Hurricane Beryl intensifies as it nears the Caribbean. The National Hurricane Center (NHC) categorizes it as a dangerous Category 3 storm.
Meteorologists warn of life-threatening winds and storm surge. Beryl is expected to make landfall Monday morning on the Windward Islands.
Heavy Rainfall Predicted for Windward Islands
Significant precipitation is forecast for the affected areas. The Grenadines may receive up to 10 inches of rain.
Barbados could see up to 6 inches of rainfall. These predictions come from the National Hurricane Center in Miami.
Hurricane Warnings Issued for Multiple Islands
Several Caribbean islands are under hurricane warnings. Affected areas include Barbados, St. Lucia, St. Vincent and Grenadines.
Grenada and Tobago are also on high alert. The NHC emphasizes the nature of the situation.
Beryl’s Location and Wind Speed Reported
As of early Monday, Beryl was 125 miles southeast of Grenada. The hurricane’s maximum sustained winds reached 120 miles per hour.
It’s moving westward at approximately 20 miles per hour. The NHC expects Beryl to remain a major hurricane as it crosses the Windward Islands.
Potential for Catastrophic Wind Damage Noted
The NHC warns of severe wind damage in Beryl’s path. Water levels could rise up to 9 feet above normal.
Large, destructive waves are expected to accompany the surge. The hurricane’s wind field extends 30 miles from its center.
Barbados Airport Records Strong Wind Gusts
Grantley Adams International Airport in Barbados experiences high winds. Gusts up to 45 miles per hour were recorded.
Tropical storm-force winds extend up to 115 miles from Beryl’s center. These measurements indicate the storm’s growing strength and reach.
Beryl’s Strength Fluctuates Before Landfall Approach
The hurricane reached Category 4 status on Sunday. It was briefly classified as “extremely dangerous” by the NHC.
Beryl’s winds decreased slightly overnight, but its impact area grew. The NHC warns that hurricane hazards may affect a larger region.
Barbados Implements Emergency Preparedness Measures
Officials in Barbados open emergency shelters on Sunday evening. All businesses are ordered to close by 7 p.m.
The water authority urges residents to store potable water. Precautionary measures include shutting off water lines.
Cricket World Cup Attendees Stranded by Storm
Thousands of people visited Barbados for the Twenty20 Cricket World Cup final. The worsening weather prevents many from leaving the island.
The victorious India team is among those unable to depart. Prime Minister Mia Mottley expresses concern for visitors unfamiliar with hurricanes.
Barbados Meteorological Department Updates Conditions
Gusts up to 64 miles per hour are recorded in Barbados. Marine conditions continue to deteriorate rapidly.
Beryl’s center is forecast to pass about 80 miles south of the island. The department issues regular advisories to keep residents informed.
