As of 11:35 am on June 30, 2024 Hurricane Beryl is now a Category 4 Hurricane.
Maximum sustained winds 130 mph.
Moving W at 21 mph.
The Westward path means no impact to Polk County, but it is predicted to be a busy hurricane season, so start preparing now for future impacts/storms if you haven’t already.
Below is some information on hurricanes and what the different categories entail.
Breakdown from the National Hurricane Center:
Category 1
74-95 mph
Very dangerous winds will produce some damage: Well-constructed frame homes could have damage to roof, shingles, vinyl siding and gutters. Large branches of trees will snap and shallowly rooted trees may be toppled. Extensive damage to power lines and poles likely will result in power outages that could last a few to several days.
Category 2
96-110 mph
Extremely dangerous winds will cause extensive damage: Well-constructed frame homes could sustain major roof and siding damage. Many shallowly rooted trees will be snapped or uprooted and block numerous roads. Near-total power loss is expected with outages that could last from several days to weeks.
Category 3
(major)
111-129 mph
Devastating damage will occur: Well-built framed homes may incur major damage or removal of roof decking and gable ends. Many trees will be snapped or uprooted, blocking numerous roads. Electricity and water will be unavailable for several days to weeks after the storm passes.
Category 4
(major)
130-156 mph
Catastrophic damage will occur: Well-built framed homes can sustain severe damage with loss of most of the roof structure and/or some exterior walls. Most trees will be snapped or uprooted and power poles downed. Fallen trees and power poles will isolate residential areas. Power outages will last weeks to possibly months. Most of the area will be uninhabitable for weeks or months.
Category 5
(major)
157 mph or higher
Catastrophic damage will occur: A high percentage of framed homes will be destroyed, with total roof failure and wall collapse. Fallen trees and power poles will isolate residential areas. Power outages will last for weeks to possibly months. Most of the area will be uninhabitable for weeks or months.
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Original report:
8am update – June 30, 2024
…BERYL IS NOW A VERY DANGEROUS CATEGORY 3 HURRICANE… …LIFE-THREATENING WINDS AND STORM SURGE EXPECTED IN THE WINDWARD ISLANDS BEGINNING EARLY MONDAY…
Maximum sustained winds 115 mph.
Movement W at 21 mph.
From National Hurricane Center:
”Beryl is expected to be an extremely dangerous Category 4 hurricane when it reaches the Windward Islands early Monday, bringing destructive hurricane-force winds and life-threatening storm surge.”
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5 pm update – June 29, 2024
…BERYL IS NOW A HURRICANE AND FORECAST TO INTENSIFY QUICKLY… …EXPECTED TO BRING LIFE-THREATENING WINDS AND STORM SURGE TO THE WINDWARD ISLANDS AS A MAJOR HURRICANE…
Maximum sustained winds 75 mph.
Movement W at 22 mph.
From National Hurricane Center:
“Beryl is expected to be a dangerous major hurricane when it reaches the Windward Islands late Sunday night or Monday, bringing destructive hurricane-force winds and life-threatening storm surge.”
Keeping an eye on the tropics –
Information from the National Hurricane Center as well as Us National Weather Service of Tampa Bay
The 11pm update on June 28, 2024 shows that Beryl is now a labeled a tropical storm. Max sustained winds 40 mph. Movement W at 18 mph.
Tropical Storm Beryl has formed in the Atlantic and is forecast to strengthen to a hurricane over the next few days as it approaches the Windward Islands.
The tropics are becoming quite active. HOWEVER, there are no immediate threats from this system to Polk County at this time.
For your reference:
D: Tropical Depression – wind speed less than 39 MPH
S: Tropical Storm – wind speed between 39 MPH and 73 MPH
H: Hurricane – wind speed between 74 MPH and 110 MPH
M: Major Hurricane – wind speed greater than 110 MPH
We will update this article if there are any major updates and/or if the path of the storm is projected to have any impact on Polk County.
For now, be sure to prepare for hurricane season if you have not already. It is better to get ahead of any future storms and be prepared.
