World

Hurricane Beryl Intensifies Into An ‘Extremely Dangerous’ Category 4 Storm As It Approaches The Caribbean

Published

5 months ago

2024-06-30

Kiara Grace

Beryl, the first hurricane of the 2024 Atlantic season, strengthened into an extremely hazardous Category 4 hurricane with maximum sustained winds of 130 mph Sunday morning as it approached the Windward Islands.

Beryl is now the earliest Category 4 hurricane ever recorded in the Atlantic Ocean and the only Category 4 storm to occur in June.

Tropical storm-force winds will likely hit the Windward Islands late Sunday or early Monday.

The early timing of the season’s first storm is rare, considering the average date is August 11.

As of 11 a.m, ET, Beryl was about 355 miles east-southeast of Barbados and headed west.

“A life-threatening storm surge will raise water levels by as much as 6 to 9 feet above normal tide levels in areas of onshore flow near where the eye makes landfall in the hurricane warning area,” the National Hurricane Center stated, adding that the surge could bring huge and damaging waves near the shoreline.

Hurricane Beryl | CNN Image

Hurricane Beryl Intensifies Into An ‘Extremely Dangerous’ Category 4 Storm As It Approaches The Caribbean

The hurricane is rapidly strengthening, reaching 55 mph in the 24 hours preceding Sunday morning. The National Hurricane Center defines rapid intensification as an increase in maximum sustained wind speed of 35 mph or more within 24 hours.

“We’re forecasting rapid intensification and expect Beryl to become a major hurricane before it reaches places like Barbados and the Windward islands, and to continue to be a powerful hurricane as it moves into the eastern and central Caribbean as we go into the early portions of next week,” Mike Brennan, Director of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s National Hurricane Center, told CNN’s Fredricka Whitfield on Saturday.

Brennan advised residents in hurricane-prone areas to prepare for major storm consequences. Beryl increases the possibility of torrential rainfall, damaging hurricane-force winds, and severe storm surges and waves. According to the center, rainfall totals of 3 to 6 inches could cause localized flooding in the Windward Islands on Sunday night and Monday.

Barbados, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Grenada, and Tobago have all been issued hurricane warnings.

According to the weather center, the hurricane is anticipated to dump 3 to 6 inches of rain on Barbados and the Windward Islands through Monday.

Beryl is the Atlantic’s first big hurricane (Category 3 or higher) in 58 years. According to Brennan, the storm’s quick intensification is rare at this early stage of the hurricane season. According to NOAA statistics, only a few tropical systems, particularly powerful ones, formed in the central Atlantic east of the Lesser Antilles in June.

Hurricane Beryl | Getty Image

Hurricane Beryl Intensifies Into An ‘Extremely Dangerous’ Category 4 Storm As It Approaches The Caribbean

Beryl is not only early for this hurricane season but also the third-earliest significant hurricane in the Atlantic. The first was Hurricane Alma on June 8, 1996, followed by Hurricane Audrey, which became a significant storm on June 27, 1957.

The storm has already broken the record for the easternmost hurricane to form in the Tropical Atlantic in June, surpassing the previous record established in 1933.

August is generally a more active month in the Middle and Eastern Atlantic because warmer water temperatures fuel emerging systems.

This year, the Atlantic basin has had above-normal water temperatures and a lack of wind shear due to the shift from El Niño to La Niña season, fueling tropical development.

“Beryl has found an environment with very warm ocean waters for this time of year,” she said.

Warmer waters in the Atlantic Basin have allowed tropical storms and hurricanes to develop at a faster rate in an eastward direction, according to Brennan. This allows storms to become more powerful and thus more destructive earlier in the hurricane season, which lasts from June 1 to November 30.

“These are ocean water you’d normally see like in August or September, but now we’re seeing them in late June,” according to Brennan. “It’s kind of opening up more of the deep tropical Atlantic for formation before we get to what would be the traditional peak of the hurricane season.”

Caribbean islands encourage citizens to prepare ahead of the hurricane.
Authorities are encouraging inhabitants to take precautions, with many Caribbean nations under hurricane watches and warnings as Hurricane Beryl approaches and intensifies.

Hurricane Beryl | CNN Image

Hurricane Beryl Intensifies Into An ‘Extremely Dangerous’ Category 4 Storm As It Approaches The Caribbean

Officials in Barbados believe the hurricane will hit the island as early as late Sunday night. Its meteorological agency predicts storm-force winds, 3 to 6 inches of rain, “hazardous” maritime conditions, and strong thunderstorms that may cause power outages.

“All of the regular hurricane preparations that we do are in full swing,” Minister of Home Affairs and Information Wilfred Abrahams stated. “We have less than 48 hours till we may observe the consequences of this system on Barbados. Please spend your time wisely.”

