Texas cleans up after deadly Beryl slams state before tracking north as post-tropical cyclone

Eight people have died, and millions more in Texas could be left without power for days while Beryl moves northeast.

After making landfall in the United States as a Category 1 hurricane on the coast of Matagorda on Monday morning, Beryl was downgraded to Tropical Storm then to a Depression and now as a post-tropical cyclone as it traversed inland across eastern Texas, bringing heavy rainfall, strong winds and life-threatening conditions.

Around eight people are believed to be dead as a result of the storm, including seven in Texas and one in Louisiana.

This includes a civilian employee of the Houston Police Department, who was killed when he was trapped in flood waters under a highway overpass, Houston Mayor John Whitmire said.

More than 2.2 million customers were without power around Houston, the nation’s fourth-largest city, after Beryl blew through, according to CenterPoint Energy.

Acting Texas Governor Dan Patrick said the electric company was bringing in additional workers to help restore power more quickly.

Beryl has already left a trail of destruction as a Category 5 hurricane through Mexico and the Caribbean.

Parts of the Midwest could see tornadoes, while the northeastern US could be hit with flash floods.

Key Points

• Beryl now a post-tropical cyclone

• Eight dead in Texas and Louisiana in aftermath of Beryl

• Power outages, trees downed and flooding reported in Texas

• The Midwest and Northeast could be hit with flash floods and tornadoes

Texas officials say Beryl could be a ‘deadly storm’ for those caught in its path

Monday 8 July 2024 14:00 , Graig Graziosi

Texas Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick said during a press conference on Sunday that Tropical Storm Beryl — which is expected to make landfall in southeast Texas as a Category 1 hurricane — could be a “deadly storm” for anyone caught in its path.

“The good news is that it looks like it will move quickly through the state,” Patrick said during the press briefing. “This will be a heavy rain event, but the storm will move quickly.”

He also said that 121 counties were now covered by disaster declarations, which allows Austin to use state funds to help prepare and respond to the storm.

Officials urge Texans to stay off roads as flooding spreads across region

Monday 8 July 2024 14:30 , Amelia Neath

Multiple agencies have pleaded with residents to stay put and not drive as predicted flooding has overwhelmed some roadways in Texas.

Flash flood warnings continue in Houston, Pasadena, Pearland, Lake Jackson, Bay City and Freeport in Texas this morning after the National Weather Service in Houston reported a large area of 6-8 inches of rainfall, with locally higher amounts possible.

Flash flooding and heavy rain has been reported in and around the Houston area, with strong and gusty winds and isolated weak tornadoes still possible.

The Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Management has asked people not to be on the roadways, but if you must travel, they have advised to give yourself extra braking distance, slow down, and make sure your headlights are on in rainy weather.

The office has wanted residents must never drive into high water, taking extra precautions at underpasses and low-lying areas, and not to drive around barricades.

“If you encounter floodwaters do NOT wade in it. There may be harmful debris, chemicals or animals in the water,” they said.

They also have warned Texans to stay away from downed powerlines and always assume they are still live.

“Six inches of fast-moving flood water can knock over an adult. It takes just 12 inches of rushing water to carry away most cars and just 2 feet of rushing water can carry away SUVs and trucks. It is NEVER safe to drive or walk into flood waters,” Houston’s OEM also advised.

The City of Houston is also asking people to stay off the road so first responders can assist people with emergencies.

“There will be inland flooding, and what we find is this freshwater inland flooding tends to be more of a killer of our citizens than the actual storm surge,” Chief W Nim Kidd said during a press briefing said. “So please, please do not drive through water. Turn around. Don’t drown.”

High waters and extreme wind speeds reported around Texas

Monday 8 July 2024 14:48 , Amelia Neath

Weather experts warned that flooding, storm surge and strong winds would impact Texas as Beryl made landfall.

In Freeport, a mesonet station reported a wind gust of 94 mph (151 km/h).

Meanwhile, in Galveston Bay, a National Ocean Service station recorded a sustained wind of 73 mph (117 km/h) and a gust of 82 mph (131 km/h).

A USGS gauge at Galveston Railroad Bridge also recently reported an inundation of 3.6 ft above Mean Higher High Water.

Officials continue to warn residents not to drive in these conditions.

Hundreds of flights canceled at Texas airports as Beryl brings extreme weather

Monday 8 July 2024 15:00 , Amelia Neath

Hundreds of flights have been canceled at Houston’s two airports, according to tracking data from FlightAware.

Around 80 per cent of flights (528) out of Houston’s George Bush Intercontinental Airport have been canceled, while 60 per cent (123) have also been canceled at William P. Hobby Airport in Houston.

80 per cent of flights (16) at Corpus Christi International Airport are also canceled, and even over in Dallas, 26 flights have been canceled at Dallas Fort Worth International Airport.

“As the storm approaches and people plan to stay indoors and safe from the storm, we want to remind everyone that our airports are not equipped to serve as storm shelters. We lack the supplies and staff to accommodate people seeking refuge during the storm,” Houston Airports wrote yesterday on X.

