Beryl expected to regain hurricane strength as it eyes Texas landfall, Hurricane Warnings extended
"We are expecting a lot of that intensification to take place in the last, you know, 12 to 18 hours prior to landfall," National Hurricane Center Director Michael Brennan told FOX Weather about Beryl as it nears Texas. "So people do need to prepare as if there is going to be a hurricane."
Hurricane Warnings have been issued for Texas' Gulf Coast as Beryl continues its threatening march toward the Lone Star State. Landfall is forecast for Monday morning as the storm becomes better organized and is expected to intensify back into a hurricane on Sunday.
Impacts are expected for the Texas coast as early as Sunday, with flooding rains, damaging winds and a life-threatening storm surge all possible. The National Hurricane Center advises that all preparations "be rushed to completion" before tropical storm conditions begin Sunday.
Numerous Hurricane Warnings, Storm Surge Warnings and Tropical Storm Warnings are in effect for the Texas Gulf Coast. A Hurricane Warning means hurricane conditions with sustained winds of 74 mph or greater are expected within the next 36 hours. Galveston is under a Hurricane Watch as Beryl barrels closer.
In addition to the damaging wind threat, a dangerous storm surge and a foot of rain or more are possible through the early half of the week.
(FOX Weather)
Beryl remains a tropical storm, having lost some of its energy after crossing Mexico's Yucatán Peninsula on Friday morning. Conditions will become extremely favorable for Beryl to strengthen back into a hurricane as it approaches the Texas coast.
"Further intensification is likely as Beryl moves over very warm waters within light shear conditions," the National Hurricane Center said. "Rapid intensification is a distinct possibility if the core can become isolated from the dry air that has been inhibiting intensification during the last day or so."
Rapid intensification, when winds strengthen at least 35 mph in 24 hours or less, is possible ahead of landfall. The NHC said Texans should prepare for the possibility of a Category 2 hurricane landfall.
A dangerous storm surge of up to 6 feet is expected to impact a wide swath of the Texas coast by Sunday night into Monday, while torrential rains that total as much as 10–15 inches threaten flash and urban flooding – some of which could be considerable. Beryl's powerful hurricane-force winds could lead to power outages and property damage.
(FOX Weather)
The weather is expected to rapidly deteriorate on Monday morning from Brownsville to Houston, and preparations should be completed for a hurricane to make landfall later in the day.
"This is going to be a very challenging system to deal with because it's so disorganized now, and it's going to look disorganized as it approaches the coast, and it's harder to get people motivated to take action," said FOX Weather Hurricane Specialist Bryan Norcross. "But we have a situation where it could intensify significantly (Sunday) as it's approaching the coast like right offshore."
(FOX Weather)
KNOW YOUR ZONE: TEXAS HURRICANE EVACUATION ZONES
How much storm surge can be expected along the Texas coast?
A Storm Surge Warning is also in effect from Padre Island to High Island, including Corpus Christi Bay, Matagorda Bay and Galveston Bay.
A Storm Surge Warning means there is a potential for life-threatening water rises within the next 36 hours.
(FOX Weather)
Storm Surge models indicate a water rise of 3–6 feet is possible from Baffin Bay to Sargent, along with Corpus Christi Bay and Matagorda Bay, starting as early as Sunday night and lasting into Monday.
"The deepest water will occur along the immediate coast near and to the right of the center, where the surge will be accompanied by large and destructive waves," the NHC warned. "Surge-related flooding depends on the relative timing of the surge and the tidal cycle and can vary greatly over short distances."
How much rain is expected in Texas from Beryl?
(FOX Weather)
Much of East Texas should brace for several inches of rain from Beryl. Wide swaths of 5-10 inch accumulations, with localized amounts up to 15 inches, are expected across portions of the Texas Gulf Coast and eastern Texas from Sunday through the middle of the week.
"This rainfall is likely to produce areas of flash and urban flooding, some of which may be locally considerable in nature," the NHC warned.
The Houston area is currently forecast to receive 5-8 inches of rain, with heavier amounts in the southern and western suburbs.
(FOX Weather)
Any of the outer rain bands could also produce tropical storm-force gusts and even spin up an isolated tornado, meteorologists with the National Weather Service office in Corpus Christi, Texas said.
WHAT IS THE IKE DIKE?
Evacuation orders issued for some Texas communities
Cameron County, Texas, was one of the first in the state to issue voluntary evacuations.
Authorities advised those living in mobile homes and visitors staying in parks to seek more substantial shelter.
Nueces County issued similar orders and advised all visitors to leave by Sunday afternoon.
The counties were two of the 40 included in a disaster declaration signed by acting Governor Dan Patrick.
Houston prepares for potential impacts as Beryl expected to hit Texas
There is still some uncertainty about Beryl, but Houston firefighters have a plan. You and your family need to make one as well. FOX 26's Sherman Desselle is explaining what they have in place.
Texas Gov. Greg Abbott is currently out of the country but is monitoring the situation.
Communities in low-lying areas and along the coast have already started to offer sandbags to residents, which will be available as long as supplies last.
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