Beryl misses North Central Louisiana

Hurricane Beryl slammed into the Texas coast earlier this week, ripping through Houston and east Texas on its path to western Louisiana, Arkansas, and the Mississippi Valley. Beryl reached Category 5 strength on its path near Jamaica, the Yucatán, and along the Mexican Gulf Coast before weakening to a Category 1 before coming ashore in Texas. At one point, Beryl was forecast to hit north central Louisiana, which was spared when the easterly hook did not happen.
Texas and Mexico took the brunt of Beryl. Trees were downed across countless yards, highways flooded with murky water, houses and other structures were demolished. Millions of people in Texas remain without power, and many of them remain without homes. According to reports from meteorologist Brian Lada, Beryl has caused damages currently estimated between $28 and $32 billion.
Hurricane Beryl claimed the lives of 8 individuals in Texas and Louisiana. One of whom was Russell Richardson, a civilian member of the Houston Police Department who was caught in the rapidly rising floodwaters in Houston.
“This was the most widespread damaging wind in the Houston Metro, likely since Hurricane Ike in 2008, with similar wind impacts in a lot of places,” AccuWeather Chief Meteorologist Jonathan Porter said.
Residents of Texas are particularly concerned with the rising temperatures and lack of power. Acting Texas Governor Lt. Dan Patrick stated that President Joe Biden has approved the state’s request for a Major Disaster Declaration. This frees the resources necessary to provide generators and other needed assistance for the people of Texas.
Donations to help may be directed to the Houston Food Bank website. Text “givehfb” to 41444.