Hurricane Beryl has moved out of Houston.
The KPRC 2 Storm Tracker Team provided updates as the storm moved through the Houston area.
4 p.m. update:
Anthony: Beryl has moved out of SE Texas. It’s still pretty gusty this evening but the good news is that most of the rain has moved out. The winds will slowly calm as we move through the rest of the night and really, it’s cleanup time now -- picking up all the limbs that are down, trees, and also of course the fences.
The flooding that we have, we’re just waiting for the bayous and of course some of those flooded streets to go down so really as we head toward tomorrow, finally things will look a little more like Houston. It’s hot and humid but not as hot, lower 90s for our high temperature. Winds will be calm and we head back to more of a typical summertime pattern with maybe a hit or miss stray shower or thunderstorm. We are done with the tropics!
1 p.m. update:
Caroline: The worst of Beryl is certainly over. We’re still going to see gusty winds into this evening, but by 10 p.m., winds will calm down. Most of the rainfall has already moved out, but we can continue to see flooding in the channels and bayous. We will be keeping you updated on TV or at click2houston.com/floodtracker/
12:10 p.m. update
Justin:
- Movement and speed: The latest advisory shows Hurricane Beryl is moving north-northeast at around 13 miles per hour. This suggests the storm will be out of the area within the next two hours.
- The aftermath: Reporter Robert Arnold reported significant damage, including a massive tree that fell into a yard and garage. The pressure of the storm is rising, with maximum winds at 65 miles per hour. Houston Metro has experienced significant rainfall, with areas receiving between 6 to 10 inches. Some spots may have received closer to a foot of rain.
- Flash Flood Warnings: Many flash flood warnings have been replaced by aerial flood advisories, especially on the north side. Flash flood warnings remain in place for Bush Intercontinental and Montgomery County until 1 p.m. Most of Harris County is under a flash flood warning until 1:00 p.m. as well, likely to be extended. Specific areas of concern include Buffalo Bayou, White Oak, Brays Bayou, and Oyster Creek.
- Flooding: Buffalo Bayou near Milam and other bayous have risen significantly, causing concerns about flooding. Corley Peel is reporting from White Oak Bayou, which is close to its banks.
Caroline:
- Creek and bayou status: Significant concerns about the elevated levels of creeks and bayous, including Bear Creek and Greens Bayou in Spring, which are swollen. White Oak Bayou at Heights Boulevard is reported to be over seven feet above its banks.
- Wave heights and wind speeds: Significant wave height improvements have been seen in Galveston, with current wave heights between 8 and 10 feet. Wind speeds continue to be a concern with gusts of 25-30 miles per hour and some areas experiencing gusts up to 40-50 miles per hour.
- Potential dam failure: There were concerns about the Lake Livingston Dam, but it appears the storm is moving through quickly enough to avoid major issues. The Corps of Engineers is monitoring the situation.
- Continued monitoring: The focus remains on monitoring the bayous and creeks as additional light rain moves in. Any additional rainfall, even if light, could exacerbate the already swollen water bodies.
10:55 a.m. update
Justin: We’ve just received an update on the number of customers now without power. This refreshed data shows that more than 2 million people are currently without electricity due to Hurricane Beryl. CenterPoint Energy is working tirelessly to address these outages.
Additionally, there was a report of a person needing rescue who is now safe.
The number of people without power has now exceeded the outages caused by previous severe weather events. It’s important to note that while some outages are due to breakers and transformers that tripped, many areas should see quicker restoration once crews can safely address the issues.
For those without power, we hope for a swift resolution. If you’re watching us or on our website on your phone or other mobile device, thank you for staying informed with KPRC 2.
Here’s the latest advisory: Hurricane Beryl has been downgraded to a tropical storm, currently located just west of Bush Intercontinental. The storm is moving north at around 13 miles per hour with max winds of about 70 miles per hour.
Flash flood warnings remain in effect across several areas, and some regions are experiencing significant flooding. For instance, Galveston is starting to see improvements as the storm moves away, but it’s crucial to remain cautious.
9:30 update
Tornado Warnings and Flash Flood Warnings:
- A tornado warning is in effect for San Jacinto County, specifically near Cleveland, until 9:30 a.m.
- We also have tornado warnings north of Lumberton and South Lake, with one extending until 9:45 a.m. near Highway 287.
- Numerous flash flood warnings are in place, including a new one for central Montgomery County near Cleveland, which will last until 12:00 PM.
Current storm movement:
- The storm is moving north at approximately 10-12 mph. The eye of the storm is currently located near Katy, moving towards Cyprus and western Harris County.
- Heavy rain bands are causing significant flooding concerns, particularly from Rosenberg across Highway 59 to Highway 8, and in northern areas from Bush Airport to Aldine.
