Hurricane Beryl has made landfall near Matagorda, Texas, early Monday morning, prompting a state of emergency declaration for 121 counties. The U.S. National Hurricane Center (NHC) reported that Beryl, classified as a Category 1 hurricane, struck the central Texas coast around 4 a.m. local time, bringing severe storm surges and high-speed winds to millions across the state.
Beryl made landfall with winds exceeding 74 miles per hour, impacting an area between Galveston and Corpus Christi. As of 4 a.m., the hurricane had maximum sustained winds of 80 miles per hour. The NHC warned that Beryl is expected to unleash destructive winds, dangerous storm surges, and potentially up to 15 inches of rainfall in certain Texas regions.
Having reached Category 5 status in the Caribbean last week, Beryl weakened as it passed across the Yucatan Peninsula on Friday. However, it regained strength over the unusually warm waters of the Gulf of Mexico before making landfall in Texas.
In response to the hurricane, Texas has declared a disaster for 121 counties, mobilizing the National Guard and emergency response teams. Authorities have emphasized the importance of evacuation, noting a concerning lack of adherence to warnings despite Beryl’s deadly history in the Caribbean, where it claimed at least 11 lives before moving across the Gulf of Mexico.
The hurricane-force winds from Beryl are expected to drive as much as seven feet (2.1 meters) of water onto parts of the coast. Exxon Mobil Corp. announced adjustments to some of its operations as the storm approaches. Freeport LNG also ramped down liquefaction operations, with plans to resume once the storm safely passes, according to a company spokesperson.
Beryl’s path of destruction began in the Caribbean, causing widespread devastation and marking it as the first early-season hurricane to achieve Category 5 status this year. Studies indicate that climate change is increasing the occurrence of severe hurricanes, leading to faster intensification and higher rainfall. Beryl’s rapid development into a major hurricane signals a troubling forecast for the remainder of the hurricane season.
State and local authorities are working tirelessly to ensure the safety of residents. Evacuation orders have been issued in the most affected areas, and emergency shelters have been set up to accommodate those displaced by the storm. The Texas Department of Public Safety has also been deployed to assist with rescue and relief operations.
Residents are urged to stay informed through official channels and adhere to all safety advisories. The National Weather Service continues to monitor the situation and will provide updates as the storm progresses.
Sources By Agencies
