Galveston Mayor Craig Brown has expressed confidence in the city's readiness as Tropical Storm Beryl approaches the Texas coastline. Brown emphasized that Galveston has dealt with similar weather events in the past and is well-equipped to handle the situation.
According to Brown, the storm is expected to reach Galveston around 1 a.m., potentially bringing a storm surge of up to five feet. If the storm veers slightly north, the city could experience a surge of six to seven feet, leading to significant flooding in the west end and downtown areas.
Voluntary evacuations were initiated in the west end of Galveston Island at 10 a.m. as a precautionary measure. Brown reiterated that extensive preparations have been made to ensure the city can effectively respond to any challenges posed by the storm.
Anticipating the impact of the storm surge, heavy rainfall, and strong winds, Brown acknowledged the potential for adverse effects on the local community. The Coast Guard took proactive measures by closing the Port of Galveston to traffic at 4 p.m., affecting both cargo operations and cruise lines.
Meanwhile, authorities in Houston are also bracing for the storm, with pre-staging efforts in flood-prone areas and advisories for residents to avoid unnecessary travel after 10 p.m. The forecasted heavy rainfall raises concerns about possible flooding on roadways in the region.
