The rapid intensification of Hurricane Beryl into a Category 5 storm has broken multiple milestones, including the earliest Category 5 hurricane (July 17, 2005), earliest Category 4 hurricane in the Atlantic (July 8, 2005), the earliest Category 4 east of the Caribbean (August 7, 1899), and the earliest storm with this unusual rate of intensification (September 1).

Experts are saying this sort of unprecedented activity is to be expected this year due to how favorable hurricane conditions have already become. While it is not projected to impact the continental United States, members should consider Hurricane Beryl a harbinger of the potential storms that could be seen this year and begin preparation efforts accordingly. Read more at the Washington Post.