7/17/24 – After days of uncertainty about the trajectory of Hurricane Beryl, at 6 AM on 7/9/24, radar indicated that the eye of the storm had moved onshore between Lake Jackson and Bay City. The National Weather Service (NWS) had issued Hurricane, Tropical Storm, and Storm Surge Warnings for much of the upper Texas Coast.
In the North Houston area – including Kingwood, Humble, Huffman and Spring – NWS issued a Tropical Storm Warning, a Flash Flood Warning, a Flood Watch, and a Tornado Watch.
From Radarcope Pro at 5:49 AM on 7/9/2024as Beryl moved onshore.
When the storm had passed the Lake Houston Area, it became clear that Beryl’s winds did far more damage than any flooding from its rains.
I’m writing this post for the historical record and also for readers to share with families who may live out of the area.
Wind Damage: Beryl’s Lasting Legacy in Lake Houston Area
According to the National Hurricane Center (NHC) at 4 AM on July 9th, Beryl had maximum sustained winds near 80 MPH. At Bush Intercontinental Airport, maximum sustained winds reached around 65 MPH with gusts up to 90MPH…for hours.
Those winds took a terrible toll on the area’s abundant, majestic trees. The very thing that makes the Lake Houston area exceptionally beautiful also makes it very vulnerable to storms like Beryl. See below.
South Woodland Hills Drive near River Grove Park after Beryl. Note downed trees pointing in different directions.
Were Tornadoes Present?
We may never know whether minor tornadoes were embedded within the northeast fringes of Beryl. The pattern of tree damage above suggested there could have been.
Jeff Lindner, Harris County’s meteorologist, acknowledged the possibility, but felt the more likely explanation was shifting winds as the storm moved through the area.
When asked to explain the jumbled pattern of tree damage in the photo above, he said, “Winds in Northeast Harris County would have changed from ENE well ahead of the center to ESE as the center entered western Harris County. Then they would have changed to SSW as the center passed to the northwest and north.”
“While NE Harris County did not go through the eye and a 180 degree wind shift, there was still enough shifting of the winds to cause trees to fall in different directions,” added Lindner. “Any tornadoes in the outer circulation would have been small and lasted less than a few minutes. That is common with tornadoes in landfalling tropical systems.”
Lindner concluded, “Mostly just strong winds caused all the damage. There were a few tornadoes in the outer bands early Monday…prior to sunrise, but the widespread winds of 45-55 MPH and gusts of 75-85 MPH did most of the damage.”
Losing Power for Extended Periods
Thousands of trees fell in the Lake Houston area, knocking out power for more than a week to entire neighborhoods. CenterPoint estimated that Beryl left more than 2.2 million people without electricity.
Fallen trees also crushed roofs, blocked streets, and trapped people in sweltering neighborhoods as their ice melted and food rotted.
In the early days after the storm, the few open gasoline stations had impossibly long lines. I observed two stretching for more than a half mile.
Local businesses and restaurants were shuttered. So was Deerbrook Mall.
With no electricity, Wi-Fi systems went down and people lost access to internet services.
Cell towers that survived quickly became overburdened. They often stopped working sporadically and mysteriously, blocking communication with the outside world and worried families.
At the very least, they made communication painfully slow. People were in the dark, literally and figuratively…unless they had backup generators. And it wasn’t long before many of those started to fail also.
Faced with heat exhaustion, hunger, and heartbreak, people began demanding answers. Frustration turned into anger.
Tree punctured this roof in at least two places.Forest Cove barbecue area goes down for the count.
Stately trees snapped like toothpicks.
Herb Hudson Park in Kings Forest.Tree blocked Laurel GardenDrive for days after storm.Another blockage around the corner left people in the middle with no way in or out for a period of time.A reader’s home nearly bisected.Power pole on Woodland Hills Drive snapped, knocking out power to several subdivisions
As people began clearing downed trees from their yards and roofs, they piled the debris at curbs. That made driving treacherous, especially at night with streetlights and traffic lights knocked out.
