Miami, Florida – Tropical Storm Beryl is on track to intensify into a “dangerous major hurricane” with maximum winds of 115 mph as it moves through the Caribbean Sea, as stated by the National Hurricane Center’s 11 a.m. update on Saturday.

According to the latest forecast from the hurricane center, Beryl’s strength has been revised upwards significantly due to its more compact structure and favorable low wind shear conditions, providing an opportunity for rapid intensification. The storm is expected to reach major hurricane status before reaching the Windward Islands, bringing destructive winds and life-threatening storm surges.

Hurricane watches have been issued across the eastern Caribbean region as preparations are made for the arrival of the first hurricane of what is predicted to be an exceptionally active storm season. While the storm is anticipated to strengthen in the coming days, it is projected to encounter less favorable atmospheric conditions by Wednesday, potentially weakening its intensity.

As of 2 p.m. on Saturday, Beryl was located 785 miles east-southeast of Barbados, moving west at 23 mph with top winds at 65 mph. A hurricane watch is in effect for Barbados, with potential additional watches and warnings expected for other areas. Forecasters noted that the storm’s development in late June in such an eastern location is atypical, with only a few historical instances of storms forming in the central or eastern Atlantic during this period.

Beryl is not forecasted to impact South Florida; however, the hurricane center is monitoring two other weather systems. One tropical wave in the eastern Atlantic has the potential to develop further as it moves westward, with a 60% chance of development over the next week. Another tropical wave, currently moving towards Mexico, has been downgraded but could still bring heavy rainfall to Central America and Mexico over the weekend.

With the 2024 hurricane season already off to an active start, experts predict an above-average season with 17 to 25 named storms and 8 to 13 hurricanes. Forecasters warn of warm ocean temperatures fueling storm development, highlighting the need for preparedness in coastal regions vulnerable to hurricanes.