According to Phil Klotzbach, a hurricane expert and research scientist at Colorado State University, systems forming in this section of the Atlantic early in the summer signify the upcoming hyperactive hurricane season. Normally, water temperatures in June and July do not support tropical ecosystems.

Forecasters at the National Weather Service estimate 17 to 25 named storms this season, with eight to 13 developing into hurricanes, including four to seven major hurricanes.

“That’s well above average,” Brennan said.

The National Weather Service says that’s “due to a confluence of factors, including near-record warm ocean temperatures in the Atlantic Ocean, development of La Nina conditions in the Pacific, reduced Atlantic trade winds and less wind shear, all of which tend to favor tropical storm formation.”

SOURCE – (CNN)

Kiara Grace

Kiara Grace is a staff writer at VORNews, a reputable online publication. Her writing focuses on technology trends, particularly in the realm of consumer electronics and software. With a keen eye for detail and a knack for breaking down complex topics.

Kiara delivers insightful analyses that resonate with tech enthusiasts and casual readers alike. Her articles strike a balance between in-depth coverage and accessibility, making them a go-to resource for anyone seeking to stay informed about the latest innovations shaping our digital world.

World

French President Macron Shifts Blame for Government Collapse

Published

5 hours ago

2024-12-05

Geoff Brown

Emmanuel Macron addresses the nation from the presidential palace

French President Emmanuel Macron has refused to acknowledge or take responsibility for the collapse of Michel Barnier’s government, blaming “cynical” and “anti-Republican” opposition politicians.

On Thursday, Mr. Macron, 46, issued a defiant 10-minute televised address in which he denied the possibility of resigning more than two years prior to the conclusion of his tenure. He declared that he would continue to serve his “full mandate” until 2027.

The French president has committed to appointing a new prime minister in the near future and draughting a new budget measure by a new government of the willing early next year.

After losing a vote of no-confidence in his government the previous day, Mr. Barnier, 73, tendered his resignation on Thursday. Consequently, France’s oldest prime minister also became its shortest-serving.

“Until the appointment of a new government, he and his ministers will be responsible for daily business,” according to the Telegraph.

Macron promises solution

Mr. Macron endeavoured to rectify the situation with the French electorate and the opposition during his brief address.

Mr. Macron took full responsibility for his decision to hold snap elections in June and July, which he said had been “misunderstood” and “criticised,” and thanked Mr. Barnier for “rising to the occasion, as so many others have not.”

“I shall never assume the negligence of others, particularly the MPs who have deliberately chosen to undermine France’s budget and government mere days before Christmas.”

On Thursday, Ms. Le Pen stated that the French president’s resignation was not appropriate at this time.

“That can only occur, in my opinion, when a political crisis or an institutional crisis can no longer be resolved through the resignation of the president of the republic,” she stated in an interview with Bloomberg. She noted that this was not the case at the moment.

Rather, the populist opposition figure pledged to “collaborate” with the incoming prime minister and maintained that a budget could be approved within a matter of weeks.

Macron to Blame

However, polls conducted on Thursday indicate that the French are primarily attributing the most severe political crisis to Macron since 1958, when Charles de Gaulle returned from retirement to establish the Fifth Republic and prevent civil war.

An Odaxa Backbone survey revealed that six out of ten individuals now desire Macron’s resignation, while a Toluna Harris Interactive poll indicated that an even greater number, 64 percent, desired his departure.

Mathilde Panot, the chair of the parliamentary faction of the hard-Left France Unbowed (LFI) party, has advocated for “early presidential elections,” stating, “We are now calling on Macron to go.”

According to Mr. Macron, he will not be resigning until 2027, and French law prohibits the holding of new legislative elections until July of the following year.

Simultaneously, there is considerable speculation regarding the individual whom Mr. Macron will select to succeed Mr. Barnier.

He is eager to designate a replacement before dozens of heads of state, including the newly elected US president, Donald Trump, descend on Paris for a ceremony to reopen Notre-Dame on Saturday, according to a variety of sources.

World

Magnitude 7.0 Earthquake Strikes North Coast of California

Published

7 hours ago

2024-12-05

Geoff Brown

A tsunami warning was issued but has since been cancelled

The US Geological Survey reports that a significant 7.0 magnitude earthquake struck off the coast of northern California.

A tsunami warning was initially issued for the beaches of northern California and southern Oregon, affecting around 4.7 million people, but has since been lifted.

The epicentre of the earthquake was located near Ferndale, California, a small settlement in Humboldt County about 260 miles (418 km) north of San Francisco.

At 10:51 a.m. PST, cellphones throughout Northern California and Southern Oregon rang with a “Emergency Alert” message.

