Janice R. Andrews
As it approaches the southeast Caribbean, Hurricane Beryl—the first named storm of the 2024 Atlantic hurricane season—brings strong gusts and deluges of rain. It is expected that the storm, which intensified into a major hurricane on Saturday, will make landfall in Barbados and the Windward Islands either late Sunday or early Monday.
Ocean heat content is at record highs for this time of year in the deep Atlantic, which is feeding Beryl, according to Brian McNoldy, a researcher in tropical meteorology at the University of Miami. Beryl’s creation before July 4th is unusual; on June 8, 1966, the last early-season hurricane, Alma, made landfall in the Florida Keys.
Where is the head of Hurricane Beryl?
As of Saturday night, Hurricane Beryl was traveling westward at 20 mph and was situated roughly 595 miles southeast of Barbados. Beryl’s greatest sustained winds were recorded by the National Hurricane Centre (NHC) at 85 mph. Sabu Best, the head of Barbados’ meteorological department, said the storm’s center will pass around 26 miles south of the island.
As noted by meteorology producer David Parkinson of CBS News, Beryl is the most eastwardly hurricane to form in June since 1933. By late Sunday night or early Monday, the NHC anticipates that Beryl’s center will pass over the Windward Islands, which include Dominica, Grenada, Martinique, Saint Lucia, and St. Vincent. “Life-threatening winds and storm surge” are predicted to be brought to these locations by the hurricane.
Beryl is now categorized as a Category 1 hurricane, with maximum sustained winds of up to 95 mph. Before it reaches the Windward Islands, however, it is expected to strengthen into a Category 3 major hurricane, with maximum sustained winds of 111 mph or higher.
Predictions for Rainfall and Flooding
Beryl is predicted to cause substantial flooding and rain in the area. According to forecasts, Barbados and the Windward Islands may experience storm surges up to seven feet in height along with 3 to 6 inches of rain. Up to six inches of rain are predicted for St. Vincent, and two to four inches for Martinique, Grenada, and Dominica. These conditions, which present major risks of flooding and storm surge, are predicted to start late on Sunday night.
Cautions and Warnings
Several regions have issued warnings ahead of the storm. Hurricane warnings are in effect for Barbados, St. Lucia, St. Vincent, Grenada, and the Grenadine Islands. Dominica is under a tropical storm watch, and Martinique and Tobago are under tropical storm warnings.
Any possible effects of Beryl are still at least eight days away for the United States. Parkinson said the storm is likely to stay south of Jamaica.
It is advised that residents in the impacted areas take the appropriate safety measures and keep up with the most recent information provided by the National Hurricane Centre and local meteorological organizations. Since Beryl is still moving forward and could bring severe weather to the southeast Caribbean, being ready is essential.
