Hurricane Beryl 2018: A Tropical Storm that Caused Havoc in the Atlantic

In July 2018, the Atlantic Ocean witnessed the formation of Hurricane Beryl, a tropical storm that brought significant damage and disruption to the Caribbean and the United States. Here’s a detailed account of the hurricane’s impact and aftermath.

Formation and Tracking

Hurricane Beryl formed on July 13, 2018, approximately 290 miles (470 km) northeast of the Guadeloupe Islands. It was classified as a tropical storm, with maximum sustained winds of 65 mph (100 km/h). The storm’s center moved westward, passing south of the Dominican Republic and Puerto Rico before entering the open waters of the Atlantic.

As it traveled, Beryl’s strength and speed increased, eventually reaching hurricane status on July 16. By July 20, the storm had reached its peak intensity, with maximum sustained winds of 85 mph (137 km/h) and a central pressure of 988 mbar. However, its energy began to dissipate, and it gradually weakened back into a tropical storm on July 21.

Impact

Hurricane Beryl made landfall on July 20 near the Bahamian capital of Nassau, causing moderate damage to buildings, infrastructure, and agriculture. The storm’s strong winds and heavy rainfall brought significant disruption to daily life, with power outages reported throughout the islands.

In the United States, Beryl’s impact was limited to the southeastern coast, particularly in North Carolina. The storm brought heavy rain, strong winds, and rough surf to coastal communities, causing minor damage and power outages.

Damage and Losses

The total damage and losses resulting from Hurricane Beryl are estimated to be around $100 million. The hurricane caused:

• Moderate damage to buildings, infrastructure, and agriculture in the Bahamas, with estimated losses of $50 million.
• Minor damage and power outages in North Carolina, USA, with estimated losses of $10 million.
• Damage to crops and agricultural infrastructure in Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic, with estimated losses of $20 million.
• Disruption to daily life, commerce, and trade in the affected regions, estimated at $20 million.

Aftermath

In the aftermath of Hurricane Beryl, emergency responders and officials worked to restore order and infrastructure in the affected areas. Temporary shelters were set up for those displaced by the storm, and relief supplies were distributed to affected communities.

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) provided financial support to the Bahamas and other affected countries to help with recovery efforts. The World Bank and other international organizations also pledged assistance to support reconstruction and mitigation efforts.

Conclusion

Hurricane Beryl (2018) may have been a relatively small and short-lived storm, but its impact was significant in the Caribbean and the United States. The storm served as a reminder of the importance of preparedness, emergency planning, and international cooperation in the face of natural disasters. As the world continues to grapple with the challenges posed by climate change, it is essential to prioritize disaster risk reduction and management to minimize the effects of hurricanes and other natural disasters.