Tropical Storm Beryl Strengthens, Threatens the Windward Islands

A new tropical storm named Beryl has intensified in the central Atlantic, posing a significant threat to the Windward Islands, specifically Barbados and Grenada, with a potential hurricane on the horizon.

The National Hurricane Center (NHC) reported that Beryl currently sustains winds of over 60 mph, with projections hinting towards it reaching hurricane status with sustained winds of 74 mph by Sunday.

Beryl’s current location places it less than 900 miles east-southeast of the Windward Islands, indicating an imminent impact on southern parts of the region by late Sunday into Monday.

Barbados has already been issued a Hurricane Watch, with other islands like Saint Lucia, Martinique, and Saint Vincent likely to be affected as the storm progresses.

Forecast models predict Beryl to bring strong winds, potentially topping 100 mph, and heavy rainfall, ranging from 3-6 inches, leading to localized flooding in the targeted areas.

Additionally, a storm surge may elevate water levels by 2 to 4 feet above normal, posing a significant risk to coastal regions in the Hurricane Watch zone.

Despite concerns, the U.S. territories of the Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico are currently not under any watch, with the main impacts of Beryl expected to remain south of these territories.

As Beryl advances into the Caribbean, uncertainties arise about its future track, potentially towards the Gulf, though the situation is complex with numerous variables at play.

Furthermore, the NHC is monitoring another disturbance east of Beryl, which could develop in the following week and follow a similar trajectory.