Hurricane Beryl strengthens on way to Jamaica, threatens catastrophe

FILE PHOTO: People shop for supplies in a supermarket ahead of the arrival of Hurricane Beryl in Bridgetown, Barbados June 30, 2024. REUTERS/Nigel R Browne/File Photo

KINGSTON/PORT OF SPAIN (Reuters) -Hurricane Beryl strengthened on Monday into a "potentially catastrophic" category 5 storm as it moved across the eastern Caribbean, putting Jamaica near its path after downing power lines and flooding streets elsewhere.

Beryl brings an unusually fierce and early start to this year's Atlantic hurricane season, with scientists saying climate change probably contributed to the rapid pace of its formation as global warming has boosted North Atlantic temperatures.