Beryl Wreaks Havoc in Houston: Heavy Rains, Strong Winds, and Power Outages

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Beryl, a powerful storm, hit the Houston area early Monday, bringing heavy rain, strong winds, and widespread power outages. Local officials confirmed at least three fatalities due to the storm.

Storm Impact

The storm made landfall near Matagorda around 4 a.m. Monday as a Category 1 hurricane, with winds reaching 80 miles per hour. By 10 a.m., it was downgraded to a tropical storm as it moved north through Houston. Despite the downgrade, Beryl left significant damage in its wake, including flooding and power outages affecting over 2.2 million homes and businesses in Houston.

Casualties and Damage

Tragically, three people lost their lives due to the storm. A 53-year-old man in Humble and a 74-year-old woman in northwest Houston were both killed by falling trees. Additionally, a Houston PD employee drowned after getting trapped in high water while driving to work.

Weather Alerts and Flooding

The National Weather Service issued a red warning for heavy to very heavy rainfall in Houston until 1 p.m. on Tuesday. Rainfall totals exceeded 5 inches in many parts of Houston, with some areas receiving over 9 inches. This heavy rain caused significant flooding, particularly in low-lying areas and along key roads, leading to major traffic disruptions.

Power Outages and Restoration Efforts

Power outages were widespread, with CenterPoint Energy reporting over 2.2 million customers without electricity. Restoration efforts are ongoing, with 7,000 crews dispatched to the Houston area from across the country to help restore power.

Government Response

Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo highlighted the severity of the power outages, flooding, and hazardous roadway conditions. She encouraged residents to stay indoors and avoid travel unless necessary. Shelters for impacted residents are expected to open, and restoration estimates from CenterPoint are anticipated on Tuesday.

Emergency and Rescue Operations

Local officials have conducted nearly 50 high-water rescues, including a dramatic rescue of a man trapped on his pickup truck’s roof in fast-flowing waters. Emergency crews used an extension ladder and life preserver to bring him to safety.

Travel Disruptions

The storm led to significant travel disruptions. Both Bush Intercontinental and Hobby airports experienced over 1,000 canceled flights. The public transit provider METRO suspended all services for the remainder of the day. Major highways and roads were heavily congested, with many areas underwater.

Healthcare Facilities Impacted

St. Luke’s Health-Brazosport Hospital lost power and sustained damage, leading to the transfer of some patients to other facilities. Other hospitals and emergency rooms around Houston remained open, although many clinics and outpatient facilities were closed.

State and Federal Response

President Joe Biden received regular updates on the storm. The U.S. Coast Guard and FEMA prepared search and rescue teams and collected essential supplies. Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, acting governor while Gov. Greg Abbott, currently in Taiwan, issued a preemptive disaster declaration for 121 counties..

Historical Context

Beryl is the tenth hurricane to hit Texas in July since 1851 and the fourth in the past 25 years.. Earlier in the week, Beryl impacted Mexico as a Category 2 hurricane, causing damage but no reported injuries or deaths before weakening as it moved across the Yucatan Peninsula.

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