Beryl forces voluntary evacuations in Texas

Officials are asking residents of Matagorda, Brazoria and Galveston counties to consider moving to a safer location as Beryl approaches.

HOUSTON — Officials in Brazoria and Galveston counties called for voluntary evacuations Saturday, a day after emergency officials in Matagorda County called for the same thing.

Matagorda County’s evacuations include people who live in or visit coastal areas, including residents of Sargent, Matagorda and Palacios. As of Saturday afternoon, the areas were under hurricane watches and storm warnings.

Matagorda County said voluntary evacuation guidelines meant residents should consider moving to a safer location as Beryl approaches.

The Galveston County order goes into effect at 10 a.m. Sunday for residents and visitors west of 103rd Street not protected by the Galveston Seawall.

Brazoria County has called for the voluntary evacuation of all low-lying areas south of the Intracoastal Canal, including Bryan Beach, Quintana Village, Surfside Beach Village, Follett’s Island and Treasure Island. This measure is intended to prevent a possible storm surge of 3 to 5 feet in coastal areas of Brazoria County.

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Matagorda County officials warned that conditions could make it impossible for people to leave their homes.

They also asked people to remove vehicles, including campers, boats and large vehicles that could be affected by high winds, by 8pm on Saturday.

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“As winds increase along the coast, it becomes dangerous for these vehicles to travel on the road. We must keep the roads open and clear for public evacuation,” MCEOC said in a statement posted on social media.

Hurricane and storm surge warnings have been issued for parts of the western Gulf Coast from the Rio Grande north to Sargent.