On July 1, 2024, NASA astronaut Matthew Dominick captured stunning photos of Hurricane Beryl from the International Space Station, over 200 miles above the Caribbean. Described as both eerie and exciting, these images revealed the storm’s well-organized eye and swirling clouds. Dominick shared his experience via social media platform X.

Hurricane Beryl, which initially made landfall in the Caribbean on July 1, has already caused devastation, with at least seven deaths reported and significant damage across the region. The storm impacted Grenada, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, and northern Venezuela, destroying up to 90% of homes on Union Island and causing widespread flooding.

The National Hurricane Center Director, Michael Brennan, warned of life-threatening conditions as Hurricane Beryl advanced towards Jamaica as a powerful Category 4 storm with winds reaching 145 mph. Jamaican authorities have declared a state of emergency, implemented an island-wide curfew, and urged residents in flood-prone areas to evacuate. Heavy rainfall and storm surges of up to nine feet are expected to hit Jamaica and nearby regions.

Notably, actress Sheryl Lee Ralph, in Jamaica for her son’s wedding, shared her concerns and advised people to stay safe. Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness emphasized the seriousness of the situation, encouraging residents to prepare but not panic.

As Beryl moved toward Jamaica, it was predicted to weaken slightly but remain a significant threat, potentially impacting parts of the U.S. Gulf Coast later in the week. The storm has been described as the earliest Category 5 hurricane in the Atlantic basin, breaking numerous records and raising concerns about the increased intensity of hurricanes due to global warming.

Rescue and relief efforts are underway in affected Caribbean islands, with leaders promising to rebuild. The situation remains closely monitored by meteorologists and government authorities.