One dead in Humble, Texas after tree fell on a house amid storm

Monday 8 July 2024 15:19 , Amelia Neath

Authorities in Harris County, Texas have reported that one person has died in Humble after a tree fell on a house and a man got trapped under debris.

Preliminary information indicates that one person has been confirmed deceased, Ed Gonzalez, the Harris County Sheriff wrote just before 8am Monday.

A 53-year-old man was reportedly sitting in his house with his family riding out the storm, when an oak tree fell on the roof and hit the rafters, causing the structure to fall on the man, the sheriff said.

His wife and children are unharmed.

Gonzalez said he is out in the field and trying to make his way to the scene.

In Pictures: Damage to Texas communities after Beryl made landfall

Monday 8 July 2024 15:30 , Amelia Neath

Two million currently without power in Texas as Beryl continues to hurtle inland

Monday 8 July 2024 16:01 , Amelia Neath

More than two million customers are experiencing power outages in Texas after Hurricane Beryl hit the region in the early hours of the morning, according to data from poweroutage.us at 9.42am CDT.

Matagorda, where Beryl made landfall in the US at 4am CDT, currently has over 14,000 with power outages, whereas in neighboring county Brazoria, also on the coast, over 42,000 customers do not have power.

As for Galveston, 65,000 customers are also experiencing power outages.

The Texas Division of Emergency Management warned on Sunday that some residents in the state’s southeast would potentially experience power outages when Beryl made landfall.

“There will be power outages. Let that be known. There is going to be some place in Texas that with these tropical and hurricane force winds, we are going to have power outages,” DEM Chief W Nim Kidd said during a press briefing.

He told residents to charge all of their needed devices before the storm and to ensure their vehicles were fueled up before landfall.

Kidd also advised that residents who rely on electrical medical equipment be moved to safe areas.

Danger still a risk despite Beryl being a tropical storm

Monday 8 July 2024 16:37 , Amelia Neath

Beryl has now weakened to a tropical storm, losing its status as a hurricane, however, authorities warn that dangerous and life-threatening conditions are still very much a risk.

As of 10am CDT Beryl has now become a Tropical Storm. There still continues to be life-threatening storm surge inundation throughout the afternoon along the coast of Texas from Port O’Connor to Sabine Pass, including the eastern portion of Matagorda Bay and Galveston Bay.

Damaging wind gusts near the core of Beryl will continue to spread for the next several hours northward within the Tropical Storm Warning area, which includes the Houston metro area.

A Tropical Storm Warning is in effect for the Texas coast from north of Port O’Connor northward to Sabine Pass.

A Storm Surge Warning is also in effect for Port O’Connor to Sabine Pass, including Matagorda Bay and Galveston Bay.

Considerable flash flooding and urban flooding are expected today and into tonight across portions of the middle and upper Texas Gulf Coast and eastern Texas.

Minor to major isolated river flooding is also expected.

Life-threatening beach conditions caused by rip currents are forecast across portions of the northern and western Gulf coasts through Tuesday, with beachgoers advised to heed warning flags and advice from lifeguards and local officials before going into the water.

Almost 2,000 flights canceled across the US as Beryl makes landfall

Monday 8 July 2024 17:25 , Amelia Neath

A total of 1,950 flights across the United States have been canceled on Monday amid Beryl making landfall as a hurricane in the early morning.

While not all flights may be canceled due to the extreme weather, airlines are continuing to monitor the situation in Texas, which is currently bearing the brunt of Beryl’s impact.

United Airlines has so far canceled 409 flights today as of 11.20am CDT, tracking data from FlightAware shows.

“We are continuing to monitor Beryl and have reduced flying at Intercontinental Airport of Houston (IAH) Sunday night and Monday.” United Airlines said in a statement to NBC News.

Houston’s two airports still top the list with the most amount of flights canceled on Monday, according to the data.

Houston’s George Bush Intercontinental Airport currently is seeing 80 per cent of its flights canceled, that is 531 flights in total as Beryl’s strong winds hit the region.

The William P. Hobby Airport in Houston also has 80 per cent of flights canceled, with 163 no longer going forward today.

Over 20,000 flights have been delayed today across the country.

Second death in Texas as Beryl continues to bring dangerous weather conditions

Monday 8 July 2024 17:38 , Amelia Neath2

A second person has died following a tree falling amid the dangerously strong winds that have already killed another mere miles away.

A 74-year-old grandmother was struck after a tree fell on her residence at the 17400 block of Rustic Canyon Trail in Houston, Harris County Sheriff Ed Gonzalez said on social media.

The woman was pronounced dead at the scene. The victim’s grandchild called the authorities after a tree fell through the roof of her grandmother’s room.

“Please keep her family in your prayers,” Mark Herman, Harris County Constable Precinct 4 wrote on social media.

This comes hours after another person died in Humble after a tree fell on a house and a man got trapped under debris.

The 53-year-old man was reportedly sitting in his house with his family riding out the storm, when an oak tree fell on the roof and hit the rafters, causing the structure to fall on the man, the sheriff said.

His wife and children were unharmed.

Beryl is certainly not one of the last of the named storms this season, forecasters say

Monday 8 July 2024 18:00 , Amelia Neath

While many communities, islands and countries have experienced some of the worst conditions Beryl has had to offer, from its peak at a deadly Category 5 hurricane to its continuing power as a Tropical Storm.

