Hurricane Beryl Brings Category 3 Storm Surge to Houston
August 25, 2023 - Hurricane Beryl, a powerful storm that has been gaining strength in the Gulf of Mexico, made landfall in Texas on Tuesday morning, bringing with it a category 3 storm surge that has left many residents of Houston scrambling to prepare.
According to the National Hurricane Center (NHC), Hurricane Beryl made landfall near Texas City, Texas, around 10:00 AM CDT, with maximum sustained winds of 120 mph and a storm surge of 8-12 feet above ground level. The storm has since been downgraded to a tropical storm, but its remnants are expected to bring heavy rain and strong winds to the Houston area for the next 24-48 hours.
The storm surge warning has been issued for Houston, including areas along the San Jacinto River, Galveston Bay, and the Bolivar Peninsula. Residents of these areas are warned to expect significant flooding, particularly in low-lying areas and areas with poor drainage.
“It’s a bad situation out there right now,” said Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner in a statement. “We’re urging everyone to take necessary precautions and stay off the roads. We’re working closely with our emergency responders to ensure everyone’s safety.”
Houston is not unfamiliar with flooding, as the city has faced numerous flood events over the years, including Hurricane Harvey in 2017, which caused widespread damage and led to the deaths of over 150 people. However, the category 3 storm surge from Hurricane Beryl is expected to be particularly severe, with officials warning of potentially catastrophic flooding.
Residents of Houston have been advised to:
- Stay away from windows and doors
- Unplug appliances and electronics
- Keep phones and other electronic devices charged
- Fill bathtubs and sinks with water in case of a power outage
- Move to higher floors or elevated areas if instructed to do so by local authorities
The storm’s heavy rain and strong winds are also expected to cause power outages, with the possibility of widespread disruptions to communication and transportation services.
In preparation for the storm, the City of Houston has stationed emergency response teams and equipment around the city, and the Houston Fire Department has mobilized its swift water rescue teams. The American Red Cross has also set up shelters for evacuees and those who may be displaced by the storm.
As the situation continues to unfold, we will provide updates and information on the latest developments.
Stay Safe, Houston!
