Beryl on Monday (Jul&nbsp;8) brought to Texas howling winds and torrential rains that killed at least three people and left 2.7 million houses without power. Along with this, the tropical storm caused extensive flooding on highways, delayed more than 1,300 flights and caused the closure of schools and major oil ports.

The season's earliest category 5 hurricane on record, Beryl, has weakened to a tropical storm after hitting the coastal Texas town of Matagorda with all the might of a Category 1 hurricane.

<h2>What is a Category 1 hurricane?</h2>

A hurricane, as per the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale, is considered a Category 1 if it sustains winds between 74 (119 km/h)&nbsp;and 95 miles per hour (152.89 km/h).&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/texas-closes-operations-at-major-ports-braces-for-destruction-as-beryl-readies-to-make-landfall-738894">Texas closes operations at major ports, braces for destruction as Beryl readies to make landfall</a>

While Category 1 hurricanes are not considered "major hurricanes" until they reach Category 3, they are still very dangerous and can bring with them widespread destruction.

<h2>Beryl's devastation</h2>

In Texas, Beryl claimed the lives of three. As per the news agency Reuters, a 53-year-old man and a 74-year-old woman were killed in two separate incidents in the Houston area when trees fell on their homes.

A third individual, a City of Houston employee, drowned in an underpass while travelling to work.

Previously, in Mexico and the Caribbean, the storm killed 11 people, Texas Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick told reporters.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hurricane-beryl-makes-landfall-in-texas-flood-warning-issued-for-entire-coastline-738966">Hurricane Beryl makes landfall in Texas, tornado warning issued for several counties</a>

"For those of you in northeast Texas, be aware. You will have tropical storm winds, maybe as late as midnight or 1 am. You will have flooding, you will have rain, and you need to stay off the roads," he warned.

While state officials are yet to assess the damage wrought by storm Beryl, Mayor John Whitmire told reporters that due to the hurricane, floodwaters across most of Houston have exceeded 10 inches (25.4 centimetres).&nbsp;

"We're literally getting calls across Houston right now asking for first responders to come rescue individuals in desperate life safety conditions," he said.

Furthermore, more than 1,300 flights were cancelled, as officials ordered evacuations in some beach towns.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Beryl on Monday (Jul 8) brought to Texas howling winds and torrential rains that killed at least three people and left 2.7 million houses without power. Along with this, the tropical storm caused extensive flooding on highways, delayed more than 1,300 flights and caused the closure of schools and major oil ports.

Beryl on Monday (Jul 8) brought to Texas howling winds and torrential rains that killed at least three people and left 2.7 million houses without power. Along with this, the tropical storm caused extensive flooding on highways, delayed more than 1,300 flights and caused the closure of schools and major oil ports. The season's earliest category 5 hurricane on record, Beryl, has weakened to a tropical storm after hitting the coastal Texas town of Matagorda with all the might of a Category 1 hurricane. What is a Category 1 hurricane? A hurricane, as per the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale, is considered a Category 1 if it sustains winds between 74 (119 km/h) and 95 miles per hour (152.89 km/h). Also read | Texas closes operations at major ports, braces for destruction as Beryl readies to make landfall While Category 1 hurricanes are not considered "major hurricanes" until they reach Category 3, they are still very dangerous and can bring with them widespread destruction. Beryl's devastation In Texas, Beryl claimed the lives of three. As per the news agency Reuters, a 53-year-old man and a 74-year-old woman were killed in two separate incidents in the Houston area when trees fell on their homes. A third individual, a City of Houston employee, drowned in an underpass while travelling to work. Previously, in Mexico and the Caribbean, the storm killed 11 people, Texas Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick told reporters. Also read | Hurricane Beryl makes landfall in Texas, tornado warning issued for several counties "For those of you in northeast Texas, be aware. You will have tropical storm winds, maybe as late as midnight or 1 am. You will have flooding, you will have rain, and you need to stay off the roads," he warned. While state officials are yet to assess the damage wrought by storm Beryl, Mayor John Whitmire told reporters that due to the hurricane, floodwaters across most of Houston have exceeded 10 inches (25.4 centimetres). "We're literally getting calls across Houston right now asking for first responders to come rescue individuals in desperate life safety conditions," he said. Furthermore, more than 1,300 flights were cancelled, as officials ordered evacuations in some beach towns. (With inputs from agencies)

Hurricane Beryl batters Texas: Three dead, 1,300 flights cancelled, 2.7 million homes without power

In preparation for the battering, it will receive at the hands of Hurricane Beryl, Texas on Sunday (Jul&nbsp;7) closed operations and vessel traffic in its largest ports. The decision was taken as Beryl approached the Texas coast near Houston.

