Beryl Quickly Intensifies into Major Hurricane
Beryl became the first hurricane of the Atlantic Season yesterday and now has quickly strengthened into a major hurricane at Category 3 strength in the central Atlantic Ocean. Wind speeds are at 120 mph as it moves due west towards the Caribbean Sea. Beryl could beat Audrey as the strongest June hurricane on record.
The National Hurricane Center Forecast Cone shows the westward track into the Caribbean Sea early next week. Current strength forecasts bring Beryl up to Category 4 strength before reaching the Windward Islands. Wind speeds could get as strong as 130 mph. Beryl is forecast to start weakening late in the week as it nears the Yucatan Peninsula.
Tropical models are consistent with the westward track through the Caribbean Sea. It is far too early to know if any impacts will happen across the U.S. or Gulf Coast but this disturbance will have our full attention.
As of now, the models keep it well south or just west of Louisiana. Global models are showcasing a strong area of high pressure aloft over Louisiana, so that should keep impacts well south of the area.