AN JUAN, Puerto Rico (AP) — Hurricane Beryl has intensified into what experts are calling an “extremely dangerous” Category 4 storm as it nears the southeast Caribbean. The region has begun to shut down, with government officials urgently pleading for residents to seek shelter.

“This is a very serious situation developing for the Windward Islands,” warned the National Hurricane Center in Miami, which has stated that Beryl is “forecast to bring life-threatening winds and storm surge.”

The last hurricane of similar strength to hit the southeast Caribbean was Hurricane Ivan in 2004, which caused catastrophic damage in Grenada as a Category 3 storm.

Reecia Marshall, a resident of Grenada, was working a Sunday shift at a local hotel, preparing guests and urging them to stay away from windows as she stored enough food and water for everyone.

News alert, TNW News News Bolton.