9 AM Update on Hurricane Beryl:

Issued by: TNW News Operations Hurricane Division Time: 9 AM CDT, Monday, July 8, 2024

Overview: Hurricane Beryl has made landfall near Matagorda, Texas, as a Category 1 hurricane with maximum sustained winds of 80 mph. The region continues to experience life-threatening storm surge, damaging winds, and torrential rainfall.

Current Situation:

• Location: Beryl is currently affecting eastern Texas, with hurricane-force winds extending up to 92 miles from the center.
• Status: Beryl remains a Category 1 hurricane.
• Impact: Life-threatening storm surge, strong winds, and flooding rainfall are ongoing in southeastern Texas.
• Casualties: Texas emergency management has confirmed an additional death, bringing the total fatalities to 12, including 11 from Jamaica.

Evacuation Orders:

• Mandatory Evacuation: Issued at 9 AM yesterday for RVs and campers along the Texas coastline.
• Voluntary Evacuation: In effect for coastal residents. Local officials and mayors are urging evacuation to ensure safety.

Wind and Storm Surge:

• Wind Speed: Currently at 80 mph.
• Hurricane Force Winds: Impacting the coast with potential for winds up to 92 mph.
• Storm Surge: Significant storm surge and hurricane-force winds are ongoing. Elevated risk of spin-up tornadoes, which may occur with little warning.

Precautions:

• Shelter: Seek shelter in a safe location away from windows. If a tornado warning is issued, move to an interior room on the lowest floor of a sturdy building.
• Supplies and Power: Ensure all necessary supplies are stocked and essential devices are charged.
• Hurricane Insurance: Note that any hurricane insurance purchased after June 1 will not be effective for this storm.

Stay Informed:

• TNW Updates: Follow updates on TNW social media pages or visit tnwweather.com for the latest information.
• National Hurricane Center: Next advisory will be issued at 11 AM CDT at hurricanes.gov.
• Social Media: Follow TNW News and the TNW News Operations Hurricane Division on Facebook and X (formerly Twitter).

Additional Notes:

• Flash Flood Warnings: Numerous flash flood warnings are in effect in the greater Houston/Galveston area. Expect isolated damage, possibly due to brief tornado spin-ups.
• Emergency Services: If you did not follow mandatory evacuation orders, be aware that emergency personnel may not be able to reach you during the storm. Stay safe and take all necessary precautions.
• Further Impact: As Beryl moves inland, heavy rainfall of 2-3 inches, with locally higher amounts, is expected. A flood watch is in effect from Tuesday morning until Wednesday afternoon near and south of I-70.

TNW Hurricane Division Chief: Todd Nardone

Next Bulletin: The next bulletin will be issued at 11 AM CDT. Stay safe and stay informed.