Miami, FL – Hurricane Beryl strengthened into the first hurricane of the season on Saturday, making its way towards the Caribbean. According to the National Hurricane Center, forecasters predict that Beryl will further intensify and become a major hurricane.
As of 11 p.m., Hurricane Beryl was situated 595 miles east-southeast of Barbados, with sustained winds of 85 mph moving west at 20 mph. The hurricane’s center had hurricane-force winds extending 15 miles and tropical-storm-force winds reaching out 70 miles.
Beryl originated as a tropical depression on Friday, received its name late Friday, and continued to intensify throughout Saturday. Meteorologists have noted a steady strengthening trend since its formation, with expectations of rapid intensification due to favorable low wind-shear conditions.
Hurricane warnings have been issued for several Caribbean islands, including Barbados, St. Lucia, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, and Grenada. Additionally, tropical storm warnings are in effect for Martinique and Tobago, with a tropical storm watch for Dominica.
Forecasts indicate that Beryl could become a major hurricane with sustained winds of 125 mph and gusts up to 155 mph as it approaches the Windward Islands on late Sunday and Monday. The storm surge is anticipated to raise water levels significantly and bring heavy rainfall to the region.
In addition to Hurricane Beryl, the National Hurricane Center is monitoring two other systems with the potential to develop into tropical depressions or storms. One system is located in the eastern tropical Atlantic, while the other is expected to form over the Bay of Campeche.
The 2024 Atlantic hurricane season began on June 1, with Tropical Storm Alberto being the first named storm on June 19. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration predicts an above-average season, with 17 to 25 named storms possible. The peak of the hurricane season typically falls between mid-August and October, with the season concluding on November 30.