Jamaica under curfew as it 'waits out' Beryl

A 6 am-6 pm curfew is currently in place in Jamaica as the island braces for Hurricane Beryl, now downgraded to a Category 4 storm.

Newsday senior reporter Paula Lindo, who is visiting the island, spoke to Newsday around 1.50 pm on July 3.

"My brother-in-law works for a hotel, and everyone is locked down and secure, despite a few tourists who have taken to the sea for surfing," Lindo reported.

She said there had been "a couple of power outages" owing to high winds. Lindo, who is on the western side of the island, said residents had not yet experienced any strong winds or heavy rain.

"We are just getting a drizzle," she said.

Lindo is following local news reports which showed some parts of Jamaica were experiencing heavy storm surges, strong winds and rain. She said other areas were only experiencing strong winds.

"Roads and highways are being blocked off due to the effects of the hurricane," she added.

Lindo said the streets were mostly clear, but earlier in the day, market vendors were out at the Coronation Market in downtown Kingston.

"For the most part, everyone seems to be hunkered down and waiting it out."