Hurricane Beryl is rapidly intensifying and is forecast to become a powerful Category 4 storm as it approaches the southeast Caribbean. On Sunday, the area began to be closed down, and government officials urged people to take shelter immediately.
Hurricane Warnings and Forecast
Hurricane warnings are in effect for Barbados, St. Lucia, Grenada, and St. Vincent and the Grenadines.
The National Hurricane Center (NHC) in Miami has warned that Beryl could bring life-threatening winds and storm surges to the Windward Islands.
Hurricane Beryl is expected to pass about 70 miles (112 kilometers) south of Barbados on Monday morning.
By Sunday morning, Beryl had already strengthened into a Category 3 hurricane, becoming the first major hurricane recorded east of the Lesser Antilles in June.
It is now the third Category 3 hurricane recorded in the Atlantic in June.
Urgent Preparations
Government officials have emphasized the severity of the situation. Barbadian Prime Minister Mia Mottley has called for all businesses to close by Sunday evening and announced that the airport would close by nighttime. In St.
Lucia, Prime Minister Philip J. Pierre announced a national shutdown for Sunday evening, with schools and businesses remaining closed on Monday.
Long lines have formed at gas stations and grocery stores as residents prepare for the storm. Authorities are also urging people to help vulnerable community members, including the homeless, find safe shelter.
Storm Details and Impact
Hurricane Beryl was located about 420 miles (675 kilometers) east-southeast of Barbados as a Category 3 hurricane with maximum sustained winds of 115 mph (185 kph).
It is moving west at 21 mph (33 kph) and is expected to weaken by midweek, though it will still be a hurricane as it heads toward Mexico.
Forecasters have warned of life-threatening storm surges up to 9 feet (3 meters) and heavy rainfall of up to 6 inches (15 centimeters) in affected areas.
Record-Breaking Storm
Beryl is notable not only for its strength but also for breaking records. It is the farthest easterly hurricane to form in the tropical Atlantic Ocean in June, breaking a record set in 1933.
Warm waters in the deep Atlantic, the highest on record for this time of year, are fueling Beryl’s rapid intensification.
Conclusion
Residents of the southeast Caribbean are bracing for impact as Hurricane Beryl approaches. With its unprecedented strength and potential for severe damage, it is crucial for everyone in the storm’s path to take all necessary precautions and heed the warnings from officials.
Stay safe and stay informed as this historic hurricane continues to develop.
