Major storm Beryl, which has already caused 11 deaths in the Caribbean, was expected to regain hurricane status before making landfall on the Texas coastline Monday morning. Coastal officials have urged tourists to cut their Fourth of July vacations short, placing several beach towns under evacuation orders.
Beryl’s unexpected intensity is attributed to the unusually warm water temperatures in the Atlantic Ocean and Caribbean Sea. These conditions have refueled the storm, allowing it to gain 35 mph in wind speed in less than 24 hours on three separate occasions, according to the Associated Press.
Residents and visitors along the Texas coast are bracing for impact as the storm approaches with increasing ferocity. Local authorities have been coordinating evacuation efforts and preparing emergency response measures to mitigate the potential damage.
The National Hurricane Center has issued warnings and advisories, emphasizing the importance of heeding evacuation orders and taking necessary precautions. Beryl’s rapid intensification and potential to regain hurricane strength pose significant risks, including strong winds, heavy rainfall, and dangerous storm surges.