Beryl Forms: Early Hurricane Threat Looms in the Caribbean

Atlantic hurricane season is off to a surprisingly active start with the formation of Tropical Storm Beryl. Packing 60 mph winds, Beryl is just one of several weather systems being monitored by the National Hurricane Center (NHC).

Beryl quickly intensified from a clump of showers to a tropical depression on Friday afternoon, then a full-fledged tropical storm by evening. Satellite images revealed high-level clouds swirling around the storm, a sign of strengthening.

Barbados braces for impact as a hurricane watch has been issued. By Sunday, squalls, gusty thunderstorms, and rough seas are expected on some Windward Islands even before Beryl makes landfall.

Forecasters predict Beryl will reach Category 2 hurricane strength (winds 96-110 mph) before reaching the Windward Islands. However, interaction with land and wind shear could hinder further intensification.