<h2>Hurricane Beryl</h2>

An update from the US National Hurricane Center (NHC) said that Hurricane Beryl, which left a trail of destruction in the Caribbean and killed at least 11 people, is now a category 1 hurricane. It is expected to strengthen into a Category 2 hurricane.&nbsp;

Condition "Zulu" i.e. — when weather advisories indicate that sustained gale force winds (39–54 mph/34–47 knots) from a tropical or hurricane force storm are predicted to make landfall at the port within 12 hours — was declared by the coast guard captains on Sunday.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/beryl-strengthens-hurricane-watch-issued-for-texas-coast-738574">US: Hurricane Beryl strengthens, alert issued for Texas coast</a>

Following this, the ports of Corpus Christi, Houston, Galveston, Freeport and Texas City said they have closed all vessel movement and cargo operations. &nbsp;

Beryl is expected to make landfall between the port City of Corpus Christi and Galveston Island early on Monday (Jul 8).&nbsp;

<h2>Evacuations carried out</h2>

As a precautionary measure parts of coastal Texas have been evacuated, reported news agency&nbsp;AFP.

The NHC in its update said that topical storm Beryl's winds were reaching 70 miles (110 kilometers) and it is expected to regain Hurricane status (winds reaching 119 kilometres or 74 miles).

Houston Mayor John Whitmire warned the public and said, "We have to take Beryl very, very seriously."

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/mexico-braces-for-destruction-as-deadly-hurricane-beryl-heads-towards-it-with-130-mph-winds-737774">Mexico braces for destruction as 'deadly' hurricane Beryl heads towards it with 130 mph winds</a>

"Our worst enemy is complacency," he added.

On Sunday, several areas of the Texas coast were under hurricane warning.&nbsp;

Several areas of the Texas coast were under hurricane and storm warnings on Sunday.&nbsp;

The NHC in its update also warned of flash flooding in some areas, as Beryl is expected to bring with it rainfall of up to 15 inches (38 centimetres).

(With inputs from agencies)

In preparation for the battering, it will receive at the hands of Hurricane Beryl, Texas on Sunday (Jul 7) closed operations and vessel traffic in its largest ports.

In preparation for the battering, it will receive at the hands of Hurricane Beryl, Texas on Sunday (Jul 7) closed operations and vessel traffic in its largest ports. The decision was taken as Beryl approached the Texas coast near Houston. Hurricane Beryl An update from the US National Hurricane Center (NHC) said that Hurricane Beryl, which left a trail of destruction in the Caribbean and killed at least 11 people, is now a category 1 hurricane. It is expected to strengthen into a Category 2 hurricane. Condition "Zulu" i.e. — when weather advisories indicate that sustained gale force winds (39–54 mph/34–47 knots) from a tropical or hurricane force storm are predicted to make landfall at the port within 12 hours — was declared by the coast guard captains on Sunday. Also read | US: Hurricane Beryl strengthens, alert issued for Texas coast Following this, the ports of Corpus Christi, Houston, Galveston, Freeport and Texas City said they have closed all vessel movement and cargo operations. Beryl is expected to make landfall between the port City of Corpus Christi and Galveston Island early on Monday (Jul 8). Evacuations carried out As a precautionary measure parts of coastal Texas have been evacuated, reported news agency AFP. The NHC in its update said that topical storm Beryl's winds were reaching 70 miles (110 kilometers) and it is expected to regain Hurricane status (winds reaching 119 kilometres or 74 miles). Houston Mayor John Whitmire warned the public and said, "We have to take Beryl very, very seriously." Also read | Mexico braces for destruction as 'deadly' hurricane Beryl heads towards it with 130 mph winds "Our worst enemy is complacency," he added. On Sunday, several areas of the Texas coast were under hurricane warning. Several areas of the Texas coast were under hurricane and storm warnings on Sunday. The NHC in its update also warned of flash flooding in some areas, as Beryl is expected to bring with it rainfall of up to 15 inches (38 centimetres). (With inputs from agencies)

Texas closes operations at major ports, braces for destruction as Beryl readies to make landfall

After battering Jamaica's southern coast with devastating winds and sea surges, the deadly Hurricane Beryl is powering towards Mexico late on Wednesday (Jul&nbsp;3).

