The National Weather Service (NWS) issued a warning Thursday for Tropical Storm Bullet, which intensified overnight in the Lesser Antilles.
A hurricane warning and tropical storm warning have been issued for parts of Saint Lucia, Martinique, Dominica, Barbados, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines. according to To the Twitter post from the National Hurricane Center. The alert notes a high risk of flooding, heavy rainfall, high winds and coastal tidal waves, with further updates expected as the storm progresses.
Thursday, June 22, 5:00 a.m. Important message about tropical cyclones #brett. Brett is expected to intensify slightly during the night and reach the Lesser Antilles as a strong tropical storm.https://t.co/JhYZfTgwC0 pic.twitter.com/H2zQTDiAM9
— National Hurricane Center (@NHC_Atlantic) June 22, 2023
Hurricane-strength winds had already made landfall by 5 a.m. Thursday, with up to 10 inches of rain likely by Saturday. according to to CNN.broader forecast Brett suggests it could reach full hurricane status around 2 a.m. on Friday and intensify over the area by Saturday afternoon.
Bullet is the second named storm of the 2023 hurricane season. Tropical Storm Arlene was the first to develop off the Gulf of Mexico in early June. (Related article: Tornado kills three, extreme weather hits Texas)
El Niño weather changes are expected to create 12 to 17 named storms and 5 to 9 more hurricanes, according to CNN. By 2023, there is a 70% chance of up to four large Category 3 or higher hurricanes. according to to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