However, AccuWeather reporters believe that there is plenty more named storms (winds of 39 mph or higher) to come.

AccuWeather Lead Hurricane Expert Alex DaSilva said it will take only a week or two for sea surface temperatures to rebound in the wake of Beryl, meaning the risk for more tropical threats in the Gulf of Mexico will be increased.

“We’ve been concerned about this hurricane season and the risk to the Texas coast since AccuWeather issued its first forecast in March. Water temperatures across much of the Gulf of Mexico are essentially as warm as bathtub water. Those warm waters are at the surface, and they extend hundreds of feet down. Warm waters act like jet fuel for hurricanes, and it won’t take long for temperatures to rebound in the wake of Beryl,” said DaSilva.

“We’ll be keeping a very close eye on the Gulf of Mexico and the Texas coast for more tropical threats this summer. AccuWeather is forecasting 20 to 25 named storms and four to six direct impacts on the United States this season.”

Meanwhile, NOAA National Weather Service forecasters predicted in May a range of 17 to 25 total named storms this year in the Atlantic, 8 to 13 of those forecast to become hurricanes.

Beryl brings ‘damaging wind gusts’ and ‘life-threatening’ storm surge to Texas

Monday 8 July 2024 18:54 , Kelly Rissman

Beryl is barrelling into Texas.

Residents on the upper Texas Gulf Coast and in the eastern part of the state should prepare for flash flooding today into tonight, while harsh wind gusts could hit Houston some this afternoon.

Officials also warned that Texas beachgoers be cautious of rip currents due to the threatening conditions.

Millions without power in Houston

Monday 8 July 2024 19:30 , Kelly Rissman

More than 2 million customers are without power in the Houston area as Beryl’s eye heads toward the state’s largest city.

High winds, flooded roads, and toppled trees have led to downed lines and power outages.

Electric company CenterPoint Energy warned locals to stay away from power lines: “If you see a downed line, assume it is energized and stay at least 35 feet away.”

The company also advised to not stand in or drive through flood waters “as they can potentially carry an electrical current from downed power lines.”

One person dead in Texas after tree falls on home

Monday 8 July 2024 19:45 , Kelly Rissman

A 53-year-old was killed during Hurricane Beryl after a tree fell on his home outside of Houston, authorities said.

Authorities in Harris County, Texas, said the unnamed man died after getting trapped under the debris, according to Harris County Sheriff Ed Gonzalez on Monday morning.

The 53-year-old man was reportedly sitting in his house along the 20900 block of Heather Grove Court in Kings River Village of Humble, Texas, with his family and riding out the storm. An oak tree fell on the roof and hit the rafters, causing the structure to fall on the man, the sheriff said.

His wife and children are unharmed.

Gonzalez said the fire department was on the scene, and he was trying to make it to the home.

Beryl slammed into Texas on Monday morning after causing havoc throughout the Caribbean. The storm brought gusts of upward of 100 mph and a dangerous storm surge to the Lone Star state. Videos and photos on social media showed winds tearing into homes and uprooting trees.

Read the full story...

Hurricane Beryl updates: One dead in Texas after tree falls on home

Beryl continues to rampage southeastern Texas

Monday 8 July 2024 20:30 , Kelly Rissman

Beryl claims two lives in Texas

Monday 8 July 2024 20:57 , Kelly Rissman

A 53-year-old man and a 74-year-old woman died after trees fell on their homes in Texas as Beryl pummels the state.

A granchild called 911 to report that a tree had fallen through the grandmother’s roof of her home in Harris County, according to the Harris County Constable Precinct 4. An investigation is underway.

Also on Monday morning, an unnamed 53-year-old man was reportedly sitting in his house in Humble, Texas, with his family when an oak tree fell on the roof and hit the rafters, causing the structure to fall on the man, authorities said. His wife and children are unharmed.

The tragedies come as Beryl’s powerful winds and flash floods continue to tear apart Texas. More than 2 million in the state are without power.

Winds in eastern Texas are whipping at up to 81mph, according to the National Hurricane Center, which warned of “very hazardous conditions” in the area.

Beryl clean-up could be just as dangerous as the storm itself, agencies warn

Monday 8 July 2024 21:20 , Kelly Rissman

Beryl is raging through Texas and has caused power outages for millions of customers.

Agencies warn of carbon monoxide poisoning as a result of using back-up generators.

The National Hurricane Center also advised being cautious around downed powerlines and flooding.

The center wrote: “Remember, historically almost half of all lives lost during a hurricane are AFTER it passes.”

Beryl’s power outages leave Texans to face harsh realities

Monday 8 July 2024 21:40 , Kelly Rissman

More than 2 million Texans are without power as the tropical storm slams the Houston area on Monday afternoon.

“We haven’t really slept,” said Eva Costancio, 67, told the Associated Press.

A tree that had downed electric lines in her neighborhood in the Houston suburb of Rosenberg.

Without power for about four hours on Monday, she said she was worried about the food in her fridge spoiling.

