Tropical Storm Beryl, which had previously wreaked havoc as a Category 5 hurricane in the Caribbean, has now moved out of the Yucatán Peninsula and into the Gulf of Mexico. Forecasters predict that Beryl will regain hurricane strength as it heads towards Mexico and southern Texas. The storm initially made landfall on Mexico’s Yucatán Peninsula as a Category 2 hurricane, bringing with it 110 mph winds and causing significant damage, including downed power lines, trees, and flooding.
By late Friday night, Beryl had moved into the southern Gulf of Mexico with winds of 60 mph, but these are expected to increase. National Hurricane Center Director Michael Brennan stated that environmental conditions are conducive for Beryl to re-strengthen and regain hurricane strength. The storm is forecasted to approach the Texas coast by late Sunday, increasing the likelihood of a landfall in Texas.
A hurricane watch has been issued for parts of the Texas Gulf Coast, covering approximately 280 miles from the mouth of the Rio Grande River to San Luis Pass south of Galveston, including Corpus Christi. A storm surge watch extends to High Island. The National Hurricane Center warns that most of the Texas coast could face a storm surge of 3 to 5 feet, with areas from Baffin Bay to the Rio Grande expecting 2 to 4 feet.
A severe weather disaster declaration has been issued for 40 Texas counties due to the potential impacts of the storm. This declaration allows for additional aid if needed. Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, acting governor while Gov. Greg Abbott is on a trade mission, described Beryl as a “very slow-moving storm” and emphasized the importance of monitoring its path as it moves into the water.
Coastal communities, including Corpus Christi and South Padre Island, are 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, where it caused severe damage to many homes.
Beryl’s formation and strength have set records, with scientists attributing the rapid intensification to climate change and increasing 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. When Beryl strengthened to a Category 5 storm with maximum sustained winds of 165 mph, it became the strongest hurricane ever recorded in July.
As of early Friday, Beryl had weakened to a tropical storm after making landfall on the Yucatán Peninsula but could regain strength as it moves over the Gulf of Mexico. The Yucatán Civil Protection Department confirmed that the storm touched down north of Tulum with winds of 108 mph and gusts of 136 mph. Forecasters warned of damaging winds, storm surge, and life-threatening surf and rip currents.
Beryl is expected to bring up to 10 inches of rain to the Yucatán Peninsula, with some flash flooding possible. Parts of northeastern Mexico and South Texas could see 4 to 8 inches or more of rain from Sunday into next week. The National Hurricane Center has warned of an increasing risk of strong winds, storm surge, and heavy rainfall in these areas.
Mexican President Andrés Manuel López Obrador urged people to move to higher ground or seek shelter, emphasizing the importance of protecting lives over material possessions. The storm had fluctuated in strength, weakening to a Category 2 before restrengthening to a Category 3 with maximum sustained winds of 115 mph.
Earlier hurricane warnings for the east coast of Mexico’s Yucatán Peninsula have been discontinued. However, the threat remains as Beryl continues its path towards Texas. American tourists in Mexico are hunkering down, with flights in and out of the region canceled. Some tourists have expressed concern for their safety and the safety of others, while local authorities have taken measures to ensure public safety, including stopping the sale of alcohol in some areas.
Beryl’s rapid intensification and early formation are unusual, with the storm becoming the earliest major hurricane in the Atlantic in 58 years. The Atlantic basin has seen above-normal water temperatures and a lack of wind shear, contributing to the storm’s development. Warmer waters have allowed tropical storms and hurricanes to develop more rapidly and become more powerful earlier in the hurricane season.
Authorities in the Caribbean and along the Gulf Coast are urging residents to take precautionary measures as Beryl approaches. In Barbados, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Saint Lucia, and Grenada, officials have issued warnings and advised residents to prepare for the storm’s impact. Airports in these regions have also suspended operations in anticipation of Beryl’s arrival.
As Beryl continues its path towards Mexico and Texas, the focus remains on protecting life and property. Residents in the affected areas are urged to stay informed and take necessary precautions to ensure their safety.
Source: NBC News, CNN
