Latest Updates: Tropical Storm Beryl Expected to Bring Winds and Rain to Mexico and Texas

Texas was preparing for the impact of Tropical Storm Beryl as it formed in the Gulf of Mexico on Friday evening, prompting a hurricane watch for the state’s southern coast.

Earlier, the storm hit Mexico as a Category 2 hurricane, causing destructive winds and storm surge along the Mexican coast, resulting in downed trees and power outages. Beryl, now downgraded to a tropical storm, was expected to strengthen as it moved towards Texas over the weekend.

The storm had already caused devastation in Grenada, Jamaica, and Venezuela, resulting in 12 fatalities and destruction of infrastructure.

Severe damage left by the storm.

Predictions indicated that Beryl would make two landfalls in Mexico, crossing the Yucatán Peninsula before heading towards the northern state of Tamaulipas. A hurricane watch was in place for the affected areas.

Officials in Texas were bracing for the storm’s potential landfall, with a hurricane watch issued for the southern coast. Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick declared a disaster for 40 counties, allowing state resources to aid in preparation and recovery efforts.

Emergency response teams in Texas were closely monitoring high-risk areas from Brownsville to the Louisiana border. Concerns over flooding and storm surge remained significant, according to state officials.

In Mexico, initial reports indicated no casualties or major flooding, but power outages affected a significant portion of the population in Quintana Roo. The impact of the storm varied in Tulum, with tourists observing damages while low-income residents received assistance from the Mexican army.

Mexico’s meteorological agency reported heavy rainfall and strong winds in Campeche, Quintana Roo, and Yucatán. Beryl’s effects were felt in several countries, causing fatalities and destruction.

The approaching hurricane season is expected to be active, with forecasts indicating an above-average number of named storms. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration predicted a range of 17 to 25 named storms, a significant increase compared to average hurricane seasons.