Tropical Storm Beryl Set to Strengthen into Major Hurricane, Heads Towards Caribbean

Tropical Storm Beryl is expected to intensify into a major hurricane as it approaches the Caribbean, according to the National Hurricane Center.

The storm is anticipated to escalate into a hurricane prior to reaching the Windward Islands, comprising Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Grenada, and Martinique. Currently positioned approximately 820 miles east-southeast of Barbados, Beryl has maximum sustained winds of 65 miles per hour and is moving west at a speed of 23 miles per hour.

The National Hurricane Center's update on Saturday stated, "A relatively rapid westward to west-northwestward movement is anticipated over the next few days. On the projected path, the system is forecasted to traverse the Windward Islands late Sunday night and Monday."

Alerts and Precautions

Hurricane watches have been declared for Barbados, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, and Grenada, with possible hurricane conditions expected on Sunday night or Monday morning, as per the National Hurricane Center. Tropical storm watches are in place for Martinique and Tobago, where storm conditions are likely by Monday morning.

The hurricane watch areas may experience life-threatening storm surges, with water levels expected to rise 5 to 7 feet above normal tide levels, along with destructive waves hitting the coast. Moreover, 3 to 6 inches of rainfall is possible across Barbados and the Windward Islands from Sunday into Monday, potentially leading to flooding in some areas.

The National Hurricane Center mentioned that additional warnings and watches may be issued for the region later on Saturday.