Hurricane Beryl, which has recently weakened to a Category 3 hurricane, is heading towards the Windward Islands with sustained winds of 195 km/h and dangerous storm surges expected to begin in the Caribbean region on Monday morning.
In the latest bulletin from the National Hurricane Center (NHC), the hurricane was located about 200 kilometers east-southeast of Grenada and 225 km southeast of Saint Vincent, moving westward at 31 km/h with a minimum central pressure of 28.50 inches.
Current alerts and warnings include a hurricane warning for Barbados, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Grenada, and Tobago. Additionally, tropical storm warnings remain in effect for Martinique and Trinidad, Dominica, the southern coast of the Dominican Republic from Punta Palenque westward to the border with Haiti, and the southern coast of Haiti from the border with the Dominican Republic to Anse d'Hainault.
At present, Cuba does not appear on the projected path of this meteorological phenomenon. Hurricane conditions are expected in the warning areas starting this morning, with potential catastrophic damage in the Windward Islands, especially in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines and Grenada.
A potentially deadly storm surge could raise water levels by 6 to 9 feet above normal tide levels in areas with onshore winds near the hurricane's eye. Beryl could produce 3 to 6 inches of rainfall in Barbados and the Windward Islands, with localized maximum amounts of up to 10 inches in the Grenadines and Grenada, causing possible flash floods.
Additionally, large swells generated by Beryl will affect the Windward Islands and the southern Leeward Islands, as well as the southern coasts of Puerto Rico and Hispaniola, creating dangerous surf and rip current conditions.
Atlantic Hurricane Season
Beryl formed on June 28 in the Atlantic and quickly gained strength. It has become the second named storm and the first hurricane of the current hurricane season, which is expected to be very active.
In recent days, the first tropical storm of the season, Alberto, made landfall in northeastern Mexico, where it caused heavy rains that led to the deaths of four people. On Sunday, June 30, Tropical Storm Chris formed in the Gulf of Mexico.
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) of the United States has predicted that the 2024 hurricane season will be well above average, with between 17 and 25 named storms. Up to 13 hurricanes and four major hurricanes (Category 3 or higher) are expected.
Frequently Asked Questions About Hurricane Beryl
Here are some common questions and answers regarding Hurricane Beryl's current status and its impact on the Caribbean region.
What is Hurricane Beryl's current category?
Hurricane Beryl has downgraded to a Category 3 hurricane.
Which areas are under hurricane warning?
Hurricane warnings are in effect for Barbados, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Grenada, and Tobago.
What are the expected impacts of Hurricane Beryl?
Potential impacts include dangerous storm surges, heavy rainfall leading to flash floods, and large swells causing dangerous surf and rip currents.
How active is the 2024 hurricane season expected to be?
The 2024 hurricane season is predicted to be well above average, with 17 to 25 named storms, up to 13 hurricanes, and 4 major hurricanes.