Hurricane Beryl Makes Landfall In Grenada

Hurricane Beryl made landfall at Carriacou Island in Grenada, according to the US National Hurricane Center (NHC). The hurricane, which lost some power, but then regained strength, remains powerful with life-threatening winds and accompanying storm surge.
 
A hurricane warning is also in effect in Barbados, St. Vincent, the Grenadines and Tobago. Airports and businesses were shut down and residents in the Caribbean were urged to seek shelter as the strong storm hit the region. Dozens of flights were cancelled throughout the region as Beryl approached. Leaders urged the public to heed warnings.
 
"It’s not a joke," said the prime minister of St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Ralph Gonsalves, reminding people of past hurricanes in the region.
 
In a national address from his official residence, PM Gonsalves said he was seeking shelter in his basement.
 
The hurricane was upgraded to a CAT 4 on Monday after slightly weakening earlier. The NHC said fluctuations in strength were likely to continue but warned that portions of the Windward islands should prepare for "potentially catastrophic wind damage" as gusts to 150 MPH have been recorded.
 
The NHC also said St. Vincent and the Grenadines as well as Grenada were at the highest risk of damage. Hurricane shelters opened at 6 PM local time on Sunday.
 
The prime minister of Barbados, Mia Mottley, also urged citizens to be on high alert.
 
"We need to be ready. You and I know when these things happen, it is better to plan for the worst and pray for the best," she said.
"Do not let your guard down!"
 
Meteorologists added that it is unusual for a hurricane of this strength to form this early in the year.
 
"Only five major (CAT 3+) hurricanes have been recorded in the Atlantic before the first week of July," according to hurricane expert Michael Lowry, as he posted to X. "Beryl would be the sixth and earliest this far east in the tropical Atlantic," Lowry wrote.
 
The US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has warned that the North Atlantic could get as many as seven major hurricanes this year - up from the average three in a season.
NOAA said record high sea surface temperatures will play a big role in storm development.
 
Much of the region has heeded the warnings. Shops have closed and people have stocked up on fuel, water and groceries. Grenada issued a state of emergency and St. Lucia imposed a "national shutdown,” ordering schools and businesses to remain closed.
 
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