Beryl Made Landfall as a Hurricane. Here’s What You Need to Know
Beryl made landfall near Matagorda Beach, Texas, with winds of 80 mph (128 km/h). More than 84,000 people were without power in the state as of 4:36 a.m.
After causing significant damage in the Caribbean and Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula last week, killing at least nine people, Beryl weakened to a tropical storm but strengthened into a hurricane overnight before making landfall.
Here’s what you need to know:
Tornado Warning in Houston More than seven million people in an area that includes the city of Houston are under a tornado watch as of 11 a.m. ET, according to the Storm Prediction Center.
The Impact of Climate Change: Hurricane Beryl exacerbated the impact on Jamaica, according to a ClimaMeter analysis. Modern storms like Beryl approaching Jamaica are capable of dumping 30% more rain and producing 10% stronger winds compared to similar storms from 1979 to 2001 due to man-made climate change, according to the study.
Warm Waters: Ocean waters around the world have been unusually warm, often at record levels, for more than a year. Water along Beryl’s path helped the storm intensify rapidly as it moved through the Caribbean.
These are the cities that will be affected by Beryl:
Palacios: hurricane warning, storm surge warning, tornado watch, and flood watch
Galveston: hurricane warning, storm surge warning, tornado watch, and flood watch
Houston: tropical storm warning, flood warning and tornado warning
Victoria: hurricane warning and flood alert
Body of Christ: Tropical storm warning
South Padre Island: No alerts but warning of strong winds
Hurricane Beryl Makes Landfall in Texas, Bringing Strong Winds and Flooding
Hurricane Beryl made landfall near Matagorda Beach, Texas, early Wednesday morning, bringing with it strong winds and heavy rain. The storm, which had previously battered the Caribbean and Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula, weakened to a tropical storm but regained hurricane strength overnight before hitting the Texas coast.
Key Impacts of Hurricane Beryl
As of 4:36 a.m. local time, more than 84,000 people in Texas were without power. The storm’s impact is being felt widely across the state. Here are some of the key developments:
- Tornado Warning in Houston: A tornado watch is in effect for a large region encompassing Houston, impacting more than seven million people.
- Climate Change’s Role: Recent studies by ClimaMeter indicate that Hurricane Beryl’s impact on Jamaica was intensified by climate change. The storm delivered 30% more rain and 10% stronger winds compared to similar storms from 1979 to 2001.
- Warm Ocean Waters: Warm ocean waters fueled Beryl’s rapid intensification as it crossed the Caribbean. Global ocean temperatures have been unusually high for over a year, contributing to the storm’s strength.
Cities Affected by Hurricane Beryl
The following cities are experiencing various levels of impact from Hurricane Beryl. The extent of the storm’s effect varies according to location, but all areas listed are experiencing strong winds and potential flood risks:
| City | Alerts |
|---|---|
| Palacios | Hurricane Warning, Storm Surge Warning, Tornado Watch, Flood Watch |
| Galveston | Hurricane Warning, Storm Surge Warning, Tornado Watch, Flood Watch |
| Houston | Tropical Storm Warning, Flood Warning, Tornado Warning |
| Victoria | Hurricane Warning, Flood Alert |
| Body of Christ | Tropical Storm Warning |
| South Padre Island | Strong Winds Warning |
Safety Precautions
If you are in a region impacted by Hurricane Beryl, it is crucial to take the following precautions:
- Stay informed: Monitor weather reports from reliable sources, such as the National Weather Service.
- Prepare your home: Secure loose objects outdoors, board up windows, and gather emergency supplies like water, food, and batteries.
- Stay inside: Avoid driving if there is heavy rain or flooding. If instructed to evacuate, do so promptly.
- Check on neighbors: If you have elderly neighbors or those with special needs, check on them to ensure their safety.
Hurricane Beryl is a reminder of the power of nature and the importance of being prepared for severe weather events. Stay informed and safe during this storm.