Texas Coast Braces As Beryl Makes Impact | Weather.com (2024)

On Sunday, B​eryl sped toward the Texas coast as a tropical storm, gaining intensity ahead of its predicted landfall near Matagorda. The latest models showed Beryl was likely to reach hurricane strength overnight Sunday.

Texas residents along the Gulf of Mexico felt the initial bands of r​ain and strengthening winds beginning Sunday morning, with conditions only expected to worsen.

M​uch of the Texas shoreline was under some kind of hurricane or storm warning. Heavy rains and dangerous storm surge were the major concerns as officials in the state warned locals and tourists alike not to take the storm threat lightly. See our latest Beryl forecast here.

Check below for updates from throughout the day Sunday as Beryl surged toward coastal Texas:

(8:40 p.m. ET) What We’re Watching Overnight

Our latest models indicate Beryl will likely make landfall at around 1 or 2 a.m. local time, near Matagorda, approximately 100 miles southwest of Houston. Satellite images reveal the storm is becoming more organized as it approaches the Texas coast, with winds already strengthening significantly.

From weather.com digital meteorologist Madeline Scheinost:

“I am watching for any additional strengthening we may see from Beryl, including it possibly becoming a hurricane again. The outer bands from Beryl are impacting parts of the Texas coast tonight, and there is a chance for severe weather including tornadoes from these bands. Tropical storm force winds will also be possible along the Texas coast tonight.”

After landfall, the storm is expected to move northward and eventually northeastward.

(8:10 p.m. ET) Residents Feeling The First Impacts

Residents in Corpus Christi are already feeling the first bands from Beryl. Scattered rain showers and wind gusts of up to 40 mph are sweeping through the area. Temperatures, which have been in the 90s for days, have also started to drop as cool winds from Beryl make their way inland.

Footage from Youtuber Nick Block posted to X shows thick storm clouds gathering and wind beginning to pick up strength.

(7:45 p.m. ET) Harris County Meteorologist: ‘Not Gonna Get A Lot Of Sleep Tonight’

Harris County, Texas meteorologist Jeff Lindner thinks Houston will be able to handle the deluge from Beryl. But with 5 to 10 inches or more of rain expected, he says he’s concerned about the potential for flooding.

“You know, five [inches of rainfall] we can probably handle,” Lindner told the Weather Channel. “As we get up toward that 10-inch amount, if we get that or isolated higher [amounts] that’s where we start to be concerned about our creeks and bayous that drain all this water to Galveston Bay.”

Lindner cautioned of wind impacts, including downed trees and power lines. He said he doesn’t expect the kind of wind damage Houston saw during mid-May’s derecho, which blew out more than 2,500 windows in downtown skyscrapers.

He urged people in Beryl’s path to get to a safe place before it’s too late.

“Be where you’re going to be for the duration of this storm by 10 p.m. tonight. Off the roads, no travel,” Lindner said. “You’re not gonna get a lot of sleep tonight in the Houston metro area, with the wind impacts, with the heavy rain impacts.”

(7:05 p.m. ET) Beryl To Intensify

Tropical Storm Beryl is currently gaining strength in the Gulf of Mexico and is expected to become a Category 1 hurricane in a matter of hours. Satellite imagery shows deepening convection around Beryl’s center, despite earlier challenges with dry air. The focus is now on whether Beryl can form a defined eyewall which will be crucial for faster intensification before the storm makes landfall.

From weather.com digital meteorologist Madeline Scheinost:

“Beryl is in a more favorable environment for strengthening, with ample warm sea temperatures and low wind shear. It is currently forecast to become a hurricane again by tonight, and additional strengthening is expected before it reaches the Texas coast on Monday.”

(6:45 p.m. ET) Ports Closed Ahead Of Beryl

Ports along the Texas coast took precautions on Sunday ahead of Tropical Storm Beryl's anticipated return to hurricane status. Corpus Christi's port closed under "Zulu" conditions set by the Coast Guard, halting all vessel and cargo operations due to expected hurricane-force winds. Located 200 miles from Houston, Corpus Christi is crucial for U.S. crude oil exports, meaning these closures could potentially impact shipments to refineries and fuel supplies.

Ports in Houston, Galveston, Freeport and Texas City also are operating under "Zulu" conditions, suspending inbound vessel traffic. Officials say these measures aim to safeguard maritime operations as the storm approaches.

(5:40 p.m. ET) What Makes Beryl So Historic?

From weather.com digital meteorologist Madeline Scheinost:

“Beryl became the earliest hurricane on record in the Atlantic when it formed on June 30th. It also was the strongest hurricane by wind speed when it passed by St. Vincent and the Grenadines and Grenada. Following its Windward island landfall, it became the earliest Category 5 Atlantic basin hurricane on record on July 1. The next day, it reached wind speeds of 165 mph - making it the strongest July hurricane by wind speed on record in the Atlantic basin.”

