(CTN News) – Hurricane Beryl is rapidly intensifying in the Atlantic Ocean, becoming the first named hurricane of the 2024 season.
Beryl is currently a Category 1 hurricane with maximum sustained winds of 75 mph, but forecasters warn it could strengthen into a dangerous major hurricane (Category 3 or higher with winds over 111 mph) before reaching the southeastern Caribbean by late Sunday or early Monday.
A hurricane warning has been issued for Barbados, while hurricane watches are in effect for St. Lucia, Grenada, and St. Vincent and the Grenadines. Tropical storm watches have been posted for Martinique, Dominica, and Tobago.
Meteorologists are stunned by Beryl’s rapid organization and intensification this early in the hurricane season, noting that the storm is developing over exceptionally warm late June waters in the deep tropics.
This is highly unusual, as only 5 major hurricanes have formed in the Atlantic before the first week of July historically.
Impacts and Preparations as Hurricane Beryl Approaches the Caribbean
Beryl is expected to bring heavy rainfall, dangerous storm surge, and hurricane-force winds to the affected islands. Barbados could see up to 6 inches of rain, while a storm surge of up to 7 feet is forecast.
Preparations are underway, with shelters opening and essential services being readied.
The 2024 Atlantic hurricane season is predicted to be extremely active, with forecasts of 17-25 named storms, 8-13 hurricanes, and 4-7 major hurricanes. Beryl’s early development is an ominous sign of what may be to come in the months ahead.
