BTN News: Hurricane Beryl got stronger on Saturday while moving towards the southeast Caribbean. Meteorologists said Beryl will become a very dangerous storm before it reaches Barbados on Sunday night or early Monday morning. This quick strengthening has caused hurricane warnings in many Caribbean islands, like Barbados and Saint Lucia.
Beryl’s Formation Sets a New Record in the Tropical Atlantic
Beryl is special because it is the earliest hurricane to form so far east in the tropical Atlantic since records began. Philip Klotzbach, a hurricane researcher at Colorado State University, said this breaks an old record set in 1933. On Saturday night, Beryl was a Category 1 hurricane with winds of 140 km/h (85 mph), located 955 km (595 miles) east-southeast of Barbados.
Warnings and Preparations for the Caribbean Islands
Hurricane warnings are given for Barbados, Saint Lucia, Grenada, and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines. Tropical storm warnings are also given for Martinique, Dominica, and Tobago. Michael Lowry, a hurricane expert from Florida, said it is very rare to see a major hurricane forecast in June, especially so far east in the tropics. Beryl formed quickly in warm waters, which is unusual for this time of year.
Expected Path and Possible Effects of Hurricane Beryl
Beryl is expected to pass about 45 km (26 miles) south of Barbados. After that, it will move across the Caribbean towards Jamaica and maybe Mexico. Sabu Best, the head of Barbados’ meteorological service, asked people to get ready for strong impacts.
Officials’ Statements and Public Safety Measures
Barbados’ Prime Minister Mia Mottley told everyone to take all needed precautions and said all businesses should close by Sunday night. She also mentioned the many visitors in Barbados for the Twenty20 Cricket World Cup final, making preparations even more important.
In Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Prime Minister Ralph Gonsalves said shelters will open on Sunday night and asked people to get ready for the storm. He also told government vehicles to be refueled and asked stores to stay open longer so people can prepare.
Historical Context and Future Weather Predictions
Beryl is the second named storm in what is predicted to be a very active hurricane season. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) said there will be 17 to 25 named storms this season, including up to 13 hurricanes and four major hurricanes. Normally, the Atlantic hurricane season has 14 named storms, seven hurricanes, and three major hurricanes.
Recent Weather Events in the Caribbean Region
Beryl is coming soon after serious flooding in Trinidad and Tobago’s capital, Port of Spain, caused by another weather event. Caribbean leaders are also watching a group of thunderstorms that could become a tropical depression next week.
Conclusion
As Beryl gets stronger, people in the Caribbean should stay alert and take all necessary precautions. The next few days will be very important as the region prepares for one of the strongest June hurricanes on record.
