Lesser Antilles: Hurricane Beryl located east-southeast of Barbados and tracking westward toward the Windward Islands as of late June 29 /update 1

As of late June 29, Hurricane Beryl, currently a Category 1 Hurricane, is located approximately 660 miles (1,060 km) east-southeast of Barbados. The weather system is tracking westward and is forecast to strengthen into a Category 3 Hurricane as it approaches the Windward Islands overnight June 30-July 1, bringing life-threatening winds and storm surges. The storm's track and intensity forecast remains somewhat uncertain, and the system may change accordingly over the coming days.

Warnings and watches in place:

Issued by government officials:

• The government of Barbados has issued a Hurricane Warning for St. Vincent and the Grenadine Islands.

• The government of France has issued a Tropical Storm Warning for Martinique.

• The government of St. Lucia has issued a Hurricane Warning for St. Lucia.

• The government of Trinidad and Tobago has issued a Hurricane Warning for Grenada and a Tropical Storm Warning for Tobago.

Issued by the National Hurricane Center (NHC):

Hurricane Warning:

• Barbados

• St. Lucia

• St. Vincent and the Grenadine Islands

• Grenada

Tropical Storm Warning:

• Martinique

• Tobago (Trinidad and Tobago)

Tropical Storm Watch:

• Dominica

According to the NHC, hurricane conditions are expected in the hurricane warning area from late June 30. 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. A life-threatening storm surge will raise water levels up to 2 meters (7 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.

Beryl is expected to produce rainfall totals of up to 15 cm (6 inches) across Barbados and the Windward Islands overnight June 30-July 1. Showers and thunderstorms well north of Beryl may produce up to 10 cm (4 inches) of rain over parts of southeastern Puerto Rico overnight July 1-July 2. Rainfall from Beryl may impact portions of southern Hispaniola July 2-3, with up to 15 cm (6 inches) of rain possible. Swells generated by the weather system are forecast to reach the Windward and southern Leeward Islands by late June 30. These swells are likely to 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.