2 p.m. update: Beryl now a Category 4 hurricane

Hurricane Beryl is now a Category 4 hurricane. Therefore a hurricane warning remains in effect for Barbados.

The hurricane hunter’s recent investigation of the system has found storm-force winds in the outer bands ahead of the system. Higher gusts are already being experienced across the island during the afternoon. Taking this into account storm-force winds are expected before midnight.

The centre of Beryl is expected to pass about 75 miles (120 km) south of Barbados sometime early Monday morning.

Hazard Info

During the passage of Beryl hurricane-force winds, heavy rainfall with accumulations of one to three inches, which could cause flash flooding and some severe thunderstorm activity is likely to impact the island.

Additionally, marine conditions are expected to significantly deteriorate tonight.

The public is encouraged to monitor the BMS, DEM and GIS websites, their respective social media pages, and the local media networks for further information on Beryl.

At 2 p.m. today the eye was located near 10.9N 55.6W or about 500 km (310 miles) east-southeast of Barbados. Maximum sustained winds have increased to 130 MPH (215 Km/h). The system continues its westward motion at 21 MPH (33 Km/h). The minimum central pressure is 960mb.

Hurricane-force winds extend outward up to 45 km (30 miles) from the center and tropical storm-force winds extend outward up to 185 km (115 miles).

The hurricane hunter’s recent investigation of the system shows Berryl resembles the classic major hurricane pattern with a perfect eye and eyewall.

A Hurricane Warning is issued when sustained winds of 64 knots (74 mph/119kmh) or greater associated with a hurricane are forecast to affect Barbados within 36 hours.

The next update will be at 5 p.m. today.