Beryl makes landfall in Houston: hits as a category one hurricane; Three deaths confirmed (Hurricane Beryl Houston)
Two people died as trees fall on homes, third killed while traveling to Houston PD job; CenterPoint delays power restoration timeline for 2.2 million customers
Beryl brings heavy rain and high winds to Houston area, killing three people
HOUSTON, Monday morning – Hurricane Beryl made landfall near Matagorda about 4 a.m. Monday as a Category 1 hurricane, with winds of up to 80 mph, according to the National Weather Service. By 10 a.m., it had weakened into a tropical storm as it moved northward from the Houston area.
Beryl’s strong winds and rain throughout the morning caused widespread power outages, affecting more than 2.2 million homes and businesses, CenterPoint Energy reported. Despite the storm leaving the metro area by the afternoon, creeks and streets remained flooded.
Space City Weather meteorologist Eric Berger indicated flood conditions were improving by the afternoon, despite significant damage from fallen trees, which resulted in at least three deaths.
As recovery efforts began Monday afternoon, local officials, including Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo, focused on assessing the damage caused by Hurricane Beryl. Hidalgo highlighted power outages, flooding and damaged roads as primary concerns. He anticipated CenterPoint Energy would release restoration estimates on Tuesday. Additionally, plans were underway to open shelters in Harris County for residents affected by the storm.
As recovery efforts continued, Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo urged Houston residents to stay indoors through Monday night.
“It’s safest to wait unless absolutely necessary,” he advised Monday afternoon. “There are a number of hazards out there – debris, standing water – some of which may not be immediately visible.”
Tragically, incidents during the storm included a fatal accident in Humble, where a 53-year-old man lost his life when a tree fell on his home. Harris County Sheriff Ed Gonzalez described the incident, saying, “The man was indoors with his family, seeking shelter from the storm. An oak tree fell on the roof, causing structural damage. As a result of which he died, his wife and children were fortunately saved.”
Additionally, near FM 1960 and Kuykendahl Road in northwest Houston, another death occurred when a 74-year-old woman was struck by a falling tree at her residence, according to Gonzalez and Harris County Precinct 3 Commissioner Tom Ramsey. told.
During a Monday afternoon update, Mayor Whitmire confirmed a third death related to Hurricane Beryl. A Houston PD employee, on his way to work in the morning, got stuck in high water after exiting I-45.
Later in the afternoon, Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo addressed the ongoing assessment by first responders, who were collaborating with the fire marshal and county engineer offices to evaluate damage caused by the storm.
“These evaluations are important as we determine eligibility for federal assistance to support our residents,” he stressed. “Government buildings may be affected, and there are some important roads that need to be cleared.”
Looking ahead, Hidalgo highlighted the impending challenge of heat caused by widespread power outages.
He cautioned, “Heat is a major concern. It will be hot and humid, with heat indices similar to recent weeks.” “Restoring power is our primary focus.”
He said 7,000 crews from across the country were mobilizing to help restore power in the Houston area.
“This is a significant event,” commented Harris County Precinct 3 Commissioner Tom Ramsey.
According to Gonzalez, by 10:30 a.m., several roads throughout the area were flooded. Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo advised Houston-area residents to stay indoors until noon and away from windows as a precaution after stronger-than-anticipated winds downed 11 power transmission towers.
Hidalgo reported that throughout the day, local authorities had conducted about 50 high-water rescues as of about 3:30 p.m.
Television stations captured a difficult rescue when emergency crews rescued a man trapped on top of his pickup truck in fast-moving water on Highway 288. Using an extension ladder from the fire truck, responders attached a life preserver and tarp before safely removing him to dry land.
Houston Mayor John Whitmire commented, “These first responders are putting themselves in harm’s way, as they have been trained to do.”
Meanwhile, Metro, the public transportation provider for the Houston area, announced the suspension of all service for the rest of the day shortly before 1 p.m.
Rainfall total exceed 5 inches; Tropical storm and flash flood warnings issued
As of 11 a.m. Monday, a tropical storm warning covered much of southeast Texas, including the Houston and Beaumont metro areas, the National Weather Service reports. Additionally, flash flood warnings were in effect for these areas. Along the Gulf Coast from Galveston to Matagorda Bay, hurricane warnings remained active.
The Harris County flood warning system indicated heavy rainfall in the Houston area early Monday. More than 5 inches of rain fell in many parts of the region, with southern areas of the county recording 9 inches or more.
More than 1,000 flights were canceled at both Bush Intercontinental and Hobby airports on Monday due to the storm’s impact.
The Houston Airport System said, “While the storm is getting closer and indoor safety precautions are urged, we must emphasize that our airports are not equipped to serve as hurricane shelters.” “We lack the resources and personnel to accommodate individuals seeking asylum during severe weather.”
Passengers are advised to stay informed by checking with their airlines for the latest updates and explore options for rescheduling their flights.
Health facilities affected by Hurricane Beryl
On Monday morning, St. Luke’s Health-Brazosport Hospital experienced a power outage and sustained damage, according to the health system. Although no patients or staff were harmed, some patients were transferred to alternative hospitals. The facility continued to provide emergency services with the assistance of generators.
In the Houston area, while most hospitals and emergency rooms remained operational, many clinics and medical facilities were closed due to the storm. Harris Health closed its clinics and outpatient services, but Ben Taub and LBJ hospitals continued to provide care without interruption.
Impact on medical services due to Hurricane Beryl All M.D.’s, except urgent procedures, at the Texas Medical Center campus. Anderson locations suspended patient appointments on Monday. Similarly, Kelsey-Seybold closed all of its clinics for the day.
Houston Methodist and Memorial Hermann Health System hospitals remained open, ensuring continuity of care. However, Memorial Hermann’s convenient care centers were limited to emergency services only. Additionally, Memorial Hermann’s outpatient facilities, including imaging and sports medicine locations, were closed for the day.
State and federal response to Hurricane Beryl
Following Beryl’s landfall, President Joe Biden received an ongoing briefing on the storm, as confirmed by the White House. The U.S. Coast Guard and FEMA mobilized search and rescue teams, while FEMA pre-positioned essential supplies such as bottled water, food, tarpaulins, and power generators in anticipation of potential needs.
In response to the threat of the storm, several coastal cities issued voluntary evacuation orders for low-lying areas prone to flooding. Authorities also banned beach camping and advised tourists traveling over the Fourth of July holiday weekend to move recreational vehicles away from coastal parks as a precautionary measure.
Governor Greg Abbott is currently traveling in Taiwan, with Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick taking on the role of acting governor and taking proactive steps in response to Hurricane Beryl. Patrick issued a preemptive disaster declaration covering 121 counties across the state.
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Earlier this week, Hurricane Beryl hit Mexico as a Category 2 hurricane, causing downed trees but fortunately no injuries or deaths. As it crossed the Yucatán Peninsula, the storm weakened into a tropical storm. Before reaching Mexico, Beryl devastated parts of the Caribbean, tragically killing 11 people.
Beryl is the 10th hurricane to hit Texas in the month of July since records began in 1851, according to Colorado State University hurricane researcher Phil Klotzbach. It is also the fourth July storm in the last 25 years to affect the state.
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