HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — Mayor John Whitmire urged Houstonians to remain cautious after Hurricane Beryl ravaged southeast Texas: “Don’t let the clear skies fool you. We still have dangerous circumstances.”
As the city transitions from rescue operations to assessment, Whitmire implored the public to assist by staying safe. “We still have high water across our city… flooding issues,” he emphasized in a Monday evening press conference. “It is still dangerous.”
Whitmire assured that every city department is operating at full capacity with “all hands on deck.” He promised that nothing will be neglected.
Starting Tuesday, heavy garbage pick-ups will commence, and solid waste services will return to normal on Wednesday. METRO Lift has resumed its usual operations, and METRO will begin limited services on Tuesday. Additionally, efforts are underway with Public Works and TxDOT to restore traffic lights.
Although Beryl has been downgraded to a tropical storm, its impact remains significant. The storm made landfall near Matagorda as a Category 1 hurricane and quickly moved inland, causing life-threatening conditions. Three people have died, including two who were killed by falling trees on their homes.
READ MORE: At least 2 people dead after trees fall on homes as Beryl moves across Houston area, Pct. 4 says
Whitmire reported that some areas of Houston received over 10 inches of rain. First responders have been busy with rescue operations, including saving a man stranded on top of his truck in floodwaters on SH-288 northbound at 610 South Loop. Firefighters used a ladder to lift the man to safety as his truck sank into the high water.
Driver lifted to safety after getting stuck in floodwaters on Highway 288, vehicle remains stuck
Whitmire noted that the city received over 400 911 calls in one hour and expects that number to rise. He urged residents to use 911 only for emergencies and to contact 311 or 211 for other issues.
City officials echoed Whitmire’s warnings, advising people to stay off the roads due to debris. “If you don’t need to be on the street, stay off. If you’re on the street, don’t drive over flooded roadways,” said Houston Fire Department Chief Samuel Peña.
First responders are also concerned about potential carbon monoxide poisoning from improperly used generators, which should be kept away from homes and never brought inside.
The Houston Police Department reported making 15 high-water rescue calls, saving eight people. Power outages remain a significant concern, with over 2.2 million CenterPoint customers without electricity as of 12:52 p.m. The police department will patrol areas without power in both marked and unmarked vehicles.
Houston Public Works confirmed that most of its facilities are on backup generators and that the water supply is safe. “Our streets are going to drain slower than we’re used to with an event like this,” explained Randy Macchi, chief operating officer with HPW, urging everyone to stay home.
