CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas – SATURDAY, JULY 6 – 7:45 A.M. CT – As many continue to celebrate the 4th of July holiday weekend, millions across the Texas Gulf Coast are preparing for what is forecast to become Hurricane Beryl again.
Overnight, the National Weather Service issued a few updated advisories, including new information at 7 a.m.
Coastal Watches/Warnings and Forecast Cone for Storm Center for Tropical Storm Beryl. Valid July 6, 2024 at 7 a.m. (Copyright 2024 by KPRC Click2Houston – All rights reserved.)
There is some good news for the Houston area.
It seems that the forecast tracks of Beryl have settled in (at least for now). We’ve seen this before, but have also noted consistent eastward tracks of Beryl.
Tropical Storm Beryl (Copyright 2024 by KPRC Click2Houston – All rights reserved.)
However, for the better part of the overnight hours models have agreed upon a Texas landfall somewhere between Corpus Christi and Matagorda Bay.
Of course, this is always subject to chance. But at least it’s a little bit of a good sign for the Houston area.
Saturday is the day to make those preparations ahead of what should be a windy and rainy start to the week.
Those along the coast will see the brunt of the impacts.
Wondering if you should start your prep work? Here’s my go-to advice: Preapre for the worst and hope for the best.
FRIDAY, JULY 5 – 11:30 P.M. CT – Houston, I wish we had some better news to send you to sleep with.
The latest guidance from the National Hurricane Center shows yet another eastward jog of what will likely become Hurricane Beryl once again.
Simply put – this increases the probability of hurricane impacts to the Houston area.
10pm CDT July 5th Key Messages for Tropical Storm #Beryl:
Beryl has emerged over the Gulf of Mexico where it is expected to intensify into a hurricane. Storm Surge & Hurricane Watches have been extended eastward along the middle Texas coast.
— National Hurricane Center (@NHC_Atlantic) July 6, 2024
The Hurricane Watch has been extended through portions of Brazoria County.
Meanwhile, the Storm Surge Watch has been extended through High Island in Galveston County.
Peak Storm Surge Forecast for Tropical Storm Beryl. Valid as of July 5, 2024 at 10 p.m. CT. (Copyright 2024 by KPRC Click2Houston – All rights reserved.)
Have a good night and we’ll check back in Saturday morning.
FRIDAY, JULY 5 – 9 P.M. CT – As Tropical Storm Beryl enters the Gulf of Mexico, the once Category 5 hurricane is expected to re-intensify before making a final landfall along the Texas Gulf Coast.
KPRC 2′s Gage Goulding is LIVE in Corpus Christi, Texas as the community prepares just two weeks after Tropical Storm Alberto battered the region.
While some locals are preparing by using the more than 14,000 sandbags made by Corpus Christi city workers, vacationers to the barrier islands are soaking in every bit of sun they can get.
This story will be updated to bring the latest reports from KPRC2′s Gage Goulding along the Texas Gulf Coast.
Copyright 2024 by KPRC Click2Houston – All rights reserved.
As of the latest advisory Thursday night, Hurricane Beryl is a Category 3 hurricane as it passes southwest of the Cayman Islands. It will potentially make another landfall on Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula.
Beryl was the earliest Category 5 hurricane to form in the Atlantic Basin, and it was the earliest Category 4 to make landfall on record after passing through the southern Windward Islands on Monday, July 1.
What You Need To Know
Beryl was the earliest Category 5 hurricane on record; it is now Cat 3 with 115 mph winds
It made landfall on Carriacou Island in Grenada on Monday, July 1
It’s moving west-northwest across the Caribbean Sea
Beryl is currently a Category 3 hurricane with max winds of 115 mph and it’s moving west-northwest through the Caribbean Sea.
It is moving closely by the Cayman Islands, bringing hurricane-force winds and damaging waves through early Thursday. Strong winds, dangerous storm surge, damaging waves and areas of flooding are expected in the Cayman Islands, where a Hurricane Warning remains in effect.
