Hurricane Beryl is now a Category 5 storm

Hurricane Beryl went from a tropical depression to a category 3 hurricane over the weekend – the fastest that any storm has developed. It has now grown to a category 5 hurricane.

The storm is in the Caribbean severely impacting Barbados, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Trinidad and Tobago, and Grenada. Already one death has been attributed to Hurricane Bery. That is likely to go up.

The hurricane is currently headed toward Jamaica with maximum sustained winds of 165 miles per hour.

It is not believed at this time it poses a significant threat to the Alabama Gulf Coast; but it could impact Louisiana and Texas. Riptides could pose a significant threat as the storm moves closer to the Gulf Coast even when the sky appears to be clear. Please be aware of the rip tide flag system if you plan to visit the beach over the Fourth of July weekend.

The current projections of the Hurricane's track have it hitting Mexico or the southern area of Texas around Galveston.

The White House has released a statement on the threat posed by the Hurricane.

The President and his team are closely monitoring Hurricane Beryl, and are in touch with territory and local officials. USAID and FEMA have resources and supplies pre-staged in the region, with staff and partners ready to assist. The President stands ready to support the people of Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands and the region as needed, and will work to ensure the safety of all U.S. citizens in the region. The President urges residents to heed the warnings of local officials.