As the 2024 Atlantic hurricane season unfolds, the southeast Caribbean is on high alert as Hurricane Beryl intensifies. The US National Hurricane Center (NHC) has issued warnings for several islands, including Barbados, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, and Grenada.
Key Points:
- Beryl is the first hurricane of the 2024 Atlantic season and has rapidly reached Category 3 status.
- The storm is currently located approximately 675 kilometres (420 miles) east of Barbados in the Atlantic Ocean.
- Forecasters anticipate "life-threatening winds and storm surge" as Beryl approaches the Windward Islands early on Monday.
- Residents in affected areas are preparing by stocking up on supplies and securing their properties.
Historical Context:
- Beryl is only the third Category 3 hurricane ever recorded in the Atlantic during the month of June. The previous instances were Audrey in 1957 and Alma in 1966.
- Notably, only five major hurricanes (Category 3 or higher) have occurred in the Atlantic before the first week of July. Beryl’s early formation in the tropical Atlantic sets a new record.
Impending Impact:
- By 05:00 GMT on Sunday, Beryl’s maximum sustained wind speed had surged to nearly 100 mph (160 km/h), with even stronger gusts.
- The NHC warns of "devastating wind damage" as the storm’s eye-wall passes over portions of the Windward Islands.
- Heavy rain, flooding, and storm surge are expected, potentially raising water levels up to 9 feet (2.7 meters) above normal.
- Barbados and nearby islands could receive up to 6 inches (150 mm) of rain.
Projected Path:
- Beryl is likely to track just south of Barbados early on Monday before heading into the Caribbean Sea.
- The hurricane is expected to maintain its strength as it moves toward Jamaica.
- Although weakening is anticipated by midweek, Beryl will likely remain a hurricane as it approaches Mexico.
Residents in the affected regions are urged to take necessary precautions and closely monitor official updates from the NHC.
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