Beryl should remain a hurricane as it approaches the Yucatan Peninsula and Belize late on Thursday. It will eventually enter the Bay of Campeche and the southwestern Gulf of Mexico this weekend.
These are the following tropical alerts in place:
Hurricane Warning:
Little Cayman and Cayman Brac
The coast of the Yucatan Peninsula of Mexico from Puerto Costa Maya to Cancun
Hurricane Watch:
The coast of the Yucatan Peninsula of Mexico south of Puerto Costa Maya to Chetumal
The coast of the Yucatan Peninsula of Mexico north of Cancun to Cabo Catoche
Tropical Storm Warning:
The coast of the Yucatan Peninsula of Mexico south of Puerto Costa Maya to Chetumal
The coast of the Yucatan Peninsula of Mexico north of Cancun to Cabo Catoche
Tropical Storm Watch:
Coast of Belize from south of Chetumal to Belize City
The coast of the Yucatan Peninsula of Mexico west of Cabo Catoche to Campeche
Beryl will continue its path west-northwest as it moves through higher wind shear, which should lead to gradual weakening, although it will remain a dangerous storm in the Caribbean Sea.
Most models have Beryl moving back of the Bay of Campeche and the southwestern Gulf of Mexico as a tropical storm this weekend.
It’s too early to tell if Beryl will have any direct impact on the U.S., but it’s important to follow the latest updates, especially in the western Gulf of Mexico.
Beryl so far
Beryl formed on Friday, June 28, becoming the second named storm of the 2024 Atlantic hurricane season. It became a hurricane on Saturday, June 29, and on Sunday, June 30, it became the earliest Atlantic Category 4 storm on record.
It was the earliest major hurricane (Category 3+) to form in the Atlantic basin since 1966, and the third earliest major hurricane to form on record.
It made landfall onCarriacou Island in Grenada on Monday, July 1, as a strong Category 4 with max winds of 150 mph. It was the earliest Category 4 storm to make landfall in the Atlantic basin on record.
Late on Monday, July 1, Beryl moved back over the southeastern Caribbean Sea and continued to strengthen into a Category 5 hurricane. It became the earliest Category 5 hurricane on record, breaking the prior record held by Hurricane Emily in 2005 by two weeks.
With max winds of 165 mph, it also made Beryl the strongest July Atlantic hurricane on record.
We’ll continue to monitor the latest tropical development. You can see other areas with development potential here.
Our team of meteorologists dives deep into the science of weather and breaks down timely weather data and information. To view more weather and climate stories, check out our weather blogs section.
As of the latest advisory Thursday night, Hurricane Beryl is a Category 3 hurricane as it passes southwest of the Cayman Islands. It will potentially make another landfall on Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula.
Beryl was the earliest Category 5 hurricane to form in the Atlantic Basin, and it was the earliest Category 4 to make landfall on record after passing through the southern Windward Islands on Monday, July 1.
What You Need To Know
Beryl was the earliest Category 5 hurricane on record; it is now Cat 3 with 115 mph winds
It made landfall on Carriacou Island in Grenada on Monday, July 1
It’s moving west-northwest across the Caribbean Sea
Beryl is currently a Category 3 hurricane with max winds of 115 mph and it’s moving west-northwest through the Caribbean Sea.
It is moving closely by the Cayman Islands, bringing hurricane-force winds and damaging waves through early Thursday. Strong winds, dangerous storm surge, damaging waves and areas of flooding are expected in the Cayman Islands, where a Hurricane Warning remains in effect.
Beryl should remain a hurricane as it approaches the Yucatan Peninsula and Belize late on Thursday. It will eventually enter the Bay of Campeche and the southwestern Gulf of Mexico this weekend.
