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Three people have died and millions more in Texas could be without power for days as Tropical Storm Beryl sweeps through the state.
After making landfall in the United States as a Category 1 hurricane near the coast of Matagorda on Monday morning, Beryl was downgraded to a tropical storm as it moved inland over eastern Texas. The storm brought heavy rain, strong winds and life-threatening conditions.
At least three people have died, including two when trees fell on homes, according to the National Hurricane Center.
A third person, a civilian employee of the Houston Police Department, was killed when he became trapped in floodwaters under an overpass, Houston Mayor John Whitmire said.
More than 2.2 million homes and businesses around Houston, the nation’s fourth-largest city, were left without power after Beryl ripped through, according to utility CenterPoint Energy.
Acting Texas Gov. Dan Patrick said CenterPoint Energy was putting thousands of extra workers on the job to get the lights back on faster. He said the storm knocked down 10 power lines and many of the outages were caused by fallen trees.
A Category 5 hurricane, Beryl has already left a trail of destruction in Mexico and the Caribbean.
In Pictures: Devastation by Storm Beryl
Mike BediganJuly 9, 2024 12:20 AM
The risk of flooding remains even after Beryl moves through the US.
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration provided an update Monday night on the potential for flooding from the former hurricane. East Texas continues to face the greatest threat today and throughout the week.
However, large parts of the US could face a risk of flooding from the storm. Forecasters warn that major cities such as St. Louis and Detroit could be in the areas with an increased risk of flooding.
Alex LangJuly 8, 2024 11:34 PM
Officials urge caution amid continued ‘deadly dangers’ from Hurricane Beryl
Officials have urged continued caution due to the “deadly hazards” that still remained along the Texas coast Monday afternoon, including downed power lines and flooded areas.
According to NOAA’s storm update (4 p.m. local time), water levels remain high along Galveston Bay and along the Texas coast from Port O’Connor to Sabine Pass.
Mike BediganJuly 8, 2024 10:50 PM
Southern US faces flash floods, tornadoes as Beryl batters Texas
Multiple tornadoes are possible across parts of East Texas, Louisiana and Arkansas on Monday evening, according to the National Hurricane Center.
The risk of tornadoes could extend into southeastern Missouri, northern Tennessee, Kentucky, southern Illinois, southern Indiana and Ohio on Tuesday, the center warned.
Flash flooding is also expected in eastern Texas and western Louisiana as Beryl continues to batter the region.
Kelly RissmanJuly 8, 2024 10:00 PM
Beryl’s power outage confronts Texans with harsh reality
More than 2 million Texas residents are without power as a tropical storm hits the Houston area Monday afternoon.
“We didn’t really sleep,” Eva Costancio, 67, told The Associated Press.
A tree had blown down power lines in her neighborhood in the Houston suburb of Rosenberg.
On Monday, she was without power for about four hours and worried that the food in her refrigerator would spoil.
“We are struggling to get food and it would be difficult if we lost that food,” she said.
Kelly RissmanJuly 8, 2024 9:40 PM
Cleaning up Beryl could be as dangerous as the storm itself, authorities warn
Beryl rips through Texas, knocking out power to millions of customers.
Authorities warn of carbon monoxide poisoning from the use of emergency generators.
The National Hurricane Center also advises caution near downed power lines and flooding.
The center wrote: “Remember that historically, nearly half of all lives lost during a hurricane are lost after the hurricane has passed.”
Kelly RissmanJuly 8, 2024 9:20 PM
Beryl claims two lives in Texas
A 53-year-old man and a 74-year-old woman died after trees fell on their homes in Texas as Beryl ravages the state.
A grandchild called 911 to report a tree had fallen through the roof of her grandmother’s Harris County home, according to Harris County Constable Precinct 4. An investigation is underway.
Also Monday morning, an unnamed 53-year-old man was reportedly inside his home in Humble, Texas, with his family when an oak tree fell on the roof and struck the rafters, causing the structure to topple on the man, authorities said. His wife and children were unharmed.
The tragedies come as Beryl’s powerful winds and flash floods continue to tear through Texas, leaving more than 2 million people in the state without power.
The National Hurricane Center said winds in eastern Texas were gusting as high as 80 mph (130 kph). The center warned of “very dangerous conditions” in the area.
Kelly RissmanJuly 8, 2024 8:57 PM
WATCH: Texas residents prepare for Hurricane Beryl
Kelly RissmanJuly 8, 2024 8:45 PM
Beryl continues to batter southeast Texas
Kelly RissmanJuly 8, 2024 8:30 PM
Hurricane Beryl brings severe weather
Kelly RissmanJuly 8, 2024 8:00 PM