Hurricane Beryl made landfall near Matagorda, Texas, early Monday morning as a Category 1 hurricane, causing massive power outages throughout the state. As of 9 a.m., estimates from PowerOutage.us and CenterPoint Energy indicate that more than 1.8 million customers in Texas have been affected by the outages.

The Houston area and coastal counties, including Matagorda, where Beryl made landfall, have experienced the most extensive outages. Galveston County, Calhoun County, and Jackson County have also been significantly affected. Outages have now extended further inland, impacting areas such as Polk, San Jacinto, Montgomery, Grimes, and Washington Counties.

The majority of the outages are among customers who receive power from CenterPoint Energy. At 9:17 a.m., PowerOutage.us reported that more than 1.7 million of CenterPoint's 2.6 million Texas customers were without electricity. CenterPoint has assured customers that their crews will assess the damages and develop restoration plans as soon as it is safe to do so. The company has also urged people to stay away from downed wires and to report outages and hazardous conditions to their power company or local authorities.

Tragically, one person has lost their life due to Hurricane Beryl. In Atascocita, a suburban community in northeastern Harris County, a tree fell on a house, resulting in the death of a 53-year-old man. Another person at the residence was injured and transported to the hospital. The Atascocita Fire Department responded to the incident, and authorities from the Harris County Sheriff's Office are currently investigating the matter.

In addition to the power outages and loss of life, Beryl has caused heavy rainfall and flash floods as it moves inland. The National Hurricane Center has issued warnings of up to 10 inches of rain, with some isolated areas potentially experiencing up to 15 inches. The storm has also prompted local officials to caution residents about downed trees and street flooding, urging them to stay off roadways.

Although Beryl is expected to weaken from a hurricane to a tropical storm later today, the National Hurricane Center has highlighted the possibility of tornadoes across the upper Texas coast and parts of East Texas. Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick has advised residents to take precautions for sustained winds, heavy rain, flooding, storm surges, and potential tornadoes, particularly those living east of Interstate 35.

As the remnants of Hurricane Beryl continue to move northeast through Texas, it is crucial for residents to stay vigilant and take necessary precautions. Avoid flood waters and damaged power lines, do not enter damaged buildings, and document any damages to property. Assistance is available from organizations like the American Red Cross, Salvation Army, and local volunteer organizations for those in need of food, shelter, supplies, and clean-up efforts.

Residents are encouraged to file insurance claims through their existing policies before applying for assistance from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). Disaster declarations from the governor and president may also provide federal funds for recovery efforts.

The full extent of the storm's damage is yet to be determined, but it is clear that Hurricane Beryl has left a significant impact on Texas, causing widespread power outages and dangerous weather conditions.