Jamaica Braces for Hurricane Beryl

(Kingston) -- Jamaica is bracing for Hurricane Beryl.

The National Hurricane Center's latest update predicts the storm will pass over or near the island nation later today. The storm is currently a Category 4 with maximum sustained winds of 145 miles per hour. Beryl has already claimed at least seven lives after devastating Grenada and St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

The storm is forecast to weaken after it hits Jamaica but could affect Texas and Louisiana later in the week.

Meantime, forecasters are watching to see if Hurricane Beryl will affect the Texas coast. Beryl will likely make its way to the southwest Gulf of Mexico this weekend but will be downgraded, with winds expected to reach a max of 65 miles per hour. Areas in South Texas, including Houston, may see some residual effects. Beryl's path will be better known after it crosses the Yucatan Peninsula today.

SUMMARY OF WATCHES AND WARNINGS IN EFFECT:

A Hurricane Warning is in effect for...

* Jamaica

* Grand Cayman

* Little Cayman and Cayman Brac

* The coast of the Yucatan Peninsula of Mexico from Puerto Costa Maya to Cancun

A Hurricane Watch is in effect for...

* The coast of the Yucatan Peninsula of Mexico south of Puerto Costa Maya to Chetumal

* The coast of the Yucatan Peninsula of Mexico north of Cancun to Cabo Catoche

A Tropical Storm Warning is in effect for...

* South coast of Haiti from the border with the Dominican Republic to Anse d'Hainault

* The coast of the Yucatan Peninsula of Mexico south of Puerto Costa Maya to Chetumal

* The coast of the Yucatan Peninsula of Mexico north of Cancun to Cabo Catoche

A Tropical Storm Watch is in effect for...

* Coast of Belize from south of Chetumal to Belize City

* The coast of the Yucatan Peninsula of Mexico west of Cabo Catoche to Campeche