These are the following tropical alerts in place:
Hurricane Warning:
Little Cayman and Cayman Brac
The coast of the Yucatan Peninsula of Mexico from Puerto Costa Maya to Cancun
Hurricane Watch:
The coast of the Yucatan Peninsula of Mexico south of Puerto Costa Maya to Chetumal
The coast of the Yucatan Peninsula of Mexico north of Cancun to Cabo Catoche
Tropical Storm Warning:
The coast of the Yucatan Peninsula of Mexico south of Puerto Costa Maya to Chetumal
The coast of the Yucatan Peninsula of Mexico north of Cancun to Cabo Catoche
Tropical Storm Watch:
Coast of Belize from south of Chetumal to Belize City
The coast of the Yucatan Peninsula of Mexico west of Cabo Catoche to Campeche
Beryl will continue its path west-northwest as it moves through higher wind shear, which should lead to gradual weakening, although it will remain a dangerous storm in the Caribbean Sea.
Most models have Beryl moving back of the Bay of Campeche and the southwestern Gulf of Mexico as a tropical storm this weekend.
It’s too early to tell if Beryl will have any direct impact on the U.S., but it’s important to follow the latest updates, especially in the western Gulf of Mexico.
Beryl so far
Beryl formed on Friday, June 28, becoming the second named storm of the 2024 Atlantic hurricane season. It became a hurricane on Saturday, June 29, and on Sunday, June 30, it became the earliest Atlantic Category 4 storm on record.
It was the earliest major hurricane (Category 3+) to form in the Atlantic basin since 1966, and the third earliest major hurricane to form on record.
It made landfall onCarriacou Island in Grenada on Monday, July 1, as a strong Category 4 with max winds of 150 mph. It was the earliest Category 4 storm to make landfall in the Atlantic basin on record.
Late on Monday, July 1, Beryl moved back over the southeastern Caribbean Sea and continued to strengthen into a Category 5 hurricane. It became the earliest Category 5 hurricane on record, breaking the prior record held by Hurricane Emily in 2005 by two weeks.
With max winds of 165 mph, it also made Beryl the strongest July Atlantic hurricane on record.
We’ll continue to monitor the latest tropical development. You can see other areas with development potential here.
Our team of meteorologists dives deep into the science of weather and breaks down timely weather data and information. To view more weather and climate stories, check out our weather blogs section.
A man covers the windows of a building to protect it from the incoming Hurricane Beryl in Kingston, Jamaica, Tuesday, July 2, 2024. (AP Photo/Collin Reid)
KINGSTON, Jamaica (AP) — Hurricane Beryl is roaring toward Jamaica as islanders scramble to make preparations after the powerful Category 4 storm earlier killed at least six people and caused significant damage in the southeast Caribbean.
People in Kingston boarded up windows and fishermen pulled their boats out of the water before sitting around a table to play dominoes beside a bay.
Workers dismantled roadside advertising boards to protect them from the expected lashing winds to come on Wednesday.
A hurricane warning was in effect for Jamaica, Grand Cayman, Little Cayman and Cayman Brac.
Beryl was forecast to weaken slightly over the next day or two but still be at or near major-hurricane strength when it passes near or over Jamaica on Wednesday.
The carnage left by Hurricane Beryl in the Caribbean this week is a stark reminder of the destruction such storms can wreak on entire communities. And with meteorologists expecting an above normal Atlantic hurricane season this year, nearly 33 million homes from Texas to Maine could face danger from the savage winds, storm surges and heavy rainfall such tempests can produce, real estate data provider CoreLogic estimates.
Read on to learn what experts say homeowners can do to harden their properties against hurricanes.
Family members survey their home destroyed in the passing of Hurricane Beryl, in Ottley Hall, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Tuesday, July 2, 2024.
Lucanus Ollivierre / AP
Cover the windows
When time is of the essence, the quickest and cheapest way to protect your home from a hurricane is nailing plywood across all the windows. Owners who have more time to prepare can protect windows by installing so-called roll shutters, which a little like a garage door and which run between $300 and $400.
“That’s going to protect you from the debris flying into your window,” said Michael Gridley, a residential construction professor at SUNY Morrisville in upstate New York, noting that many homeowners can mount plywood or install roll shutters themselves.
But such fixes are temporary and likely won’t keep glass from shattering and falling into your home, Joshua Parrish, a general contractor in Georgia, told CBS MoneyWatch.
