Hurricane Beryl Approaches Texas Coast, Governor Declares Disaster

Hurricane Beryl is currently advancing towards the coastline of Texas, prompting Governor Greg Abbott to declare a severe weather disaster for 40 counties. The Texas Division of Emergency Management (TDEM) has escalated readiness levels in anticipation of the storm’s impact.

State Preparedness and Response

Governor Abbott’s announcement underscores the heightened readiness of Texas Emergency Management Council agencies, which are operating 24-hour operations. Resources for emergency response have been strategically positioned for deployment since yesterday.

Anticipated Landfall and Impact

Hurricane Beryl is projected to make landfall early Monday morning, likely as a Category 1 hurricane, between Corpus Christi and Brazosport. Tropical storm force winds are expected to commence as early as Sunday morning, accompanied by significant rainfall, particularly in South Texas with up to 7 inches in some areas.

The state has issued disaster declarations for the 40 affected counties to facilitate access to essential resources and aid for vulnerable communities. Governor Abbott urges residents, holiday travelers, and local authorities to heed guidance from state and local officials to ensure safety amidst expected heavy rainfall, potential flooding, and strong tropical winds.

Governor’s Statement

Governor Abbott remains in close coordination with state officials to ensure swift deployment of necessary resources and support. The focus remains on protecting Texans and mitigating the storm’s impact across multiple regions of the state.