“We are struggling to have food and losing that food would be difficult,” she said.

The southern US faces flash flooding and tornadoes as Beryl pummels Texas

Monday 8 July 2024 22:00 , Kelly Rissman

Several tornadoes are possible Monday night across parts of east Texas, Louisiana, and Arkansas, according to the National Hurricane Center.

The risk of tornadoes could reach into southeast 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 rampage the region.

Official urge caution over ongoing ‘deadly hazards’ of Hurricane Beryl

Monday 8 July 2024 22:50 , Mike Bedigan

Officials have urged continued caution over “deadly hazards” which remain along the coast of Texas as of Monday afternoon, including downed power lines and flooded areas.

Water levels will remain elevated along Galveston Bay and along the coast of Texas from Port O'Connor to Sabine Pass, according to NOAA’s update on the storm as of 4pm local time.

In pictures: Destruction caused by Storm Beryl

Tuesday 9 July 2024 00:20 , Mike Bedigan

Windows ripped off hotel walls in Galveston, Texas

01:30 , Mike Bedigan

Dramatic footage from Galveston, Texas, showed windows being ripped off walls at a local hotel.

Video was captured by social media user @YellowShagVinyl, who posted the clip on X.

Texas officials say restoring electricity will take days

02:15 , Mike Bedigan

Texas officials say restoring electricity will take days after Beryl came ashore Monday as a Category 1 hurricane and knocked out power to nearly three million homes and businesses.

Acting Texas Governor Dan Patrick, who is acting governor while Greg Abbott is out of the country, said CenterPoint Energy was bringing in thousands of additional workers to help get the lights turned back on quicker.

He said the storm toppled 10 transmission lines and that many of the outages were caused by fallen trees.

Beryl sped across the Texas coast on Monday, unleashing heavy rains that prompted dozens of high-water rescues. The fast-moving tempest threatened to carve a harsh path over several more states in coming days.

Tourists left stranded at Cancun airport after Hurricane Beryl makes landfall on Mexican coast

03:00 , Mike Bedigan

Watch as tourists remained stranded at Cancun airport on Saturday (6 July) after Hurricane Beryl – which has since been downgraded to a Tropical Storm – made landfall on the Mexican coast.

Watch: Tourists stranded at Cancun airport after Hurricane Beryl makes landfall

Beryl continues to produce flooding rains and the risk of tornadoes

03:45 , Mike Bedigan

Watch: History of Storm Beryl

04:30 , Mike Bedigan

ICYMI Watch: Texas residents prepare for Storm Beryl

05:15 , Mike Bedigan

NOAA Wednesday evening update on Storm Beryl

06:00 , Mike Bedigan

Beryl downgraded into a Tropical Storm

07:00 , Mike Bedigan

Beryl has weakened ever so slightly, meaning it is no longer considered a hurricane, and is now a tropical storm.

The National Hurricane Center has reported that Beryl is packing maximum sustained wind speeds of 70mph (110km/h) as it approaches Houston, currently 20 miles (30km) west-northwest of the city.

To be considered a hurricane, Beryl would to need to sustain at least 74mph (119km/h) to be a Category 1 hurricane, according to the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Scale.

Despite not being a hurricane anymore, the NHC and local officials still warn that the weather conditions are dangerous, with life-threatening storm surge, damaging wind gusts and considerable flash flooding that are continuing across portions of southeast Texas.

Watch: How Beryl intensified and churned across Caribbean, Mexico and the US in seven days

07:30 , Stuti Mishra

In Pictures: Streets flooded, power lines down and destruction caused by Beryl in Texas

08:00 , Mike Bedigan

Meteorologists warn excessive heat risk in Texas during power cuts can be dangerous for people

08:38 , Stuti Mishra

Millions of people in Texas could be left without power for days after Hurricane Beryl's deadly track inland.

Meanwhile, heat alerts are in place for millions of Americans across the country.

Battered by multiple extreme weather conditions, people in Texas could be at increased risk of heat exhaustion, experts warn.

"The heat can be dangerous for people who do not have power as they work to clean up debris and repair storm damage," said AccuWeather's chief meteorologist, Jon Porter.

"Everyone dealing with the Texas heat who lost power needs to have access to shaded areas and drink plenty of water to stay hydrated."

“People understandably get desperate for power when those outages last days or weeks.” “We’ve seen tragic cases of people being hurt or killed when they try to use portable generators after a hurricane landfall.

“It’s crucial for people to use extreme caution when operating generators and make sure there is proper ventilation away from doors and windows to your home.”

Some power restored in Houston after Hurricane Beryl

09:00 , Stuti Mishra

Power started to come back for some of the millions of homes and businesses left in the dark when Hurricane Beryl slammed into the Houston area, while the weakened storm moved east, spawning suspected tornadoes and causing more damage.

After a peak Monday of more than 2.7 million customers around Houston without power, the numbers improved to more than 2.4 million homes and businesses lacking electricity by Monday night, according to PowerOutage.us.

The lack of cooling to people's homes, downed power lines and non-functioning traffic lights led officials to ask residents to stay home if possible.

