As of late Sunday, Beryl was centred about 150 miles southeast of Barbados, with maximum sustained winds of 130 mph. It is moving west at 20 mph, making it a compact yet powerful storm. Hurricane-force winds extend 30 miles from its centre, posing significant threats to the islands in its path.

Besides the hurricane warnings, tropical storm warnings are in effect for Martinique and Trinidad, while a tropical storm watch is issued for Dominica, Haiti's southern coast, and parts of the Dominican Republic. Beryl is expected to pass south of Barbados and head into the Caribbean Sea, maintaining hurricane strength towards Jamaica.

Beryl has set several records, becoming the earliest Category 4 hurricane in the Atlantic on record, surpassing Hurricane Dennis from 2005. This rapid intensification, from a tropical depression to a major hurricane in just 42 hours, is a rare occurrence in Atlantic hurricane history. Experts highlight its unusual strength for this time of year.

Forecasters warn of a storm surge of up to 9 feet and rainfall of up to 6 inches for Barbados and nearby islands. The storm's fuel comes from unusually warm ocean waters, the highest on record for this time of year. Authorities urge residents to take the threat seriously, preparing for severe impacts and ensuring safety measures are in place.

In response to the impending storm, long queues have formed at gas stations and grocery stores as residents rush to prepare. In Barbados, the prime minister announced business closures and an airport shutdown by Sunday night. In St. Lucia, a national shutdown was declared, with schools and businesses closed for safety.

Residents like Reecia Marshall in Grenada, who remembers Hurricane Ivan in 2004, are preparing by securing their homes and ensuring adequate supplies. Marshall, working at a local hotel, is helping guests prepare and advising them to stay away from windows. This reflects the community's resilience and preparedness mindset.

Caribbean leaders are not only focused on Beryl but also on a cluster of thunderstorms trailing the hurricane with a high chance of developing into a tropical depression. This highlights the ongoing vigilance required during an above-average hurricane season. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration predicts a particularly active season, with up to 25 named storms and 13 hurricanes expected.