Ominous clouds accompany a heavy band of rain in Houston on July 7, 2024, the eve before Beryl made landfall on the Texas coast. Credit: Annie Mulligan for The Texas Tribune
Hurricane Beryl Wreaks Havoc in Texas
Power Outages and Tragic Losses as Beryl Hits
Over 1.2 Million Without Power
Power Outages and Tragic Losses as Beryl Hits
Over 1.2 Million Without Power
Hurricane Beryl has left more than 1.2 million Texas electricity customers in the dark as of 7:30 a.m. Monday, according to estimates from PowerOutage.us and CenterPoint Energy. The outages are predominantly in the Houston area and coastal counties like Matagorda, where Beryl made landfall as a Category 1 hurricane at approximately 4 a.m. Monday. Significant outages are also reported in Galveston, Calhoun, and Jackson counties, with inland areas such as Fort Bend and Wharton experiencing disruptions too.
CenterPoint Energy, the primary electricity provider for residents in Harris and Fort Bend counties and many East Texas communities, stated on social media that crews will begin damage assessments and restoration plans as soon as it is safe to do so.
Fatal Incident in Harris County
Tragically, one person has died and another was injured in Atascocita, a suburban community in northeastern Harris County, after Hurricane Beryl caused a tree to fall on a home. The Atascocita Fire Department responded to the scene at around 6:30 a.m. Two individuals were present in the residence; one was pronounced dead at the scene, while the other was taken to the hospital with unclear injuries.
Harris County Sheriff Ed Gonzales identified the deceased as a 53-year-old man who was with his family at the time of the incident.
Houston Hit Hard by Heavy Rains and Flash Floods
Houston and surrounding areas have been battered by heavy rains and flash floods as Beryl continues its path inland. As of 8 a.m. Monday, the storm's eye was about 30 miles southwest of Houston, moving northward at 12 miles per hour with winds reduced to 75 miles per hour. The National Hurricane Center forecasts up to 10 inches of rain in some areas, with isolated spots possibly receiving 15 inches.
Local officials reported downed trees and street flooding in various locations. In Rosenberg, a city 35 miles southwest of Houston, a high water rescue vehicle was struck by a fallen tree during a rescue operation.
Precautions and Warnings
The National Hurricane Center has warned of potential river flooding and tornadoes in the upper Texas coast and parts of East Texas on Monday. Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick advised residents east of Interstate 35 to prepare for sustained winds, heavy rain, flooding, storm surges, and possible tornadoes.
What to Do After a Hurricane
In the aftermath of Hurricane Beryl, it is crucial to stay informed and take necessary precautions. Here are some steps to follow:
- Stay Indoors: Avoid going outside until authorities declare it safe.
- Avoid Floodwaters: Do not attempt to walk or drive through floodwaters, as they can be hazardous.
- Check for Updates: Monitor local news and social media for updates on power restoration and emergency services.
- Report Outages: If you experience a power outage, report it to your electricity provider.
- Stay Connected: Keep your mobile devices charged and use them sparingly to conserve battery life.
For further updates on Hurricane Beryl and its impact, stay tuned to local news sources and official advisories.