What are the Lesser Antilles, Windward and Leeward Islands and where are they?
The Lesser Antilles, a chain of islands in the Caribbean, are set to experience a hurricane very early in the season. Which countries make up the chain?
Lesser Antilles is located in the Caribbean Sea and comprises the Windward Leeward island chains. During hurricane season, this area of the ocean is vulnerable to severe weather, and as a storm begins to form, an alert has been issued across the region.
Which islands make up which chain?
Together, the Windward and Leeward Islands make up the Lesser Antilles group of islands. The Windward Islands comprise:
- Carriacou
- Dominica
- Grenada
- Martinique
- Petite Martinique
- Saint Lucia
- Saint Vincent.
The Leeward Islands are made up of:
- Antigua and Barbuda
- Guadeloupe
- Montserrat
- Saint Kitts and Nevis
- Saint Martin
- the Virgin Islands.
What is the status of the hurricane?
The second named hurricane of the season is forming, and meteorologists are projecting that it could be headed towards the Windward Islands, reports The Weather Channel. Hurricane Beryl is expected to become a Category 3 hurricane before touching down in the Windward Islands. This will be one of the earliest hurricanes to impact that area, which is typically sheltered by its more southern location relative to other islands in the Caribbean.
In addition, the weather outlet is tracking two other storms in the area, showing that this year’s hurricane season is off to a quick start. This increased activity reflects an intensified trend that began last year.
Last June, the Lesser Antilles were hit by two tropical storms in less than a week. “It was the first time on record two tropical storms formed east of the Lesser Antilles (east of the Caribbean islands) during the month,” stated The Weather Channel.