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Hurricane Beryl made a forceful landfall on the Texas coast near Matagorda at approximately 4am CDT Monday, intensifying to a Category 1 hurricane just before reaching land. The storm, now moving inland across eastern Texas, is unleashing a trifecta of threats: heavy rainfall, strong winds, and life-threatening storm surge along the Gulf Coast.
The National Hurricane Center reports that Beryl is maintaining maximum sustained winds of 75 mph (120 km/h) as it traverses inland. The storm’s impact was immediately felt, with over 200,000 Texan customers losing power within hours of landfall. Tragically, officials have confirmed one fatality in Humble, Texas, where a falling tree caused a house to collapse.
Acting Texas Governor Dan Patrick has taken swift action, declaring 120 counties as disaster areas in anticipation of Beryl’s destructive path. The governor warned that Beryl “will be a deadly storm,” underscoring the gravity of the situation. In response to the imminent threat, school systems, airports, and major oil shipping operations across the region have suspended activities for Monday.
The National Hurricane Center has issued stark warnings about the dangers posed by Beryl. Of particular concern is the risk of life-threatening storm surge inundation along the Texas coast from Mesquite Bay to Sabine Pass, including Matagorda Bay and Galveston Bay. Residents in these areas are strongly urged to heed evacuation orders and follow the advice of local officials.
Meteorologist Colin McCarthy highlighted the exceptional nature of Beryl, stating, “We have never seen such a strong hurricane this early in the season.” This unprecedented strength has caught many off guard, amplifying the potential for widespread damage and disruption.
The storm’s impact on travel has been severe and far-reaching. Major airports across Texas, including George Bush Intercontinental and Hobby airports in Houston, have cancelled hundreds of flights. British Airways has been forced to cancel its London Heathrow-Houston services for Monday, while other affected airports include Austin, Corpus Christi, Harlingen, McAllen, and San Antonio.
In response to the crisis, airlines are offering flexible rebooking options to affected passengers. Southwest Airlines, which is based in Texas, is allowing passengers booked up to July 9 to rebook or travel standby within 14 days of their original travel date without additional charges. Delta is offering free changes for travel through July 12, while United and American Airlines have extended their travel waiver period to July 16.
The UK Foreign Office has issued a travel advisory for the region, urging people to “follow and monitor local and international weather updates from the US National Hurricane Center and follow the advice of local authorities including any evacuation orders.”
As Beryl continues its inland journey, the National Hurricane Center warns of additional hazards, including considerable flash and urban flooding through Monday night across portions of the middle and upper Texas Gulf Coast and eastern Texas. There is also a risk of isolated major river flooding and the potential for tornadoes.
The timing of Beryl’s arrival is particularly unfortunate, coinciding with a peak travel period in the region. Christina Tunnah, general manager of Americas for World Nomads, advises travelers whose plans have been disrupted to first contact their airlines or travel providers, as they may offer assistance.
As Hurricane Beryl pushes further inland, authorities are now focusing on rescue and recovery efforts. The storm’s impact on Texas and neighboring states is expected to be significant and long-lasting, with the potential for extended power outages, widespread flooding, and substantial property damage in the days to come. Residents and travelers in the affected areas are advised to remain vigilant, stay informed about local conditions, and prioritize personal safety above all else.
Independent.co.uk