Killing at least seven people, the Category 4 has left in its wake a path of destruction across the Caribbean. A Reuters report suggests that the number of dead may be 10 already, with more to be reported as communications come back online.

<h2>Where will Hurricane Beryl hit next?</h2>

As per the US National Hurricane Center (NHC), Hurricane Beryl was pulling away from Jamaica late on Wednesday and was expected to pass just south of the Cayman Islands overnight. From there, it is expected to move to Mexico's Yucatán Peninsula.

Mexico, as per AFP, is scrambling to brace for the deadly storm. Hurricane Beryl is expected to bring with it damaging winds, a dangerous storm surge and heavy rainfall over the Yucatán Peninsula and Belize.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hurricane-beryl-barrels-toward-jamaica-after-caribbean-devastation-737317">Hurricane Beryl: Jamaica braces for major hurricane after Caribbean rampage</a>

Announcing the deployment of hundreds of military personnel, marines, and electricity workers in anticipation of damage that the hurricane will bring, Civil Protection national coordinator Laura Velazquez warned of intense rains.

"We will have intense rains and wind gusts" from Thursday, he said.

As of Wednesday night, Beryl was packing maximum sustained winds of 130 mph (209.21 km/h), said the NHC. While the force of the winds is expected to weaken somewhat in the next day or two, the NHC warned that Beryl would remain at or near major hurricane strength as it passed the Cayman Islands.

The Mexican government has prepared 112 shelters, each with a capacity to shelter around 20,000 people. Furthermore, schools have been suspended in the state of Quintana Roo, where Beryl is expected to hit with all its mighty force.

<h2>Hurricane Beryl's destruction&nbsp;</h2>

Even as the Hurricane moves towards Mexico, the NHC predicted that overnight, Jamaica may still experience "life-threatening flash flooding and mudslides from heavy rainfall".

Over 40,000 people have been left without power, reports Jamaica Gleaner newspaper, citing a public service company.

Furthermore, a curfew from 6:00 am to 6:00 pm has been declared by Jamaica Prime Minister Andrew Holness, who has also urged the 2.8 million population to comply with evacuation orders.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/monster-storm-hurricane-beryl-went-through-rapid-intensification-how-did-it-happen-and-why-is-it-dangerous-737362">'Monster Storm' Hurricane Beryl went through rapid intensification. How did it happen and why is it dangerous?</a>

At least three people were killed in Grenada where hurricane Beryl made landfall on Monday. One death was reported by St Vincent and the Grenadines. Three people were killed in Venezuela.&nbsp;

St Vincent and the Grenadines Ralph Gonsalves prime minister in a statement said, "Most of the country doesn't have electricity, and more than half without water at the moment."

He said that it would take "Herculean effort" to rebuild after the substantial destruction and that "90-odd per cent of the houses were blown away" on Union Island.

(With inputs from agencies)

After battering Jamaica's southern coast with devastating winds and sea surges, the deadly Hurricane Beryl is powering towards Mexico late on Wednesday (Jul 3). Killing at least seven people, the Category 4 has left in its wake a path of destruction across the Caribbean.

