KINGSTON, Jamaica — Director of the Meteorological Services Branch, Evan Thompson says the conditions brought by approaching Hurricane Beryl could be similar to that of the 1988 Hurricane Gilbert.

Thompson made the parallel while providing an update on the hurricane on Tuesday.

“Just for a point of reference… some of you recall Hurricane Gilbert or you have seen images of Hurricane Gilbert way back in 1988. That was a Category 3 hurricane and if you think about Hurricane Ivan that occurred in 2004, that system – the centre was just off the coast –  but it was a Category 4 hurricane so using those as a baseline,” Thompson said.

He also noted Hurricane Sandy in 2012 which was a Category 1 hurricane that moved across eastern parishes.

“With that framework, we know that this is a dangerous situation. Category 3 means a dangerous situation. Category 2 also is as dangerous as a lesser-strength hurricane but still causes major impacts over the island. We have to prepare ourselves for whatever will come our way,” Thompson warned.

He warned that Hurricane Beryl continues to move in a direction that will take it toward Jamaica. Thompson, however, noted that the hurricane is still expected to weaken somewhat before it reaches Jamaica.

“We are expecting it to weaken down from Category 5 to four, likely three before it gets to Jamaica. We are hoping that it weakens ever further,” he said.

Thompson noted that conditions are expected to deteriorate early Wednesday as the storm continues to move towards the west.

He warned Jamaicans to be prepared for all the various hazards including flooding, thunderstorms, lightning and landslides.

The latest weather update now predicts the hurricane to make landfall in southern Jamaica on Wednesday.

READ: Hurricane Beryl now expected to make landfall in Jamaica

The Meteorological Service of Jamaica is monitoring the system closely.