Hurricane Beryl unleashed its fury on Texas with heavy rain and escalating winds starting Sunday, prompting coastal residents to take precautions such as boarding up windows and adhering to evacuation orders. The storm, which had already caused fatalities in Mexico and the Caribbean, intensified to a category 1 hurricane upon making landfall around 4 a.m. Monday near Matagorda.
State officials expressed concern over residents not heeding evacuation warnings, noting that roads leading away from the coast remained largely clear. Despite typical storm preparations in places like Port Lavaca, where businesses secured windows with plywood, there was uncertainty about the storm’s severity.
In Freeport, homeowners anxiously secured their properties amidst rising ocean swells. Mark Richardson, a retiree, observed the quickly deteriorating conditions on the beach, describing the ocean as becoming increasingly turbulent.
Beryl, noted for its rapid intensification, had previously caused devastation across the Caribbean before approaching Texas. The storm’s arrival prompted warnings of potential flooding, heavy rains, and strong winds along the entire Texas coastline, with Houston preparing for significant rainfall and possible flash flooding.
Authorities urged precautions including securing homes, using sandbags for flood protection, and considering voluntary evacuations in flood-prone areas. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) mobilized resources and support ahead of Beryl’s impact, emphasizing readiness for potential emergencies.
In terms of travel disruptions, flights from major Texas airports experienced significant delays and cancellations as the storm neared, complicating travel plans for many during the post-holiday period.
Beryl’s trajectory towards Texas followed its earlier path of destruction through the Caribbean and Mexico, underscoring the storm’s formidable impact and the ongoing risks posed by the Atlantic hurricane season.
