Jamaicans are being urged by Prime Minister Andrew Holness, to take the necessary precautions for Hurricane Beryl, which is expected to impact the island by next Wednesday.

Beryl, which strengthened into a hurricane late Saturday afternoon, now poses a threat to countries in the eastern Caribbean and continues to rapidly intensify.

The system, as of Sunday morning, has become a dangerous major hurricane and is expected to maintain category four intensity by the time it reaches the Windward Islands early Monday, bringing destructive gale-force winds and storm surges.

“I am encouraging all Jamaicans to get your precautionary stocks in place. [These include] food, batteries, candles, and supplies of water. If there are trees that could be a danger to your property, please ensure that you take the necessary actions [to address these],” Holness said.

He was speaking during the St. Andrew South District Consultative Committee Conference on Saturday (June 29) at Pembroke Hall High School.

Holness advised that several response agencies have been placed on alert for the tropical cyclone, adding that if the worst should occur, the Government is prepared to deal with such.

The prime minister maintained that Jamaicans should be mindful of the fact that the 2024 Atlantic hurricane season is underway, and individuals should by now have either taken the necessary steps to safeguard themselves or be in the process of doing so, against adverse weather events, should these occur.

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