Downgraded Beryl rakes Yucatan Peninsula; still expected to turn toward South Texas

July 5 (UPI) -- Forecasters downgraded Beryl from a hurricane to a tropical storm after the once-powerful hurricane passed over the Yucatan Peninsula on Friday.

Beryl was downgraded to a tropical storm after it brought torrential rain and damaging winds across the resort area Friday morning, forcing tourists and natives to hunker down.

As of the National Hurricane Center's 1 p.m., EDT report, Beryl moved west across the northeastern Yucatan at 15 mph with sustained winds of 70, down from much stronger gusts when it first reached landfall earlier Friday.

Forecasters predict that as it returns to the Gulf of Mexico, the storm will make a more pronounced northwesterly turn toward southern Texas and northwestern Mexico. The storm is currently about 650 miles east-southeast of Brownsville, Texas's most southern tip.

Meteorologists say that the storm will produce "hurricane-force winds, storm surge and damaging waves" through Friday afternoon before leaving the peninsula. While the storm is expected to re-intensify once back in the Gulf of Mexico, forecasters said it be slow for the once Category 5 storm to reach it former levels.

"Beryl is expected to emerge over the southwest Gulf of Mexico tonight and then move northwestward toward northeastern Mexico and southern Texas by the end of the weekend," the center said.

"Interests in northeastern Mexico and the lower and middle Texas coast should closely monitor the progress of Beryl. Hurricane and tropical storm watches will likely be issues for the region."

Outgoing Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador warned people before the hurricane's landing to move to higher ground because of the flooding and heavy rain potential brought by Beryl.

Jamaica has turned to cleanup efforts after the storm hit that island nation on Wednesday, including significant damage to Kingston's Normal Manley International Airport. The storm left widespread power outages and blocked roads from flooding and debris.

More than 500 people, including tourists, remain in shelters as officials continue the cleanup.

"We are emphasizing on ensuring they are comfortable and well looked after," Jamaica Prime Minister Andrew Holness said on social media.