HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — Monday morning, Hurricane Beryl struck southeast Texas with powerful winds and heavy rains, causing widespread flash flooding on major roads and highways and significant damage across numerous communities. Many are comparing Beryl to Hurricane Ike due to the combined impact of wind and rain.
In the days leading up to landfall, Beryl’s projected path shifted northward toward southeast Texas and Houston. The Weather Team had been discussing this possibility more than a week in advance, noting the unpredictable factors that could alter Beryl’s trajectory toward Houston. This shift became reality when Beryl made landfall farther north than initially expected on the Yucatan Peninsula, a significant precursor directing the storm closer to southeast Texas.
There was also concern about Beryl intensifying from a tropical storm to a Category 1 or 2 hurricane before hitting the Gulf Coast, which would increase its impact upon landfall. Indeed, Beryl escalated from a tropical storm to a Category 1 hurricane on Sunday night.
Despite forecasts, the storm caught many off guard, possibly due to its timing immediately after a long holiday weekend and initial perceptions that its impact would be minimal. For many newer residents who have moved to Houston in the past five to ten years, this was their first experience of a hurricane making landfall near the city. Hurricane Nicholas in 2021 was more of a coastal event, and Hurricane Harvey in 2017 did not technically make landfall in southeast Texas.
Nevertheless, Beryl serves as a reminder that while Houston and southeast Texas are accustomed to tropical weather systems, adequate preparation is crucial for each storm that may affect the region. This includes ensuring readiness with a hurricane preparedness kit and having plans in place for your family before, during, and after the storm.
Recovery efforts, such as restoring power after outages, remain ongoing and are monitored closely. CenterPoint Energy estimates that power will be restored to 1 million customers by Wednesday, with updates available on their website.