"Houstonians need to know we're working around the clock so you will be safe," Houston mayor John Whitmire said, urging residents to also know the dangers of high water, to stay hydrated and to check on their neighbours.

Beryl’s power dwindles into a Tropical Depression

09:37 , Amelia Neath

Beryl continues to weaken into a tropical depression, sustaining maximum wind speeds of 35mph (55km/h) – around half of what it was packing earlier on Monday.

Beryl weakened from a hurricane to a tropical storm, now down into a depression on Monday. To upgrade into a tropical storm, the storm must sustain maximum winds between 39mph and 73mph.

There is no further coastal watches or warnings in effect, but the National Hurricane Center still warned at 10pm CDT on Monday of flooding rains and a risk of tornadoes across portions of eastern Texas, western Louisiana, and Arkansas.

As of Monday evening, water levels remained elevated along the Texas coast, but should have receded overnight, as well as surf swells generated by Beryl expected to gradually decrease in the next day or so.

A tornado risk will spread into southeast Missouri, northern Tennessee, Kentucky, southern Illinois, southern Indiana, and Ohio on Tuesday.

Heavy rainfall of three to five inches, with locally higher amounts, is expected across portions of far southeastern Oklahoma, Arkansas and southern Missouri through Tuesday, with local flash and urban flooding expected.

Death toll in US rises to about eight as Beryl hit on Monday

10:05 , Amelia Neath

The death toll in the United States after Beryl ripped through, causing flooding and knocking down trees, has risen to around eight, reports say.

Three people have died in Montgomery County in Texas as a result of Beryl’s power, county officials have said.

This included a man in his 40s who was in a tractor when a tree fell and struck him, and a man and a woman also killed who were “discovered in a tent in a wooded area in Magnolia,” the county officials reportedly said, according to CNN.

Four people have been confirmed to have lost their lives in Harris County, Texas.

A civilian employee of the Houston Police Department, was killed when he became trapped in high water under a highway overpass on his way to work, Houston Mayor John Whitmire said.

Whitmire also said they “lost someone to fire in southeast Houston due to lightning; we believe it’s storm-related,” he said at a news conference Monday.

Two others were killed – 53-year-old man and a 74-year-old woman – when trees fell on homes in separate incidents, local officials confirmed.

A grandchild called 911 to report that a tree had fallen through the 74-year-old grandmother’s roof of her home in Harris County, according to the Harris County Constable Precinct 4. An investigation is underway.

They unnamed 53-year-old man was reportedly sitting in his house in Humble, Texa, with his family on Monday when an oak tree fell on the roof and hit the rafters, causing the structure to fall on the man, authorities said. His wife and children are unharmed.

The eighth death occurred in Louisiana after a woman died when a tree fell on her home in Bossier Parish, the sheriff’s office confirmed.

Hurricane Beryl had already caused at least 10 people as it traversed through the Caribbean last week.

Houston roads submerged by floodwater after Hurricane Beryl passes through Texas

10:30 , Amelia Neath

Drone footage captured on Monday 8 July shows water flooding the city of Houston after the deadly Hurricane Beryl ripped through southeast Texas.

A meteorologist warned that Beryl took the ‘worst possible track’ as the eye of the storm heads toward Houston

11:00 , Mike Bedigan

President Biden gave condolences to Houston Mayor over loss of life

11:15 , Amelia Neath

The White House said on Monday that President Joe Biden called Houston Mayor John Whitmire to express in condolences over the people who have lost their lives after Hurricane Beryl battered Texas.

Around eight people have died so far in the United States, seven in Texas and one in Louisiana, some of which were a result of trees falling onto property and vehicles, and others due to dangerous flood waters.

He told the mayor that his administration would make sure Texas has the resources to get through the storm and for recovery going forward.

He added that the US Coast Guard and FEMA remain on the ground to support local response efforts.

Hurricane Beryl brings severe weather

11:30 , Mike Bedigan

Texas governor takes a trip to Asia while state faces wrath of deadly Hurricane Beryl

12:07 , Amelia Neath

Texas Governor Greg Abbott has faced criticism on social media for taking an overseas trip to Asia; meanwhile, civilians in his state face damaging winds, widespread flooding and a climbing death toll after Hurricane Beryl battered the region.

According to local and county officials, around seven people have been killed as a result of the storm in Texas, while others have seen destruction to their houses and millions without power.

Ahead of landfall in Texas, Abbott announced on July 5 – while Hurricane Beryl was moving towards the Yucatan Peninsula in Mexico and was predicted by forecasters that it would land in southern Texas by the end of the weekend — that he was going to lead an economic development mission to Taiwan, South Korea, and Japan.

“While I am in Taiwan, South Korea & Japan working on business deals worth billions, I remain in daily contact with Texas Division of Emergency Management & local officials to ensure preparation for Hurricane Beryl,” Abbott wrote on Sunday.

“Your safety is our top concern.”

Many are making comparisons to February 2021, when Senator Ted Cruz infamously jetted off to Cancun for a family vacation, meanwhile leaving his fellow Texans to suffer record-cold temperatures and power outages.

Over two million still without power in Texas in the aftermath of Hurricane Beryl

12:40 , Amelia Neath

Eastern Texas has been considerably hit with power outages as Beryl, now a tropical depression, moves out of the region.

