Texas sees dangerous thunderstorms, rain after Category 1 storm makes landfall

Beryl hits Texas as a Category 1 hurricane

Hurricane Beryl made landfall near Matagorda around 4 a.m. Monday as a Category 1 hurricane, according to the National Hurricane Center. The storm intensified overnight Sunday and had maximum sustained winds of 80 miles per hour when it made landfall. A 5am ​​warning of the National Hurricane Center warned of life-threatening storm surge and inland flooding on Monday.

Hundreds of thousands of Texans are without power, including many in coastal counties like Brazoria and Matagorda, according to PowerOutage.us. The full extent of the storm’s damage is still unclear — and it could cause more on Monday as it moves northeast through the state.

The hurricane center said the coast was experiencing a life-threatening storm surge. He also warned of flash flooding across the southeastern part of the state as the storm continues to move inland, bringing 5 to 10 inches of rain to some areas — or up to 6 inches in some isolated places.

Category 1 storms primarily damage unanchored mobile homes, shrubs and trees. They can also cause extensive damage to electrical lines and cause power outages that last several days.

– Pooja Salhotra

Heavy rains and flash flooding expected in East Texas

A broad swath of Texas is expected to receive several inches of rain on Monday as the remnants of Beryl are expected to move northeast across the state. The National Hurricane Center said up to 10 inches could fall in some places — and some isolated areas of the state could receive 6 inches.

The center warned that the rain could cause flash flooding. Some river flooding may also occur on Monday. Beryl is expected to weaken from a hurricane to a tropical storm later on Monday.

Tornadoes are also possible along the Upper Texas Coast and parts of East Texas on Monday.

Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick said Sunday that Texans living east of Interstate 35 could bear the brunt of the storm.

“Residents sheltering in place should take immediate precautions against sustained winds, heavy rain, flooding, coastal storm surge and possible tornadoes,” Patrick said.

-Brandon Formby

What should I do after a hurricane hits?

Keep away from flood waters and damaged power lines. Do not enter damaged buildings. Take photos and document damage to your home or property. Residents are also encouraged to document storm damage and losses through a state online search to help state officials understand the extent of the damage.

Organizations like the American Red Cross, the Salvation Army, and local volunteer organizations can help you find food, shelter, and supplies, as well as even assist you with cleanup efforts.

Government and community resources may be available to help with recovery. Disaster declarations from the governor and president could free up federal funds for recovery assistance from the Federal Emergency Management Agency. People cannot receive disaster relief and insurance assistance for the same damages, so insured Texans must file claims through their existing policies before requesting assistance from FEMA.

– Maria Probert Hermosillo and Pooja Salhotra