Approaching Southeast Caribbean, Beryl Grows to Category 3 Hurricane
SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico—Hurricane Beryl is expected to strengthen into a powerful Category 4 storm as it nears the southeastern Caribbean. This region has begun shutting down in response to urgent pleas from government officials urging people to seek shelter.
There are hurricane warnings in effect for Barbados, St. Lucia, Grenada, and St. Vincent and the Grenadines. The meteorological service director of Barbados, Sabu Best, mentioned that Beryl’s center is projected to pass about 70 miles (112 kilometers) south of Barbados on Monday morning.
The National Hurricane Center in Miami issued a warning about the severity of the situation in the Windward Islands, stating that Beryl is forecasted to bring life-threatening winds and storm surge.
On Sunday morning, Beryl strengthened into a Category 3 hurricane, making it the first major hurricane east of the Lesser Antilles in June on record, according to Philip Klotzbach, a hurricane researcher at Colorado State University.
Beryl now stands as the third Category 3 hurricane ever recorded in the Atlantic in June, following Audrey in 1957 and Alma in 1966, as noted by hurricane specialist and storm surge expert Michael Lowry.
Lowry emphasized the rare and highly dangerous nature of Beryl for this time of year and location, calling it a historic hurricane even before its impact.
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The last strongest hurricane to hit the southeastern Caribbean was Hurricane Ivan in 2004, causing catastrophic damage in Grenada as a Category 3 storm.
Mr. Lowry emphasized the seriousness of the threat posed by Beryl, which is currently located about 420 miles (675 kilometers) east-southeast of Barbados as a Category 3 hurricane with sustained winds of 115 mph (185 kph).
Forecasters are warning of significant storm surge and rainfall associated with Beryl, with preparations and protective measures being taken in the region.
Warm waters and other factors have fueled Beryl’s rapid intensification, making it a significant threat for the area at this time of year.
The formation of Beryl as the farthest east hurricane in the tropical Atlantic in June has set new records, indicating the severity and rarity of the storm.
Barbadian Prime Minister Mia Mottley has urged residents to take necessary precautions and follow safety guidelines to protect themselves from the storm.
Preparations are being made across the Caribbean region to ensure the safety and well-being of residents in the path of the storm.
Caribbean leaders are monitoring not only Beryl but also other weather systems that could potentially develop into tropical depressions, emphasizing the need for continued vigilance.
Beryl is the second named storm in what is expected to be an active hurricane season, with forecasts predicting above-average storm activity in the Atlantic.
As the region braces for the impact of Hurricane Beryl, authorities and residents are working together to minimize risks and protect lives.
By Danica Coto