9-foot-tall debris pile tumbling into Valley Manor Drive
At noon yesterday, three shopping centers on Kingwood Drive near US59 were still without power.
Exhausted linemen turned their parking lots into corporate lunch rooms.
Power and tree company trucks filled the lot of this commercial center during the noon hour.Lunch break and a chance for linemen to cool down in air-conditioned cabsfor a few minutes.Then it was back to work, trimming more vegetation from overgrown power-line corridors and repairing damaged lines.
Problems Persist
Ten days after Beryl, many areas remain without power. And on many of those days, FEMA issued nonstop Excessive Heat Warnings, as heat indexes crept well over the 105 degree threshold.
For the first time since starting this blog, I could not post stories. Without electricity, I lost my Wi-Fi. None of the usual backup locations, like Starbucks, were available – even after trees were cleared from the roads.
Cellular communications were not a backup either. They kept cutting in and out.
Gasoline was impossible to get for days. That limited my ability to explore damage in surrounding areas.
And when I could finally move around, I couldn’t recharge batteries for my drone or camera – until a neighbor with a backup generator found a supplier selling propane. Then the neighbor volunteered to recharge the batteries for me.
Life has just begun its long, slow return to normalcy. After power is restored to everyone, we still have a massive cleanup effort in front of us.
Lessons of Beryl
As bits and pieces of my life came back together, three thoughts struck me.
We’re all in this together. I observed an outpouring of warmth from neighbors and friends. We constantly checked on each other to see if we could help each other in any way.
Linemen, often from other states, toiled ceaselessly to help restore our power. They exemplify the spirit of “neighbors helping neighbors” that made this county great.
In stark contrast, the glimpses of attack-dog, political discourse I got during the prolonged outage seemed strangely out of touch with the reality around me. Why was no one talking about hardening our infrastructure to avoid future disasters?
It’s something to ponder as we move into election season. Now…back to business.
Posted by Bob Rehak on 7/17/2024
2514 Days since Hurricane Harvey
PS – while trying to post this, I experienced six brief internet outages.
https://i0.wp.com/reduceflooding.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/20240716-IMG_0155-1-2.jpg?fit=1100%2C825&ssl=18251100adminadmin2024-07-17 11:31:582024-07-17 17:08:04Winds from Beryl Caused More Damage than Rains
7/7/24, 10:30 AM – The National Weather Service (NWS) and FEMA have issued a tropical storm warning that includes Houston, Kingwood and Spring.
Beryl is moving closer to the Texas Coast and turning a little more northward. Although it has not yet re-intensified into a hurricane, the National Hurricane Center predicts it will, and that it could even turn into a Category 2 before landfall. The center will likely pass near the west side of Houston.
NWS and FEMA have also issued a flood watch that will last until 7AM on Tuesday, July 9. It includes most of SE Texas.
Beryl position at 8:30 AM CDT. A turn toward the NNW and N is likely today before Beryl reaches the coast.
Tropical Storm Force Winds Expected in North Houston Tonight
Tropical storm force winds could arrive this evening. The high winds will spread inland toward the I-10 corridor by early Monday morning. They should reach the HWY 105 corridor by sunrise Monday.
So authorities urge you to finish hurricane prep as soon as possible.
Re-Intensification into Hurricane Possible
According to Harris County Meteorologist Jeff Lindner, “Beryl is starting to move into more favorable conditions for development and if/when an inner core forms…more rapid intensification will be possible.”
NHC forecasts that Beryl will make landfall at 85mph. However, they also say that winds could reach 100mph.
In inland Harris County, winds could average 45-55 MPH with gusts to 80 MPH.
“There remains the potential for fairly significant intensification of Beryl in the last 12 hours prior to landfall.”
Jeff Lindner, Harris County Meteorologist
Prolonged Power Outages Predicted
Lindner warns the public to be prepared for extended power outages. Widespread power outages are now likely over a large part of the area on Monday.
