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Tropical Storm Beryl Gaining Strength: Hurricane Watch in Effect for Barbados
Tropical Storm Beryl intensifies, Hurricane Watch for Barbados. Expected to become major hurricane, passing south of island. Prepare for storm-force winds, heavy rainfall, and hazardous marine conditions. Follow emergency advice.
As Tropical Storm Beryl continues to intensify, a Hurricane Watch remains in effect for Barbados. Beryl is expected to become a major hurricane before approaching the island late Sunday night..
On its current path, the storm’s centre is projected to pass 45 km (26 miles) south of Barbados, with impacts anticipated as early as Sunday night. Residents should prepare for storm-force winds and rainfall accumulations of 3 to 6 inches, with severe thunderstorms likely to disrupt power and utilities. Hazardous marine conditions are also expected, and a small craft and high surf warning is in effect due to above-normal sea swells.
As of 11 a.m. today, Saturday, Beryl was located at 10.0N 47.8W, approximately 1300 km (805 miles) east-southeast of Barbados. The storm has maximum sustained winds of 65 mph (100 km/h) and is moving westward at 23 mph (37 km/h), with a minimum central pressure of 998 mb.
Residents are urged to follow advice from the Department of Emergency Management and monitor updates from the Barbados Meteorological Services, local media, and social media channels. The next update is scheduled for 2 p.m. today.
For more information, visit Barbados Weather or contact the hotline at 976-2376. (BMS)
