Tropical Storm Beryl is barreling towards the southeast Caribbean, with the potential to become the first hurricane of the year by the time it reaches Barbados on Sunday. According to the Barbados Meteorological Service, the storm’s center is predicted to pass approximately 26 miles south of the island, bringing with it the risk of flash flooding, power outages, and heavy rain. As of early Saturday, Beryl was located around 975 miles east-southeast of Barbados, with maximum sustained winds of 50mph and moving west at a pace of 21mph.
Barbadian Prime Minister Mia Mottley has urged residents to be prepared for the worst, acknowledging that the storm could bring significant disruptions to daily life. The country is also hosting the Twenty20 World Cup cricket final, with thousands of spectators expected to attend the match between India and South Africa in Bridgetown on Saturday. “We need to be ready,” Mottley said in a public address late Friday. “You and I know when these things happen, it is better to plan for the worst and pray for the best.”
Beryl is the second named storm of the 2024 hurricane season, which is predicted to be particularly active. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) forecast calls for between 17 and 25 named storms, 13 of which could become hurricanes, and four of which could reach major hurricane status. An average Atlantic hurricane season typically produces 14 named storms, seven hurricanes, and three major hurricanes.
Hurricane experts note that the development of a tropical storm as far east as the tropical Atlantic is uncommon, although not unprecedented. Only five named storms on record have formed east of the Caribbean, and only one hurricane has done so in June. Michael Lowry, a Florida-based hurricane expert, commented in a forecast that “the development of a tropical storm this far east in the tropical Atlantic is uncommon, though not unprecedented.”
Stormy Weather Heads to the Southeastern Caribbean
As the storm approaches, residents and business owners in Barbados are bracing for impact. Mark Spence, manager of a hostel in Barbados, expressed a sense of calm, stating that it’s simply the season and that he always prepares by stocking up on food and supplies. The Barbados Meteorological Service has issued a hurricane watch for the island, warning of potentially damaging winds, heavy rainfall, and flash flooding.
The storm is also expected to bring high surf warnings, with waves reaching up to 13 feet in some areas. The National Hurricane Center has issued a statement advising residents to monitor local news and weather reports for updates on Beryl’s track and intensity. As the storm makes its way towards the southeast Caribbean, authorities are urging residents to take necessary precautions to ensure their safety and the safety of their loved ones.
In the meantime, neighboring islands are also keeping a watchful eye on Beryl’s movement. Days prior, the twin-island nation of Trinidad and Tobago reported major flooding in the capital of Port-of-Spain due to an unrelated weather event. The storm’s approach is a timely reminder of the importance of preparation and vigilance during hurricane season.
