Houstonians worried about family members in Jamaica as Hurricane Beryl has Caribbean island in sights

Hurricane Beryl is expected to hit Jamaica on Wednesday.

HOUSTON — Many people in Houston are keeping a close eye on Hurricane Beryl as it races toward Jamaica because they have family members living on the Caribbean island.

"My mom and my brother," Tony Brown said.

KHOU 11's Anayeli Ruiz sat down to talk to Brown about his concerns. He said he's keeping a close eye on what's happening as they prepare for the storm to hit.

Brown said he checked on his family members and most on the island are taking the storm seriously. His cousin, Tio, lives near Kingston.

"The sky is getting darker," Tio said. "Supermarkets sold out."

Ruiz also spoke with Montego Bay Mayor Richard Vernon, who said crews have been working non-stop.

"We are also doing our parts cleaning drains and preparing the shelters and sending supplies to the shelters," Vernon said.

He said they have 58 shelters so far, doing what they can to make sure those who don't have homes to ride out the storm have a place to go.

"I am concerned but I am calm and we have to be calm so we can provide the best response," Vernon said.

For now, they wait for the storm, but one thing is certain: They're hoping for the best outcome for their island.

"I trust in God they will be OK," Brown said.

Vernon said they sent out warnings to the tourists who are still in the area. He said there are still about 150 people in hotels and the last flights out of Jamaica were on Tuesday.