Experts say “roll shutters,” seen here covering a home’s windows in a 3D rendering, can protect properties from flying debris kicked up by a hurricane.
Getty Images/KangeStudio
For stronger, long-term protection, a professional can install hurricane windows, which typically have a steel or aluminum frame and reinforced glass.
“The glass actually has two layers of heat-treated glass, and there’s plastic in between them. It will actually protect you,” Gridley said.
Not surprisingly, hurricane windows are costly. At $125 to $150 per square feet, installing them could easily cost a homeowner between $10,000 and $30,000, he noted.
Barricade your doors
As with the measures for safeguarding windows, homeowners have three basic options: putting up plywood, adding a larger roll shutter or having a hurricane door installed.
Parrish said mounting plywood on sliding glass or patio doors should provide sufficient protection from Category 2 (wind speeds of 96–110 mph) or Category 3 (wind speeds 111-129 mph) hurricanes. For more powerful storms, he recommends a hurricane door. That starts with deciding whether to get a steel, aluminum or fiberglass door.
“I would lean toward getting something like fiberglass just because, in case of a dent, something in that family of metal would be more difficult to fix and you’d have to end up replacing it,” Parrish said.
Hurricane doors typically cost between $2,400 and $4,000 depending on the structure and size, Gridley said.
Reinforce your roof
Before making any changes to your roof, it’s important to first check for soft spots in your roof deck, nail down any loose shingles and clear the gutters so water flows quickly away from your home, experts said.
After the roof checkup is done, homeowners can generally go one of two routes. For those who don’t have the time or money to replace the roof, Gridley said they should consider cementing the existing shingles together. Shingles are already nailed down and stuck together with asphalt, but over time the asphalt cracks and fades — adding cement reinforces them.
Another, pricier option — but one that offers better protection, including from an insurance perspective — is to install a metal roof.
“It fastens down, it has less room for [wind] pickup — it’s going to be the best option,” Gridley said.
Experts say a metal roof is less prone to being lifted off a home in a hurricane.
Dan Reynolds Photography/Getty Images
Metal roofs are installed so there are no “seams where wind can get underneath and start lifting that off the building,” Parrish said, adding, “It’s probably going to be double the cost of a typical shingle roof. But it’s going to last you almost forever — 40, 50, 60 years.”
A 2,000 square-foot metal roof costs an average of roughly $27,000, according to Architectural Digest.
Seal the foundation
Examine the foundation of your home and the walls of your basement or crawl space for cracks, the experts said. If you notice deep, long cracks, consider hiring a waterproofing company to seal them.
It’s vital to get cracks fixed because there could be water pressing against a foundation wall — structural risk that could lead to flooding during a hurricane, Parrish said.
“That’s additional water pressure beating against your home and, if it’s severe enough, it could cause other issues, and now you have a bigger problem on your hands,” Parrish said.
Khristopher J. Brooks is a reporter for CBS MoneyWatch. He previously worked as a reporter for the Omaha World-Herald, Newsday and the Florida Times-Union. His reporting primarily focuses on the U.S. housing market, the business of sports and bankruptcy.
Hurricane Beryl’s historic rampage across the Caribbean left “immense destruction” when it passed St. Vincent and the Grenadines, the prime minister. On the Caribbean country’s Union Island, 90% of the houses have been “severely damaged or destroyed.”
“Union Island has been devastated,” Prime Minister Ralph Gonsalves said during a press briefing Monday.
“Their roofs … the Union Island airport’s roof is gone. It’s no more.”
The tiny island is just 3 miles long and about a mile wide, with roughly 3,000 residents, according to the island’s information center — a size that can only be considered minuscule compared to the size and strength of Hurricane Beryl.
The storm, which grew from a tropical depression to a major hurricane in less than two days, has been described as an extremely dangerous and rare hurricane by forecasters and experts. It first made landfall as a Category 4 storm on Monday on the Grenada island of Carriacou, which sits just next to Union Island.
Along with the destruction on Union Island, the island of Bequia also had damage, although not to the same extent. At least one person died, he said, adding that “there may well be more fatalities.”
