 Quick and early. The average date for the first hurricane is August 11th. Director Brennan says the impacts could be severe. Also at risk of that life-threatening storm surge, we could see surge as high as 5 to 7 feet above normal tide levels with the addition of destructive wave action on top of that storm surge. The Barbados Prime Minister encouraged all non-essential businesses on that island to close. Residents and visitors hunkered down as the center of Barrel is expected to pass near that island.