Beryl, a storm gaining strength in the Atlantic Ocean, has become the first named hurricane of the season.
It is expected to hit several Caribbean islands, possibly reaching Category 3 strength as it moves towards the Gulf of Mexico.
Hurricane Beryl formed on Friday night and is predicted to impact Barbados, Dominica, Grenada, and Martinique by late Sunday.
Forecasters from the National Hurricane Center warn of “hurricane-force” winds, “life-threatening” storm surge, and heavy rainfall for the Windward Islands, west of Barbados.
Barbados has issued warnings for power outages and flash flooding, with the hurricane expected to pass about 26 miles (45 km) south of the island, potentially dropping up to six inches (15 cm) of rain.
Prime Minister Mia Amor Mottley of Barbados acknowledged the uncertainty of the exact weather conditions but emphasized the need to prepare.
The hurricane season, which lasts from June 1 to November 30, is predicted to be particularly active this year, with up to 25 named storms, including 8 to 13 hurricanes and 4 to 7 major hurricanes (Category 3 or higher), according to NOAA.
Hurricane Beryl could become one of the earliest major hurricanes on record if it reaches Category 3 status.
Hurricane expert Michael Lowry noted that only five major hurricanes have ever been recorded in the Atlantic before early July, making Beryl potentially the sixth and earliest in the deep tropical Atlantic.
Credit: BBC.
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cgrlk5gp24ro