Beryl, the first hurricane of the 2024 Atlantic season, has intensified into a dangerous Category 4 storm, posing a serious threat to the southeast Caribbean with powerful winds and storm surge, according to US trackers. The National Hurricane Center issued warnings urging residents to follow local government instructions as Beryl, located east of Barbados, moves towards the Windward Islands.
The storm is expected to bring catastrophic hurricane-force winds, storm surge, and damaging waves to the region. Countries like Barbados, Saint Lucia, and Grenada are under hurricane warnings, while others like Martinique and Trinidad have been placed under tropical storm warnings.
In preparation for the storm, residents are stocking up on essentials like food, water, and other supplies, with some already boarding up their homes. Experts warn that Beryl’s strength is unusual for this early in the hurricane season and attribute it to warm ocean temperatures and La Nina conditions.
As extreme weather events become more frequent due to climate change, it is crucial for residents in the Caribbean to monitor Beryl’s progress and take necessary precautions to ensure their safety.
© 2024 AFP