Tropical Storm Bret, moving west across the Atlantic, will now threaten many of the eastern Caribbean islands, according to the National Hurricane Center.

Published 1 year ago

According to the National Hurricane Center, the season’s first named storm doesn’t typically form until June 20, while the second named storm doesn’t usually develop until July 17, so the 2023 Atlantic Hurricane Season is off to a fast start with the development of Tropical Storm Bret east of the Windward Islands earlier this week.

The Windward Islands are part of the Lesser Antilles in the Caribbean and include Grenada, Dominica, Martinique, St. Lucia and St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

Bret strengthened slightly during the day Wednesday and is forecast to reach the Lesser Antilles on Thursday as a strong tropical storm.

Now packing 65 mph winds, the storm is likely already near its peak intensity.

“Little change in strength is forecast during the next day or so while Bret approaches the Lesser Antilles,” the National Hurricane Center said in an evening advisory. “Weakening is anticipated to begin Thursday night or Friday after Bret passes the Lesser Antilles, and the system is likely to dissipate over the central Caribbean Sea by Saturday.”

Bret is expected to bring strong winds, torrential rainfall that could lead to flash flooding and dangerous waves along coastal areas.

A tropical storm warning is in effect Wednesday for St. Lucia and Martinique, meaning tropical storm conditions are possible within 36 hours. Tropical storm watches are in effect for Barbados and Dominica, meaning tropical storm conditions are possible there within 48 hours.

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Related News

• Tropical Storm Bret Strengthens – Reuters
• Key Messages for Tropical Storm Bret – National Hurricane Center
• Tropical Storm Bret making its way towards eastern Caribbean islands – NPR News
• Atlantic Hurricane Season Outlook 2023 – Noonsite

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Related Links:

• Noonsite Cruising Resources:  Weather
• NOAA National Hurricane Center
• NOAA Climate Prediction Center
• UK Met Office
• Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale
• Atlantic Multidecadal Oscillation
• Yale Climate Connections

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