Downed trees and tree limbs as well as damage to roofs, windows, etc. will all be possible.
Centerpoint issued a press release saying that it is already mobilizing crews.
All outdoor objects should be safely secured by this evening in the hurricane and tropical storm warning areas.
Tropical storm force winds will reach the coast this evening. They will spread inland toward the I-10 corridor by early Monday morning and reach the HWY 105 corridor by sunrise Monday.
Excessive Rainfall and Flooding Potential
Widespread rainfall amounts of 5-10 inches are likely along and to the right of the track of Beryl, with isolated higher amounts under bands where training occurs. Banding may continue into Monday night and possibly Tuesday.
The heaviest rainfall will likely be west of I-45 on Monday. High rainfall rates in bands will produce urban flooding and rapid rises on area creeks and bayous.
Some flooding of creeks, bayous and rivers will be possible with the forecasted rainfall. River responses will continue into mid- to late week.
FEMA’s flood watch lasts through Tuesday morning. It says, “Excessive runoff may result in flooding of rivers, creeks, streams, and other low-lying and flood-prone locations. Creeks and streams may rise out of their banks. Flooding may occur in poor drainage and urban areas.”
Expect street flooding, as well as rises along area rivers, creeks, streams, and bayous.
Other Dangers Near Coast
The National Hurricane Center (NHC) cautions that there is a danger of life-threatening storm surge inundation along the coast of Texas from the north entrance to the Padre Island National Seashore to Sabine Pass. That includes Matagorda Bay and Galveston Bay. Residents in those areas should follow any advice given by local officials and follow evacuation orders.
NHC also say that rip currents will cause life-threatening beach conditions through Monday across much of the Gulf Coast. Beachgoers should heed warning flags and the advice of lifeguards and local officials before venturing into the water.
Finally, NHC says that a few tornadoes could occur along the middle and upper Texas Coast through tonight, and across eastern Texas and western Louisiana on Monday.
Lake Report
At this moment, Lake Houston is releasing 9,626 CFS…the most the lake’s old gates can release at one time.
Lake Conroe is not pre-releasing any water; the lake is currently 9 inches below its normal level. The SJRA’s models predict that should be enough to handle the expected rainfall north of the lake. Let’s hope they are right.
7/6/24 – As of 7 AM on Saturday morning, Beryl was centered in the Gulf of Mexico. Once a powerful Cat 5 hurricane, the storm emerged from its trek across the Yucatan as a tropical storm. However, it will likely re-intensify into a hurricane just before making landfall. The storm is about to enter an area of low wind sheer and high water temperatures.
Likely Landfall Near Matagorda Bay
According to the National Hurricane Center, Beryl will most likely come ashore between Matagorda Bay and Corpus Christi. But all of Houston is now in the cone of uncertainty. That means we have an equal chance of taking a direct hit from the storm.
Heavy Rain Threat
Hurricane watches and storm surge warnings are up for most of the Texas Coast up to High Island. But the most likely impact in the Lake Houston Area will be heavy rains. At this hour, the National Weather Service predicts 4-8 inches. But Jeff Lindner, the Harris County Meteorologist warned that isolated totals up to 15 inches are possible. That’s as much as the area north of us received in the early May flood of this year.
Overall, NWS says we have a slight to moderate risk for excessive rainfall in the next five days.
Flash Flood Threat
Arrival Time in Houston Area
We should begin to feel the effects of the storm Sunday evening.
Rain from the storm could linger for a day or two as Beryl becomes a tropical depression and the center of the storm curves north of us before heading to the northeast.
Inundation Areas
NOAA issued this map for Harris County. It shows possible areas of inundation. NOAA urged people in affected areas to follow evacuation warnings.
Lakes Not Being Lowered at this Hour
At this hour (9AM Saturday), the SJRA is not lowering Lake Conroe. Nor is the Coastal Water Authority lowering Lake Houston. However, the City of Houston did issue a warning yesterday afternoon that it might lower Lake Houston.
