UPDATE: Category 4 Hurricane Beryl Continues to Threaten the Windward Islands 5:00 PM

Hurricane Beryl has intensified into a Category 4 storm with maximum sustained winds of 130 mph as it approaches the Windward Islands. As of 5 PM AST, Beryl was located 250 miles southeast of Barbados, moving west-northwest at 18 mph.

Hurricane warnings are in effect for Barbados, St. Lucia, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Grenada, and Tobago. The storm is expected to make landfall early Monday morning, bringing potentially catastrophic wind damage, life-threatening storm surge of 6 to 9 feet, and heavy rainfall of 3 to 6 inches with localized amounts up to 10 inches.

Tropical storm watches have been extended to include parts of the Dominican Republic and Haiti’s south coast. Residents in warned areas are urged to rush preparations to completion as hurricane conditions are imminent.

Beryl is forecast to cross the Windward Islands Monday morning before moving into the central Caribbean Sea. Authorities warn of flash flooding, dangerous surf conditions, and rip currents across the affected areas.

The next advisory will be issued at 8 PM AST, with a complete update at 11 PM AST.