All eyes on Hurricane Beryl
The island chain is bracing for the first hurricane of the season.
Hurricane Beryl, which formed in the Atlantic Ocean earlier yesterday morning, was at 5 p.m. yesterday evening packing winds of 80 mph and expected to intensify over the next couple of days. In fact, the Miami-based National Hurricane Center (NHC)said that the weather system, which was on track to affect several islands including Dominica which was hard hit last year by Hurricane Maria, could still be a hurricane when it reaches the Lesser Antilles late Sunday, early Monday.
At that time, a hurricane watch has been issued for Dominica; while Martinique, Guadeloupe, St. Martin, and St. Barthelemy were placed under a tropical storm watch.
At 5:00 p.m. the centre of Hurricane Beryl was located near latitude 10.6 North, longitude 47.8 West and the system was moving toward the west near 15 mph. The NHC bulletin said that on the forecast track, the centre of Beryl will approach the Lesser Antilles over the weekend and cross the island chain late Sunday or Monday.
In a Weather Information Statement issued by the Barbados Meteorological Services at 12 noon yesterday, it was said they were monitoring the progress of the hurricane, adding that based on the projections, the centre is expected to pass to the north of Barbados Sunday night/early Monday. The Met Office advised that any southward deviation from this projected track may require the issuance of a watch or warning for Barbados at short notice, though heavy rains and occasional gusty winds are forecast over the island from Sunday night into Monday.
Noting too that marine conditions are also expected to deteriorate by Sunday afternoon with sea-swells expected to range between 10 – 13 feet; the Met Office indicated a high-surf advisory and small-craft warning will go into effect from 6:00 p.m. today until 6:00 a.m. Monday, July 9, 2018.
“Large waves and dangerous rip-currents can be expected which will create unsafe conditions for small-craft operators. Sea-bathers and other users of the sea are also advised to stay out of the water during that time. This activity may become even more adverse at times of high tide,” the statement read.
When contacted the Barbados Meteorological Services said it is expected to issue its next bulletin this morning.