Texas' Acting Governor Dan Patrick has expanded the state's disaster declaration ahead of Hurricane Beryl's expected landfall. In his latest announcement, detailed on the Lieutenant Governor's official website, Patrick added an additional 81 counties, bringing the total to 121. The expanded declaration includes counties that could experience heavy rain, flooding, and damaging winds as Beryl continues its trajectory toward the Texas Gulf Coast.
"Beryl is a determined storm, and incoming winds and potential flooding will pose a serious threat to Texans who are in Beryl’s path at landfall and as it makes its way across the state for the following 24 hours," Patrick stated. With the storm intensifying in the Gulf of Mexico, officials warn that the window for preparations is rapidly closing, urging residents to stay vigilant, follow local advisories, and complete any necessary preparations before early Monday morning, when Beryl is forecasted to make landfall.
State agencies and emergency personnel have ramped up their response efforts in anticipation of the hurricane. According to the Texas Division of Emergency Management, numerous resources, including search and rescue teams, medical units, and National Guard personnel, have been deployed across the state. Over 2,000 responders and 850 assets are currently in place to support emergency operations in the face of Beryl's imminent threat.
Residents are strongly encouraged to heed the warnings of local authorities and ensure they are prepared for the hurricane's impact. The acting governor's orders highlight the need for an emergency plan, a review of evacuation routes, and the importance of securing emergency supplies. The disaster declarations and continuous updates on the storm's developments are available through the Texas Hurricane Center and other state resources like TexasReady.gov.
