Astronaut Matthew Dominick shares images of Hurricane Beryl’s eye from above the Caribbean as the powerful storm threatens Jamaica and other regions, highlighting the dangers and impacts of the Category 5 system.
On July 1, 2024, NASA astronaut Matthew Dominick captured striking images of Hurricane Beryl from the International Space Station, positioned over 200 miles above the Caribbean. Dominick posted the photos on X, mentioning the eerie yet exhilarating sight of the hurricane’s eye through his 50 to 500 mm lens.
Hurricane Beryl, initially a Category 4 storm with 130 mph winds, wreaked havoc across the Caribbean, causing significant damage, especially in Grenada’s Carriacou island and Union Island in St. Vincent and the Grenadines. The storm claimed approximately six lives in these regions, alongside fatalities in Venezuela. Intense flooding in Venezuela led to three deaths, with several people missing.
As of July 3, Beryl downgraded slightly but continued to barrel towards Jamaica with sustained winds of 145 mph. Officials warned of life-threatening conditions, urging residents, particularly in flood-prone areas, to evacuate. Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness declared a state of emergency and imposed a curfew from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. Wednesday.
The storm, noted for its rapid intensification attributed to unusually warm sea temperatures, is expected to impact Jamaica, the Cayman Islands, and eventually the Yucatan Peninsula in Mexico. The feared Category 5 system marks it as one of the most potent hurricanes recorded this early in the Atlantic hurricane season.
In an additional update, actress Sheryl Lee Ralph shared via social media her preparations for the looming hurricane while in Jamaica for her son’s wedding, reflecting widespread anxiety as the island braced for the storm. NASA indicates that such aerial imagery helps scientists understand climate change impacts on hurricanes, aiding better community preparation for future events.
