Tropical Storm Beryl is moving towards the southeastern Caribbean and is threatening to become a hurricane

Tropical Storm Beryl was moving towards the southeastern Caribbean on Saturday and could become the first hurricane of the year before reaching Barbados late on Sunday.

The Barbados Meteorological Service has issued a hurricane watch for the island, warning of possible flash flooding and power outages.

Beryl could strengthen into a Category 2 storm before reaching Barbados, where it is expected to pass about 45 kilometers (26 miles) south of the island, said Sabu Best, director of the weather agency.

On Saturday, Beryl was about 1,570 km (975 miles) east-southeast of Barbados with maximum sustained winds of 95 km/h (60 mph), and moving west at 33 km/h (21 mph).

“We have to be prepared,” Barbados Prime Minister Mia Mottley said in an address to the nation Friday night. “You and I know that when these things happen, it is best to prepare for the worst and pray for them.” the best”.

The country welcomes thousands of people for the final of the T20 Cricket World Cup, which will face India and South Africa on Saturday in the capital, Bridgetown, the president added.

Beryl is the second named storm in what is expected to be a very active hurricane season that runs from June 1 to November 30 in the Atlantic. A few days ago, Tropical Storm Alberto made landfall in northeastern Mexico, generating intense rains that caused the death of four people.

The U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration forecasts that the 2024 hurricane season will likely see well above-average activity, with 17 to 25 named storms. There are expected to be up to 13 hurricanes and four Category 3 or higher hurricanes.

The average Atlantic hurricane season has about 14 named storms, of which seven are hurricanes and three of which are Category 3 or greater hurricanes.

An unnamed storm in June dumped more than 20 inches (50 centimeters) of rain on parts of South Florida, stranding many motorists on flooded streets and causing water to enter some homes in low-lying areas.

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