Tropical Storm Bret continues to head to the Caribbean, and experts worry that it could become a hurricane before reaching the area. AccuWeather meteorologists are warning that the second named storm of the 2023 Atlantic hurricane season has the potential to strengthen and become the Atlantic’s first hurricane of the season. Conditions must remain favorable south of 15 degrees north latitude, while it is west of 60 degrees west longitude, in order to strengthen into a hurricane.
Despite the danger that comes with strong winds and heavy rainfall, the Caribbean also has a chance to benefit from the warmer sea-surface temperatures. Experts are noting that the waters in much of the Caribbean range from 82°-85° F, above historical average for this time of year.
If Hurricane Bret does develop, residents and visitors in the Windward and Leeward islands to Puerto Rico and Hispaniola, will notice a quick decrease in conditions. This includes building seas and surf, increasing winds and more frequent tropical downpours and gusty thunderstorms. If Bret does reach hurricane strength, expect tropical storm force winds of 40-60mph with hurricane-force gusts near the storm’s center of up to 115 mph.
Experts worry that even if the system remains weak, it could trigger thunderstorms to erupt away from the center, especially over higher mountains in Puerto Rico and Hispaniola. This could bring about heavy rainfall and flash flooding, depending the track, size and strength of the system.
“There is some potential that even if the system remains weak, it could allow thunderstorms to erupt well away from the center, especially over the higher mountains on Puerto Rico and Hispaniola,” AccuWeather Lead Long-Range Meteorologist Paul Pastelok said.
Overall, Tropical Storm Bret is a hazardous force to watch in the Caribbean. It’s important that people remain mindful of the changing conditions and take the necessary precautions for rough water and excessive rainfall.
