The National Hurricane Center, based on latest data from NOAA and Air Force Reserve hurricane hunter aircraft data, indicates that Beryl has strengthened to an extremely dangerous Category 4 hurricane. The maximum sustained winds are estimated to be 215 KM/H with higher gusts.
Hurricane Beryl is producing “life-threatening” winds and is forecast to move closely north of Trinidad and Tobago on Monday morning. As a result, Trinidad has been placed under a Tropical Storm Watch by the Trinidad and Tobago Meteorological Service, while Tobago remains under a Hurricane Warning.
According to the NHC, Beryl is forecast to remain as a high-end Category 4 Hurricane on Monday morning, with maximum sustained winds of 225 KM/H and higher gusts.
The NHC says 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.
Wind speeds atop and on the windward sides of hills and mountains are often up to 30 percent stronger than the near-surface winds indicated in this advisory, and in some elevated locations could be even greater.
Tropical storm conditions are expected in the tropical storm warning area starting late tonight, making outside preparations difficult or dangerous. Tropical storm conditions are possible within the watch area starting late tonight.
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.
Hurricane Beryl is expected to produce rainfall totals of 3 to 6 inches across Barbados and the Windward Islands through Monday. Localized maxima of 10 inches is possible, especially in the Grenadines. This rainfall may cause flash flooding in vulnerable areas.
A Hurricane Warning is in effect for Barbados, Grenada, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, while a Tropical Storm Warning is in effect for Martinique, and a Tropical Storm Watch is in effect for Dominica as well.