Texas officials are urging coastal residents to prepare for the impending arrival of Hurricane Beryl, which is expected to regain strength as it moves across the warm waters of the Gulf of Mexico. Originally a tropical storm, Beryl is forecasted to become a Category 1 hurricane as it approaches the Texas coast.
A hurricane warning has been issued for a stretch of the state's coast from Baffin Bay to Sargent, with the storm's center likely to make landfall on Monday. Storm surge warnings are also in effect, prompting officials to warn of potential flooding, heavy rain, and strong winds.
Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick has declared a preemptive disaster declaration for 121 counties, emphasizing the serious threat posed by Hurricane Beryl. Coastal cities have initiated voluntary evacuations in low-lying areas and advised tourists to take precautions.
Residents are urged to secure their homes by boarding up windows and using sandbags to prevent flooding. Businesses in the area have reported a surge in customers purchasing supplies such as tarps, rope, duct tape, and generators in preparation for the storm.
Refugio County has issued a mandatory evacuation order for its residents, citing the uncertainty surrounding Beryl's intensity and the potential impact on holiday weekend traffic. The storm has already caused devastation in the Caribbean, resulting in multiple fatalities.
As of Saturday night, Beryl was located southeast of Corpus Christi with sustained winds of 60 mph, moving northwest at 13 mph. Mexican authorities have evacuated some residents ahead of the storm's landfall, while others have chosen to remain in low-lying areas.
While the exact path and intensity of Hurricane Beryl remain uncertain, officials are urging residents to take necessary precautions and stay informed as the storm approaches the Texas coast.
