PHILADELPHIA (CBS) — Hurricane Beryl approaches Jamaica Wednesday as Residents prepare for the strong storm.

“It's raining more regularly now, so I suspect it's getting closer,” said Candy Manning, who lives in Upper Dublin in Montgomery County.

Manning said the airports were closed and people could not leave the island.

“It's certainly scary to think that something so devastating that has already caused so much damage in the Caribbean is coming our way, isn't it?” Manning said.

Manning lives in Upper Dublin and has family in Jamaica. She is currently visiting them on the north coast of the island.

“I didn't really think about it until yesterday, but even then it was just preparation,” Manning said. “Because I can't go anywhere. I can't do anything. At the end of the day, you just have to deal with it.”

Manning, a teacher at Cheltenham High School, is one of nearly three million people bracing for the monstrous storm, which is expected to bring devastating winds of nearly 145 mph and a life-threatening storm surge to Jamaica on Wednesday.

Manning said her family members in Upper Dublin had been checking on her.

“They were just very concerned, especially because the airports are closed,” Manning said. “They asked if I was coming home early and I said no because I'm not supposed to be home until Sunday. Hopefully the airports will be open.”

As she awaits the outcome of Beryl, Manning hopes her Jamaican family and friends make it through safely.

“Hopefully it won't be as devastating for us here and we'll all get through it without any casualties,” Manning said. “That's my prayer – my hope for Jamaica.”