Tropical Storm Beryl Strengthens in Atlantic, Approaching Hurricane Status
Tropical Storm Beryl is set to become the first hurricane of the 2024 season, with sustained winds of 40 mph and approaching the Windward Islands. Meteorologists warn of potential heavy rains, high winds, and storm surges in the Caribbean region.
Tropical Storm Beryl Develops in Atlantic, Could Become First Hurricane of the Season
Miami, June 28, 2024—Tropical Storm Beryl has formed in the Atlantic Ocean and is projected to strengthen into the first hurricane of the season, according to meteorologists. As of Friday evening, Beryl exhibited sustained winds of 40 mph and was situated approximately 1,110 miles southeast of Barbados, moving westward at 18 mph.
Beryl’s formation reflects the active forecast for the 2024 Atlantic hurricane season, which the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) predicts will feature between 17 and 25 named storms, including up to 13 hurricanes and four major hurricanes. This comes after Tropical Storm Alberto brought heavy rains to northeast Mexico earlier in the month, resulting in four deaths.
Projections indicate Beryl could reach hurricane strength by Sunday night as it nears the Windward Islands in the Caribbean Sea. The storm may bring 3 to 6 inches of rain, hurricane-force winds, and dangerous storm surges to areas including Barbados, and St. Vincent and the Grenadines.
Forecasters note that while it is unusual for a tropical storm to form this early and east in the Atlantic, favorable atmospheric conditions suggest a likelihood of further intensification. Keep monitoring updates from the National Hurricane Center as the storm progresses.