Hurricane Beryl's fury kills 2, plunges millions into darkness
3:53 AM EDT, July 9, 2024
Hurricane Beryl hit the Texas coast and caused over two million residents to lose electricity. Falling trees killed two people, and airports in Houston, situated along the hurricane's path, canceled over a thousand flights.
Dan Patrick, the state inspector currently substituting for the Texas governor who is abroad, explained that emergency power crews cannot repair downed power lines until the wind strength decreases.
Patrick also warned that heavy rainfall continues, and the ground is already saturated with water. As a result, residents may face flooding and waterlogging issues for the next few days. "This is not a one-day event," he emphasized.
Two people dead. Over a thousand flights canceled, flooded roads
According to Harris County authorities, the hurricane contributed to the deaths of at least two residents when trees uprooted by the wind fell on their homes.
The National Weather Service (NWS) reported that Beryl contributed to at least three confirmed tornadoes in eastern Texas. These dangerous phenomena were moving northwest.
Many roads in southern Texas were flooded and blocked, and traffic lights were not functioning. Houston airports canceled over a thousand flights.
Before Hurricane Beryl made landfall, Texas authorities issued warnings to coastal residents. They were advised to prepare for possible flooding, heavy rains, and strong winds.
In several counties, officials called for voluntary evacuations from low-lying areas. A ban on camping on the beach was also issued.
Beryl is moving inland
It is predicted that the storm will gradually move north and then northeast.
- Beryl’s moving inland but this is not the end of the story yet - stated Jack Beven, a senior hurricane specialist at the National Hurricane Center.
A Harris County official, Lina Hidalgo, warned residents to take hurricane-related threats seriously, "as if a tornado were approaching your area."
"We need you to prepare and be ready for the next 24 hours," she said, advising people to take shelter away from windows, in their homes, in safe places.
Last week, Hurricane Beryl passed through the Caribbean, where a total of 11 people died, and then through Mexico, where fortunately no fatalities were recorded.
