Caribbean Braces for 'Extremely Dangerous' Hurricane Beryl, as It Rapidly Elevates to Category 4

Hurricane Beryl rapidly intensified from a tropical storm to a powerful Category 4 hurricane as it approached the Caribbean islands, becoming the first major hurricane of the 2024 Atlantic season. Hurricane warnings were issued for several islands like Barbados, St. Lucia, and Grenada, with tropical storm warnings and watches also in effect for nearby islands. Forecasters warn Beryl will bring life-threatening winds and storm surge making it an "extremely dangerous" hurricane. Beryl's rapid intensification from a tropical storm to a major hurricane in just 42 hours is considered very rare for that region and this time of year.