment of All Hands and Hearts to provide rapid and effective disaster relief.
All Hands and Hearts Disaster Assistance Response Team (DART) deploying to affected areas, demonstrating their rapid mobilization and commitment to providing aid.
Their teams are focused on damage assessment, debris removal, and working with local partners to support the affected communities. The organization emphasizes rapid response to help communities recover quickly and rebuild their lives.
You can support communities affected by Hurricane Beryl by donating to All Hands and Hearts. Your contribution can help provide essential aid and support to those impacted by this devastating storm.
Donate now to support communities affected by Hurricane Beryl.
References:
- National Hurricane Center
- PowerOutage.us
- All Hands and Hearts Disaster Assistance Response Team (DART)