“There’s still the islandwide blackout,” Gonsalves said. “…There are a few communities which do not have water because of the system having been blocked.”
Storm damage was also reported in Barbados and Carriacou, an island that’s part of Grenada. And Beryl is not yet done wreaking havoc.
“Beryl is still expected to be near major hurricane intensity as it moves into the central Caribbean and passes near Jamaica on Wednesday and the Cayman Islands on Thursday,” the National Hurricane Center said. “…Storm surge could raise water levels by as much as 5 to 8 feet above normal tide levels in areas of onshore winds along the immediate coast of Jamaica.”
Li Cohen is a senior social media producer at CBS News. She previously wrote for amNewYork and The Seminole Tribune. She mainly covers climate, environmental and weather news.
Chris formed late on Sunday, June 30, becoming the third named storm of the 2024 Atlantic hurricane season. It was a short-lived tropical storm and dissipated less than 24 hours after making landfall.
What You Need To Know
Chris was a short-lived tropical storm
It made landfall near Lechuguillas in Mexico
It was the third named storm of the season
Chris formed in the western Gulf of Mexico and made landfall shortly after. It moved inland near Lechuguillas in the Mexican state of Veracruz early in the morning on Monday, July 1.
It brought strong winds and heavy rainfall to parts of eastern Mexico, with localized rainfall totals up to 8 to 12 inches in parts of the mountains.
Chris weakened to a tropical depression and eventually a remnant low, dissipating in the mountains on the same day it made landfall.
Our team of meteorologists dives deep into the science of weather and breaks down timely weather data and information. To view more weather and climate stories, check out our weather blogs section.
ORLANDO, Fla. – Tropical Storm Beryl has strengthened into the first hurricane of the 2024 season. As of 5 p.m. Saturday, Beryl has maximum sustained winds of 75 mph. The storm is moving west at 22 mph.
The storm is expected to rapidly strengthen on its way to becoming a major hurricane before impacting the Windward islands.
There is currently a hurricane warning for Barbados. A hurricane watch is in effect for St. Lucia. St. Vincent and the Grenadines and Grenada.
A Tropical Storm Watch is in effect for Martinique, Dominica, and Tobago.
Two other areas are being monitored for possible tropical development in the Atlantic. A disturbance near the Yucatan has a medium chance for development before moving ashore in eastern Mexico.
A tropical wave behind behind Beryl has a chance for development over the next seven days.
The next two names are Chris and Debby.
Copyright 2024 by WKMG ClickOrlando – All rights reserved.
It will move west into the Caribbean Sea by next week
Beryl is a tropical storm with max winds of 50 mph and it’s moving west toward the Windward Islands. Conditions will be favorable for strengthening this weekend as it moves toward the Caribbean, where it’s forecast to become the first hurricane of the season by Sunday.
It will move through the Lesser Antilles early next week. A Hurricane Watch is in effect for Barbados.
Portions of the Windward and southern Leeward Islands could also see hurricane force conditions as Beryl moves through, bringing heavy rain, dangerous storm surge and strong winds.
It will move into the Caribbean Sea by Monday afternoon. It’s still too far out to determine if it will affect the U.S., but most models keep it to the south, eventually heading to Central America.
We’ll continue to monitor the latest tropical development. You can see other areas with development potential here.
Our team of meteorologists dives deep into the science of weather and breaks down timely weather data and information. To view more weather and climate stories, check out our weather blogs section.
