Hurricane Beryl Strengthens, Threatens Windward Islands

Hurricane Beryl, the first hurricane of the 2024 Atlantic season, formed on Saturday afternoon, breaking a historical record. As of the National Hurricane Center’s 5 p.m. advisory, Beryl is situated approximately 785 miles east-southeast of Barbados, advancing westward at a pace of 23 mph. Packing sustained winds of 75 mph, the storm’s intensity is projected to escalate rapidly, potentially reaching Category 3 status before reaching the Windward Islands.

Barbados is currently under a hurricane warning, while St. Lucia, Grenada, St. Vincent, and the Grenadine Islands are under a hurricane watch. Martinique, Dominica, and Tobago face a tropical storm watch. The advisory indicates a life-threatening storm surge of 5 to 7 feet and rainfall amounts between 3 to 6 inches for Barbados and the Windward Islands, with Puerto Rico expecting 1 to 4 inches of rain in its southeastern regions.

Simultaneously, a severe thunderstorm watch has been issued for Carbon and Monroe counties in eastern Pennsylvania and western New Jersey until 10 p.m. Saturday, highlighting threats of damaging winds up to 70 mph, localized heavy rain, frequent lightning, and potential tornadoes.

Further updates are scheduled for 8 p.m. and 11 p.m. from the National Hurricane Center.