Since initially forming as a tropical depression on June 28th, Beryl has continued its path toward the United States, despite some weakening and restructuring. When it makes landfall in Texas, it will be 10 days old.

(4:45 p.m. ET) Emergency Officials: The Countdown Is On

"We believe we're about four and a half hours from the impact of tropical storm-force winds somewhere along the Texas coast," Chief Kidd stated in a briefing. "We have resources staged across key areas from Corpus Christi to San Antonio, and down into the Houston/Galveston region, ready to support local partners."

The primary concern is ensuring people are out of harm's way before the storm intensifies. "The most important thing right now is to help get the message out," Chief Kidd emphasized. "Beryl has been a deadly storm. We do not want it to be a deadly storm in the state of Texas. We have time now to get a message out, to get our people prepared, and to make sure they have the resources they need to go through this event."

Emergency shelters have been opened, and Chief Kidd urged those still in coastal areas to heed evacuation instructions promptly. For those unsure about traffic conditions, drivetexas.org offers real-time updates on congestion and evacuation routes.

"For those that are along the coast, we know that we're going to get hurricane-force winds that are gonna go through the area. If the forecast holds true, there will be about 6-12 hours of hurricane force winds," Chief Kidd warned. "If you have not left yet, you've only got about four and a half more hours to do that."

(4:30 p.m. ET) Key Messages From The National Hurricane Center

The National Hurricane Center (NHC) issued its key alerts ahead of Beryl's landfall, stressing that all hurricane preparations should be "rushed to completion." Officials highlighted life-threatening storm surge, localized flooding and hurricane-force winds as major dangers from this storm. Several Hurricane Warnings are in effect.

The advisory encouraged residents to follow advice from officials and heed all evacuation orders sooner rather than later.

Dangerous rip currents are also a notable hazard expected from the storm. "Beachgoers should heed warning flags and follow the advice of lifeguards and local officials before venturing into the water," warned the NHC advisory.

For more up to date information, visit hurricane.gov.

(4:00 p.m. ET) Houston Schools Cancel Summer Activities

Summer classes and other activities are canceled Monday and Tuesday in Houston public schools as Beryl approaches.

“HISD is closing all campuses and buildings Monday, July 8, and Tuesday, July 9, due to Tropical Storm Beryl and its potential impacts to our region,” the district said in a social media post.

Houston ISD is the biggest school district in Texas and the 7th biggest in the U.S.

(​3:30 p.m. ET) Crucial Dam Needs Repair Ahead Of Beryl

In addition to storm surge along the Texas coast, Hurricane Beryl is expected to bring flooding to rivers and creeks inland. That’s raising new concerns about Lake Livingston Dam, which is on a "potential failure watch" due to flooding earlier this year.

Crews are now scrambling to make repairs to the damaged dam before Beryl hits the area. Houston - which is increasingly in Beryl’s path - urgently depends on Lake Livingston and the Trinity River for drinking water. Officials say they’re confident initial repairs will be finished before Beryl's rain hits the region hard on Monday, assuring there’s no immediate danger of dam failure.

(​1:58 p.m. ET) Officials, Residents On Notice

A​ disaster declaration was announced for 121 Texas counties ahead of Beryl's arrival. Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick said in a statement Saturday, "Beryl is a determined storm, and incoming winds and potential flooding will pose a serious threat to Texans." Patrick is acting governor while Gov. Greg Abbott is in Taiwan.

A​ll along the coast, businesses big and small were boarding up in preparation for Beryl. Many homeowners were doing the same in triple-digit heat. Lines were seen at gas stations as people fueled up ahead of the storm.

(​10:45 a.m. ET) Preparations Underway

E​mergency management officials In Galveston issued an order calling for the voluntary evacuation of the island's west end. In a statement the city said storm surge could prevent travel on major roads and "make it difficult for the city to respond to emergencies." They also advised that the Causeway Bridge is open and will remain open.

E​arly Sunday morning, crews moved lifeguard towers, trash bins, portable restrooms and other "mobile amenities" from Galveston beaches. This work was happening just days after the Fourth of July holiday, which park officials said was the busiest day of the year for their beach cleaning teams.

N​ueces County, which includes cities like Corpus Christi and Port Aransas, ordered all visitors in the area to evacuate by noon Sunday. County officials strongly encouraged residents to evacuate as well. Ferry operations in Port Aransas were also suspended at noon on Sunday.

(​MORE: Gators Relocated Ahead Of Beryl In Texas)

(​9:35 a.m. ET) Getting Ready For Beryl

R​efugio County issued a mandatory evacuation order for its nearly 7,000 residents, noting that the area is still recovering from the devastating effects of Hurricane Harvey in 2017.

Beryl made history as the earliest storm to develop into a Category 5 hurricane in the Atlantic.

It is blamed for at least 11 deaths as it roared through the Caribbean earlier in the week. It slammed Mexico as a Category 2 storm before moving into the Yucatan peninsula as a tropical storm.

(​MORE: Residents Reel In The Aftermath Of Beryl)