Hurricane Beryl Becomes Third Earliest Major Hurricane in Atlantic with 115 mph Winds

Jun 30, 2024, 11:54 AM

Hurricane Beryl has rapidly intensified to become a Category 3 major hurricane with maximum winds of 115 mph, making it the third earliest major hurricane in the Atlantic on record. Beryl is the first major hurricane outside the Gulf of Mexico in June and the first June major hurricane east of the Lesser Antilles. This rapid intensification occurred within 24 hours, as Beryl's winds increased from 60 mph to 115 mph. The only earlier major hurricanes in the Atlantic were Alma on June 8, 1966, and Audrey on June 27, 1957. Only three other Category 3+ storms have formed through the first week of July: Unnamed in 1916, Dennis in 2005, and Bertha in 2008. Beryl's formation marks an ominous start to the hurricane season.