BASSETERRE, St. Kitts -- TERRITORIES within the Windward Islands are on high alert for possible impact from Hurricane Beryl, which is being categorized as a major hurricane.
The hurricane’s eye is currently near latitude 10.7 North, longitude 54.9 West. According to the National Hurricane Center (NHC), Hurricane Beryl is moving west at approximately 21 mph, with sustained wind speeds near 120 mph.
The NHC noted that a quick westward to west-northwestward motion is expected over the next few days. With its current forecast track, the center of Beryl is expected to move across the Windward Islands on Monday morning and across the southeastern and central Caribbean Sea from late Monday through Wednesday.
Over the last 24 hours, the storm has intensified and has become a major Category 3 hurricane. Forecasters predict it is expected to become an “extremely dangerous Category 4 hurricane before it reaches the Windward Islands.”
“Hurricane-force winds extend outward up to 30 miles (45 km) from the center and tropical-storm-force winds extend outward up to 115 miles (185 km),” the NHC stated.
Hurricane Watches and Warnings are currently in effect for territories in the Windward Island region.
A Hurricane Warning has been issued for Barbados, St. Lucia, St. Vincent and the Grenadine Islands, Grenada, and Tobago. A Tropical Storm Warning is in effect for Martinique, while a Tropical Storm Watch is in effect for Dominica and Trinidad.
A Hurricane Warning indicates that hurricane conditions are expected within the warning area. Meanwhile, a Tropical Storm Warning means that tropical storm conditions are expected somewhere within the warning area within 36 hours, and a Tropical Storm Watch means that tropical storm conditions are possible within the watch area, generally within 48 hours.
Territories within the affected areas have been warned of possible flash floods, as the storm is expected to bring 3 to 6 inches of rainfall across Barbados and the Windward Islands through Monday.
Forecasters with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) have warned that the 2024 Atlantic Hurricane season will be very active, predicting 17-25 named storms, 8-13 hurricanes, and 4-7 major hurricanes.
Currently, there are two other developments within the region. AL 96 also has a high percentage chance of development over the long term, according to the NHC’s outlook.
