Two tropical storms have formed in the Atlantic in June for the first time since records began.
Forecasters say it signals an early – and aggressive – start to the Atlantic’s hurricane season, which usually runs from around August to October, blaming the development on unusually high sea temperatures.
Cindy is expected to move into open waters as it develops in the region, while Bret brought heavy rain and winds to eastern Caribbean islands, which have been told to prepare for potential landslides and flooding.
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The latest Sky News forecast
Power cuts have been reported in Barbados St Vincent and the Grenadines, while the islands of St Lucia, Dominica and Martinique closed schools, offices and airports on Thursday as Bret passed over.
Rainfall of up to six inches was forecast by the US National Hurricane Centre from the French island of Guadeloupe south to St Vincent and the Grenadines, including Barbados, with authorities also warning of a dangerous surf.
Bret is forecast to lose its strength after entering the eastern Caribbean Sea, and dissipate before Saturday.
Cindy, meanwhile, was sustaining winds of around 50mph on Friday, with the expectation that it will strengthen.
It is predicted there will be 12 to 17 named storms during this year’s hurricane season, with up to nine becoming full-blown hurricanes – four of which could be category three or higher, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
