‘Tiny Beryl’ is the first 2018 hurricane in the Atlantic

Beryl is officially the first hurricane of the 2018 Atlantic season, the National Hurricane Center announced Friday.

As of Friday afternoon, the storm reached 80 mph winds and is expected to hit islands in the Carribean.

The storm, described by the center as “tiny” and compact”, developed an eye early Friday morning.

Beryl currently poses no major threat to islands or coastlines. However, the center warned that those in the Lesser Antilles should keep an eye on its development.

By Monday the hurricane may hit Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic as a weakened system. The Lesser Antilles potentially could be on watch by Friday night.

 

Here are the 11 AM AST July 6 Key Messages for Hurricane #Beryl. https://t.co/z2GnfoGNyV pic.twitter.com/pOKbDt1kEh

— NHC Atlantic Ops (@NHC_Atlantic) July 6, 2018

 

The center warned forecasting the storm’s path and strength will be tricky.

“Due to its very small size, there is greater-than-usual uncertainty in the analysis of Beryl’s current intensity. Confidence in the official intensity forecast is also much lower than normal,” a statement read, ” Rapid changes in intensity, both up and down that are difficult to predict are possible during the next couple of days.”

Another storm is forming off the coast of North Carolina. There is a 70 percent chance of a tropical depression forming within the next 48 hours.

“Environmental conditions are expected to be conducive for additional development of this system, and a tropical depression is likely to form over the next couple of days,” forecaster Robbie Berg explained in a statement.