By Admin. Updated 11:15 a.m., Sunday, June 30, 2024, Atlantic Standard Time (GMT-4).
Forecasters say hurricane Beryl is expected to be an extremely dangerous Category 4 hurricane when it reaches the Windward Islands.
The Miami-based National Hurricane Center said this is a very dangerous situation and residents in these areas should listen to local government and emergency management officials for any preparedness and/or evacuation orders.
All preparations should be rushed to completion today.
In an address to the nation this morning, Prime Minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalves urged people in St. Vincent and the Grenadines to take the hurricane seriously.
Based on its currency trajectory, the centre of hurricane Beryl is projected to move over or near St. Vincent and the Grenadines on Monday (July 1).
According to the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Meteorological Services (SVG Met Office), at 5 am, Hurricane Beryl was located near latitude 10.7° North; longitude 53.1° West, or approximately 570 miles (917 kilometers) east of the SVG. “Beryl” is moving toward the West at 21 mph (33 km/h), and on its present forecast track, the center of the system is expected to pass near or over SVG during Monday moming. Maximum sustained winds are 100 mph (160 km/h). Minimum Central Pressure is 981 mb or 28.87 inches.
Hurricane force winds extend outward up to 15 miles (30 km) from the center, and tropical storm force winds extend outward up to 60 miles (95km). Storm force winds are possible across SVG from late night.
Rapid strengthening is forecast over the next day or so, and Beryl is expected to become an extremely dangerous hurricane before it reaches the Windward Islands. All preparations to protect life and property should be rushed to completion.
In an 11:00 a.m. Advisory, the Miami-based National Hurricane Center said:
“Potentially catastrophic hurricane-force winds, a life-threatening storm surge, and damaging waves are expected when Beryl passes over portions of the Windward Islands with the highest risk of the core in St. Vincent and the Grenadines, and Grenada beginning early Monday morning. Hurricane Warnings are in effect for much of the Windward Islands.”
Heavy rainfall and localized flooding are expected across the Windward Islands through Monday, the Advisory said.
Beryl is expected to remain a powerful hurricane as it moves across the Caribbean Sea later this week and interests in Hispaniola, Jamaica, the Cayman Islands, the Advisory added.
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