As of Tuesday at 6.17am CDT, over 2.3 million customers were without power, according to data from poweroutage.us.

Galveston on the coast appears to be one of the worst hit, with over 58,000 out, and Brazoria also shows to have over 36,000 customers with power outages.

The counties of Polk and Liberty also have over 24,000 each with no power.

The number of people without power remains in the millions after the number started to increase after Beryl made landfall yesterday morning.

Beryl to bring flash flooding to Michigan and Mississippi Valley

13:00 , Amelia Neath

Flood warnings have been put in place as Tropical Depression Beryl moves out of Texas and further inland in the United States.

Beryl will bring heavy rainfall and possible flash flooding from the Lower and Mid Mississippi Valley to the Great Lakes near Michigan today into Wednesday, the National Hurricane Center said.

A Flood Watch is in effect for portions of Eastern Oklahoma, Northern Arkansas, Central and Southern Missouri, Illinois, Northern Indiana and Southern Michigan.

Beryl is currently only sustaining maximum winds of 30mph (45km/h) and forecasters predict that there will be little change in this strength in the next 48 hours.

Experts say “absolutely crazy” ocean temperatures were behind Hurricane Beryl being supercharged

13:20 , Amelia Neath

Weather experts say that unusually hot ocean temperatures in Beryl’s path were the culprit behind its intensification, providing the storm with increased energy as it swept through the Caribbean before hitting Mexico and the US.

“In the Caribbean Sea it has actually been warmer than its usual peak since mid-May, which is absolutely crazy,” Brian McNoldy, a climate scientist at the University of Miami, told The Guardian. 

“If the ocean already looks like it’s the peak of hurricane season, we are going to get peak hurricanes.”

Ocean heat temperatures keep on smashing their own records year on year, with global ocean temperatures reaching a record high in 2023.

“With a climate-change influenced ocean, we are making extreme storms like this more likely to happen.”

AccuWeather Lead Hurricane Expert Alex DaSilva also said that “water temperatures across much of the Gulf of Mexico are essentially as warm as bathtub water. Those warm waters are at the surface, and they extend hundreds of feet down.

“Warm waters act like jet fuel for hurricanes, and it won’t take long for temperatures to rebound in the wake of Beryl,” the expert added.

Texans to face heat challenges as power outages are still rampant in the state

13:40 , Amelia Neath

As Texas spent most of Monday experiencing extreme weather conditions as Hurricane Beryl made landfall, bringing with it mass flooding and strong winds, some areas will now also face heat challenges as temperatures rise.

As officials in Texas move to recover from the damage Beryl has left behind, a heat advisory has been put in place for southeast Texas in effect on Tuesday.

Heat indexes show that temperature values could reach as high as 106F degrees.

“While this would normally be below criteria for a Heat Advisory, the widespread loss of power and air conditioning across SE TX could make for dangerous conditions through the day,” the National Weather Service in Houston said.

“This will be especially true for those still cleaning up outside who may not have a chance to properly cool off.”

As of Tuesday at 7am CDT, over 2.3 million customers were still without power, according to data from poweroutage.us.

Lynnae Wilson, Senior Vice President, Electric Business at CenterPoint told AccuWeather that they were “mobilizing all of our available resources, as well as mutual assistance resources from other utility companies, to begin the process of quickly and safely restoring power to our customers.

“We understand how difficult it is to be without power for any amount of time, especially in the heat. We are laser-focused on the important and time-sensitive work that lies ahead,” she added.

NRG Stadium’s roof appears damaged after Beryl tore through Houston

14:00 , Amelia Neath

Hurricane Beryl appeared to have damaged the roof of Houston’s NRG stadium after it ripped through the city, leaving destruction of buildings and other structures in its wake.

Images captured by ABC13 show what looks like a hole in a grooved portion of the venue’s retractable roof.

NRG officials told the local outlet that they were waiting for a full assessment to disclose a damage report.

The NRG Stadium is the only rodeo and NFL indoor/outdoor retractable roof stadium that can be configured to utilize a 125,000 square foot space, their website states.

The stadium hosts hundreds of events per year, including concerts, sports, and floor events.

Austin went largely unscathed after Beryl hit Texas – but the rain could have helped out Lake Travis

14:20 , Amelia Neath

While Hurricane Beryl brought mass destruction to cities and towns around Texas as a Category 1 hurricane, one silver lining it could have brought was to replenish Lake Travis.

However, Austin more or less dodged the heavy impacts of the storm, yet the lake still sits with a water level issue.

“Lake Travis right now is in one of its record low periods. The lowest that it’s ever been was in the drought of the 1950s,” said John Hofmann, executive vice president of water for the Lower Colorado River Authority told local outlet KXAN.

In the 1950s, a tropical storm dumped around 26 inches of rain over Lake Travis, allowing it to rise around 50 feet in 18 hours, KXAN forecaster Jim Spencer said.

While Austin was missed by Beryl, Spencer said a similar event like another tropical system “that comes inland stalls and drops a lot of rainfall” could be “our only hope for a really wet summertime around here.”