Rainfall and flooding:
- Areas near Sugar Land have reported nearly 9 inches of rain, Lake Jackson almost 5 inches, and Katy over 6 inches. Central Houston has seen over 3 inches of rain.
- Flash flood warnings are extended for most of the Houston metro area until 11:00 AM.
- Particularly heavy rain has been reported near Midtown, Meadows Place, Missouri City, and Sugar Land.
POWER OUTAGES: Nearly 2 million people have no electricity | Here’s how you can still watch KPRC 2 News
Wind conditions:
- Sustained winds of 60 mph with gusts up to 80 mph have been recorded. Strong winds are expected to continue causing damage and power outages.
- Wind speeds across different regions include 52 mph in Columbus, 56 mph in Sugar Land, and 30 mph gusts in Brenham.
Power outages:
- Reports indicate significant power outages across the region, with Montgomery County seeing the highest impact at over 50,000 customers affected.
8:35 a.m. update
Justin: As we look at the radar, you can see the conditions are still very messy, even as daylight starts to break. This tornado warning is part of the severe weather we’re seeing due to Hurricane Beryl. The warning covers parts of Chambers County. We are monitoring for any potential spins or circulations within the rain bands, which are likely to create more of these warnings throughout the morning.
We also have multiple flash flood warnings in effect, with the central Houston area under a life-threatening flash flood warning until 11 a.m. The velocity product indicates strong outbound winds, particularly in rural Chambers County, where the tornado warning is in effect. The rain bands have been bringing heavy rain and strong winds, causing significant disruptions and dangerous conditions.
Caroline: Rainfall totals are quickly stacking up, with Sugar Land approaching nine inches, Lake Jackson almost five inches, and Katy over six inches. Houston has received over three inches of rain. These intense rainfall amounts are causing our channels and streams to exceed their banks. Areas south of Santa Fe, Friendswood, Pearland, and the west side of town are seeing significant flooding.
Winds are also a major concern, with Brenham experiencing gusts up to 30 mph and Columbus up to 52 mph. These winds are expected to increase, with some areas seeing gusts up to 60 mph by lunchtime.
7:30 a.m. update:
Justin:
- Closures: Galveston College, Galveston ISD, and Goose Creek are closed today. Additional closures can be found HERE.
- Power outages: Nearly a million outages reported.
- Flash Flood Warnings: Warnings extend from Lake Jackson to The Woodlands and are likely to be replaced by aerial flood advisories. Harris County warning until 9 a.m.; The Woodlands and Bush Airport until 9:30 a.m.
- Storm center location: Between El Campo and Wharton, with sustained winds of 33 mph in El Campo and 30 mph in Galveston.
- Severe weather: Intense rain bands around the storm’s center, leading to heavy rain and potential storm surge.
Caroline:
- Channel statuses: Severe conditions in Pearland and Clear Lake, indicating likely flooding. West side of town, including Mission Bend and Memorial, also seeing deteriorating conditions.
- Rainfall totals: Over 4 inches in Pearland and nearly 7 inches in Bay City in the last 24 hours.
- Movement: The storm is moving north at 12 mph, expected to impact Katy and I-10 area by mid-morning.
- Flood Watch: Additional 5 to 10 inches of rain expected, with isolated spots up to 13 inches. Flood watch remains in effect.
6 a.m. update
Justin: For those just joining us, here’s the latest update. The first flash flood warning across the metro area is being described as a life-threatening situation. Everyone is urged to hunker down and not leave unless absolutely necessary. This warning extends from Katy, Fulcher down to Rosenberg, and Sugarland, indicating severe weather conditions with rainfall rates of 2 to 3 inches per hour causing road flooding.
Earlier, a tornado warning moved from the east towards 45 and expired at 5:30 a.m. The flash flood warning remains in effect until 9:00 a.m., suggesting that severe conditions will persist for the next several hours. The eye of the storm made landfall near Matagorda Bay at about 5:00 a.m., with bands intensifying and creating more severe weather conditions.
The National Weather Service has labeled this a life-threatening event. The heaviest rain bands are now moving towards Cypress, Sealy, Bellville, and Hempstead. Flights at Bush Airport are canceled, so travel plans should be postponed.
A new flash flood warning has replaced an area flood advisory and is in effect until 8:30 a.m., covering all of Galveston Island. As the storm moves north, street flooding is increasingly reported in areas such as Jersey Village and downtown.
Caroline: Rainfall totals are rapidly increasing. Pearland has recorded over four inches in the last 24 hours, with Bay City seeing over six inches. Channel statuses are turning yellow, indicating rising water levels. Areas like NASA Road 1 are already seeing flooding. Briar Branch at Campbell Road on the west side of town is near bankfull and rising, indicating likely flooding and road closures.
Quick updates:
- Flash flood warning for metro area labeled life-threatening until 9:00 a.m.
- Tornado warning expired at 5:30 a.m.
