Beryl Updates and Information as Storm Approaches Houston, Texas

HOUSTON — As Beryl heads toward the Texas Gulf Coast and is expected to reach Category 1 hurricane or tropical storm status, the Houston area is bracing for heavy rain, flooding and possible tornadoes. As a result, watches and warnings have been issued and state government officials are preparing.

Check back here for real-time updates on flooding and severe weather concerns in Southeast Texas.

The National Weather Service has issued a hurricane warning for Matagorda County and a tropical storm warning for SE Harris, S. Liberty, Galveston, Brazoria, Colorado, Chambers and Wharton counties. until further notice. A storm surge warning is in effect for the Texas coast.

Authorities are calling for voluntary evacuations in the following counties:

• Matagorda
• Brazoria
• Galveston

Residents in these areas should consider moving to a safer location as Beryl approaches.

The State of Texas has issued a disaster declaration for 121 Texas counties as Beryl approaches. Many of these counties are in Southeast Texas, including Harris, Ft. Bend, Brazoria, Galveston, Montgomery, and more. See the full list of counties and learn how the state is preparing for Beryl.

Houston utilities will temporarily lower the level of Lake Houston by 12 inches to prepare for the possible impacts of Tropical Storm Beryl. The lowering will begin at 4 a.m. Sunday. Public Works said it would take 20 hours to lower the level of Lake Houston by 12 inches. The lake level will be reduced to 40 feet. Property owners are advised to secure their properties along the shoreline.

The company said Saturday it was closely monitoring the forecast and preparing for potential impacts from Beryl. You can view the outages here at any time.

While most regularly scheduled classes will not be held during the summer, some colleges and universities have begun preparing for Beryl, including UHV Victoria, Brazosport College, Wharton County Junior College and more. See the full list here.

UniverSoul Circus has cancelled its 6:30pm performance on Sunday due to the potential impact of Beryl.

“UniverSoul Circus has made arrangements with Ticketmaster and the on-site box office to accommodate affected customers,” the company said.