Warning Coordination Meteorologist with the National Weather Service, Paul Yura told CBS Austin before Beryl made landfall that “It looks like [Beryl] is not going to be a drought-buster, for especially the areas west of Austin, where we really need to build up some of that water and the aquifer and also the highland.”

“Historically it hasn’t even needed to be a big hurricane, we can just have a tropical depression or even a weaker tropical storm,” said Yura, “Hopefully later in the season can go into the Hill Country and produce a lot of rainfall like we need.”

Texas governor jets off to Asia as state is hammered by deadly Hurricane Beryl

14:40 , Amelia Neath

Texas Governor Greg Abbott has faced criticism for jetting off to Asia while his state is hammered by a deadly hurricane.

Beryl made landfall along the Texas coast as a category 1 Hurricane early on Monday morning, bringing with it life-threatening storm surge, damaging winds and widespread flooding.

The powerful storm, which was weaker than when it swept through the Caribbean causing mass devastation as a category 5 hurricane last week, damaged homes, cutting off power to more than two million properties and resulted in several deaths.

While emergency responders have banded together to try to keep Texans safe, one rather prominent figure was missing.

On July 5 – while Hurricane Beryl was moving towards the Yucatan Peninsula in Mexico and was forecast to land in southern Texas by the weekend’s close — Abbott announced that he was heading to Taiwan, South Korea, and Japan to lead an economic development mission.

Organized by the Governor’s Economic Development & Tourism Office and the Texas Economic Development Corporation, the governor left the state that day and is set to return on July 13.

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Texas governor jets off to Asia as state is hammered by deadly Hurricane Beryl

In Pictures: The aftermath of Beryl battering coastal communities in Texas

15:05 , Amelia Neath

‘Deadly hazards remain’ in the storm’s path as Beryl heads north

15:35 , Kelly Rissman

Hurricane Beryl, now a tropical depression, devastated Houston on Monday, leaving the city to clean up flash flooding, downed power lines, and fallen trees.

Now, the storm has left the state of Texas. Flash floods will affect parts of the Mississippi Valley.

Beryl is then projected to head north toward the Great Lakes by Tuesday night, according to the National Hurricane Center.

On Wednesday, the northeast faces the risk of rainfall and flash floods.

“Deadly hazards remain,” the center warned. The agency encouraged locals to ensure generators are properly ventilated to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning.

No air conditioning me

16:00 , Kelly Rissman

Beryl has left more than 2.5 milllion without power across Houston and eastern Texas — meaning no air conditioning as temperatures soar.

The storm has now been downgraded to a tropical depression, but leaves residents to clean up its mess.

On Monday, the then-Category 1 hurricane’s whipping winds knocked down trees, impacted power lines, and caused flash floods in the region.

The timing of the mass power outage occured when temperatures are expected into the 90s on Tuesday in the Houston area, leaving locals without air conditioning.

An outage map from electricity company CenterPoint Energy showed that nearly 1.8 million were still without power as of Tuesday morning. The company estimated that it could restore power to 1 million affected customers by the end of the day on Wednesday.

WATCH: Drone footage shows Houston roads submerged as Hurricane Beryl passes through Texas

16:30 , Kelly Rissman

Houston faces heat advisory as residents swelter without AC

17:30 , Kelly Rissman

The National Weather Service Houston warned that the heat index could reach a scorching 106 degrees as residents are left without power — and air conditioning.

The agency urged locals to take things slowly and carefully, given the high heat: “Stay hydrated. Wear light, loose-fitting clothing. Take breaks in shaded areas or in air conditioning. Cleanup during cooler hours if possible.”

To help beat the heat, the city of Houston announced that it was opening cooling shelters on Tuesday. “People without adequate transportation to a designated cooling center can call 3-1-1 to request a free ride. Transportation is only to and from the cooling centers,” the release said.

The city also urged residents to stay off the roads and to work from home as clean up from Beryl’s destruction is underway.

Beryl breaks record as strongest hurricane to form in the Caribbean this season since 1850

17:45 , Kelly Rissman

Last week, Beryl broke a record, becoming the strongest hurricane to form in the Caribbean for this time of the year since at least 1850, according to a study by ClimaMeter.

Beryl became a Category 5 hurricane “unusually early in the year,” on July 3, the study says.

Scientists say climate change caused the storm to become even more severe.

“The intense rainfall and hurricane force winds that led to massive destruction...was made up to 10-30% more intense due to human-induced climate change and other factors,” according to the study.

The storm was a Category 1 hurricane when it made landfall in Texas on Monday as is now moving northeast after it’s been downgraded to a post-tropical cyclone.

At least eight have died as a result of the storm.

Officials have been warning locals impacted by Beryl to stay inside if possible — especially as Texas could see temperatures soar up to over 100 degrees.

In photos: The aftermath of Beryl

18:00 , Kelly Rissman

Post-tropical cyclone Beryl heads north

18:15 , Kelly Rissman

Areas spanning from mid-Mississippi to the lower Ohio Valleya are at risk of flash flooding and tornadoes on Tuesday, according to the National Weather Service.

The Category 1 hurricane pummeled Texas on Monday, leaving residents without power.