- Rainfall rates of 2-3 inches per hour causing road flooding.
- Flights at Bush Airport canceled.
- New flash flood warning for Galveston Island until 8:30 a.m.
- Significant rainfall: Pearland over 4 inches, Bay City over 6 inches.
- Rising water levels in bayous and channels, indicating potential flooding.
4:15 a.m. update
Justin Stapleton: The winds in Sugar Land are intensifying, with speeds likely to increase from 20-25 mph to 30-40 mph within the next 1-2 hours. The storm is expected to make landfall within 30 minutes.
The storm’s first heavy rain band is moving northward, bringing rainfall rates of 2-3 inches per hour, which could cause street flooding. Feeder roads and areas with poor drainage will be particularly affected. We now have tornado warnings in Brazoria and Matagorda Counties, valid until 4:15 a.m. Residents should remain indoors and avoid travel.
We expect to see significant rain and wind damage, with power outages already reported. Stay off the roads and keep your devices charged. This storm will bring dangerous conditions for the next several hours.
Caroline Brown: We’ve seen wind gusts up to 75 mph at Matagorda Bay, reaching hurricane-force levels. Rainfall has already reached 3.5 inches in some coastal areas, with totals possibly doubling. A flood watch is in effect for Southeast Texas through Tuesday morning, with expected rainfall between 5-10 inches and isolated amounts up to 13 inches.
Hurricane Beryl has officially made landfall in Matagorda, but landfall marks only the beginning of the severe weather. We still face storm surge, heavy rain, and the risk of tropical tornadoes. Tornado warnings for Fort Bend and Brazoria Counties remain in effect until 4:15 a.m. and we expect more tornado warnings to be issued as the storm progresses.
Tornado warnings: Tropical tornadoes are a serious concern with Beryl’s landfall. These tornadoes can develop quickly and with little warning. Residents in the affected areas should seek shelter immediately in an interior room away from windows. Keep your mobile devices charged and accessible to receive emergency alerts and updates.
The National Weather Service has indicated radar-detected rotation, suggesting potential tornado activity. Although no major tornado signatures have been confirmed on the ground, the threat remains high. Monitor KPRC 2 for the latest advisories and warnings.
Power outages: Matagorda County is experiencing significant power outages, with over 70% of the area currently without power. Fort Bend and Brazoria Counties are also seeing increasing outages. Keep your devices charged and stay tuned to KPRC 2 for live updates. You can also watch our coverage online at click2houston.com/watch-live if you lose power.
MONDAY, JULY 8 - 3:11 A.M. CT
Justin Stapleton: The wind will pick up. The rain will pick up, and the severe weather threat will increase as well. We’ve been monitoring the situation with Gage and Mario Diaz, who are currently at the coast. Conditions deteriorated rapidly in Surfside, forcing them indoors for safety. Expect a 1 to 2-hour lag for these conditions to spread further inland.
PHOTOS: Share photos, videos as Hurricane Beryl nears landfall on the Texas Coast
The storm’s outer eye walls are approaching the coastline, bringing heavy rain and flash flood warnings, particularly around Lake Jackson. Road conditions are worsening, so please stay at home if you can. The heaviest rain and strongest winds are expected to hit soon, with flash flood warnings already in effect for Brazoria and Matagorda Counties until 4:45 a.m.
We’re seeing significant rain bands and high winds moving through the area. Matagorda Bay and other coastal regions are experiencing wind gusts nearing 100 mph. Expect more severe weather warnings as the storm progresses inland.
Caroline Brown: We’ve observed hurricane-force wind gusts, with Matagorda Bay recording up to 75 mph. Current wind speeds near Sweeney are about 51 mph, with Bay City seeing gusts up to 82 mph. Rainfall is also a major concern, with areas like Surfside already receiving over 3.5 inches. We can expect up to 8 inches of rain today, with storm surges exacerbating the situation.
SEE MORE: Tracking Beryl: Stay ahead of the storm’s impact in the Houston area with these tools from KPRC 2
A flood watch is in effect for all of Southeast Texas through Tuesday morning, with potential rainfall totals reaching up to 13 inches in some areas. The combined impact of heavy rainfall and storm surges will lead to significant flooding.
Stay safe: The next 4 to 6 hours are critical. If you don’t need to go out, please stay indoors. KPRC 2 will continue to provide live updates throughout the storm. Keep checking back for the latest information and real-time updates on Hurricane Beryl.
2:38 a.m.: A fire was reported in Jamaica Beach after a high tension pole snapped, causing a downed line just east of Terramar Beach. KPRC 2 reporter Bill Spencer is currently in the area.
The fire department has confirmed that high tension lines are down and that the lines are not energized, as they have safely crossed them multiple times. Initial reports indicate significant damage, with multiple homes damaged and some having collapsed. The fire department describes the damage as pretty heavy.
