ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — The impending impact of Hurricane Beryl on Jamaica has some across Tampa Bay worried about their loved ones riding out the storm.
"I'm a bit concerned," said Everoy Salabie of St. Pete.
Salabie said he moved from Jamaica several years ago. His kids, some as young as 2 and 9 years old, are currently in the island nation.
"I'm a little bit worried, but being a Jamaican, we've been through a lot of hurricanes so I know they're gonna make it," he said.
Hurricane Beryl roared through open waters Tuesday as a powerful Category 4 storm heading toward Jamaica after earlier crossing islands in the southeast Caribbean, killing at least six people.
Hundreds of miles away in Jamaica, residents and tourists are stocking up. Supermarkets have been crammed with people adding supplies to their homes including extra food and water.
Homes have been reinforced in anticipation of the storm including Seagree Francis', a Jamaican resident with family living in the Tampa Bay area.
"We're kind of panicked," Francis said about the damage the hurricane has already caused.
Francis, who lives in the area of Saint Catherine Parish, said he's survived at least two hurricanes before. He said he worries most about Jamaicans being more vulnerable to the storm. He emphasized the importance of helping them, especially the elderly.
"We try as best as possible to help each other out," Francis said.
Regardless of what happens, both Salabie and Francis said Jamaicans will look after each other.
"You can holler at your neighbors and can say, 'Help,' and everybody will come together," Salabie said.
The prime minister of Jamaica has called on residents to be in a safe place to ride out the storm. Storm surges of 6-9 feet above typical tide levels are likely in Jamaica, as well as heavy rainfall.
The consulate-general of Jamaica in Miami is calling on volunteers to help pack and distribute supplies to victims affected by Hurricane Beryl.
Consuls from various Caribbean nations gathered on Tuesday in Doral and talked about the current needs of the people affected. Volunteers were also present at the Global Empowerment Mission to pack up relief items including food and water.
"We certainly want it to move away from Jamaica, but in the interim, we're asking all Jamaicans here to tell the Jamaicans back home to prepare, take all the necessary precautions, listen to all advisories let us be prepared as possible for whatever comes," Oliver Mair, the Consul General of Jamaica, said.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.