30 Jun 2024 | 02:11 PM UTC
Lesser Antilles: Hurricane Beryl located east-southeast of Barbados and tracking westward toward the Windward Islands as of early June 30 /update 2
Hurricane Beryl located ESE of Barbados, moving westward toward Windward Islands as of early June 30. Heavy rainfall, disruptions likely.
As of early June 30, Hurricane Beryl, currently a Category 3 Hurricane, is located approximately 675 km (420 miles) east-southeast of Barbados. The weather system is tracking westward and is forecast to strengthen into a Category 4 Hurricane as it approaches the Windward Islands early July 1, bringing life-threatening winds and storm surges. The system will move across the southeastern Caribbean Sea July 1-2. The storm's track and intensity forecast remains somewhat uncertain, and the system may change accordingly over the coming days.
As of June 30, authorities are maintaining the following watches and warnings:
Hurricane Warning: Barbados, St. Lucia, St. Vincent and the Grenadine Islands, Grenada, and Tobago.
Tropical Storm Warning: Martinique.
Tropical Storm Watch: Dominica.
According to the NHC, hurricane conditions are expected in the hurricane warning area from early July 1. Devastating wind damage is expected where the eyewall of Beryl moves through portions of the Windward Islands. Tropical storm conditions are forecast in the tropical storm warning area from late June 30. Beryl is expected to produce rainfall totals of up to 15 cm (6 inches) across Barbados and the Windward Islands June 30-July 1.
A life-threatening storm surge will raise water levels up to 2.7 meters (9 feet) above normal tide levels in areas of onshore flow near where Beryl makes landfall in the hurricane warning and watch areas. Near the coast, the surge will be accompanied by large and destructive waves and cause life-threatening surf and rip current conditions.
Authorities will likely issue warnings and advisories throughout the system's progression in the coming days. Weather warnings could remain active even after the system's immediate threat has diminished, as some areas may still be susceptible to rain-induced hazards. Localized evacuations are possible if weather conditions prove particularly hazardous.
Sustained heavy rainfall could trigger flooding in low-lying areas and those with easily overwhelmed drainage systems. If weather conditions prove hazardous, localized evacuations, flash flooding, and landslides are possible. The inclement weather could trigger localized business, transport, and utility disruptions and render some bridges or roadways impassable.
Stagnant pools of water during and after flooding increase insect- and waterborne diseases, such as dengue fever, cholera, and malaria. Exposure to raw sewage and other hazardous materials mixed with floodwaters poses a serious health threat.
Activate contingency plans in areas where officials forecast tropical storm conditions. Heed any evacuation orders that may be issued. Use extreme caution in low-lying coastal areas and near streams, creeks, and other waterways due to the potential for severe flooding and storm surge. Stockpile water, batteries, and other essentials in advance. Charge battery-powered devices when electricity is available; restrict the use of cellular phones to emergencies only. Power down mobile devices when not in use. Keep important documents and necessary medications in waterproof containers. Observe strict food and water precautions, as municipalities could issue boil-water advisories following flooding events. Take precautions against insect- and waterborne diseases in the coming weeks.
Plan accordingly for protracted commercial, transport, and logistics disruptions in areas in the path of the storm, especially if vital infrastructure is damaged. Seek updated information on road conditions before driving or routing shipments through areas where flooding has occurred. Confirm flights before checking out of hotels or driving to the airport; clearing passenger backlogs may take several days in some locations.
