Tropical Storm Beryl, originally a Category 3 hurricane, struck islands in the southwest Caribbean before regaining strength as it approached the Texas coast. The National Hurricane Center issued hurricane warnings and watches along most of Texas’s coastline, predicting landfall near Corpus Christi on Monday morning.
As of the latest update, Beryl boasted sustained winds of 60 mph and was moving northwest through the Gulf of Mexico, closely monitored by Air Force reconnaissance.
The storm’s anticipated impacts include tropical-storm-force winds that could complicate outdoor preparations and a storm surge coupled with high tide, potentially causing coastal flooding up to six feet in areas like Mesquite and Matagorda bays.
Beryl Approaches Texas Coast, Bringing Potential for Significant Impact and Heavy Rainfall
This marks the first U.S. landfall of the 2024 hurricane season, starting earlier than usual with Beryl, which had previously reached Category 5 intensity in the Atlantic, setting a record.
In preparation, Texas officials urged residents to brace for heavy rainfall, with forecasts predicting 5 to 10 inches, and localized amounts possibly reaching 15 inches along the Gulf Coast and eastern Texas.
Flash flooding and urban flooding are anticipated, with river flooding also a concern as the storm progresses through the week. Despite its earlier strength, Beryl’s current structure shows signs of weakening, making a return to Category 5 unlikely.
Meteorologists continue to monitor the storm’s path closely, noting the possibility of last-minute deviations in its trajectory affecting where the heaviest rains may fall upon landfall. This uncertainty echoes past Texas hurricanes, such as Nicholas in 2021 and the devastating Harvey in 2017, which inflicted severe flooding and damage.
However, experts suggest Beryl, though potentially impactful, is not expected to replicate Harvey’s catastrophic effects due to its more compact size and different trajectory.
Beryl’s arrival has prompted widespread preparations and evacuation orders across several counties, with state and local authorities mobilizing resources to mitigate potential damage and ensure public safety. The storm’s progression and impact on Texas will continue to be closely monitored as it approaches the coastline in the coming hours.
