Miami, Florida – Hurricane Beryl strengthened into a Category 3 storm as it moved towards the southeast Caribbean, posing a serious threat to several islands in the region.

The National Hurricane Center issued hurricane warnings for Barbados, St. Lucia, Grenada, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, and Tobago as Beryl intensified with maximum sustained winds of 120 mph. Tropical storm warnings were also issued for Martinique, with a tropical storm watch in effect for Dominica.

Forecasters at the Miami-based National Hurricane Center described Beryl as an “extremely dangerous hurricane” that is expected to bring life-threatening winds and storm surge to the Windward Islands. The storm is forecasted to pass through the region on Monday and Tuesday, with potential impacts on Jamaica and Mexico.

Beryl’s formation in the Atlantic basin marks a rare occurrence, with the last hurricane appearing before July 4 being Alma in 1966. The storm’s rapid intensification has caught the attention of meteorologists, with experts noting the warm waters fueling Beryl’s strength.

Authorities in the affected islands have been preparing for the storm, with Barbadian Prime Minister Mia Mottley urging residents to be ready for potential impacts. Shelters are set to open in St. Vincent and the Grenadines, as officials work to ensure preparedness ahead of Beryl’s arrival in the region.

The Atlantic hurricane season has been off to an early start, with Tropical Storm Alberto causing flooding in southern Texas and northeastern Mexico last week. Beryl’s formation further highlights the active nature of this year’s hurricane season, as forecasters predict an above-average number of storms.

As Beryl continues on its path towards the Caribbean, residents and authorities are closely monitoring the storm’s progress and preparing for potential impacts. The storm serve as a reminder of the importance of being vigilant and ready for the unpredictable nature of hurricanes in the region.