Why did Beryl develop into a record-setting hurricane? High ocean temps and other factors are to blame, Northeastern expert says

A historic hurricane is rapidly making its way through the Caribbean Sea to the Gulf of Mexico.

Beryl turned into a Category 5 hurricane Monday night and is expected to strike Jamaica on Wednesday, according to the National Hurricane Service Center.

The early-season hurricane will likely bring heavy rainfall and flash flooding to the island as well as strong winds capable of causing devastating to catastrophic damage and loss of life.

“The peak [of the hurricane] season usually occurs in late August and September,” says Jim Chen, Northeastern University professor of civil and environmental engineering and marine and environmental sciences.

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AP Photo/Ricardo Mazalan

Marine and Environmental Sciences