Hurricane Beryl Brings Unseasonable Storm to the Midwest

In a rare and unexpected turn of events, Hurricane Beryl, the second hurricane of the 2023 Atlantic hurricane season, has made its way into the Midwest, bringing with it strong winds, heavy rainfall, and localized flooding.

The storm, which formed off the coast of Canada, weakened to a tropical storm as it moved inland, but its impact has still been felt across the region. According to the National Weather Service, Beryl made landfall in southwestern Michigan late yesterday afternoon, bringing with it sustained winds of up to 60 miles per hour and gusts of up to 80 miles per hour.

The storm’s outer fringes have brought heavy rainfall to parts of Indiana, Ohio, and Illinois, with localized totals reaching up to 6 inches in some areas. The heavy rain has caused flooding in several low-lying areas, including the city of Chicago, where authorities have issued a flood warning for parts of the city.

“We’re seeing a lot of water on the streets and in basements, and it’s a bit of a mess,” said Mayor of Chicago, Lori Lightfoot. “We’re working closely with emergency services to get help to those affected as quickly as possible.”

The storm’s strong winds have also caused significant damage to buildings and power lines, leaving thousands of residents without electricity. Despite the challenges, emergency responders are working around the clock to clear roads and restore power.

“This is not a typical storm for us, and it’s certainly not something we’re used to seeing in the Midwest,” said Tom Kines, a meteorologist with AccuWeather. “But we’re doing our best to keep up with the situation and provide updates to the public.”

As the storm continues to move inland, residents are advised to stay indoors and avoid traveling unless absolutely necessary. Flood-prone areas should be avoided, and residents are urged to keep a close eye on local news and weather updates for further information.

Here are the latest updates from the impacted areas:

• Michigan: A state of emergency has been declared for several counties, and residents are advised to stay indoors and avoid non-essential travel.
• Indiana: Flood warnings have been issued for several counties, and residents are advised to be cautious of flooded roads and basements.
• Illinois: The city of Chicago has issued a flood warning for parts of the city, and residents are advised to avoid the area.
• Ohio: The state has issued a state of emergency, and residents are advised to stay indoors and avoid non-essential travel.

Residents in the impacted areas are advised to follow the latest updates and guidance from local authorities, and to stay safe during this unexpected storm event.