Houston, Texas – Beryl, a tropical storm that is expected to regain hurricane status, is barreling through the warm waters of the Gulf of Mexico towards the Texas coast. Forecasters predict that Beryl will make landfall with heavy rains, strong winds, and dangerous storm surges on Monday. The National Hurricane Center issued a hurricane warning for a large portion of the Texas coast, from Baffin Bay to Sargent, with additional storm surge and tropical storm warnings in effect.

Beryl is currently about 330 miles southeast of Corpus Christi, with sustained winds of 60 mph and moving northwest at 13 mph. The storm, which became a Category 5 hurricane in the Atlantic, caused at least 11 deaths in the Caribbean before weakening to a tropical storm over the Yucatan Peninsula. Texas officials are warning residents to prepare for potential flooding, heavy rains, and strong winds.

Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, serving as acting governor while Gov. Greg Abbott is abroad, issued a preemptive disaster declaration for 121 counties in anticipation of Beryl’s impact. Coastal cities have advised voluntary evacuations in flood-prone areas, banned beach camping, and urged tourists to relocate their recreational vehicles from coastal parks. Residents are advised to secure their homes in preparation for the storm.

In Corpus Christi, residents are stocking up on supplies such as tarps, rope, duct tape, sandbags, and generators at local hardware stores. There has been a buzz of preparation and concern among residents, with some even planning “hurricane parties” for the incoming storm. Some areas, like Refugio County, have mandated evacuations to ensure the safety of residents.

Before heading towards Mexico, Beryl caused devastation in Jamaica, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, and Barbados. The storm left a trail of destruction and resulted in several fatalities in those regions. With Texas bracing for Beryl’s impact, residents are taking necessary precautions to safeguard their lives and property from the impending storm.