The good news: there’s little chance that we will experience tropical storm force winds this far north.
For the Latest Updates
For the latest watches and warnings associated with Beryl, consult the National Hurricane Center website. They update it every few hours. And the next few hours will be critical. There’s still a chance that the storm could shift more toward Houston.
Posted by Bob Rehak on 7/6/24 based on information from NHC, NWS and Harris County.
2503 Days since Hurricane Harvey
https://i0.wp.com/reduceflooding.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/20240706-Beryl-7.6.24.jpg?fit=1100%2C786&ssl=17861100adminadmin2024-07-06 09:28:122024-07-06 09:28:13Beryl Update, Saturday AM
Winds from Beryl Caused More Damage than Rains
7/17/24 – After days of uncertainty about the trajectory of Hurricane Beryl, at 6 AM on 7/9/24, radar indicated that the eye of the storm had moved onshore between Lake Jackson and Bay City. The National Weather Service (NWS) had issued Hurricane, Tropical Storm, and Storm Surge Warnings for much of the upper Texas Coast.
In the North Houston area – including Kingwood, Humble, Huffman and Spring – NWS issued a Tropical Storm Warning, a Flash Flood Warning, a Flood Watch, and a Tornado Watch.
When the storm had passed the Lake Houston Area, it became clear that Beryl’s winds did far more damage than any flooding from its rains.
I’m writing this post for the historical record and also for readers to share with families who may live out of the area.
Wind Damage: Beryl’s Lasting Legacy in Lake Houston Area
According to the National Hurricane Center (NHC) at 4 AM on July 9th, Beryl had maximum sustained winds near 80 MPH. At Bush Intercontinental Airport, maximum sustained winds reached around 65 MPH with gusts up to 90MPH…for hours.
Those winds took a terrible toll on the area’s abundant, majestic trees. The very thing that makes the Lake Houston area exceptionally beautiful also makes it very vulnerable to storms like Beryl. See below.
Were Tornadoes Present?
We may never know whether minor tornadoes were embedded within the northeast fringes of Beryl. The pattern of tree damage above suggested there could have been.
Jeff Lindner, Harris County’s meteorologist, acknowledged the possibility, but felt the more likely explanation was shifting winds as the storm moved through the area.
When asked to explain the jumbled pattern of tree damage in the photo above, he said, “Winds in Northeast Harris County would have changed from ENE well ahead of the center to ESE as the center entered western Harris County. Then they would have changed to SSW as the center passed to the northwest and north.”
“While NE Harris County did not go through the eye and a 180 degree wind shift, there was still enough shifting of the winds to cause trees to fall in different directions,” added Lindner. “Any tornadoes in the outer circulation would have been small and lasted less than a few minutes. That is common with tornadoes in landfalling tropical systems.”
Lindner concluded, “Mostly just strong winds caused all the damage. There were a few tornadoes in the outer bands early Monday…prior to sunrise, but the widespread winds of 45-55 MPH and gusts of 75-85 MPH did most of the damage.”
Losing Power for Extended Periods
Thousands of trees fell in the Lake Houston area, knocking out power for more than a week to entire neighborhoods. CenterPoint estimated that Beryl left more than 2.2 million people without electricity.
Fallen trees also crushed roofs, blocked streets, and trapped people in sweltering neighborhoods as their ice melted and food rotted.
In the early days after the storm, the few open gasoline stations had impossibly long lines. I observed two stretching for more than a half mile.
Local businesses and restaurants were shuttered. So was Deerbrook Mall.
With no electricity, Wi-Fi systems went down and people lost access to internet services.
Cell towers that survived quickly became overburdened. They often stopped working sporadically and mysteriously, blocking communication with the outside world and worried families.
At the very least, they made communication painfully slow. People were in the dark, literally and figuratively…unless they had backup generators. And it wasn’t long before many of those started to fail also.
Faced with heat exhaustion, hunger, and heartbreak, people began demanding answers. Frustration turned into anger.
