Chief Meteorologist David Paul’s Message to Texans on Beryl

HOUSTON — As I write this, I just finished Friday night’s live update on Beryl. I’m not thrilled that the trajectory has been adjusted to target the central Texas coast. That puts all forms of coastal and inland tropical threats right on my hometown’s doorstep. The stress level is upped for everyone today.

Tropical weather forecasting is an exercise in humility that involves patience, uncertainty and change. Texas residents are watching this exercise in real time, as the projected path from the hurricane’s center took a big leap northward Friday. The most frustrating part for me is that I want to be able to go out and tell everyone exactly what the path of the storm is going to be and how it’s going to impact your home. It doesn’t work that way.

What I say to my family and extended family in Houston/Galveston is this. We are going to feel the effects of Beryl, either a glancing blow or a direct hit. I want us to be prepared for anything. This time, staying safe means planning to stay home Monday and Tuesday. Stay close to the forecast over the weekend and through the storm. And hopefully, we can resume our normal activities later in the week.