UK Foreign Office issues ‘airports closed’ travel warning as Hurricane Beryl disrupts flights

The Foreign Office has updated its travel advice, warning UK citizens that “all airports are closed” following the devastating impact of Hurricane Beryl in the Caribbean. The hurricane, which claimed at least seven lives, forced local residents and tourists into shelters as it unleashed strong winds across the islands.

Describing the situation as “almost Armageddon-like”, Grenada’s prime minister reported heavy damage on the island of Carriacou, while the leader of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines referred to the condition of Union Island as “a devastating spectacle”. As Beryl’s eyewall grazed the southern coast of Jamaica, the US National Hurricane Center confirmed heavy rain and urged residents to stay in shelters. The force of the storm led to widespread power outages, particularly in the capital.

In light of these events, the Foreign Office advised: “A major hurricane passes Jamaica on July 3rd. Service disruptions are expected across the island. International and domestic airports are now closed and will only reopen when it is deemed safe to do so. should watch and monitor local and international weather updates from the US National Hurricane Center and follow the advice of local authorities, including any evacuation orders. See extreme weather and natural disasters.

Grenada Prime Minister Dickon Mitchell described the situation as dire, stating: “Almost total damage or destruction to all buildings, whether public buildings, houses or other private facilities. Devastation and complete destruction of agriculture. The complete and total destruction of the natural environment. . There is literally no vegetation left on the island of Carriacou,” reports Express.

Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness provided an update on Wednesday afternoon, revealing that nearly 500 people had been placed in shelters. By evening, he had tempered expectations by saying Jamaica had not seen “the worst that could happen”.

“We can do as much as we can, as humanly possible, and leave the rest in God’s hands,” commented Mr. Holness. He also reported that several roads in the country’s interior settlements were affected by fallen trees and utility poles, while some communities in the northern section were experiencing power outages, according to the government’s information service.

In light of Beryl’s imminent threat, Jamaica was placed under a state of emergency, with the island declared a disaster area hours before the storm hit. Mr Holness announced that the disaster zone declaration would remain in place for the next seven days.

An evacuation order has been issued for Jamaican communities at risk of flooding and landslides. Mr Holness urged residents to evacuate low-lying areas.

Meanwhile, in Miami, Hurricane Center Director Michael Brennan issued an online advisory advising islanders to stay sheltered throughout Wednesday, with conditions expected to begin improving overnight.

Jamaica’s south coast, where Kingston is located, is bracing for the worst of Beryl, with coastal water levels expected to rise six to nine feet (1.8 to 2.7 meters) above normal tide levels in certain areas. Torrential rains, ranging from four to eight inches, and as much as a foot in some isolated regions, pose a serious risk of flooding and mudslides on the hilly island.