Texas Officials Urge Coastal Vacationers to Plan Ahead as Tropical Storm Beryl Approaches

AUSTIN, Texas - As Tropical Storm Beryl approaches the Texas coast, state officials are urging vacationers to stay prepared and not panic. Acting Governor Dan Patrick and Texas Division of Emergency Management Chief Nim Kidd emphasized the importance of planning ahead during a briefing on Friday afternoon.

While the exact path and landfall location of Tropical Storm Beryl are still uncertain, Patrick advised people vacationing along the Texas Coast to closely monitor the weather over the next few days. He recommended avoiding traveling on Monday and ensuring that they have necessary supplies in a safe location.

"We're preparing for the worst but hoping for the least amount of rain," Patrick said, indicating a cautious approach to the approaching storm.

Kidd stressed the need for a prepared community rather than a panicked one. The impact of Beryl on the state will depend on its exact track, and it is necessary to wait for the storm to re-emerge into the Gulf before making any concrete assumptions. However, it is anticipated that rainfall totals will vary significantly, with lighter amounts to the west and heavier, more significant rainfall to the east. Even a slight deviation in the storm's track can alter this scenario.

The readiness level of the State Emergency Operations Center has been escalated to Level II (Escalated Response Conditions) as directed by Governor Greg Abbott. State emergency response resources are also being readied, per Abbott's instructions given earlier.

Several counties have already issued voluntary evacuation orders for low-lying areas. In Corpus Christi, 10,000 sandbags were swiftly distributed in under two hours on Friday to assist residents in preparing for potential flooding.

As Beryl continues to move closer to the Texas coast, it is crucial for residents and vacationers to stay updated on the latest information. The KSAT 12 Weather App provides real-time weather updates, forecasts, livestreams, and interactive maps to help residents stay informed. Additionally, individuals can submit photos and videos to KSAT12's meteorologists for a chance to be featured on KSAT.com or on-air.

As the situation unfolds, officials emphasize the importance of preparedness and caution, encouraging residents to heed any further updates and follow safety guidelines to ensure their well-being during the potential impact of Tropical Storm Beryl.