Hurricane Beryl was on Monday moving westward south of Barbados, approaching the nearby Windward Islands as a Category 3 hurricane with maximum sustained winds of 120 mph.
The storm was headed for St. Vincent, Grenadines, Grenada, and Carriacou and Petite Martinique islands. Life-threatening and potentially catastrophic wind, waves and storm surge are expected there. Heavy rain and flooding are also expected.
Beryl over the weekend went from a tropical depression to a major Category 4 hurricane in just 48 hours, becoming the earliest Category 4 on record for the Atlantic Basin breaking the record Hurricane Dennis held from July 7, 2005. Beryl is the first Category 4 ever recorded in the month of June.
Members of the Trinidad and Tobago Regiment arrive ahead of Hurricane Beryl at Tobago’s A.N.R. Robinson International Airport in Crown Point, Trinidad and Tobago June 30, 2024.
Jermaine Cruickshank/Trinidad Express via Reuters
Beryl is moving west at 20 mph. Some fluctuations of strength are expected but Beryl is forecast to remain at major status through the day as it passes the Windward Islands. A life-threatening storm surge will raise water levels by as much as 6 to 9 feet above normal tide levels in areas of onshore winds near where the eye makes landfall in the hurricane warning area. Near the coast, the surge will be accompanied by large and destructive waves.
Beryl is expected to produce rainfall totals of 3 to 6 inches across Barbados and the Windward Islands through this afternoon. Localized maxima of 10 inches are possible, especially in the Grenadines and Grenada. This rainfall may cause flash flooding in vulnerable areas.
Strong winds blow as Hurricane Beryl approaches Bridgetown, Barbados on July 1, 2024.
Chandan Khanna/AFP via Getty Images
Beryl will continue to track toward Jamaica, reaching near the island on Wednesday. Even if Beryl doesn’t make a direct landfall in Jamaica it will be close enough to cause issues.
After that, Beryl will move over the Yucatan Peninsula and then likely into eastern Mexico after another stint in the Gulf.
Hurricane Beryl, a Category 3 storm, is currently on track to hit the Caribbean’s Windward Islands in the coming days. The storm, which has been steadily gaining strength over the past few days, is expected to bring strong winds, heavy rain, and dangerous storm surges to the region.
The Windward Islands, which include countries such as Barbados, St. Lucia, and Grenada, are no strangers to hurricanes. However, the intensity of Hurricane Beryl has raised concerns among residents and officials alike. The storm is currently packing winds of up to 120 mph, making it a major hurricane and a significant threat to the islands.
Authorities in the region have been closely monitoring the storm and issuing warnings to residents to prepare for the potential impact. Emergency shelters have been opened, and residents have been advised to stock up on supplies such as food, water, and medications. In addition, evacuation orders may be issued in some areas as the storm approaches.
Hurricane Beryl is just the latest in what has already been a busy hurricane season in the Atlantic. The storm formed in the central Atlantic Ocean and has been moving steadily westward towards the Caribbean. Forecasters are predicting that the storm will make landfall in the Windward Islands within the next few days.
As with any hurricane, residents in the path of Hurricane Beryl should take all necessary precautions to ensure their safety. This includes securing loose objects outside, boarding up windows, and staying indoors during the worst of the storm. It is also important to have a plan in place in case of evacuation and to stay informed through local news outlets and official weather updates.
While it is still too early to predict the exact path and impact of Hurricane Beryl, residents in the Windward Islands should be prepared for the worst and hope for the best. By taking proactive measures and staying informed, they can minimize the potential damage and stay safe during this dangerous storm.
