Hurricane Beryl, a powerful Category 3 storm, is expected to make landfall on the Windward Islands early Monday, bringing potentially catastrophic wind damage. The storm rapidly intensified over the weekend due to record-warm ocean temperatures, becoming the earliest Category 4 hurricane on record. Beryl is forecast to remain a hurricane as it moves through the Caribbean, with storm surge and heavy rainfall expected in the affected areas.
While Hurricane Beryl is not expected to impact the U.S. directly, there is a possibility it could move towards Mexico or the Gulf Coast if certain conditions change. Rapid intensification, a process in which a storm strengthens quickly due to favorable environmental factors, played a significant role in Beryl’s growth.
The Windward Islands, which include Dominica, St. Lucia, and Grenada, are in the path of the storm. The 2024 hurricane season is predicted to be particularly active, with up to 25 named storms possible, according to federal forecasters. NOAA experts have warned of an above-average year for hurricanes, emphasizing the need for preparedness and caution in the face of potential future storms.
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