Tropical Storm Beryl is intensifying and a hurricane watch has been issued for Barbados, according to the National Hurricane Center's latest advisory. As of 5:00 AM AST, the storm's center was located at latitude 9.8 North, longitude 45.5 West, approximately 975 miles east-southeast of Barbados. Beryl is moving west at 21 mph with maximum sustained winds of 50 mph.

Residents in the Lesser Antilles are advised to closely monitor Beryl's progress, as additional watches and warnings may be issued later today. Local meteorological services will provide specific storm information for respective areas.

Beryl is moving westward and is expected to shift slightly to a west-northwestward direction over the next few days. The storm is forecasted to cross the Windward Islands late Sunday night or Monday.

Maximum sustained winds have increased to 50 mph with higher gusts. Beryl is anticipated to strengthen steadily and is expected to reach hurricane status by tonight or Sunday. Tropical-storm-force winds extend up to 45 miles from the center, and the minimum central pressure is estimated at 1001 mb.

Hazards affecting land

• Wind: Hurricane conditions are possible in the watch area by Sunday night or Monday morning, with tropical storm conditions potentially beginning by Sunday.
• Rainfall: Beryl could produce 3 to 6 inches of rain across Barbados and the Windward Islands, potentially leading to localized flooding in vulnerable areas.
• Surf: Swells generated by Beryl are expected to affect the Windward and southern Leeward Islands by late Sunday, causing life-threatening surf and rip current conditions.