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Hurricane Beryl, a formidable Category 3 storm, is set to impact the Windward Islands this morning. The storm poses significant risks to several island communities, with threats of life-threatening storm surge, violent winds, and flash flooding.
Beryl is currently moving westward, just south of Barbados, and is projected to pass over the Windward Islands on Monday morning. St. Vincent, the Grenadines, and Grenada are particularly vulnerable to the storm’s core.
This early arrival of Beryl marks a concerning and potentially devastating start to the Atlantic hurricane season. The hurricane reached Category 4 strength on Sunday, setting a record for the earliest storm of such intensity in the Atlantic Ocean. By early Monday, it had slightly weakened to a Category 3. If Beryl regains strength, it could become the most powerful storm the region has experienced since Hurricane Ivan in 2004.
A satellite image from NOAA on Sunday afternoon, June 30, captured the intensity of Tropical Storm Beryl. Islanders scrambled to complete emergency preparations Sunday night as tropical storm-force winds began to approach. Local authorities warned of potentially catastrophic impacts, including severe damage to homes, widespread power outages, and significant threats to residents’ safety.
Prime Minister Ralph Gonsalves of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines urged residents to take the situation seriously. “I want everybody in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines to take this matter very seriously,” he said. “There are some persons who are hoping for the best, and we must all do that, but we all have to prepare for the worst.”
Latest Updates on Hurricane Beryl:
Beryl’s Intensity: The hurricane is currently about 125 miles east-southeast of Grenada, with sustained winds of 120 mph moving westward at 20 mph. Despite a slight decrease in wind speed overnight, the National Hurricane Center (NHC) warned that the area of stronger winds has expanded, potentially affecting a larger region.
Storm Surge and Flooding Risks: The NHC cautioned that “life-threatening storm surge will raise water levels by as much as 6 to 9 feet above normal tide levels” near Beryl’s landfall. Towering waves could create dangerous surf and rip currents, threatening small vessels and fishermen. Flash flooding is a major concern, with expected rainfall of 3 to 6 inches across parts of the Windward Islands and Barbados, and up to 10 inches in some areas, particularly in the Grenadines and Grenada. Barbados Prime Minister Mia Amor Mottley urged citizens to remain “extremely vigilant.”
Hurricane Warnings Issued: Hurricane warnings are in effect for Barbados, St. Lucia, St. Vincent and the Grenadine Islands, Grenada, and Tobago. Tropical storm warnings are in place for Martinique and Trinidad. Watches are in effect for Dominica, the south coast of the Dominican Republic from Punta Palenque westward to the Haiti border, and the south coast of Haiti from the Dominican Republic border to Anse-d’Hainault.
Evacuations and Shelters: Over 400 people sought refuge in hurricane shelters across Barbados on Sunday night. Chief Shelter Warden Ramona Archer-Bradshaw expressed relief that people were using the shelters, advising that it is safer to be in a shelter if their homes are not secure.
State of Emergency in Grenada: Grenadian Governor General Cecile La Grenade declared a state of emergency from Sunday night to Tuesday morning, with all non-essential businesses closed during this period.
Airport Closures: Airports in Barbados, Grenada, and Saint Lucia shut down operations Sunday night as Beryl approached. Grenada’s Maurice Bishop International Airport plans to reopen Tuesday morning, while Barbados’ Grantley Adams International Airport and St. Lucia’s Hewanorra International and George Charles airports remain closed.
Cricket World Cup Fans: Some cricket fans in Barbados for the T20 World Cup may not be able to evacuate before Beryl’s arrival. Prime Minister Mia Amor Mottley called on residents to support visitors unfamiliar with hurricane conditions.
Unprecedented Start to Hurricane Season:
Beryl’s early arrival and intensity signal a hyperactive hurricane season ahead. Forecasters have warned of an exceptionally busy season, with Beryl’s record-breaking activity potentially being an early indicator.
Beryl is the earliest major hurricane (Category 3 or higher) in the Atlantic in 58 years. According to National Hurricane Center Director Mike Brennan, the storm’s rapid intensification this early in the season is highly unusual. Historically, it is rare for tropical systems of this strength to form in the central Atlantic east of the Lesser Antilles in June.
Beryl is now the Atlantic’s third-earliest major hurricane on record, following Hurricane Alma on June 8, 1966, and Hurricane Audrey on June 27, 1957. Additionally, Beryl has set a new record for being the easternmost hurricane to form in the Tropical Atlantic in June, surpassing a previous record set in 1933.
