Tropical Storm Beryl Expected to Hit Texas as Hurricane, Bringing Severe Weather

Tropical Storm Beryl is predicted to strengthen into a hurricane and hit Texas by Monday. The storm’s impacts could include heavy rainfall, storm surge flooding, strong winds, and tornadoes. Currently, Beryl is in the southwest Gulf of Mexico moving west-northwest. Wind shear, dry air, and land interaction with Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula have disorganized the storm, but it is expected to regain strength on its way to Texas.

The National Hurricane Center has issued several alerts. A Hurricane Watch extends from the mouth of the Rio Grande to San Luis Pass, Texas, indicating possible hurricane conditions by Monday morning.

A Storm Surge Watch is also in effect from the mouth of the Rio Grande to High Island, Texas, including Corpus Christi and Galveston Bay, signaling potential life-threatening flooding. The forecast path has shifted east, suggesting landfall anywhere from near Houston and Galveston to Brownsville.

Beryl is expected to move northwest through the Gulf of Mexico toward Texas this weekend. Intensification into a hurricane is likely starting Sunday, with preparations along the Texas coast advised to be completed by late Sunday.

Landfall is anticipated on Monday, bringing damaging winds, storm surge, heavy rain, and possible tornadoes. The exact path may change, but the middle Texas coast is currently the most likely area to experience the strongest winds and storm impacts.

The storm surge could raise water levels by 2 to 5 feet above normal tides, potentially flooding low-lying coastal areas, similar to the impact seen during Tropical Storm Alberto. High surf and rip currents are expected along the Texas coast and further east along the northern Gulf Coast. Beachgoers during the holiday weekend should be cautious due to these hazardous conditions.

Significant rainfall is anticipated, with 5 to 10 inches expected along the middle Texas coast and up to 15 inches in localized areas. The timeline for heavy rainfall starts late Sunday along the Texas coast, extending into Monday night across eastern Texas, western Louisiana, and the ArkLaTex region, and continuing into Tuesday for parts of Arkansas, Louisiana, northwest Mississippi, and western Tennessee.

Tornadoes are another concern with landfalling tropical cyclones. Tornado threats from Beryl are predicted from Sunday night through Monday night, affecting the middle and upper Texas coasts and extending into western Louisiana. Vigilance for tornado activity in these areas is advised as the storm approaches.

Beryl’s history is notable for rapid intensification. Initially identified as Tropical Depression Two east of Barbados, it quickly strengthened into a tropical storm and then a hurricane within 48 hours. It made landfall in Grenada and brought severe weather to various Caribbean islands, including widespread damage in Carriacou and significant wind gusts in Barbados, St. Lucia, and Jamaica. Beryl’s strength and early formation set several records for Atlantic hurricanes. It later impacted Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula before heading toward Texas.