Aruba, June 30, 2024 – Hurricane Beryl is churning a dangerous path towards the southeastern Caribbean, raising serious concerns with its rapid development. Having formed just two days ago, Beryl has exploded in intensity, reaching Category 3 status with sustained winds of 115 mph. Experts warn this may be only the beginning.

“The speed of Beryl’s strengthening is unnerving,” said hurricane researcher Sam Lillo. “In just 42 hours, it’s transformed from a tropical depression to a major hurricane. In Atlantic hurricane history, that’s only happened a handful of times.”

Forecasters predict Beryl will become a “dangerous” Category 4 storm before making its closest approach to Barbados early Monday. Residents there and on nearby islands in the Windward chain, including St. Lucia, Grenada, and St. Vincent and the Grenadines, are bracing for life-threatening storm surge reaching up to 9 feet and heavy rainfall exceeding 6 inches. These islands could experience devastating wind damage, power outages, and flash flooding.

Beryl’s unique path adds another layer of concern. “This is the farthest east a hurricane has formed in June, possibly ever,” said CBS News weather producer David Parkinson. Warm ocean temperatures are fueling Beryl’s growth, with sea heat content at record highs for this time of year.

While the current forecast keeps Beryl north of the ABC islands (Aruba, Bonaire, Curaçao), the storm’s size and unpredictable nature mean these islands should still be prepared for potential rough seas and strong winds on the outer fringes of the system.

The storm is expected to head towards the center of the Caribbean before weakening later this week. However, forecasters warn Beryl could still pack a punch as it approaches Mexico.

The storm’s rapid intensification underscores the importance of staying prepared. Residents in the Caribbean should closely monitor weather updates and heed all evacuation orders from local officials. Beryl serves as a stark reminder that the 2024 hurricane season has just begun, and storms can develop with frightening speed.