Hurricane Beryl hits vacationers in Tulum after causing death and destruction across the Caribbean

When Hurricane Beryl hit the Yucatan Peninsula early Friday, the lights went out in Tulum, Mexico, plunging tens of thousands of vacationers and residents into darkness, the Associated Press reported.

The deadly storm, which killed at least 11 people and caused widespread destruction in the Caribbean, also hit Cancun, where hotels and restaurants were boarded up to prevent damage. It is expected to strengthen again this weekend and head for Texas.

After reaching Category 5 strength on Monday – setting a record for the strongest storm ever so early in the season – Beryl weakened to Category 3 before making landfall in Jamaica on Wednesday.

The National Hurricane Center forecasts Beryl will gain strength as it crosses the Gulf of Mexico and reaches southern Texas early Monday morning, likely again developing hurricane-force winds along the way.

“There is an increasing risk of hurricane-force winds, life-threatening storm surges, and flooding from heavy rainfall in parts of northeastern Mexico and the lower and central Texas coast late Sunday and Monday,” the Hurricane Center warned.

“The surf rip currents will create life-threatening beach conditions along much of the Gulf Coast beginning this evening and continuing through the weekend,” the center said. “Beachgoers should heed warning flags and the advice of lifeguards and local authorities before entering the water.”

In Corpus Christi, Texas, authorities are preparing for the possibility of Hurricane Beryl moving north, potentially causing flooding, strong winds and dangerous rip currents. On Friday, the city distributed 10,000 sandbags in less than two hours, exhausting its supply. By Wednesday, 14,000 sandbags had already been distributed.

The storm’s expected intensification is due to the warm waters of the Gulf. Hurricanes become stronger when they pass over areas with warmer sea surface temperatures because they can absorb more heat and moisture.

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