- Hurricane Beryl strengthens into a Category 4 storm, heading towards the Caribbean.
- Life-threatening winds and storm surges are expected for the Windward Islands.
- Historic rapid intensification marks Beryl as a rare June hurricane.
Hurricane Beryl has rapidly intensified into an “extremely dangerous” Category 4 storm, now moving towards the southeast Caribbean. Positioned about 350 miles east-southeast of Barbados, the storm carries maximum sustained winds of 130 mph and is advancing westward at 21 mph.
The National Hurricane Center has issued hurricane warnings for Barbados, St. Lucia, Grenada, St. Vincent, and the Grenadines, with tropical storm warnings and watches for other nearby islands.
Historic Hurricane Beryl Approaches Caribbean with Extreme Force
This historic storm has set records with its swift escalation, becoming only the third Category 3 hurricane recorded in June in the Atlantic. Warm ocean waters, at their highest recorded levels for this time of year, have fueled Beryl’s growth. Forecasters anticipate severe impacts, including a storm surge of up to 9 feet and heavy rainfall of up to 6 inches, posing significant threats to the Windward Islands.
The rapid intensification of Beryl, from a tropical depression to a major hurricane in just 42 hours, marks a rare occurrence in Atlantic hurricane history. Only two other hurricanes, Audrey in 1957 and Alma in 1966, have reached Category 3 status in June. This exceptional development has been fueled by unusually warm waters in the Atlantic, contributing to the storm’s rapid growth and intensity.
Forecasters predict that Beryl will bring a storm surge of up to 9 feet and heavy rains, with potential for severe flooding in affected areas. Barbados and nearby islands can expect up to 6 inches of rain, adding to the already significant threats posed by the hurricane. The storm is projected to pass through the southeastern Caribbean by Monday night and Tuesday, remaining south of Jamaica.
Beryl’s formation and trajectory are notable not only for their timing but also for their location. The storm is the farthest east a hurricane has formed in June, a record previously held since 1933. This unprecedented situation underscores the unusual and dangerous nature of Beryl, with forecasters continuing to monitor its path and potential impacts closely.
Hurricane Beryl’s rapid intensification and unusual path highlight the importance of preparedness and vigilance for those in its projected path. As it approaches the Caribbean, residents are urged to heed warnings and take necessary precautions to ensure their safety.
“Beryl is an extremely dangerous and rare hurricane for this time of year in this area,”
– hurricane specialist and storm surge expert Michael Lowry.
