Hurricane Beryl was a significant and long-lasting tropical cyclone that originated in the deep tropical Atlantic, beginning its journey on June 28th, 2024. Driven westward by a substantial mid to upper-level ridge of high pressure across the Central and Western North Atlantic Ocean, Beryl rapidly intensified, becoming a tropical storm and then a hurricane by June 29th. Its path and intensity were closely monitored as it traversed the Atlantic and eventually made landfall.
Hurricane Beryl’s Journey: From the Atlantic to Texas Landfall
Initially, Hurricane Beryl strengthened quickly, escalating to a major hurricane and making its first landfall on Carriacou, Grenada, as a high-end Category 4 hurricane on July 1st. Continuing its westward trajectory, Beryl intensified further to a Category 5 storm in the Eastern Caribbean Sea. Despite slight weakening, it passed just south of Jamaica as a Category 4 hurricane on July 3rd. Further weakening occurred before its second landfall on the Yucatán Peninsula as a high-end Category 2 hurricane in the early hours of July 5th.
After crossing the Yucatán Peninsula, Beryl emerged into the Southwest Gulf on the evening of July 5th as a strong tropical storm. Its direction shifted northwestward as a large mid to upper-level trough of low pressure over the Central U.S. weakened the high-pressure ridge over the Gulf. Wind shear and dry air hampered significant strengthening, and Beryl remained relatively stable until the morning of July 7th. As the northern trough deepened, Beryl turned north-northwest toward the Central Texas coast. Reduced wind shear and increased moisture allowed for re-organization, and it regained minimal hurricane strength by 11 PM CDT on July 7th. Hurricane Beryl finally made landfall near Mategorda, Texas, around 4 AM CDT on July 8th, with maximum sustained winds of 80 mph (70 knots) and a minimum central pressure of 979 millibars (28.91 inches).
Impacts of Hurricane Beryl
Winds and Pressure
Tropical storm force winds extended across coastal waters from Cameron, Louisiana, westward to High Island, Texas, and impacted Jefferson County, Texas, and western Cameron Parish, Louisiana. Sabine Pass, Texas, recorded the highest winds in the region, with maximum sustained winds of 55 mph (48 knots) and gusts reaching 70 mph (61 knots) around 11 AM CDT on July 8th. Sustained winds of 40 to 50 mph with gusts of 50 to 70 mph were common across Southeast Texas and extreme Southwest Louisiana, particularly along and south of the Intracoastal Waterway. Inland areas experienced sustained winds of 20 to 30 mph with gusts of 30 to 50 mph during squalls.
Water Levels and Storm Surge
Moderate storm surge flooding occurred along coastal Cameron Parish, Louisiana, and coastal Jefferson County, Texas, with tides reaching 2.50 to 3.25 feet MHHW. In Jefferson County, Highway 87 from Sabine Pass to Sea Rim State Park was inundated with water and debris. Sea Rim State Park suffered damage to buildings and entrance roadways due to storm surge reaching 1 to 2 feet above ground level. In Cameron Parish, storm surge covered Highway 27 from the Cameron Ferry to Holly Beach and Highway 82 from Holly Beach to the Sabine River. Holly Beach camp roads and parish roads, including Long Beach Road in Johnson Bayou, also sustained damage and were covered in debris.
Rainfall
Southeast Texas received significant rainfall, with accumulations of 3 to 6 inches. Central and Southern Louisiana experienced lesser amounts, generally 2 inches or less.
Tornadoes
One EF2 tornado was reported in Jasper, Texas, causing injury to one person.
Conclusion
Hurricane Beryl followed a westward, then north-northwestward path, impacting multiple regions from the Caribbean to the Gulf Coast of the United States. Originating in the Atlantic, it tracked across the Caribbean, weakened over the Yucatan Peninsula, re-intensified in the Gulf of Mexico, and ultimately made landfall in Texas. The storm brought significant wind, storm surge, rainfall, and even a tornado, leaving notable impacts across the affected areas. Its trajectory and effects underscore the dynamic nature of tropical cyclones and the importance of continuous monitoring and preparation.