TWO NEWS STARTS NOW AND FIRST AT 11, A NEW TROPICAL STORM HAS FORMED OUT IN THE ATLANTIC. FIRST WARNING CHIEF METEOROLOGIST TONY MAINOLFI IS TRACKING THE PATH. IT IS TAKING THROUGH THE CARIBBEAN TONIGHT. YEAH, I’LL TELL YOU WHAT. THIS ONE IS MOVING OFF TOWARDS THE WEST GUYS AND IS LIKELY TO BECOME THE SEASON’S FIRST HURRICANE. AS WE HEAD INTO THE WEEKEND. BEAUTIFUL SYMMETRY TONIGHT. VERY CONCENTRIC CENTER OF THUNDERSTORMS THERE. RIGHT AROUND THAT CORE. WINDS ARE UP TO 40 MILES AN HOUR MOVING STEADILY NOW OFF TOWARDS THE WEST. PRESSURE’S BEEN HOLDING STEADY THERE. AT ABOUT 1006 MILLIBARS. HERE’S THE UPDATED CONE NOW FROM THE NATIONAL HURRICANE CENTER. THIS ONE A CATEGORY HURRICANE THERE BY ABOUT 8:00 IN THE EVENING. IT MAY EVEN BE EARLIER THAN THAT. BASED ON THE TRENDS WE’RE SEEING TONIGHT, A LOT OF THE COMPUTER MODELS HERE TAKE THIS GRADUALLY OFF TOWARDS THE WEST NORTHWEST. THE TREND IS NOT DEVIATED NORTH OF CUBA, AND THERE’S A GOOD REASON FOR THAT. AS WE TAKE A LOOK AT THE INTENSITY FORECAST HERE TO THE ONE MODEL, THE H WHARF STILL HAS A CATEGORY FOUR HURRICANE. BUT BACK TO THOSE TRACKS. HERE’S OUR CONE. WHAT’S IMPORTANT FOR FLORIDA IS THIS BIG DOME, THIS BIG RIDGE OF HIGH PRESSURE. THIS IS OUR BEST FRIEND FROM PREVENTING THIS STORM SYSTEM FROM TURNING UP TO THE NORTH. IF THAT DOES PAN OUT AND THIS DOESN’T GET TOO STRONG AND TRY TO MAKE THAT CURVE BETWEEN THAT WEAKNESS, ALL SHOULD CONTINUE TO DIRECT THIS ONE OFF TOWARDS THE WEST NORTHWEST. PLENTY OF TIME TO WATCH IT. BUT WHAT’S INTERESTING TO NOTE NOT ONLY DO WE HAVE BERYL RIGHT BEHIND IT, THERE’S ANOTHER FEATURE BY BOTH THE GFS AND THE EUROPEAN COMPUTER MODELS THAT MAY TAKE THE SAME EXACT TRACK, SO THERE COULD BE A12 PUNCH THERE IN THE WINDWARD ISLES OVER TOWARDS JAMAICA AND MAYBE EVEN THE SOUTH SIDE OF HAITI AND OVER TOWARDS THE DOMINICAN REPUBLIC. WE’LL KEEP YOU POSTED ON THAT FOR NOW THOUGH. KEEP CHECKING BACK IN. BUT I’M FEELING PRETTY GOOD BASED ON TONIGHT’S COMPUTER
Tropical Storm Beryl forms, could become first hurricane of the season this weekend
Updated: 12:06 AM EDT Jun 29, 2024
Tropical Storm Beryl officially formed Friday night, according to the National Hurricane Center. The NHC said Tropical Storm Beryl is expected to strengthen and possibly become a hurricane when it reaches the Windward Islands Sunday night or Monday. Related: WESH 2 Hurricane Survival Guide 2024This could bring heavy rain, hurricane-force winds, dangerous storm surges and waves.Tropical Storm Beryl initially developed as Invest 95-L and was later upgraded to a tropical depression on Friday afternoon before strengthening into a tropical storm. More tropicsThe NHC is also monitoring Invest 94-L and a tropical wave.Related: Hurricane KidCast: What’s a hurricane? And more answers to kids’ questionsRelated: Surviving the Season | 2024 Hurricane Special from WESH 2
Tropical Storm Beryl officially formed Friday night, according to the National Hurricane Center.
The NHC said Tropical Storm Beryl is expected to strengthen and possibly become a hurricane when it reaches the Windward Islands Sunday night or Monday.
This could bring heavy rain, hurricane-force winds, dangerous storm surges and waves.
Tropical Storm Beryl initially developed as Invest 95-L and was later upgraded to a tropical depression on Friday afternoon before strengthening into a tropical storm.
