The US National Hurricane Center reported on Friday that Hurricane Beryl. A Category 4 storm rated “extremely dangerous,” was moving across the Atlantic toward the Caribbean’s Windward Islands. The hurricane is expect to bring deadly winds and flash floods to the area on Monday.
According to NHC advisory on Sunday afternoon. Hurricane Beryl was located about 250 miles (400 km) southeast of Barbados, with peak sustained winds of around 130 mph (215 kph). The hurricane center is forecaste to traverse the Windward Islands Monday morning as a category four system.
The NHC advisory said, “Some locations may experience potentially catastrophic wind damage from strong gusts associated with eyewall through parts of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines in Windward Island.”
It is unusual for a major hurricane to form so early in the Atlantic hurricane season. Which runs from June 1st through November 30th. Hurricane Beryl has broken a new record for being a first ever Cat Four storm in June surpassing Hurricane Dennis which did so on July 8, 2005.
Hurricane warnings have bee posted for several Caribbean islands including Barbados, St Lucia, St Vincent and the Grenadine Isles, Grenada and Tobago. Dominica and Trinidad as well as parts of Haiti and Dominican Republic are under tropical storm watch. Ahead of its arrival in other areas affected by this natural disaster Tobago has opened shelters closed schools for tomorrow. While hospitals have postponed elective surgeries till after it passes.
NHC warned that rainfall totals throughout Monday could amount to between three and six inches over. Barbados and Windward Islands causing possible flash flooding in low-lying areas. Additionally large swells are expect along southern coastlines of Puerto Rico and Hispaniola.
There were also doubts over Indian cricket team’s return plans as they were still there for world cup finals. When this warning came up. Severe weather alert has forced the Indian Cricket Board to reorganize travel arrangements as it looks for ways of returning home without getting caught up in the bad weather.
More storms than usual anticipated
Experts are warning that the 2024 Atlantic hurricane season may be much more severe than normal. According to a late May forecast by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. There is an expected “above-normal” activity with 17-25 name storms in this season.
Such forecast was also made earlier this year by various institutions including universities, private businesses and some governmental agencies. Typically, an average hurricane season sees about 14 named storms.
Forecasters are suggesting that the Atlantic hurricane season in 2024 could be more serious than normal, with potentially greater numbers of storms forming and impacting coastal communities.
