Hurricane Beryl Makes Landfall in Texas: State of Emergency Declared

Texas is bracing for impact as Hurricane Beryl, now downgraded to a tropical storm, made landfall late last night, bringing strong winds and heavy rainfall to the eastern part of the state. At 11:45 pm CDT, the National Hurricane Center (NHC) confirmed that Beryl made landfall near Matagorda, Texas, approximately 70 miles southwest of Galveston.

The storm’s landfall intensity was still packing sustained winds of around 70 mph, with higher gusts, and a central pressure of 1,000 mbar (29.53 inches). As Beryl continues to move inland, it is expected to dump heavy rainfall across the Houston metropolitan area, including Harris, Fort Bend, and Brazoria counties.

State of Emergency Declared

Governor Greg Abbott has declared a state of emergency in response to the storm, which will allow the state to mobilize resources and personnel to assist in the response and recovery efforts.

“We are taking every precaution to ensure the safety and well-being of Texans as Hurricane Beryl makes landfall,” said Governor Abbott in a statement. “We urge everyone in the affected areas to follow all instructions from local officials and to stay informed through official channels.”

Storm Surge and Heavy Rainfall

A storm surge warning has been issued for the Upper Texas Coast, including Galveston and Matagorda, with floodwaters expected to rise to 4-6 feet above ground level in some areas.

In addition, heavy rainfall is expected to affect the Houston area, with totals of 4-8 inches expected through late today. Isolated totals of up to 10 inches are possible, leading to flash flooding and severe flooding in low-lying areas.

Disruptions and Precautions

The storm is expected to cause power outages, disruptions to transportation, and closures of businesses and government offices. Residents are advised to take the following precautions:

• Stock up on food, water, and supplies in case of prolonged power outages
• Unplug electronics and sensitive equipment to prevent damage from power surges
• Secure outdoor furniture, potted plants, and trash cans to prevent them from becoming projectiles in strong winds
• Stay indoors and avoid travel unless absolutely necessary
• Keep phone lines and internet connections open for emergency communications

After-the-Storm Clean-up Efforts

As Beryl begins to clear the area, residents are advised to be prepared for a long and challenging clean-up effort. The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) are coordinating response efforts, with crews working to clear debris, inspect infrastructure, and provide support to affected communities.

Stay Informed

Residents in affected areas are advised to stay informed through official channels, including the National Weather Service, local government agencies, and emergency management officials. Follow official social media accounts and sign up for emergency notifications to receive critical information and updates.

As Hurricane Beryl begins to make its way out of the state, Texans are urged to remain vigilant and take necessary precautions to ensure their safety and well-being.