Tropical storm Beryl forms in eastern Atlantic, to become 'major' hurricane

Tropical Storm Beryl is making its way towards the southeast Caribbean, with forecasters cautioning that it is likely to intensify into a powerful Category 3 or higher hurricane before reaching Barbados on Sunday evening.
Hurricane watches have been issued for several islands in the region, including Barbados, St. Lucia, Grenada, and St Vincent and the Grenadines, while Martinique and Tobago are under a tropical storm watch.
"It's astonishing to see a forecast for a major (Category 3+) hurricane in June anywhere in the Atlantic, let alone this far east in the deep tropics.#Beryl organizing in a hurry over the warmest waters ever recorded for late June," Florida-based hurricane expert Michael Lowry posted on X.
According to Sabu Best, the director of Barbados' meteorological service, Beryl's center is expected to pass approximately 26 miles (45 kilometers) south of the island. As of Saturday, the storm was situated about 820 miles (1,320 kilometers) east-southeast of Barbados, with maximum sustained winds of 65 mph (100 kph) and moving westward at 23 mph (37 kph).
The National Hurricane Center in Miami said rapid strengthening is now anticipated. Beryl is being fueled by warm waters, with ocean heat content in the deep Atlantic at its highest recorded level for this time of year, according to Brian McNoldy, a tropical meteorology researcher at the University of Miami.
Barbadian Prime Minister Mia Mottley addressed the public on Friday evening, emphasizing the need for preparedness. “We need to be ready,” Barbadian Prime Minister said. “You and I know when these things happen, it is better to plan for the worst and pray for the best.”
She acknowledged the presence of thousands of people in Barbados for the Twenty20 World Cup cricket final between India and South Africa, taking place in the capital, Bridgetown, on Saturday. Some fans rush to change their flights to leave before the storm hits. Musku, who has never experienced a hurricane, learned about Beryl from a taxi driver.
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration predicts an above-average 2024 hurricane season, with between 17 and 25 named storms, up to 13 hurricanes, and four major hurricanes. An average Atlantic hurricane season typically produces 14 named storms, seven hurricanes, and three major hurricanes.
Beryl is forecasted to bring up to six inches (15 centimeters) of rain to Barbados and nearby islands, with a high surf warning of waves up to 13 feet (4 meters) in effect. A storm surge of up to seven feet (2 meters) is also anticipated.
The storm's approach to the southeast Caribbean comes just days after the twin-island nation of Trinidad and Tobago reported significant flooding in the capital, Port-of-Spain, due to an unrelated weather event.