Hurricanes are nothing new to Texas and have historically impacted the state’s communities, infrastructure, and agriculture, but officials have urged farmers and ranchers to stay alert with Hurricane Beryl’s arrival in Texas today.
“As Hurricane Beryl approaches the Gulf Coast, today and tomorrow will be the last 2 days for Texans to make preparations for the coming storm,” acting Gov. Dan Patrick said in a news release. “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.”
The storm made landfall as a Category 1 near Matagorda, Texas, 110 miles south of Houston, with winds up to 90 mph, heavy rainfall, and flash flooding, according to the National Hurricane Center. A tornado watch will remain in effect for southeastern Texas until 10 a.m.
Sheriff Ed Gonzalez of Harris County confirmed that following Hurricane Beryl’s arrival in Houston, tragedy struck Kings River Village in Humble as a tree collapsed onto a residence, resulting in the death of a 53-year-old man. The incident occurred while the man was inside with his family, seeking shelter from the storm, when an oak tree crashed through their roof, causing a fatal injury.
Tragic! @HCSOTexas units responded to the 20900 blk of Heather Grove Ct (Kings River Village – Humble). A tree fell on a house and a man was trapped under debris. Preliminary info indicates one person has been confirmed deceased. Fire department is on-scene.
1/2 pic.twitter.com/xtYCDzoWwS— Ed Gonzalez (@SheriffEd_HCSO) July 8, 2024
Currently, according to PowerOutage.us, over 2 million electric customers in Texas are without power, and this number continues to climb as Beryl’s impact persists.
Wind gusts have been particularly severe across several locations: In Freeport, gusts reached speeds up to 94 mph, while Matagorda City experienced gusts of 86 mph. Palacios and an elevated station in Houston reported gusts of 81 mph, and Galveston recorded gusts as high as 86 mph. Additionally, Houston Hobby Airport measured gusts up to 84 mph, with Houston Intercontinental Airport registering gusts reaching 79 mph.
Some ranchers have moved cattle out of the storm’s surge to help protect vulnerable calves.
Meanwhile, the Texas FFA Convention has been forced to make changes to its schedule due to the hurricane. Some FFA chapters have also announced the cancellation of their plans to travel to Houston for the convention.
Last week, despite forecasts predicting rapid weakening upon landfall, the storm unleashed devastation across Jamaica, Grenada, St. Vincent and the Grenadines. Tragically, it claimed the lives of at least another 11 individuals, and caused widespread destruction by toppling buildings and power lines.
On Saturday, the Texas Lieutenant Governor’s Office added 81 counties to a disaster declaration ahead of the storm’s landfall.
Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller and the Texas Department of Agriculture have urged Texans to be proactive and prepared for hurricanes as the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration forecasts seventeen to twenty-five named storms in the Atlantic between June and November.
Eight to 13 are projected to become hurricanes, with four to seven major storms.
“Texans know first-hand just how devastating hurricanes can be,” Commissioner Miller emphasized. “Harvey was one of the costliest natural disasters in U.S. history. I pray we are spared any further extreme weather, but still, Texans need to stay proactive when facing future storms. Farmers and ranchers should brace themselves for what could be the start of an active hurricane season.”
The Texas Department of Agriculture made suggestions that Texas farmers, ranchers, and agricultural producers can take to prepare for a hurricane:
- Develop an Emergency Plan:
- Outline specific actions to take before, during, and after a hurricane.
- Secure Buildings and Equipment:
- Reinforce barns, greenhouses, and other structures to withstand high winds.
- Secure or store loose equipment, machinery, and tools that could be damaged or cause damage.
- Protect Livestock:
- Identify safe locations to move livestock, such as higher ground or sturdy shelters.
- Ensure an adequate supply of feed, water, and medical supplies.
- Mark animals with identification in case they get lost.
- Safeguard Crops:
- Harvest crops that are ready to be picked to minimize loss.
- Consider planting windbreaks or using temporary covers for delicate plants.
- Backup Power and Water Supply:
- Have generators ready to maintain essential operations like milking and refrigeration.
- Ensure water storage systems are filled and have backup water supplies for livestock.
- Review Insurance Policies:
- Ensure all insurance policies are current and provide adequate coverage for potential hurricane damage.
- Maintain Communication:
- Stay informed with weather updates and alerts from trusted sources.
- Establish communication plans with family, employees, and local emergency services.
- Prepare Emergency Kits:
- Stock up on essentials such as non-perishable food, water, first aid supplies, batteries, and flashlights.
- Document Important Information:
- Keep important documents, such as identification, insurance papers, and livestock records, in a safe and easily accessible place.
“It’s vital that Texans have an emergency plan in place,” Commissioner Miller added. “Hurricanes can strengthen rapidly, change course suddenly, and their impacts are often unpredictable. It’s best to be prepared. We should also listen closely to guidance from state and local officials during an emergency.”
