Acting Governor Dan Patrick has issued a stern warning to Texans as Hurricane Beryl approaches the state’s Gulf Coast, potentially making landfall as early as Monday. The storm is expected to bring heavy rainfall, flooding, and strong winds, prompting state officials to mobilize resources and urging residents to prepare.
During a press conference at the State Operations Center, Patrick emphasized the urgency of the situation, noting that the storm’s track has shifted toward Texas in recent days. Landfall could occur anywhere from Brownsville to the Louisiana border. “We pray and we hope for nothing more than a rain event. But even a rain event may be very heavy,” Patrick said, urging coastal residents and visitors to stay updated on local weather reports over the holiday weekend.
Nim Kidd, chief of the Texas Division of Emergency Management, provided further details, stating that Beryl remains a strong tropical storm over Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula. Once it re-emerges over the Gulf of Mexico, it is expected to strengthen into a hurricane again before making landfall. “We have high confidence that this system is coming somewhere to Texas,” Kidd said. He advised residents to fuel their vehicles, stock up on food and water, and be prepared to shelter in place by Monday.
Officials have warned of potential flooding far inland, with rainfall totals of 8 to 12 inches or more possible. Dangerous rip currents are already affecting Gulf beaches. In response to the impending storm, Patrick issued a disaster declaration for 39 coastal counties earlier on Friday to allow for the pre-positioning of state resources. He stressed the importance of preparation over panic. “No panic. Preparation,” Patrick said. “But we are going to be prepared for the worst.”
Patrick is currently serving as acting governor and leading the state’s storm response because Governor Greg Abbott is out of the country on a pre-planned trade mission. Residents can find local emergency information at tdem.texas.gov. Officials have stated that they will hold additional briefings as the storm’s path becomes clearer over the weekend.
Tropical Storm Beryl moved out of the Yucatán Peninsula and into the Gulf of Mexico on Friday night. It is forecast to take a path toward Mexico and southern Texas, regaining hurricane strength along the way. The storm, which had once been a Category 5 hurricane that devastated parts of the Caribbean island nations of Grenada and St. Vincent & the Grenadines, made landfall on Mexico’s Yucatán Peninsula as a Category 2 hurricane. It made landfall north of Tulum with 110 mph winds, causing downed power lines, trees, and flooding.
By late Friday night, the storm had moved into the southern Gulf of Mexico with 60 mph winds, but those are expected to increase. “We are expecting, unfortunately, to see environmental conditions conducive for Beryl to re-strengthen and regain hurricane strength,” National Hurricane Center Director Michael Brennan said in a video update. Beryl is forecast to approach the Texas coast by late Sunday, according to the hurricane center.
The storm has remained on the northern side of projected routes, increasing the chance of a landfall in Texas. A hurricane watch and storm surge watch were issued on Friday for part of the Texas Gulf Coast, from the mouth of the Rio Grande River to Sargent, covering around 250 miles and including the city of Corpus Christi. Most of the Texas coast faces the possibility of a storm surge of 3 to 5 feet, with the stretch from Baffin Bay to the Rio Grande forecasted to see between 2 and 4 feet.
A severe weather disaster declaration has been issued for 40 Texas counties due to possible impacts from the storm. This declaration allows for additional aid if needed. Acting Governor Dan Patrick described Beryl as a “very slow-moving storm.” “Once it moves into the water, the storm will tell us more of where it is heading,” Patrick said.
The city of Corpus Christi and the south Texas resort town of South Padre Island are among the coastal communities distributing sandbags in preparation for the storm. Beryl has already been blamed for nine deaths in Venezuela, Jamaica, and the Windward Island nations of Grenada and St. Vincent and the Grenadines. It caused severe damage to many homes in Grenada and St. Vincent and the Grenadines, according to officials there.
Beryl’s formation and strength have set records. Scientists say the process of rapid intensification is becoming more common as climate change increases sea surface temperatures. It was the first Category 4 hurricane on record to form in June and the earliest Category 4 storm of the Atlantic hurricane season. Before Beryl, Hurricane Dennis was the earliest, having formed on July 8, 2005. When Beryl strengthened to a Category 5 storm with maximum sustained winds of 165 mph this week, it became the strongest hurricane ever recorded in July.
As Texans brace for the impact of Hurricane Beryl, state officials continue to emphasize the importance of preparation and staying informed. The situation remains fluid, and residents are encouraged to monitor updates and heed the advice of local authorities.
Source: CBS Austin, NBC News
