At least seven people have died as Hurricane Beryl continues on its path of destruction, taking direct aim at Jamaica.
Among the victims are three people in Venezuela and four others in the Caribbean nations of St. Vincent and the Grenadines, according to CNN.
While no deaths have been reported in Jamaica, Prime Minister Andrew Holness said Wednesday residents had "not seen the worst" of the Category 4 hurricane yet, despite delivering catastrophic 140 mph winds.
In a 5 p.m. update, the National Weather Service warned the eye of Beryl was "brushing the south coast of Jamaica with hurricane conditions occurring" as the tropical cyclone barrels toward the Cayman Islands later this evening and continues toward the Yucatan Peninsula Thursday.
Officials warned of "devastating hurricane-force winds, life-threatening storm surge, and damaging waves." Life-threatening flash flooding and mudslides are also expected, with parts of Jamaica anticipating up to 12 inches of rainfall.
Nearly 500 people are in shelters and the remaining residents have been urged to shelter-in-place until further notice.
