 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 five to seven 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.