Trinidad and Tobago was staring down the barrel of Beryl, a Category 4 Hurricane that rapidly strengthened over record warm sea surface temperatures east of the Windwards.
Packing maximum sustained winds of 215 KM/H, with higher gusts, Hurricane Beryl was yesterday forecast to move across the Windward Islands today.
A rare Red-Level Hurricane Warning is in effect for Tobago, and an Orange-Level Tropical Storm Watch is in effect for Trinidad until noon. The alert level of this watch and warning was raised due to increased chances of impacts, as Hurricane Beryl remained south of the forecast track for most of yesterday.
According to the Trinidad and Tobago Meteorological Service, this Hurricane Warning for Tobago means “there is a higher potential for hurricane conditions, including sustained winds in excess of 118 KM/H, within the warning area.”
The warning stated, “There is a high chance (80 per cent) of hazardous seas with large, battering waves. Mariners should expect wave heights to increase significantly, posing a danger to small craft and coastal and offshore activities. Strong currents and choppy seas will make navigation hazardous.
“As Beryl approaches the southern Windwards, there is a high chance (80 per cent) of hurricane force winds impacting Tobago from early morning Monday 1st July (today).”
The Met Office urged Tobago’s population to “take immediate action to protect their lives, livelihoods, and property.” They added that those in Tobago should “shelter in place or evacuate to a safe location if your home is unsafe or vulnerable to flooding or wind damage—secure food, water, and medicine in waterproof containers for at least seven days. Outdoor drains should be clear, and loose objects should be secured by now. Sandbags should be near all entrances to your home.”
Regional nations also under threat
The National Hurricane Center, in its advisory on Hurricane Beryl yesterday evening, said the “extremely dangerous” Category 4 Hurricane will produce “life-threatening winds and storm surge” from this morning.
Hurricane Watches were also in effect for Barbados, St Vincent and the Grenadines, Grenada, and St Lucia.
The NHC said, “Hurricane conditions are expected in the hurricane warning area beginning early Monday morning. Potentially catastrophic wind damage is expected where the eyewall of Beryl moves through portions of the Windward Islands, with the highest risk of the core in St Vincent and the Grenadines, and Grenada.”
St Vincent and the Grenadines and Grenada were at the highest risk of being at the centre of the storm’s core beginning early today, the NHC said.
The NHC also forecasted that “a life-threatening storm surge will raise water levels by as much as 6 to 9 feet above normal tide levels in areas of onshore flow near where the eye makes landfall in the hurricane warning area. Near the coast, the surge will be accompanied by large and destructive waves.”
Meanwhile, Trinidad’s Tropical Storm Watch, according to the TTMS, meant “that tropical storm conditions, including sustained winds of 63-118 KM/H, are possible within the watch area.”
The Met Office said, “There is still a medium chance (35-55 per cent) of sustained tropical storm force winds affecting Trinidad, particularly in the northern and eastern areas, from early morning on Monday, 1st July.”
The TTMS continued, “There is a high chance (70 per cent) of hazardous seas with large, battering waves. Mariners should expect wave heights to increase significantly, posing a danger to small craft and coastal and offshore activities. Strong currents and choppy seas will make navigation hazardous.” Forecasters said wind gusts exceeding 55 KM/H may be experienced ahead of Beryl from yesterday evening, and heavier rainfall and thunderstorm activity were anticipated near midnight.
For Trinidad, the Met Office advises the public to “prepare for the possibility of tropical storm conditions. Have systems in place to protect lives, livelihood, and property. Secure loose outdoor objects and livestock. Ensure all marine vessels are properly anchored and secured. Monitor official news sources and weather updates.”