Texas, United States

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.

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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. 

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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). 

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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)