Stately trees snapped like toothpicks.
As people began clearing downed trees from their yards and roofs, they piled the debris at curbs. That made driving treacherous, especially at night with streetlights and traffic lights knocked out.
At noon yesterday, three shopping centers on Kingwood Drive near US59 were still without power.
Exhausted linemen turned their parking lots into corporate lunch rooms.
Problems Persist
Ten days after Beryl, many areas remain without power. And on many of those days, FEMA issued nonstop Excessive Heat Warnings, as heat indexes crept well over the 105 degree threshold.
For the first time since starting this blog, I could not post stories. Without electricity, I lost my Wi-Fi. None of the usual backup locations, like Starbucks, were available – even after trees were cleared from the roads.
Cellular communications were not a backup either. They kept cutting in and out.
Gasoline was impossible to get for days. That limited my ability to explore damage in surrounding areas.
And when I could finally move around, I couldn’t recharge batteries for my drone or camera – until a neighbor with a backup generator found a supplier selling propane. Then the neighbor volunteered to recharge the batteries for me.
Life has just begun its long, slow return to normalcy. After power is restored to everyone, we still have a massive cleanup effort in front of us.
Lessons of Beryl
As bits and pieces of my life came back together, three thoughts struck me.
It’s something to ponder as we move into election season. Now…back to business.
Posted by Bob Rehak on 7/17/2024
2514 Days since Hurricane Harvey
PS – while trying to post this, I experienced six brief internet outages.
Tropical Storm Warning, Flood Watch for Inland Harris County
7/7/24, 10:30 AM – The National Weather Service (NWS) and FEMA have issued a tropical storm warning that includes Houston, Kingwood and Spring.
Beryl is moving closer to the Texas Coast and turning a little more northward. Although it has not yet re-intensified into a hurricane, the National Hurricane Center predicts it will, and that it could even turn into a Category 2 before landfall. The center will likely pass near the west side of Houston.
NWS and FEMA have also issued a flood watch that will last until 7AM on Tuesday, July 9. It includes most of SE Texas.
Tropical Storm Force Winds Expected in North Houston Tonight
Tropical storm force winds could arrive this evening. The high winds will spread inland toward the I-10 corridor by early Monday morning. They should reach the HWY 105 corridor by sunrise Monday.
So authorities urge you to finish hurricane prep as soon as possible.
Re-Intensification into Hurricane Possible
According to Harris County Meteorologist Jeff Lindner, “Beryl is starting to move into more favorable conditions for development and if/when an inner core forms…more rapid intensification will be possible.”
NHC forecasts that Beryl will make landfall at 85mph. However, they also say that winds could reach 100mph.
In inland Harris County, winds could average 45-55 MPH with gusts to 80 MPH.
Prolonged Power Outages Predicted
Lindner warns the public to be prepared for extended power outages. Widespread power outages are now likely over a large part of the area on Monday.
Downed trees and tree limbs as well as damage to roofs, windows, etc. will all be possible.
Centerpoint issued a press release saying that it is already mobilizing crews.
All outdoor objects should be safely secured by this evening in the hurricane and tropical storm warning areas.
Tropical storm force winds will reach the coast this evening. They will spread inland toward the I-10 corridor by early Monday morning and reach the HWY 105 corridor by sunrise Monday.
Excessive Rainfall and Flooding Potential
Widespread rainfall amounts of 5-10 inches are likely along and to the right of the track of Beryl, with isolated higher amounts under bands where training occurs. Banding may continue into Monday night and possibly Tuesday.
The heaviest rainfall will likely be west of I-45 on Monday. High rainfall rates in bands will produce urban flooding and rapid rises on area creeks and bayous.
Some flooding of creeks, bayous and rivers will be possible with the forecasted rainfall. River responses will continue into mid- to late week.
FEMA’s flood watch lasts through Tuesday morning. It says, “Excessive runoff may result in flooding of rivers, creeks, streams, and other low-lying and flood-prone locations. Creeks and streams may rise out of their banks. Flooding may occur in poor drainage and urban areas.”
