Beryl continues its dangerous march toward the Lone Star State and hurricane warnings have been issued for Texas’ Gulf Coast. The storm is expected to become a hurricane on Sunday.
Beryl’s outer band has already caused damage in Texas. As the cyclone moves towards Texas, forecasters warn of tornadoes, damaging winds, flooding rainfall, and a potentially deadly storm tide.
There are several Hurricane Warnings and Storm Surge Warnings for the Texas Gulf Coast. When sustained winds exceeding 74 mph are expected within 36 hours, a Hurricane Warning will be issued. Galveston is now under a Hurricane Watch as Beryl closes in.
In the first half of this week, a dangerous storm surge and a foot of rain or more are both possible.
Beryl remains a tropical storm despite losing energy as it crossed the Yucatan Peninsula, Mexico on Friday morning. Conditions will be perfect for Beryl to intensify into a hurricane when it approaches the Texas coast.
The National Hurricane Center said, “Further intensity will be possible as Beryl continues moving over warm water in light shear conditions.” Rapid intensification is possible if Beryl’s core is separated from the dry stagnant air which has inhibited intensity for the past day.
Rapid intensification can occur when winds exceed 35 mph in less than 24 hours. NHC has warned Texans that a Category 2 landfall is possible.
On Sunday night and Monday, the Texas coast will likely be hit with a dangerous storm tide up to six feet high. In urban areas, flash flooding could be caused by torrential rains of up to 15 inches. Beryl’s hurricane-force winds can also cause power outages or property damage.
On Monday morning, the weather is expected to rapidly deteriorate between Brownsville and Houston. Prepare for the possibility of a hurricane landing later in the day.
Bryan Norcross, a Weather Hurricane Specialist says this system is difficult to manage due to its disorganization. This system will also appear disorganized as it approaches coastlines, which makes it difficult to motivate people to act. ”
What is a storm surge on the Texas coast?
The warning for storm surges is also in effect from Padre Island to High Island, including Corpus Christi Bay Matagorda Bay, and Galveston Bay.
Storm Surge warnings indicate that the risk of dangerous water levels in the next three days is possible.
Storm Surge models indicate that water levels could rise to 6 feet between Baffin Bay, Sargent, and Corpus Christi Bay. Matagorda Bay is also included in the Bay.
The NHC warned, “the deepest waters would be near the coast and to the left from the center.” The surge will be accompanied by large waves and the deepest water along the coast. The timing of the surge relative to the tide cycle may be very different within a short distance.
What is the expected rainfall for Texas due to Beryl?
Beryl will bring several inches of rain to East Texas. Along the Texas Gulf Coast, there are large swaths of 5-10-inch accumulations expected from Sunday until the middle of the week.
According to the NHC, this rain will likely lead to flash flooding as well as urban flooding. This could occur in specific areas.
Houston will receive between 5 and 8 inches of rain, with greater amounts expected in the suburbs to the south and west.
According to the National Weather Service, in Corpus Christi, any outer rain band can produce tropical storm-force gusts or spin an isolated tornado.
Texas orders some communities to evacuate
Cameron County, Texas, was the first county in Texas to offer voluntary evacuations.
Authorities advised those living in mobile homes and parks as well as visitors to seek a permanent home.
Nueces County issued similar instructions, asking all visitors to leave by Sunday afternoon.
The counties were two of the 40 included in a disaster declaration signed by acting Texas Gov. Dan Patrick.
Refugio County Office of Emergency Management has issued an order requiring everyone to leave by Sunday at 7:30 am.
The order stated, “Please remove your family members and pets to a safe location and from the county.”
Texas Governor Greg Abbott currently is away from the country but is still monitoring current events.
Residents in coastal areas and low-lying regions are offered sandbags. The bags will be available while supplies last.
