Hurricane Beryl Roars Through the Caribbean as a Category 5 Storm

After ravaging Carriacou Island Monday, Hurricane Beryl is now a Category 5 hurricane in the Caribbean Sea. While the storm is expected to move over the Yucatan Peninsula by Thursday, the National Hurricane Center (NHC) predicts it will then head into the Gulf of Mexico.

It's still too early to determine any specific impacts as guidance "varies widely beyond Thursday." - NHC advisory

Although Beryl is predicted to stay south of Texas and not make U.S. landfall, the NHC warns of potential risks for the state, including rip currents, long-period swells, and minor coastal flooding as early as this weekend. The outer bands of Beryl may also reach South Texas early next week.

The storm is the first hurricane of the season, following closely after Tropical Storm Alberto. Texas residents can expect scattered thunderstorms over the Fourth of July weekend, but these are unrelated to Beryl.

Stay tuned to local weather forecasts for the latest updates and be cautious if traveling to the coast this holiday weekend.