SPACE STATION PASSES OVER HURRICANE BERYL. VIDEO SHOWS HOW MASSIVE THE STORM IS
The International Space Station (ISS) captured extraordinary footage of Hurricane Beryl, a powerful Category 5 storm raging in the eastern Caribbean.
The video, taken from approximately 400 kilometers above Earth, reveals the sheer magnitude and intensity of this potentially catastrophic weather system.
Hurricane Beryl, which rapidly intensified to become the earliest Category 4 storm on record before strengthening further to Category 5, is now packing winds of up to 257 kmph. The storm's eye was clearly visible from space, with Nasa astronaut Matthew Dominick describing the view as both "eerie" and exciting from a meteorological perspective.
VIDEO OF HURRICANE BERYL SEEN FROM SPACE
The National Hurricane Center (NHC) has classified Beryl as "potentially catastrophic," with its path threatening Jamaica and other Caribbean islands. As of Monday, the hurricane was located about 840 miles (1,352 km) east-southeast of Kingston, Jamaica's capital.
Scientists attribute the unusually early and intense formation of Beryl to climate change, noting that warmer North Atlantic temperatures have likely contributed to its rapid development.
This further points to the increasing impact of global warming on extreme weather events.
The storm has already caused significant damage in the eastern Caribbean, downing power lines and flooding streets. Hurricane warnings remain in effect for several islands, including St. Vincent and the Grenadines, with forecasts predicting up to 10 inches (25 centimeters) of rain in some areas.
As Beryl continues its westward trajectory, it is expected to bring life-threatening winds and storm surges to Jamaica later this week. The NHC predicts rainfall amounts of 4 to 8 inches (10 to 20 cm), with some areas potentially receiving up to 12 inches (31 cm).
The satellite imagery and space station footage provide crucial data for meteorologists and emergency responders, allowing for more accurate forecasts and better preparation for affected areas.
As Hurricane Beryl demonstrates, the ability to observe these powerful storms from space plays a vital role in understanding and mitigating their impact on vulnerable communities.
2024-07-02T05:56:15Z dg43tfdfdgfd