Beryl becomes a hurricane, forecast to reach major strength

Beryl has become the first hurricane of the Atlantic Season as it has quickly strengthened into a Category 1 storm in the central Atlantic Ocean. Wind speeds are at 75 mph as it moves due west towards the Caribbean Sea.

The National Hurricane Center Forecast Cone shows the westward track into the Caribbean Sea early next week. Current strength forecasts bring Beryl up to Category 3 strength before reaching the Leeward Islands. Wind speeds could get as strong as 120 mph. Beryl is forecast to start weakening late in the week as it starts to enter into the western parts of the Caribbean.

Tropical models are consistent with the westward track through much of the Caribbean Sea. It is far too early to know if any impacts will happen across the U.S. or Gulf Coast but this disturbance will have our full attention.

As of now, the models keep it well south of Louisiana. Global models are showcasing a strong area of high pressure aloft over Louisiana, so that should keep impacts well south of the area.

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