The National Hurricane Center warns of ‘potentially catastrophic hurricane-force winds, a life-threatening storm surge, and damaging waves’ as Hurricane Beryl heads towards the Lesser Antilles. Beryl, the first Category 4 hurricane in the Atlantic for June, is expected to impact islands like Grenada’s Ronde and Caille, with potential warnings for Barbados, St. Lucia, and other regions.
Hurricane Beryl, classified as a Category 4 storm, is heading towards the Lesser Antilles and is forecasted to bring “potentially catastrophic hurricane-force winds, a life-threatening storm surge, and damaging waves.” This marks Beryl as the first Category 4 hurricane in the Atlantic during the month of June. The National Hurricane Center indicated that Grenada’s Ronde and Caille islands are likely to experience the storm’s eye, with a potential impact on the main island.
As of Monday at 8 a.m., Beryl was 70 miles east of Grenada with winds at 130 mph, moving west-northwest at 20 mph. The storm is expected to weaken by mid-week as it continues westward. Jamaica, Cuba, and Mexico’s Yucatán Peninsula could be subsequent targets, though the risk to the United States remains low.
Warnings have been issued for Barbados, St. Lucia, Grenada, Tobago, and St. Vincent and the Grenadies, while tropical storm warnings impact Trinidad and Martinique. The storm surge may reach 5-9 feet in localized areas.
Beryl rapidly strengthened due to abnormally warm sea temperatures and minimal wind shear. According to experts, the 2024 hurricane season could be exceptionally active, influenced by La Niña weather patterns and reduced wind shear. Another potential storm, Invest 96L, may impact the same regions later this week. Additionally, Tropical Storm Chris formed overnight in the Bay of Campeche, bringing rains to parts of Mexico.
