Local

Beryl becomes first hurricane of 2018 Atlantic season

MIAMI — Once a tropical storm, Beryl has strengthened to become the first hurricane of the 2018 tropical season.

[Hurricane season is officially here: How much damage will 2018 bring?]

The storm is small, with hurricane force winds extending only 10 miles from the center. Tropical storm force winds extend 35 miles from the eye.

Severe Weather Center 9 is tracking Hurricane Beryl and the areas it will impact, on Eyewitness News Daybreak.

Stay on top of the storm's track by downloading the WSOC-TV weather app.

[Hurricane season: What is the Saffir-Simpson scale; how does it work; is there a Category 6?]

Though the storm is expected to remain a hurricane Friday and Saturday, it will weaken as it approaches the Caribbean islands.

[Hurricane names for 2018 are out: Are you on the list?]

Strong upper-level winds are forecast to tear the storm apart next week, possibly weakening it to just a low-pressure center with heavy rain and some gusty winds.

[Hurricane, tropical storm and tropical depression: What’s the difference?]

The weakened storm may pass close to Puerto Rico early next week.

As of 5 a.m., the storm was located between the Cabo Verde Islands and the Lesser Antilles.

Forecasters expect it to move westward or west-northwestward at 15 to 20 mph over the tropical Atlantic Ocean.

Read more top trending stories on wsoctv.com:

Cox Media Group

0

Most Read