Hurricane Beryl is expected to intensify into a dangerous major storm in the Atlantic

Hurricane Beryl, currently located in the Atlantic Ocean, is expected to intensify into a dangerous major storm in the coming days. As meteorologists closely monitor its progression, there is growing concern over the potential impact it may have on coastal areas and communities in its path.

With wind speeds already reaching 80 mph, Hurricane Beryl has the potential to cause significant damage and destruction as it continues to strengthen. Residents living in vulnerable areas are urged to take precautionary measures and follow evacuation orders to ensure their safety.

The storm threatens to wallop a number of Caribbean islands as it strengthens further.

Forecasters say that Hurricane Beryl, which formed Friday night, has the potential to grow into a Category 3 storm as it moves from the Caribbean into the Gulf of Mexico in the coming days.

Beryl is expected to reach the Caribbean islands of Barbados, Dominica, Grenada and Martinique late on Sunday.

National Hurricane Center forecasters predict that by the time the storm reaches the Windward Islands - which are west of Barbados - there will be "hurricane-force" winds, "life-threatening" storm surge and heavy rainfall.

Hurricane season, which runs from 1 June to 30 November, is predicted to be a busy one this year, according to forecasters.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) issued its most startling warning to date about the current season. Forecasters said there could be up to 25 named storms in 2024.

Between eight and 13 of those storms could develop into hurricanes, NOAA said.

Anywhere from four to seven of those storms could strengthen into Category-3 or more severe hurricanes. That would be more than double the usual number.

Beryl is expected to drop up to 6 inches (15 centimeters) of rain in Barbados and nearby islands, and a high surf warning of waves up to 13 feet (4 meters) was in effect.

The storm is approaching the southeast Caribbean just days after the twin-island nation of Trinidad and Tobago reported major flooding in the capital of Port-of-Spain as a result of an unrelated weather event.

Meanwhile, a no-name storm earlier this June dumped more than 20 inches (50 centimeters) of rain on parts of South Florida, stranding numerous motorists on flooded streets and pushing water into some homes in low-lying areas.

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Sarah H

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