Hurricane Watch in effect for Barbados

With Tropical Storm Beryl expected to become a hurricane before reaching Barbados late Sunday night, a Hurricane Watch is in effect for the island.

A Hurricane Watch is issued when sustained winds of 64 knots or greater (74 mph; 119kmh) associated with a hurricane are forecast to affect Barbados within 48 hours.

Tropical Storm Beryl continued to strengthen overnight and at 5:00 a.m. today was located near 9.8N 45.5W or about 1570km (981 miles) east-southeast of Barbados. Maximum sustained winds are 50 MPH (85 KM/H). Present movement is towards the west at 21 MPH (33 KM/H). The minimum central pressure is 1001 mb.

The Barbados Meteorological Services says on the current projected track, the centre of Beryl is expected to pass 45 km (26 miles) south of Barbados. The island is expected to feel the impacts associated with this system as early as late Sunday night (June 30).

The public is warned that during the passage of Beryl strong winds can cause damage to homes and properties.

Additionally, flash flooding is likely across the island  especially in flood-prone areas, and severe thunderstorm activity may cause multiple interruptions to power utilities and services.

Marine conditions will be hazardous ahead of and during the passage of Beryl and Small Craft and High Surf Warnings are currently in effect for above-normal sea swells, which is expected to deteriorate from Sunday night.

The public is encouraged to follow the advice provided by the Department of Emergency Management and other local officials in addition to monitoring the BMS, DEM and GIS websites, their respective social media pages, and the local media networks for further information on Beryl.

This Hurricane Watch will be updated at 8:00 a.m. today or sooner if conditions warrant.

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