After battering Jamaica's southern coast with devastating winds and sea surges, the deadly Hurricane Beryl is powering towards Mexico late on Wednesday (Jul 3). Killing at least seven people, the Category 4 has left in its wake a path of destruction across the Caribbean. A Reuters report suggests that the number of dead may be 10 already, with more to be reported as communications come back online. Where will Hurricane Beryl hit next? As per the US National Hurricane Center (NHC), Hurricane Beryl was pulling away from Jamaica late on Wednesday and was expected to pass just south of the Cayman Islands overnight. From there, it is expected to move to Mexico's Yucatán Peninsula. Mexico, as per AFP, is scrambling to brace for the deadly storm. Hurricane Beryl is expected to bring with it damaging winds, a dangerous storm surge and heavy rainfall over the Yucatán Peninsula and Belize. Also read | Hurricane Beryl: Jamaica braces for major hurricane after Caribbean rampage Announcing the deployment of hundreds of military personnel, marines, and electricity workers in anticipation of damage that the hurricane will bring, Civil Protection national coordinator Laura Velazquez warned of intense rains. "We will have intense rains and wind gusts" from Thursday, he said. As of Wednesday night, Beryl was packing maximum sustained winds of 130 mph (209.21 km/h), said the NHC. While the force of the winds is expected to weaken somewhat in the next day or two, the NHC warned that Beryl would remain at or near major hurricane strength as it passed the Cayman Islands. The Mexican government has prepared 112 shelters, each with a capacity to shelter around 20,000 people. Furthermore, schools have been suspended in the state of Quintana Roo, where Beryl is expected to hit with all its mighty force. Hurricane Beryl's destruction Even as the Hurricane moves towards Mexico, the NHC predicted that overnight, Jamaica may still experience "life-threatening flash flooding and mudslides from heavy rainfall". Over 40,000 people have been left without power, reports Jamaica Gleaner newspaper, citing a public service company. Furthermore, a curfew from 6:00 am to 6:00 pm has been declared by Jamaica Prime Minister Andrew Holness, who has also urged the 2.8 million population to comply with evacuation orders. Also read | 'Monster Storm' Hurricane Beryl went through rapid intensification. How did it happen and why is it dangerous? At least three people were killed in Grenada where hurricane Beryl made landfall on Monday. One death was reported by St Vincent and the Grenadines. Three people were killed in Venezuela. St Vincent and the Grenadines Ralph Gonsalves prime minister in a statement said, "Most of the country doesn't have electricity, and more than half without water at the moment." He said that it would take "Herculean effort" to rebuild after the substantial destruction and that "90-odd per cent of the houses were blown away" on Union Island. (With inputs from agencies)

Mexico braces for destruction as 'deadly' hurricane Beryl heads towards it with 130 mph winds

Hurricane Beryl strengthened to Category 5 status late Monday (Jul 1) as it ripped doors, windows and roofs off homes across the southeastern Caribbean. Beryl made landfall on the island of Carriacou in Grenada as the earliest Category 4 storm in the Atlantic, a report by the news agency Associated Press said.

Hurricane Beryl strengthened to Category 5 status late Monday (Jul 1) as it ripped doors, windows and roofs off homes across the southeastern Caribbean. Beryl made landfall on the island of Carriacou in Grenada as the earliest Category 4 storm in the Atlantic, a report by the news agency Associated Press said. Later in the day, the National Hurricane Center in Miami said its winds increased to 260 kilometres per hour. According to Prime Minister Dickon Mitchell, one person died in the disaster. Prime Minister Mitchell could not yet say if there were other fatalities because authorities had not been able to assess the situation on the islands of Carriacou and Petite Martinique. “We do hope there aren’t any other fatalities or any injuries. But bear in mind the challenge we have in Carriacou and Petite Martinique," he added. Also read | Indian Team stranded in Barbados after T20 WC win as hurricane warning shuts airport The hurricane's impact The Associated Press report said that streets from St.Lucia Island south to Granda were strewn with shoes, trees, downed power lines and other debris. Banana trees were snapped in half and cows lay dead in green pastures with homes made of tin and plywood tilting precariously nearby. Beryl was still swiping the southeast Caribbean late Monday as it pushed into the Caribbean Sea on a track heading just south of Jamaica and toward Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula by late Thursday as a Category 1 storm. Hurricane warning in effect for Jamaica Hurricane Beryl was about 825 kilometres east-southeast of Isla Beata in the Dominican Republic and was moving west-northwest at 33 kilometres per hour. A hurricane warning was in effect for Jamaica, and a tropical storm warning for the southern coast of Hispaniola. The last strong hurricane to hit the southeast Caribbean was Hurricane Ivan 20 years ago, which killed dozens of people in Grenada. (With inputs from agencies)

Hurricane Beryl strengthens to Category 5 status, brings devastation to southeast Caribbean