Hurricane Beryl made landfall near Matagorda, Texas, early Monday morning, bringing torrential rain and powerful winds to the Houston area. The storm, which later weakened to a tropical storm, has caused widespread destruction, leaving at least three people dead and over 2.2 million customers without power.
The National Weather Service reported that Hurricane Beryl hit the Texas coast as a Category 1 hurricane with winds reaching 80 miles per hour. By mid-afternoon, the storm had largely moved through the Houston metro area, but its impact remained severe.
Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo highlighted the storm’s primary concerns:
“Power outages, flooding, and roadway conditions are the most significant issues we’re facing.” She also urged residents to stay home, warning, “There are lots of hazards out there. There’s debris. There’s water.”
The storm’s casualties include two deaths caused by falling trees. A 53-year-old man in Humble and a 74-year-old woman in northwest Houston lost their lives when trees fell on their homes. Houston Mayor John Whitmire reported a third fatality via press conference: a Houston Police Department employee who drowned while driving to work.
CenterPoint Energy has yet to provide a timeline for restoring power to the millions affected. Hidalgo announced that approximately 7,000 crews from around the country are en route to assist with power restoration efforts.
The storm’s aftermath presents new challenges, particularly the threat of extreme heat for those without electricity. “The heat, obviously, is the big problem,” Hidalgo stated, noting that heat indices are expected to reach dangerous levels in the coming days.
Local officials performed nearly 50 high-water rescues by mid-afternoon. Public transportation services were suspended, and both major Houston airports reported over 1,000 flight cancellations.
Authorities are assessing the damage to determine if federal support will be necessary. The full extent of Hurricane Beryl’s impact on the Houston area is still unfolding, with officials urging continued caution as the region begins its recovery process.
