Hurricane Beryl Update: Barbados Prepares for Major Storm as Forecast Shifts South | BMS Warning in Effect

The Barbados Meteorological Services (BMS) has advised that the current projected track of Hurricane Beryl is slightly south of the previous forecast and the center of Beryl is now expected to pass 65 miles (106 km) south of Barbados.

The system however continues to rapidly intensify and is expected to become a major hurricane before reaching the island late Sunday night. Therefore, a hurricane warning remains in effect for Barbados.

In its latest update the BMS said: “Hurricane Beryl continues to strengthen, developing a small eyewall… and at 11 p.m., Saturday, June 29 was located near 10.4N 51.2W or about 955 km (595 miles) east-southeast of Barbados. Maximum sustained winds have increased to 85 MPH (140 Km/h). Present movement is towards the west at 20 MPH (31 Km/h). The minimum central pressure is 986mb. Hurricane-force winds extend outward up to 30 km (15 miles) from the center and tropical storm-forced winds extend outward up to 110 km (70 miles). “

The island is expected to feel the impacts associated with this system as early as late Sunday night into early Monday morning July 1.

The forecasters warn that during the passage of Beryl, hurricane-force winds and heavy rainfall will cause flash flooding and severe thunderstorm activity is likely to result in damage to some structures and multiple interruptions to power utilities and services. Marine conditions will be hazardous ahead of and during the passage of Beryl and therefore a small craft and high surf warning remains in effect for above-normal sea swells.

The next update will be issued at 2 a.m. on Sunday July 1