Houston, TX (7/8/2024) – Hurricane Beryl unleashed its fury on the Houston area early Monday, resulting in widespread power outages, significant flooding, and the tragic loss of two lives. By mid-afternoon, more than 2.3 million residents were left without electricity, as reported by CenterPoint Energy.
The storm, which initially touched down near Matagorda at 4 a.m. as a Category 1 hurricane, brought with it winds exceeding 80 mph. It was later downgraded to a tropical storm around 10 a.m., after moving north through the Houston region.
Authorities confirmed at least two deaths linked to the storm. In Humble, a 53-year-old man was killed when a tree fell onto his home, crushing him while he sat with his family. His wife and children survived without harm. Another fatality occurred in northwest Houston, where a 74-year-old woman died after a tree toppled onto her residence.
Harris County Sheriff Ed Gonzalez and Precinct 3 Commissioner Tom Ramsey provided details of the incidents, highlighting the dangers posed by the storm. Despite Beryl’s departure from the area by the afternoon, its aftermath left many bayous and streets flooded, complicating cleanup and recovery efforts.
Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo addressed the ongoing challenges, noting that power outages, water-logged roads, and general safety remain significant concerns. She urged residents to stay indoors unless absolutely necessary, cautioning that the debris and standing water pose serious risks.
“Stay where you are unless you really need to go out,” Hidalgo advised. “There are lots of hazards out there. There’s debris. There’s water. Sometimes you won’t know until you turn that there’s high water you can’t back away from.”
Recovery plans are in place, with power restoration updates expected by Tuesday and shelters set to open for those affected. The community braces for a tough recovery, hoping for swift action to restore normalcy in the wake of this devastating storm.
To check power outages across the United States: https://poweroutage.us
Source: Poweroutages.us
