Caribbean: Windward Islands Face Serious Threat from Hurricane Beryl
More than 100 boats are heading towards Trinidad and Tobago as Hurricane Beryl, the earliest Category 4 Hurricane to be recorded in June, threatens many of the Caribbean’s Windward Islands. Grenada and St. Vincent are expected to be most at risk.
Published 4 months ago
Serious Situation for Windward Islands
Hurricane Beryl, is the first named hurricane of the 2024 Atlantic season that quickly intensified in to an extremely dangerous Category 4 hurricane as it hurtled towards the Windward Islands.
“This is a very serious situation developing for the Windward Islands,” warned the USA’s National Hurricane Center (NHC). Potentially catastrophic hurricane force winds of 130mph/215kph, life-threatening storm surge and damaging waves are expected from Hurricane Beryl, with St. Vincent and the Grenadines and Grenada being at highest risk.
Beryl’s arrival marks an exceptionally early start to the Atlantic hurricane season and it is the earliest category 4 storm on record when it first formed at the end of June. By early Monday the storm had reduced to a category 3.
Hurricane warnings were in effect in Barbados, St. Lucia, Grenada, St. Vincent and the Grenadines and Tobago. Tropical storm warnings are in effect for Martinique, while a tropical storm watch is in effect in Dominica and Trinidad.
Grenada are preparing for the worst after a state of emergency was declared 7pm Sunday (expected to last 7 days). A curfew will go into effect with only police and esssential personnel permitted to be outdoors after 7pm. One of the models indicates that it is possible the eye of the hurricane may pass over the island of Carriacou. If that happens it means that all of Grenada, Petit Martinique and Carriacou are going to be at the center of the hurricane.
Many cruisers have left their boats on the hard in Grenada for hurricane season. Boatyards there have been working hard to get boats strapped down, awnings/canvas removed, cradles checked, dinghies stored, yard debris removed and security teams established.
BoatWatch recommend that those in the path of the Hurricane in the Eastern Caribbean should enroll with their embassy on a website. Let them know where you are and what you intend.
NHC Key Messages for Hurricane Beryl
Trinidad & Tobago Prepare for Influx of Boats
According to the Marine Services Association of Trinidad & Tobago, more than 100 vessels are enroute to the country, while some have already safely arrived. Many yachts are also heading south west to the ABCs.
The Government of Trinidad & Tobago through the Ministry of Trade and Industry has mobilized all Border Agencies to ensure the safe passage of all marine vessels, including yachts and other pleasure craft fleeing from the path of Hurricane Beryl.
“Accordingly, all Border Agencies including the Divisions of Customs and Excise, Immigration and Port Health have been activated to process the arrivals from the Eastern Caribbean, seeking shelter from Hurricane Beryl” said a statement from the Ministry.
Trinidad, however, still uses paper forms with carbon copies for clearance and the amount of paperwork can be tedious. Long delays are expected for new arrivals. There is paperwork to do prior to arrival, including a float plan and maritime delcaration of health, plus permits if you have a pet on board. Go to Trinidad Formalities for full details. It has been reported that entry fees are being waived at this time.
MSATT is working with the authorities to assist cruisers in this time of need. Jesse James asks cruisers:
Beryl Developed Fast
Hurricane Beryl took only 42 hours to strengthen from a tropical depression to a major hurricane. This has only happened six other times in Atlantic hurricane history and with September 1 as the earliest date, according to hurricane experts.
Beryl is now the earliest Category 4 hurricane on record in the Atlantic Ocean and the only Category 4 storm ever recorded in the month of June.
Our thoughts are with all those trying to find safe harbor and the islanders trying to ensure their homes and families are protected from the storm.
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Related News
- Hurricane Beryl Becomes Extremely Dangerous Category 4 Hurricane (CBS News)
- Nervous ‘calm’ as Caribbean Prepares for Hurricane Beryl (Washington Post)
- Hurricane Beryl Developed Fast (CNN)
- Unprecedented Early Season Hurricane (Yachting World)
- NOAA Releases Forecasts for 2024 Hurricane Season (Noonsite)
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Related to following destinations: Anse Mitan, Barbados, Bequia, Blue Lagoon, Bridgetown, Britannia Bay - Lovell, Canouan, Castries, Chateaubelair, Clarkes Court Bay, Dominica, Fort-de-France, Grenada, Grenville, Havre de la Trinite, Havre du Robert, Hog Island, Kingstown, Les Anses d'Arlet, Marigot, Marigot Bay (St. Lucia), Marin, Martinique, Mayreau, Mero, Mt Hartman Bay, Mustique, Ottley Hall, Petit Martinique, Port Egmont (Le Phare Bleu Bay), Port Elizabeth (Bequia), Port St. Charles, Portsmouth, Prickly Bay, Rodney Bay, Roseau, Sauteurs, Soufriere, St Pierre (Martinique), St. Davids, St. George's, St. Lucia, St. Vincent, St. Vincent & the Grenadines, The Grenadines, Tobago Cays, Trois Ilets, True Blue Bay, Tyrell Bay & Hillsborough (Carriacou), Union Island, Vieux Fort, Wallilabou Bay, Young Island Cut
Related to the following Cruising Resources: Atlantic Crossing, Atlantic Ocean West, Caribbean Sea, Circumnavigation, General, Hurricanes and Tropical Cyclones, Routing, Safety and Medical, Weather
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