Expect street flooding, as well as rises along area rivers, creeks, streams, and bayous.
Other Dangers Near Coast
The National Hurricane Center (NHC) cautions that there is a danger of life-threatening storm surge inundation along the coast of Texas from the north entrance to the Padre Island National Seashore to Sabine Pass. That includes Matagorda Bay and Galveston Bay. Residents in those areas should follow any advice given by local officials and follow evacuation orders.
Expect 4-6 feet of surge in Matagorda Bay and 3-5 feet in Galveston Bay.
NHC also say that rip currents will cause life-threatening beach conditions through Monday across much of the Gulf Coast. Beachgoers should heed warning flags and the advice of lifeguards and local officials before venturing into the water.
Finally, NHC says that a few tornadoes could occur along the middle and upper Texas Coast through tonight, and across eastern Texas and western Louisiana on Monday.
Lake Report
At this moment, Lake Houston is releasing 9,626 CFS…the most the lake’s old gates can release at one time.
Lake Conroe is not pre-releasing any water; the lake is currently 9 inches below its normal level. The SJRA’s models predict that should be enough to handle the expected rainfall north of the lake. Let’s hope they are right.
For the Most Up-to-the-Minute Information,..
Monitor what’s happening near you on the Harris County Flood Warning System.
Track the status of the storm at the National Hurricane Center website.
The National Weather Service is the most reliable source for local weather information and warnings. It also predicts when flood peaks will arrive.
To monitor the status of Lake Conroe levels/releases, visit the San Jacinto River Authority website.
To monitor the status of Lake Houston levels/releases, visit the Coastal Water Authority website.
Posted by Bob Rehak at 10AM on 7/7/24
2504 Days since Hurricane Harvey
Beryl Update, Saturday AM
7/6/24 – As of 7 AM on Saturday morning, Beryl was centered in the Gulf of Mexico. Once a powerful Cat 5 hurricane, the storm emerged from its trek across the Yucatan as a tropical storm. However, it will likely re-intensify into a hurricane just before making landfall. The storm is about to enter an area of low wind sheer and high water temperatures.
Likely Landfall Near Matagorda Bay
According to the National Hurricane Center, Beryl will most likely come ashore between Matagorda Bay and Corpus Christi. But all of Houston is now in the cone of uncertainty. That means we have an equal chance of taking a direct hit from the storm.
Heavy Rain Threat
Hurricane watches and storm surge warnings are up for most of the Texas Coast up to High Island. But the most likely impact in the Lake Houston Area will be heavy rains. At this hour, the National Weather Service predicts 4-8 inches. But Jeff Lindner, the Harris County Meteorologist warned that isolated totals up to 15 inches are possible. That’s as much as the area north of us received in the early May flood of this year.
Overall, NWS says we have a slight to moderate risk for excessive rainfall in the next five days.
Flash Flood Threat
Arrival Time in Houston Area
We should begin to feel the effects of the storm Sunday evening.
Rain from the storm could linger for a day or two as Beryl becomes a tropical depression and the center of the storm curves north of us before heading to the northeast.
Inundation Areas
NOAA issued this map for Harris County. It shows possible areas of inundation. NOAA urged people in affected areas to follow evacuation warnings.
Lakes Not Being Lowered at this Hour
At this hour (9AM Saturday), the SJRA is not lowering Lake Conroe. Nor is the Coastal Water Authority lowering Lake Houston. However, the City of Houston did issue a warning yesterday afternoon that it might lower Lake Houston.
The good news: there’s little chance that we will experience tropical storm force winds this far north.
For the Latest Updates
For the latest watches and warnings associated with Beryl, consult the National Hurricane Center website. They update it every few hours. And the next few hours will be critical. There’s still a chance that the storm could shift more toward Houston.
Posted by Bob Rehak on 7/6/24 based on information from NHC, NWS and Harris County.
2503 Days since Hurricane Harvey