The initial hurricane of the 2024 Atlantic season escalated into a "highly dangerous" Category 3 storm on Sunday morning, advancing towards Barbados and the Windward Islands with potential for devastating hurricane-force winds and life-threatening storm surge, as reported by the National Hurricane Center.
According to the National Hurricane Center, Beryl is anticipated to strengthen into an "extremely dangerous" Category 4 hurricane upon reaching the Windward Islands by late Sunday or early Monday. The early occurrence of the season's first hurricane is atypical, given that the average date for the first hurricane is August 11th.
As of 8 a.m. ET, Beryl was positioned approximately 420 miles east-southeast of Barbados, moving westward with maximum sustained winds of 115 mph, according to the center's advisory.
"The NHC anticipates devastating wind damage in areas where Beryl's eyewall passes through portions of the Windward Islands," stated the NHC. Additionally, a "life-threatening storm surge is expected to elevate water levels by 6 to 9 feet above normal tide levels in areas of onshore flow near the hurricane warning zone where Beryl is expected to make landfall."
The hurricane has rapidly intensified, gaining 55 mph in the 24 hours leading up to Sunday morning. Rapid intensification, defined by the National Hurricane Center as a 35 mph or more increase in maximum sustained wind speed within a 24-hour period, is occurring.
"We are expecting rapid intensification and anticipate Beryl to reach major hurricane status before impacting areas such as Barbados and the Windward Islands, and to remain a powerful hurricane as it moves into the eastern and central Caribbean early next week," said Mike Brennan, Director of the National Hurricane Center, in an interview with CNN's Fredricka Whitfield on Saturday.
Beryl is projected to become a Category 4 hurricane as it approaches the Windward Islands of Grenada and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, potentially making it the strongest hurricane in this region since Hurricane Ivan in 2004.
Residents under hurricane warnings should prepare for significant storm impacts, Brennan advised. Beryl brings the risk of heavy rainfall, destructive hurricane-force winds, and dangerous storm surge and waves. The National Hurricane Center forecasts rainfall totals of 3 to 6 inches, potentially causing localized flooding across the Windward Islands on Sunday night and Monday.
Hurricane warnings are currently in effect for Barbados, St. Lucia, St. Vincent and the Grenadine Islands, Grenada, and Tobago. Additionally, a tropical storm warning has been issued for Martinique, with a tropical storm watch in place for Dominica.