Hurricane Beryl, classified as an “extremely dangerous” Category 4 storm, is moving rapidly across the Atlantic Ocean towards the Caribbean’s Windward Islands.
The storm is expected to make landfall on Monday, bringing life-threatening winds and potential flash flooding.
Hurricane Beryl’s Location and Strength
As of Sunday night, the first hurricane of the 2024 season was located about 150 miles (240 km) southeast of Barbados, with maximum sustained winds of 130 mph (215 kph).
The National Hurricane Center (NHC) predicts that Beryl will remain a major hurricane as it moves through the Windward Islands into the eastern Caribbean.
The center of Hurricane Beryl is expected to pass through the Windward Islands on Monday morning, bringing potentially catastrophic wind damage to St. Vincent and the Grenadines, and Grenada.
Earliest Category 4 Hurricane on Record
It is unusual for a major hurricane to form this early in the Atlantic hurricane season, which runs from June 1 to November 30. Beryl has already set a record as the earliest Category 4 hurricane on record, surpassing Hurricane Dennis, which reached Category 4 status on July 8, 2005.
Hurricane warnings have been issued for Barbados, St. Lucia, St. Vincent and the Grenadine Islands, Grenada, and Tobago. Additionally, a tropical storm watch is in effect for Dominica, Trinidad, and parts of the Dominican Republic and Haiti.
Preparations Underway in the Caribbean
Authorities and residents in the Caribbean islands are actively preparing for the storm’s arrival. Tobago has opened shelters, closed schools for Monday, and canceled elective surgeries in hospitals.
Hurricane Beryl is expected to bring 3 to 6 inches (8 to 15 cm) of rain across Barbados and the Windward Islands on Monday, potentially causing flash flooding in vulnerable areas.
Dangerous Swells Expected
Large and dangerous swells are also anticipated to impact the southern coasts of Puerto Rico and Hispaniola.
The U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) predicted above-normal hurricane activity in the Atlantic for 2024, partly due to near-record warm ocean temperatures.