Now, the storm is considered a post-tropical cyclone, and is heading northeast.

Flood watch is in effect for parts of northern Arkansas, central and southern Missouri, Illinois, western Kentucky, northern Indiana and southern Michigan.

Cooling shelters now open in Houston

18:30 , Kelly Rissman

Beryl leaves tornadoes, floods, and devastation in its wake

18:45 , Kelly Rissman

Texans are left to clean up the mess created by Beryl, which pummeled Houston on Monday.

The storm left millions without power or AC — just in time for triple-digit-heat to plague the state. Houston announced that it had opened several cooling shelters across the city on Tuesday as refuge. CenterPoint Energy said it was hoping to restore power to 1 million impacted customers by Wednesday night.

The heat aside, floods and downed power lines have created ‘deadly hazards,’ the NSW warned. Texas officials have been urging residents to stay at home and off the roads, if possible.

Outside of Texas, tornadoes are possible as early as today in parts of Kentucky, Tennessee, Missouri, Illinois, Indiana and Ohio.

WATCH: Hurricane Beryl response

19:00 , Kelly Rissman

In photos: Texas is left to clean up the destruction left in Beryl’s wake

19:30 , Kelly Rissman

Beryl should serve as ‘trial run’ ahead of the height of hurricane season, meteorologist advises

20:00 , Kelly Rissman

Beryl may have been the first hurricane of the 2024 Atlantic hurricane season — but Texas should learn from it as hurricane season approaches.

Houston opened cooling shelters for residents — especially the 2 million of those who are now without power or AC as temperatures soar to 100 degrees.

“We should absolutely be treating Hurricane Beryl as a trial run for what could come,” Space City Weather meterologist Matt Lanza told the Houston Chronicle.

Planning ahead for the next storm, like stocking up on resources or figuring out an evacuation plan, is crucial heading into active hurricane season, Lanza told the outlet.

“I imagine a lot of people will leave at the first sign of another storm,” the meteorologist said. “On the other hand, some people may have seen that wind...and decided it’s not that bad and they’ll stay put.”

Travel advice amid Beryl: Will travel insurance help?

20:30 , Kelly Rissman

Christina Tunnah, general manager of Americas for World Nomads, said; “If Hurricane Beryl derails your travel plans, the first point of call should be your airline or travel provider as they may provide aid. The same goes if your accommodation is impacted by the disaster.

“Travel insurance may offer cover for a range of events including trip cancellation, missed connection, and trip delay – but it depends on the type of travel insurance policy purchased and whether you’ve started your journey yet.

“At World Nomads, on our Explorer Plan, if your accommodation is affected, you may be covered for reasonable additional accommodation and transport costs. You may also claim for additional expenses incurred if your pre booked public transport is cancelled or delayed for more than 12-24 hours, depending on the scenario.”

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Hurricane Beryl: Travel advice as ‘life-threatening’ storm hits Texas

Beryl’s devastation: By the numbers

21:00 , Kelly Rissman

Beryl, once a Category 1 hurricane, is now a post-tropical cyclone. Despite the downgraded status, the storm continues to leave destruction in its wake.

Here’s a glimpse at some of the damage, by the numbers:

• 8: the number of people who have died as a result of the storm

• 2.5 million: the number of people who were experiencing power outages — many of those customers have yet to have power restored.

• 100: the temperature in Texas on Tuesday, which could climb to 106.

• 1850: the year of the strongest hurricane to form in the Caribbean for this time of the year — Beryl broke that record on July 3

Ohio Valley prepares for possible tornadoes and thunderstorms

21:30 , Kelly Rissman

The damage and economic loss from Beryl in the US could total $30bn

21:45 , Kelly Rissman

The total damage and economic loss from the devastation of Beryl in the United States is $28-32 billion, AccuWeather predicted.

The storm on Monday pummeled Houston, where residents are left to clean up the damage while enduring triple-digit temperatures and no air conditioning due to downed power lines.

“Beryl will go down in the history books as a record-shattering hurricane. It was the earliest Category 5 hurricane on record in the Atlantic basin, causing catastrophic damage in the Windward Islands. Beryl brought impacts to Jamaica and the Cayman Islands before slamming into the Yucatan Peninsula of Mexico with damaging wind and storm surge,” said AccuWeather Chief Meteorologist Jon Porter.

Flash floods could hit the northeast while the midwest should be aware of possible tornadoes

22:17 , Kelly Rissman

Post-tropical cyclone Beryl could leave flash floods and tornadoes in its path through Wednesday, according to the National Weather Service.

Flood watch is in effect for southeast Missouri, Illinois, western Kentucky, northern Indiana, southern Michigan, northern New York, Vermont, New Hampshire and western Maine. Meanwhile, a tornado watch is underway for parts of the Midwest — middle Tennessee, Kentucky, southern Illinois, southern Indiana, and southwest Ohio.

In Texas, residents are picking up the pieces of the devastation left by Beryl after it slammed Houston on Monday, knocking down trees and power lines.

The city is cleaning up the damage as it endures with triple-digit heat, and little air conditioning as 2.5 million customers experience power outages.