Beryl strengthens into a hurricane

Tropical Storm Beryl has strengthened into a hurricane, and the Hurricane Watch in effect for Barbados has been upgraded to a Hurricane Warning.

A Hurricane Warning is issued when sustained winds of 64 knots or greater (74 mph; 119kmh) associated with a hurricane are forecast to affect Barbados within 36 hours.

The Barbados Meteorological Services says Hurricane Beryl continues to intensify and is expected to become a major hurricane before reaching Barbados late Sunday night.

At 5:00 p.m. the system was located near 10.1N 49.3W or about 1160 km (720 miles) east-southeast of Barbados. Maximum sustained winds are 75 MPH (120 KM/H), and present movement is towards the west at 22 MPH (35 KM/H). The minimum central pressure is 992mb.

On the current projected track, the centre of Beryl is expected to pass 40 miles (74 km) south of Barbados. The island is expected to feel the impacts associated with this system as early as Monday morning.

During the passage of Beryl, hurricane-force winds and rainfall accumulations of 2 to 4 inches are forecast. Severe thunderstorm activity may cause multiple interruptions to power utilities and services. Marine conditions will be hazardous ahead of and during the passage of Beryl.

Small Craft and High Surf Warnings are currently in effect for above-normal sea swells.

The public is encouraged to follow the advice provided by the Department of Emergency Management and other local officials in addition to monitoring the BMS, DEM and GIS websites, their respective social media pages, and the local media networks for further information on Beryl.

The next intermediate update will be at 8:00 p.m. today.

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