Hurricane Season Kicks Off with Two Active Systems: Beryl and Depression Three
The Atlantic hurricane season, which officially began on June 1, has already seen two active systems forming in the Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico respectively. Hurricane Beryl, a Category 4 storm, is approaching the Windward Islands with life-threatening winds and storm surge.
Beryl Forms as Strongest Atlantic Hurricane Ever in June
Hurricane Beryl formed on June 27, 2024, making it the earliest a storm of that intensity has been recorded in the Atlantic. The storm took only 42 hours to go from depression to major hurricane, a rare occurrence that has happened just six times in history.
Impacts of Hurricane Beryl on Windward Islands
The National Hurricane Center issued hurricane warnings for Barbados, St. Lucia, Grenada, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, and Tobago as of July 1, 2024. The storm is expected to bring life-threatening wind and storm surge to these islands early Monday morning.
Beryl's Expected Impacts on Windward Islands
Grenada: Sustained winds of around 70 mph with possible higher winds if the eye of the storm passes directly over. Station TGPY is expected to be impacted in the morning. St. Vincent: Winds up to 60 mph with gusts up to 65-70 mph. Winds will begin around sunrise. Tobago: Sustained winds of 50 mph and gusts up to 60 mph for about six hours in the morning. TTCP is the station there. Barbados: Sustained winds of 50 mph and gusts up to 60 mph. Station TBPB is expected to be impacted. St. Lucia: Sustained winds of 45 mph with gusts up to 50 mph. TLPC is their airport. Trinidad: Winds just below tropical storm force. Martinique: Winds just below tropical storm force. TFFF is their airport code. They have been experiencing gusts to 40 mph out of the NE since 1:30 p.m., along with rain and thunder.
Tropical Depression Three Forms in Gulf of Mexico
Meanwhile, Tropical Depression Three formed on June 30, 2024, in the southwestern Gulf of Mexico. The system is located in the Bay of Campeche and is expected to strengthen before making landfall in Mexico on Monday.
Impacts of Tropical Depression Three
The Government of Mexico has issued a Tropical Storm Warning for Cabo Rojo to Puerto Veracruz. Regardless of development, heavy rainfall will result in areas of flooding across eastern Mexico into Monday, with mudslides possible in areas of higher terrain.
Stay Informed and Prepared
As the Atlantic hurricane season continues, it is important for residents and tourists to stay informed and prepared. Keep an eye on local weather forecasts and follow instructions from local authorities.
