Wednesday, December 15, 2021
The storm made landfall in Texas as a Category 1 hurricane before weakening to a tropical storm.
Hurricane Beryl hit the Texas coast, causing heavy rains and powerful winds that left around 2 million homes and businesses without power. The storm, previously a tropical storm shortly before landfall, resulted in at least two fatalities.
The storm also led to dramatic scenes of rescue operations amid rising waters and flooding streets. Emergency crews conducted water rescues as flooding affected various areas, including Houston.
Beryl's impact included fallen trees, damaged homes, and power outages, with warnings of continued flooding and potential tornadoes. Coastal counties advised evacuations and precautionary measures due to the storm's intensity. Texas officials urged coastal residents to prepare for further heavy rain and wind as the storm progressed inland.
Texas doesn't often get major hurricanes, with the average being 1 a year. Their last devastating hurricane was when hurricane Harvey hit as a category 4 in 2017. Hurricane Harvey caused an estimates $125 billion in damages.
Hurricane Harvey resulted in the deaths of 103 people in Texas. Of these fatalities, 68 were directly caused by the storm, marking it as one of the deadliest hurricanes in Texas since 1919.
Places at Risk of Hurricanes (Hint: Texas is on the list)
The Do's & Don'ts During a Hurricane
How to Prepare for Extended Power Outages
Top 10 U.S. Cities at Risk of Floods (Hint: Texas has 2 Cities on this list)
Preparing for hurricanes is crucial for individuals living in hurricane-prone regions, as these powerful storms can cause widespread devastation and pose significant risks to life and property. To protect your property, it is essential to fortify your home by securing doors and windows, trimming trees and shrubs, and reinforcing roofs and structures to withstand high winds. Installing storm shutters, reinforcing garage doors, and securing outdoor furniture and objects can help minimize damage from flying debris and strong winds during a hurricane.
Surviving hurricanes requires careful planning and preparation, including creating an emergency kit with essential supplies such as food, water, medications, first aid supplies, and important documents. Developing a family emergency plan that outlines evacuation routes, designated shelters, communication strategies, and meeting points is essential for ensuring the safety of your loved ones during a hurricane. Staying informed about weather alerts, evacuation orders, and emergency updates from local authorities is critical for making informed decisions and taking timely action to protect yourself and your family.
In the event of a hurricane, it is important to follow evacuation orders if instructed to do so and seek shelter in a safe location away from flood-prone areas and storm surge zones. During the storm, stay indoors, away from windows, and in an interior room on the lowest level of your home to minimize exposure to high winds and flying debris. After the hurricane passes, exercise caution when venturing outside, as downed power lines, flooding, and debris may pose additional hazards. By being prepared, staying vigilant, and following safety guidelines, you can enhance your chances of surviving a hurricane and protecting your property from the destructive forces of these powerful storms.
