At least eight people have died after Hurricane Beryl slammed into south-east Texas and Louisiana, knocking out power for nearly three million people.
Impact of the Storm
Beryl hit the southern United States on Monday morning as a Category 1 hurricane but has since been downgraded to a tropical depression. Officials warned of destructive winds, up to 15 inches (38 cm) of rain, and “life-threatening” storm surges. More than 1,100 flights were cancelled at Houston’s main airport on Monday, according to FlightAware.com.
Power Outages
As of Tuesday morning, approximately 2.3 million customers in Texas were without power, according to PowerOutage.us, with additional outages reported in Louisiana and Arkansas. CenterPoint Energy, a Texas-based utility provider, announced plans to restore power for at least one million customers by the end of Wednesday.
Fatalities and Damage
The storm has caused major destruction and at least 10 deaths in the Caribbean. In the US, officials reported seven fatalities in Texas’s Harris and Montgomery counties and one additional death in neighbouring Louisiana.
- Harris County, Texas:
- A 53-year-old man died after winds downed power lines and knocked a tree onto his home, causing his roof to collapse.
- Maria Loredo, a 73-year-old grandmother, was killed when a tree crashed through the roof of her home. Her family members, including her son, his wife, and her two grandchildren, were uninjured.
- Russell Richardson, a 54-year-old Houston Police Department employee, drowned while attempting to drive through high water on his way to work.
- Another individual died in a house fire believed to have been sparked by lightning, according to Houston’s mayor.
- Montgomery County, Texas:
- One man was killed when a tree fell on him while he was driving a tractor.
- Two homeless individuals died when a tree fell on their tent.
- Benton, Louisiana:
- A woman was killed when a tree fell on her home, as confirmed by a local sheriff.
Weather Conditions and Future Risks
Houston, a low-lying coastal city, is particularly prone to flooding. Sustained wind speeds in the Houston area reached 75 mph (120 km/h), with gusts up to 87 mph as the storm struck. Beryl is expected to continue losing strength as it tracks north-northeast, but the National Hurricane Center warns that flash flooding and heavy rain remain significant risks.
Ongoing Efforts
Emergency responders and utility workers are working tirelessly to restore power and clear debris. Residents are advised to stay informed through local news and follow safety guidelines issued by authorities.
Conclusion
Storm Beryl has left a trail of destruction and tragedy in its wake, affecting millions across the southern United States. As recovery efforts continue, the full impact of this devastating storm is still being assessed.
