MATAGORDA, Texas (AP) — Beryl strengthened and once again intensified into a hurricane late Sunday as it moves toward southern Texas. Its outer bands have already brought rain and escalating winds to the coast as residents brace for the powerful storm that has caused destruction in parts of Mexico and the Caribbean.
Residents along the Texas coast have taken precautionary measures, boarding up windows and evacuating beach towns under orders. The hurricane now has sustained winds of 75 mph (120 kph) and is moving northwest at 10 mph (16 kph), according to the National Hurricane Center in Miami.
Beryl is expected to make landfall early Monday in the middle of the Texas coast around Matagorda Bay, approximately 100 miles (161 kilometers) south of Houston. However, authorities have warned that the storm’s track could still change.
As Beryl approaches the coast, Texas officials issued warnings on Sunday about potential power outages, flooding, and the need for more residents and vacationers in the storm’s path to evacuate.
Officials expressed concern about the lack of people leaving the coastal areas. Texas Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick mentioned, “So we don’t see many people leaving,” highlighting the possibility of inadequate evacuation.
Tropical storm winds extend 115 miles (185 kilometers) from the center, and the hurricane center advised residents to brace for potential flash flooding in parts of middle, upper, and eastern Texas, as well as Arkansas as the storm shifts to the north and then northeast on Monday.
Despite the preparations, many residents and business owners on the Texas coast remain uncertain about the storm’s intensity.
Jimmy May in Port Lavaca secured his electrical supply company with plywood, downplaying concerns about storm surges and recalling previous hurricane experiences. “In town, you know, if you’re in the low-lying areas, obviously, you need to get out of there,” he said.
At a nearby marina, Percy Roberts assisted his neighbor Ken Waller in securing his boat ahead of heavy winds. Waller, preparing for his first hurricane experience, expressed a mix of nerves and confidence in the precautions taken. “Pray for the best but expect the worst, I guess,” he said.
Beryl became a Category 5 hurricane before approaching Texas and causing at least 11 deaths in the Caribbean. The storm’s rapid intensification and devastating impact were linked to the record warmth of the Atlantic area.
Given the threat of floods, heavy rain, and winds, Texas officials advised people along the coastline to be prepared. The hurricane warning spanned from Baffin Bay to Sargent, covering a wide coastal area.
Beryl presents potential storm surges of 4 to 7 feet (1.22 to 2.13 meters) around Matagorda. The warnings extend to regions where Hurricane Harvey made landfall in 2017.
Flight disruptions and cancellations have affected Houston’s airports as Beryl approaches, making it challenging for travelers to depart. The White House announced FEMA’s mobilization of resources along the coast, including emergency responders and supplies.
Coastal counties implemented voluntary evacuations in flood-prone areas, with beach camping bans and advisories for holiday travelers. Beryl’s impact had already been felt in Mexico, Jamaica, St. Vincent, and the Grenadines before approaching Texas.
Gonzalez reported from McAllen, Texas. Associated Press reporters Margery A. Beck in Omaha, Nebraska, Hannah Schoenbaum in Salt Lake City, and Julie Walker in New York contributed.
