‘Very Dangerous Major’ Hurricane Beryl Becomes First Category 3 Storm of the Season

Hurricane Beryl has intensified into the first Category 3 storm of the 2024 Atlantic hurricane season, according to the National Hurricane Center (NHC).

As of 11 a.m. ET on Sunday, Beryl was located about 355 miles east-southeast of Barbados, with maximum sustained winds of 120 mph and moving west at 21 mph.

Warnings Issued Across the Windward Islands

Hurricane warnings are in effect for Barbados, St. Lucia, Grenada, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, and Tobago. Meanwhile, tropical storm warnings are in place for Martinique, and Dominica remains under a tropical storm watch.

The NHC emphasized the seriousness of the situation, stating that Beryl is expected to bring life-threatening winds and storm surge to the affected areas.

“This is a very serious situation developing for the Windward Islands,” warned the NHC.

Beryl’s Path and Potential Impact

Beryl is forecast to pass just south of Barbados early Monday as an “extremely dangerous” Category 4 hurricane before moving into the southeastern Caribbean on Monday night and Tuesday.

The storm is anticipated to track toward Jamaica and eventually Mexico.

The NHC has dispatched two hurricane hunters to gather more data on Beryl’s intensity.

The last time a hurricane appeared in the Atlantic basin before July 4 was over fifty years ago, when Alma hit the Florida Keys on June 8, 1966.

Florida-based hurricane expert Michael Lowry noted the unusual early-season development of Beryl, stating, “It’s astonishing to see a forecast for a major hurricane in June anywhere in the Atlantic, let alone this far east in the deep tropics.”

Historical Context and Current Conditions

Beryl is the second named storm in what is predicted to be a busy hurricane season, which runs from June 1 to November 30.

The season’s first storm, Tropical Storm Alberto, caused significant flooding in southern Texas and northeastern Mexico last week, resulting in at least four deaths.

CBS News weather producer David Parkinson highlighted that Beryl is the farthest east a hurricane has formed in June and only the second to do so east of the Caribbean since 1933.

He expects Beryl to stay south of Jamaica, with any potential impacts on the U.S. still at least eight days away.

The warm waters in the Atlantic, which are the highest on record for this time of year, are fueling Beryl’s rapid intensification, according to Brian McNoldy, a researcher in tropical meteorology at the University of Miami.

Preparations Underway in the Caribbean

Forecasters warned of a life-threatening storm surge of up to 9 feet in areas where Beryl will make landfall, along with up to 6 inches of rain expected for Barbados and nearby islands.

Residents in the region have begun preparations, with long lines forming at gas stations and grocery stores.

“We need to be ready,” stated Barbadian Prime Minister Mia Mottley in a public address. “You and I know when these things happen, it is better to plan for the worst and pray for the best.”

Thousands of visitors were in Barbados for the Twenty20 World Cup cricket final, adding to the urgency of preparations. St. Vincent and the Grenadines Prime Minister Ralph Gonsalves also urged residents to prepare, announcing that shelters would open and essential services would extend their hours.

Hurricane Season Outlook

The season’s first hurricane typically forms in early to mid-August, making Beryl’s early arrival unusual.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has predicted an “above average” hurricane season, with 17 to 25 named storms, 8 to 13 hurricanes, and 4 to 7 major hurricanes (Category 3 or higher).

An average season produces 14 named storms, seven hurricanes, and three major hurricanes.

A tropical storm is characterized by maximum sustained winds of 39 to 73 mph, while a hurricane features winds exceeding 74 mph.

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