Houston tackles cleanup after storm damage on Gulf Coast

Houston residents began cleaning up after Hurricane Beryl swept across the Gulf Coast, leaving extensive damage and power outages.

Emily Foxhall reports for The Texas Tribune.

In short:

• Hurricane Beryl, a Category 1 storm, caused extensive damage in Houston, including downed trees, flooded streets and power outages.
• The storm killed at least three people and left 2.7 million homes in Texas without power.
• Residents are now assessing the damage, cleaning up and waiting for the power to return.

Key quote:

“The rebuilding is going to be significant. There’s been some real damage. But the good news for Houston is this isn’t our first rodeo.”

— Ted Cruz, U.S. Senator

Why it matters:

Houston, known for its booming energy sector and diverse population, has become a center for studying the impacts of severe weather. The city’s low-lying geography and proximity to the Gulf of Mexico make it particularly vulnerable to hurricanes and heavy rains. In recent years, storms like Hurricane Harvey have wreaked havoc, leaving thousands homeless and causing billions of dollars in damage.