The St. Vincent and the Grenadines Meteorological Services says all preparations to protect life and property ahead of the anticipated passage of Hurricane Beryl should be rushed to completion.
A high-surf advisory and small-craft warning will be in effect from noon, today (Sunday).
A flash-flood warning will be in effect from 6 p.m., today Sunday.
A hurricane warning remains in effect for St. Vincent and the Grenadines (SVG), meaning that hurricane conditions are expected across the country within 36 hours.
At 5 a.m. Sunday, Hurricane Beryl was located near latitude 10.7 degrees north; longitude 53.1 degrees west, or approximately 570 miles (917 kilometres) east of SVG.
The hurricane is moving toward the west at 21 mph (33 km/h), and on its present forecast track, the centre of the system is expected to pass near or over SVG on Monday morning.
Maximum sustained winds are 100 mph (160 km/h). The minimum central pressure is 981 mb or 28.87 inches.
Hurricane-force winds extend outward up to 15 miles (30 km) from the centre, and tropical storm-force winds extend outward up to 60 miles (95km).
Storm-force winds are possible across SVG from late Sunday night.
“Rapid strengthening is forecast over the next day or so, and Beryl is expected to become an extremely dangerous hurricane before it reaches the Windward Islands. All preparations to protect life and property should be rushed to completion,” the Met Services said.
Maximum sustained winds of 100 – 132 mph (160 – 212 km/h) are expected from early Monday. Rainfall accumulations of 4 to 6 inches (100 to 150mm) are likely across SVG
Marine conditions are expected to be very rough and hazardous with sea swells exceeding 4 metres (13ft) and possibly higher than 8 metres (26ft), near the centre of Beryl on Monday.
Large and destructive waves/swells are likely to cause life-threatening surf and rip currents. These will create unsafe conditions for small-craft operators and fishermen.
“Another disturbance is located over the Eastern Atlantic, with a 70% chance of development, and a depression is likely as it tracks near our area by Wednesday. Be Prepared!!” the Met Services said.