Fiona Nanna, ForeMedia News

10 minutes read. Updated 2:00PM GMT Mon, July 1, 2024

As Hurricane Beryl approaches the southeastern Caribbean, government officials are urgently advising residents to seek immediate shelter from the dangerous Category 3 storm. This dire situation has prompted a series of emergency measures across the region.

Impending Landfall in the Windward Islands

Hurricane Beryl is anticipated to make landfall in the Windward Islands early Monday morning. The U.S. National Hurricane Center in Miami has issued hurricane warnings for Barbados, St. Lucia, Grenada, Tobago, and St. Vincent and the Grenadines, emphasizing the life-threatening nature of the storm’s winds and storm surge.

As of early Monday, Beryl was positioned approximately 110 miles (175 kilometers) south-southeast of Barbados. The storm boasts maximum sustained winds of 120 mph (195 kph) and is moving west at 20 mph (31 kph). Despite its compact size, with hurricane-force winds extending 30 miles (45 kilometers) from its center, Beryl remains a formidable threat.

Wide-Ranging Alerts

A tropical storm warning has been issued for Martinique and Trinidad, while a tropical storm watch is in effect for Dominica, Haiti’s southern coast, and from Punta Palenque in the Dominican Republic west to the Haitian border. The hurricane is expected to pass just south of Barbados early Monday before entering the Caribbean Sea as a major hurricane, potentially affecting Jamaica and Mexico later in the week.

Historic Meteorological Event

Hurricane Beryl made history on Sunday by becoming the first major hurricane east of the Lesser Antilles in June. According to Philip Klotzbach, a hurricane researcher at Colorado State University, Beryl achieved Category 3 status just 42 hours after forming as a tropical depression, a feat rarely seen in Atlantic hurricane history. The storm briefly intensified to a Category 4 hurricane, surpassing the record set by Hurricane Dennis in 2005.

Michael Lowry, a hurricane specialist, described Beryl as an “extremely dangerous and rare hurricane for this time of year,” underscoring the unusual nature of this event.

Community Preparedness and Response

In Grenada, Reecia Marshall, working at a local hotel, has been preparing guests and ensuring sufficient food and water supplies. Having experienced Hurricane Ivan in 2004, Marshall remains calm but vigilant.

Forecasters have warned of life-threatening storm surges up to 9 feet (3 meters) and rainfall of 3 to 6 inches (7.6 to 15 centimeters) for Barbados and nearby islands, with some areas potentially receiving up to 10 inches (25 centimeters) of rain.

Brian McNoldy from the University of Miami highlighted the exceptionally warm ocean waters fueling Beryl, noting that current ocean heat content is the highest on record for this time of year.

Regional Leaders’ Warnings

Prime Minister Ralph Gonsalves of St. Vincent and the Grenadines has urged residents to take the threat seriously and prepare accordingly. In Barbados, long lines at gas stations and grocery stores reflect the urgency of the situation as people brace for the storm’s impact.

Prime Minister Mia Mottley of Barbados emphasized the need for businesses to close and the airport to shut down by Sunday evening to ensure safety. With many international visitors on the island for the Twenty20 World Cup final, efforts are underway to secure their safety as well.

Protective Measures in St. Lucia

In St. Lucia, Prime Minister Philip J. Pierre has announced a national shutdown starting Sunday evening, with schools and businesses remaining closed on Monday to prioritize the preservation and protection of life.

Additional Weather Threats

Alongside Beryl, a cluster of thunderstorms trailing the hurricane has a 70% chance of developing into a tropical depression, prompting further caution among Caribbean leaders.

The 2024 Atlantic hurricane season, running from June 1 to November 30, is predicted to be above average, with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration forecasting between 17 and 25 named storms, including up to 13 hurricanes and four major hurricanes. This follows Tropical Storm Alberto, which caused fatalities and severe damage earlier this month.

Stay informed and prepared as we continue to monitor Hurricane Beryl and its potential impact on the Caribbean region.

For more detailed information, visit the National Hurricane Center, Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency, and follow #HurricaneBeryl for real-time updates.

Sources:

For comprehensive updates on hurricane preparedness and safety tips, check out our hurricane preparedness guide.