Beryl Intensifies into a Highly Dangerous Hurricane Heading Towards Cuba

The hurricane Beryl continues its westward movement, increasing the strength of its winds, prompting the National Hurricane Center (NHC) to declare it an "extremely dangerous hurricane." "Beryl is rapidly intensifying. The forecast indicates it will bring potentially deadly winds and storm surges to the Windward Islands as an extremely dangerous hurricane," the NHC reported from its X account.

In its latest update, the NHC located the center of the hurricane near 10.7 north, 53.1 west, moving westward at 18 knots (33.3 km/h). The powerful hurricane has maximum sustained winds of 85 knots (157 km/h) with gusts up to 105 knots (194 km/h). Although the winds and waves vary greatly in each quadrant, the meteorological center has recorded waves up to 12 feet (3.65 meters).

"Beryl is expected to be an extremely dangerous Category 4 hurricane when it reaches the Windward Islands early Monday, bringing destructive hurricane-force winds and potentially deadly storm surges. Hurricane warnings are in effect for much of the Windward Islands," the NHC warned.

Additionally, the NHC forecasted "heavy rains and localized flooding in the Windward Islands tonight and Monday," and recommended monitoring the progress of this system. "Users are reminded that there is significant uncertainty on days 4 and 5, and they should not focus on the specific details of the track or intensity forecast," the NHC cautioned, considering the evolution of the first hurricane of the season.

For now, the NHC has issued a hurricane warning for the islands of Barbados, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, and Grenada. For Martinique and Tobago, the advisory is for a tropical storm.

"It is surprising to see a forecast for a major hurricane (Category 3+) in June anywhere in the Atlantic, much less so far east in the deep tropics. Beryl is rapidly organizing over the warmest waters ever recorded for late June. Hurricane watch for much of the Windward Islands," tweeted expert Michael Lowry.

According to the forecast map provided by Lowry, hurricane Beryl is expected to reach the eastern tip of Cuba by Wednesday morning as a Category 2 hurricane, with winds of 168 km/h. By Thursday morning, it would be located south of the island, at the level of its central region, but as a Category 1 hurricane, with winds of 144 km/h.

Meanwhile, the Weather Forecast Center of the Institute of Meteorology of Cuba (INSMET) forecasted some showers and thunderstorms for this Sunday. "It will dawn predominantly cloudy in the western region and partly cloudy in the rest of the country, with occasional showers in the extreme northeastern part. In the morning, it will be partly cloudy, and from the afternoon, it will be mostly cloudy with some showers, rains, and thunderstorms," INSMET pointed out.

Located about 3,000 kilometers away from Cuba, the effects of Beryl have not yet reached the largest of the Antilles. This Sunday, the winds will be from the east, with speeds between 10 and 25 kilometers per hour, and weak variables along the southern coast. "There will be little surf, except on the northeastern coast where there will be waves, which will decrease to light surf by the afternoon," INSMET specified, reminding that "in areas of showers and thunderstorms, the strength of the winds and the height of the waves can increase."