Hurricane Beryl Hits Texas, Leaves Over 3 Million Without Power
HOUSTON (AP) — Hurricane Beryl struck Texas early Monday, cutting power to nearly 3 million homes and businesses, bringing heavy rain, and resulting in at least three deaths. The National Hurricane Center reported Monday evening that Beryl, after moving east, had weakened to a tropical depression. The storm is expected to impact several more states in the coming days.
Texas state and local authorities indicated it might take several days to restore power after Beryl came ashore as a Category 1 hurricane. It downed 10 transmission lines and trees, leading to fallen power lines.
Though Beryl later weakened to a tropical storm and then a tropical depression, its winds and rain were still strong enough to topple hundreds of trees and flood roadways. Tornado warnings were issued as the storm moved inland, with at least one confirmed tornado in northeastern Louisiana, claiming the life of a woman in Benton.
Houston suffered significant power outages with over 2 million homes and businesses affected. Efforts to restore power prioritized critical sites such as nursing homes. The storm caused deaths when trees fell on homes and a Houston Police Department civilian employee was killed in floodwaters.
Houston residents have grappled with power outages from powerful storms before, and they are adapting as best they can. Fallen trees and power lines have hindered recovery efforts, and officials stress that it will take time to restore all services.
The National Weather Service issued a heat advisory stating that temperatures could reach 105 degrees Fahrenheit, urging the opening of cooling centers and the distribution of food and water.
Rescue operations were ongoing with over 25 water rescues reported by Monday afternoon. Officials warned that flooding could persist for days due to the saturated ground.
President Joe Biden has been kept informed about the storm, and federal agencies have prepared response teams and resources. Several industrial plants in the affected area reported gas flaring due to the power disruptions.
Beryl, the first Category 5 hurricane in the Atlantic this year, caused significant damage in the Caribbean before hitting Texas. Louisiana is also experiencing heavy rainfall and potential flash flooding.
The storm is forecasted to bring more rain and winds to additional states in the coming days, compounding already wet conditions in places like Missouri.
Associated Press reporters contributed to this report.