The National Tsunami Warning Centre cancelled the tsunami warning shortly before noon local time.

According to the Associated Press, the US Geological Survey said that more than 5.3 million people in California were under a tsunami warning, and more than 1.3 million people lived close enough to the epicentre to feel the earthquake.

Tremors are widespread in the US West Coast, which is where many of the Earth’s tectonic plates meet. However, a strong 7-magnitude earthquake is unusual in the region. Experts estimate that 10 to 15 earthquakes of this size occur globally each year.

A number of severe earthquakes have impacted the area, including a 1994 quake in Northridge, Los Angeles, which killed scores of people and injured thousands more while causing billions of dollars in damage to homes and infrastructure.

World

President of South Korea Ends Martial Law

Published

2 days ago

2024-12-04

Geoff Brown

The President of South Korea lifted martial law early Wednesday, bowing to political pressure following a tumultuous night in which troops encircled parliament and MPs voted to reject military control.

President Yoon Suk Yeol, who appeared to be on the verge of impeachment for his actions, declared martial law late Tuesday in frustration with the opposition, vowing to eliminate “anti-state” forces as he battles opponents who control parliament and whom he accuses of sympathizing with communist North Korea.

Police and military troops were spotted leaving the premises of parliament following the bipartisan vote to overthrow the president, and the declaration was formally removed around 4:30 a.m. during a Cabinet meeting.

Following the imposition of martial law, National Assembly Speaker Woo Won Shik declared that the law was “invalid” and that lawmakers would “protect democracy with the people.”

Martial Law Lasted 6 Hours

Late Tuesday, people surrounded a military truck as it attempted to leave an area near South Korea’s parliament. Protesters gathered in front of the Parliament building after South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol declared martial law, pledging to eliminate “anti-state” forces as he battles an opposition that controls the country’s parliament and accuses it of sympathizing with communist North Korea.

Overall, martial law lasted approximately six hours. The president’s unexpected move recalled an era of authoritarian leaders that the country had not seen since the 1980s, and it was quickly condemned by the opposition and the leader of Yoon’s conservative party.

Lee Jae-Myung, leader of the liberal Democratic Party, which has the majority in the 300-seat parliament, stated that the party’s legislators would remain in the Assembly’s main hall until Yoon formally revoked his order.
Woo praised how fast the troops departed the Assembly following the vote.

“Even with our unfortunate memories of military coups, our citizens have surely observed the events of today and saw the maturity of our military,” Woo told reporters.

While announcing his intention to lift martial law, Yoon criticized parliament’s efforts to impeach key government officials and leading prosecutors. He claimed that parliamentarians had committed “unscrupulous acts of legislative and budgetary manipulation that are paralyzing the functions of the state.”

Jo Seung-lae, a Democratic lawmaker, stated that security camera footage following Yoon’s proclamation showed troops moving in a way that suggested they were attempting to arrest Lee, Woo, and even Han Dong-hoon, the leader of Yoon’s People Power Party.

Early Wednesday, neither Yoon’s office nor the Defence Ministry responded to demands for comment. Hundreds of demonstrators gathered before the Assembly, holding placards and demanding Yoon’s impeachment.

Wartime, war-like situations

Some protestors clashed with troops before the MPs’ vote, but there were no early reports of casualties or significant property damage. Troops attempted to enter the Assembly building, breaking at least one window. One woman attempted unsuccessfully to take a gun away from one of the soldiers while shouting, “Aren’t you embarrassed?”

South Korea’s constitution allows the president to declare martial law in “wartime, war-like situations, or other comparable national emergency states” that need the deployment of military force to maintain peace and order. It was unclear whether South Korea was currently in such a position.

When martial law is declared, “special measures” can be used to limit freedom of the press, assembly, other rights, and court authority.

The constitution also requires the president to comply when the National Assembly votes to lift martial law by a majority.

Following Yoon’s declaration of martial law, South Korea’s military announced that parliament and any political meetings that could cause “social confusion” would be suspended, according to the Yonhap news agency. According to the military, anyone who defied the edict may face arrest without a warrant.

The White House in Washington stated that the United States is “seriously concerned” about the events in Seoul. A representative for the National Security Council stated that President Joe Biden’s administration was not alerted of the martial law announcement and was in contact with the South Korean government.

Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder, a Pentagon spokesman, said the incident had no impact on the more than 27,000 US service troops stationed in South Korea.

According to Yonhap, the South Korean military also ordered the country’s striking medics to return to work within 48 hours. Thousands of doctors have been on strike for months, protesting the government’s intention to increase the number of medical school students.

Shortly after martial law was imposed, the parliament speaker called on his YouTube page for all MPs to convene at the National Assembly. He asked military and law enforcement officers to “remain calm and maintain their positions.”