Hurricane Beryl Strengthens as Two More Systems Loom

In the latest update from the National Hurricane Center (NHC), Hurricane Beryl has become the first hurricane of the 2024 Atlantic Hurricane Season, having strengthened from a tropical storm. Currently, Beryl is a Category 1 hurricane with sustained winds of 75 mph and is located approximately 720 miles east-southeast of Barbados. The storm is expected to intensify further and become a dangerous major hurricane as it approaches the Windward Islands late Sunday night or Monday.
The NHC has issued Hurricane Watches and Warnings for much of the Windward Islands, anticipating destructive winds, life-threatening storm surge, heavy rainfall, and localized flooding. Beryl’s path could also affect parts of the central and western Caribbean in the coming days.
In addition to Beryl, the NHC is monitoring two other potential tropical systems. One system is expected to develop over the Bay of Campeche, with a 50% chance of becoming a tropical cyclone. The second, located southwest of the Cabo Verde Islands, has a 70% chance of development and could become a tropical depression by mid-next week.
The Atlantic Hurricane Season, which began on June 1 and ends in November, could see further activity soon, with potential future storms named Chris and Debby.