As it approaches the Caribbean, Hurricane Beryl is upgraded to a “very dangerous Category 3 Storm”

Beryl is the first Atlantic hurricane of 2024. According to National Hurricane Center, it intensified Sunday morning and became a “very dangerous” Category 3 storm.

Dalia Faheid and Sara Tonks

Jun 30, 2024 01:56 PM

CNN —

Beryl, 2024’s first Atlantic hurricane, grew on Sunday into a “very dangerous” Category 3 Hurricane as it headed towards Barbados and the Windward Islands. According to the National Hurricane Center, it was expected that Beryl would bring dangerous storm tides and destructive hurricane force wind.

According to the National Hurricane Center’s predictions, Beryl will be an “extremely dangerous” Category 4 Hurricane by the time it reaches Windward Islands on Sunday night or early Monday morning. The first hurricane of the season is unusually early. The average date for the first hurricane is August 11.

As at 8:15 am. According to the center, Beryl is 420 miles east from Barbados heading west with winds of up to 115mph.

NHC said that “Devastating damage to wind will be expected in areas where Beryl’s eyewall passes through the Windward Islands.” Beryl’s eyewall will cause “a life-threatening surge of floodwater” in the areas that it is predicted to landfall.

The storm has intensified quickly, with winds increasing by 55 mph over the course of 24 hours since Sunday morning. According to the National Hurricane Center, Rapid intensification is defined as an increase of 35 mph of sustained maximum wind speed within 24 hours.

Mike Brennan, the National Hurricane Center at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, told CNN’s Fredricka Whitfield that they expected rapid intensification and were expecting Beryl to become a major hurricane before it reached Barbados and Windward Islands. The hurricane will remain extremely powerful when it reaches the central and eastern Caribbean early next week.

Beryl is a Category 4 hurricane when it passes near the Windward Islands. Grenada, and Saint Vincent & the Grenadines. It would be one of the strongest storms to hit this region since Hurricane Ivan in 2004.

Brennan warned residents to prepare for storm impacts in areas under hurricane warnings. Beryl can bring dangerous waves, heavy rain and hurricane-force winds. The Center says that rain totals of between 3 and six inches could cause localized flooding on Sunday or Monday in the Windward Islands.

Hurricane Warnings are in effect for Barbados and St. Lucia. Martinique is under a Tropical Storm Warning, while Dominica has a Tropical Hurricane Watch.

First hurricane of the season

Beryl is the first major hurricane to hit the Atlantic in 58 years. Brennan said that its rapid intensity was unusual, given the early stage of hurricane season. Few have.

Beryl was not only the third-earliest hurricane in Atlantic Ocean history, but it also happened before Hurricane Alma, which occurred on June 8, 1996. Hurricane Audrey was upgraded to a major hurricane in June 1957.

Beryl will become the first Category 4 hurricane in Atlantic Ocean history if it performs as predicted.

The storm broke the previous record set in 1933 for the most easterly tropical hurricane of the Tropical Atlantic.

The central and eastern Atlantic is more active in August than usual. It is partially because the ocean temperatures are higher and have fueled system development.

As El Nino transitioned to La Nina, water temperatures were higher than normal and wind shear was lower. Both of these factors fuel tropical development.

Brennan said that Beryl found a place where ocean water is very warm, especially for this time of year.

Brennan says that warmer waters in Atlantic Basin have allowed hurricanes and tropical storms to form more quickly in an easterly direction. This has made them stronger and more destructive in the early stages of the hurricane season. The hurricane season lasts from June 1 until November 30.

Brennan explained ocean water that is normally observed in August and September is now seen in late June. This opens up the deep tropical Atlantic for hurricane formation before what is traditionally hurricane season.

Caribbean Islands urge public to prepare for Hurricanes

Authorities urge residents in the Caribbean to take precautionary measures as Hurricane Beryl grows stronger and approaches.

Barbados officials have said that the island is expected to feel the effects of this storm by Sunday evening. According to the island’s Meteorological Services, the island can expect storm-force winds, upto 6 inches of rain, hazardous marine conditions, and severe thunderstorms, which could disrupt power utilities.

Wilfred Abrahams said in a release that all preparations for a storm are well underway. In a press release, Wilfred Abrahams, Minister of Home Affairs and Information said that “all the preparations we make for a hurricane are in full swing.”

Ralph Gonsalves warns the island’s Prime Minister that the storm could hit as early as the morning of Monday. The rain is expected to be between 4 and 6 inches.

Gonsalves said, “Kingstown is going to be flooded once this hurricane starts moving.” “Normally, two inches of rain would flood the city. The rain must continue. “

St. Lucia’s government warns that “moderate to heavy showers, thunderstorms, and gusty winds” may be expected in the area. Philip J. Pierre urges residents to review and prepare their emergency plans.

The National Disaster Management Agency of Grenada encourages residents to prepare by having emergency supply kits, trimming branches and trees which are overhanging and clearing drains. They also urge them to know the location of emergency shelters.

NOAA forecasts a hurricane seasons above normal

According Phil Klotzbach’s research at Colorado State University the formation of systems so early in the hurricane season is an indication that the season will be hyperactive. The normal ocean temperatures between June and August do not support tropical systems.

National Weather Service Forecasters expect 17-25 named storms this season. Eight to thirteen will become hurricanes, and four to seven major hurricanes.

Brennan replied, “That is way above the average.” “

The weather service says that this is due to “a confluence of factors” such as the near-record temperatures both in the Atlantic Ocean & Pacific Oceans, the development La Nina (in the Pacific Ocean), the reduced Atlantic Trade Winds, and less wind Shear. All of these factors tend to favor tropical storm formation. “

Michael Rios, Allison Chinchar and Peyton Galyean Monica Garrett Eric Zerkel Brandon Miller contributed to this report. Sara Smart, Amanda Musa Peyton Galyean Monica Garrett Eric Zerkel Brandon Miller.