As Hurricane Beryl approaches the Texas coast, officials are urging residents to take necessary precautions to prepare for the storm’s potential landfall. The National Hurricane Centre has predicted that the storm will regain its hurricane strength in the warm waters of the Gulf of Mexico, with Senior Hurricane Specialist Jack Beven stating that the storm is expected to make landfall somewhere on the Texas coast sometime Monday. If this forecast holds true, it is likely to be a Category 1 hurricane.
Beryl has already caused devastation in the Caribbean, leaving a trail of destruction in its wake, including 11 reported deaths in Jamaica, St Vincent and the Grenadines, Barbados, and Grenada. The storm’s storm surge and strong winds have also caused significant damage in Mexico, with no reported fatalities or injuries.
As the storm approaches, Texas officials have issued a state disaster declaration for 40 at-risk counties, and have warned residents to prepare for possible flooding, heavy rain, and strong winds. The National Hurricane Centre has issued hurricane and storm surge watches for the Texas coast from the mouth of the Rio Grande north to San Luis Pass, just south of Houston.
The storm’s potential impact on the state’s entire coastline has prompted officials to urge coastal residents to evacuate low-lying areas prone to flooding and to make an emergency plan to ensure the safety of themselves and their loved ones. Some coastal cities have already called for voluntary evacuations, and have banned beach camping and urged tourists to move their recreational vehicles from coastal parks.
Hurricane Beryl
Despite the warning, many residents have chosen to stay and ride out the storm, including those in Tulum, Mexico, which was hit by the storm on Thursday. The city was plunged into darkness when the storm knocked out power, and strong winds set off car alarms throughout the town. Although no fatalities have been reported, nearly half of the city is still without electricity.
With the storm expected to intensify before making landfall, the National Hurricane Centre warns of a dangerous storm surge, heavy rain, and hurricane-force winds, particularly for the lower and middle Texas coast. As Governor Greg Abbott is out of the country, Acting Governor Dan Patrick has issued a pre-emptive disaster declaration for 40 counties, and has urged residents to stay informed and be prepared for the potential impact of the storm.
As Hurricane Beryl continues to make its way towards the Texas coast, residents are urged to stay vigilant and take necessary precautions to ensure their safety. With the storm’s potential for destruction and the importance of preparation, it is essential that residents take heed of the warnings and take action to protect themselves and their properties.
