Hurricane Beryl intensifies into a Category 3, hurricane warning remains in effect for Barbados

Hurricane Beryl has intensified into a Category 3 hurricane, therefore a hurricane warning remains in effect for Barbados.

The reconnaissance aircraft is currently investigating the system and has found storm-force winds in the outer bands ahead of the system. Taking this into account storm-force winds are expected before midnight July 1.

The centre of Beryl is expected to pass about 73 miles (118 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 8 a.m. Sunday, the eye was located near 10.6N 53.9W or about 675 km (420 miles) east-southeast of Barbados. Maximum sustained winds have increased to 115 mph (185 Km/h). The system continues its westward motion at 21 mph (33 Km/h). The minimum central pressure is 968mb. 

Hurricane-force winds extend outward up to 30 km (15 miles) from the centre and tropical storm-force winds extend outward up to 130 km (80 miles). 

The hurricane hunter is currently investigating the system and updates from the aircraft will give more information regarding the structure and intensity of the system and the extent of hurricane and storm-force winds. 

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