As former Hurricane Beryl continues its journey across the Atlantic, Caribbean, and Gulf of Mexico, it is now targeting a potentially damaging landfall in Texas. Meteorologists are closely monitoring the system, which is forecasted to intensify into a Category 1 hurricane before making landfall along the lower or middle Texas coast late Sunday into Monday.

The National Hurricane Center has issued hurricane watches and storm surge watches along the Texas coastline, from southwest of Galveston Bay to the Texas-Mexico border. The projected storm surge could reach up to 3 to 5 feet, posing a significant threat to coastal areas. Furthermore, heavy rains totaling 5 to 10 inches are anticipated inland, increasing the risk of flooding.

With its path uncertain, Beryl's impact is expected to vary along the coast. Corpus Christi, particularly the north side, seems to be the city most at risk for serious hurricane impacts. However, areas like Houston and Brownsville are not completely out of harm's way either.

The system is predicted to produce a few quick-hitting tropical tornadoes, which could affect the greater Houston metro area even if the landfall occurs farther to the west. Residents in the affected regions are advised to complete their preparations by late Saturday, as rain showers and tropical storm-force winds may arrive as early as midmorning Sunday near Brownsville.

While Beryl's strength has diminished slightly over the past few days, meteorologists believe it will reorganize and undergo significant strengthening by Sunday morning. Conditions are favorable for intensification right up until the point of landfall, with warm, moist air rising into the storm.

The remnants of Beryl will likely bring persistent rainfall and the potential for tornadoes as they progress inland, possibly extending into southeast Oklahoma, Arkansas, and even farther east and north later in the week. The heaviest rainfall is expected to occur north and east of where the center makes landfall, with peak amounts reaching up to 15 inches, raising concerns about local flooding.

Beryl, which formed earlier than any other Category 5 hurricane recorded in the Atlantic, has already ravaged several Caribbean islands, including Grenada and St. Vincent, where it caused widespread destruction and claimed at least five lives. The storm also caused damage in Jamaica, leaving two dead and 400,000 households without power.

As Beryl approaches the Texas coast, it remains a formidable and unpredictable system. People in the affected areas are urged to closely monitor weather updates, follow evacuation orders if issued, and take necessary precautions to ensure their safety.