The US government has a “emergency message” for Americans who visit all destinations in the Caribbean during Easter because of the dangers involved Hurricane Beryl this week.
This storm has intensified into one Category 4 “extremely dangerous” hurricaneas it approaches several countries in the region.
Yesterday, June 30, it was downgraded to category 3 (180-210 km/h), but A “disaster” is still expected when it makes landfall in Grenada and St. Vincent and the Grenadines later today, July 1.
Cruises and yachts in Granada and nearby islands have been evacuated.
Prime Minister of St. Vincent and the Grenadines Dr. Ralph Gonsalves was forced to declare the country a “natural disaster” and said devastation was “likely to occur” in the coming days.
Americans living or visiting Chattam Bay, Kingstown, Calliaqua, the east coast of Granada, Connery, Bottom Byera, Georgetown, Sandy Bay or Owia should seek shelter immediately.
Strong hurricanes like this are typically expected starting the second week of August, and not that early. Such a phenomenon has not been seen in 58 years. The storm took just 42 hours to go from a tropical depression to a major hurricane.
At 8:00 PM ET yesterday, Beryl was about 200 miles (320 kilometers) southeast of Barbados, heading west.
This “life-threatening storm” is expected to raise water levels up to 3 meters above normal tides and cause some destructive waves in places near the coasts.
“We forecast rapid intensification and expect Beryl to become a major hurricane before reaching places like Barbados and the Windward Islands, and to remain a strong hurricane as it moves towards the eastern and central Caribbean as we enter the first parts of the come into effect next month. week,” said Hurricane Center Director Fredricka Whitfield.
Islands currently under direct threat from Beryl include Barbados, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadine Islands, Grenada and Tobago.
Residents and visitors to Trinidad and Tobago must take immediate action to protect their lives and livelihoodsthe government said yesterday as the country was placed on a red alert.
“Put food, water and medicines safely in waterproof containers for at least seven days. Outdoor drains must now be clear and loose objects must be secured. Sandbags should be provided at all entrances to your home.” the government said.
Other countries to watch out for dangerous tropical storms in the coming days include some parts of the Dominican Republic, Haiti, Martinique, Dominica and Trinidad, the hurricane center said.
The US Embassy for Caribbean Countries strongly recommends that you register on the Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to help locate you in case you get lost and to connect you with your nearest U.S. embassy or consulate.
According to the agency, these will be the most affected locations “Barbados, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Grenada and Tobago. A tropical storm warning has been issued for Martinique. A Tropical Storm Watch is in effect for Dominica.”
The government is constantly monitoring the hurricane situation and you should follow suit.