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Looks like we will have Tropical Storm Beryl at 11 pm just waiting on the official word from the Hurricane Center. Beryl will become a hurricane, first of the season, over the weekend. #weshwxpic.twitter.com/nLCNeDVmwE
NOAA predicts above normal activity this hurricane season
Atlantic sea surface temperatures are experiencing record warmth
La Niña conditions are expected during the peak of hurricane season
NOAA predicts above normal activity across the Atlantic basin this year. It’s primarily because of record warm sea surface temperatures across the Atlantic and the expected return of La Nina conditions this summer, both being contributors to tropical activity.
Here are the names that are being used in 2024. This list, excluding any names that get retired, will be re-used in 2030.
You can learn more about 2024’s list of names here.
Here are this season’s tropical tracks so far.
Alberto
Alberto was the first named storm of the 2024 Atlantic hurricane season. It formed in the western Gulf of Mexico on June 19, becoming a tropical storm.
It made landfall in northeastern Mexico on June 20 with max winds of 45 mph, bringing heavy rain, coastal flooding and wind impacts to northern Mexico and South Texas. It dissipated quickly later that day.
Our team of meteorologists dives deep into the science of weather and breaks down timely weather data and information. To view more weather and climate stories, check out our weather blogs section.
ORLANDO, Fla. – The National Hurricane Center is monitoring two areas for possible tropical development, including one area off the coast of Florida that will bring tropical downpours.
The area, designated Invest 92L, is 120 miles east of Jacksonville.
Hurricane Hunters were sent to investigate Friday morning and found it has developed a well-defined center and has maximum sustained winds of 35 mph. However, the NHC said the showers and thunderstorms with the system are not organized enough to be considered a tropical cyclone.
If the storms organize a little more, it could develop into a short-lived tropical depression before reaching the coast of Florida or Georgia later Friday.
There is a 60% chance of development in the next 48 hours.
The NHC is forecasting another area of low pressure to form over southeastern Mexico and northern Central America later Friday.
It is expected to move over the Bay of Campeche on Saturday, and it could develop into a tropical depression over the southwestern Gulf of Mexico over the weekend.
It has a 50% chance of development in the next 48 hours and a 60% chance in the next seven days.
Hurricane season runs through November.
Meteorologist Jonathan Kegges provides the latest information about everything happening in the tropics.
Copyright 2024 by WKMG ClickOrlando – All rights reserved.
CRYSTAL BEACH, Texas – The Houston area dodged the worst of Tropical Storm Alberto, but that doesn’t mean we got away without a scratch.
Our barrier islands took a beating from Alberto’s storm surge. Galveston Bay and nearby barrier islands saw two to four feet of storm surge roll onto the island.
For communities on the Bolivar Peninsula, this turned out to be a devastating punch to their solo line of defense when it comes to fending back the angry waters of the Gulf of Mexico: sand dunes.
Crystal Beach on Bolivar Peninsula after storm surge from Tropical Storm Alberto ate away at the coastline. Photo: June 20, 2024 (Copyright 2024 by KPRC Click2Houston – All rights reserved.)
“This ain’t a storm. This is disturbance out in the Gulf,” said Crystal Beach resident Shane Stone. “It’s 400 miles away and look what it’s done.”
In some areas of Crystal Beach, roughly 25 yards worth of sand dunes were seemingly washed out overnight.
Some homes are now exposed to the elements at their foundation with the waves from the Gulf nearly hitting their pilings.
At one home in the Tidelands community, the entire backyard and dunes were washed away.
A backyard in Crystal Beach on the Bolivar Peninsula eroded away by the storm surge from Tropical Storm Alberto on June 20, 2024. (Copyright 2024 by KPRC Click2Houston – All rights reserved.)
“Every bit of 10 to 12 foot height. Gone,” said Stone.
For the second day in a row on Thursday, storm surge was eating away at the beach and dunes.
Residents recorded video of sand literally washing away in front of them.
“This used to be all yard. These dunes was over this,” Stone explained. “We’re going to lose these houses.”
Sand dunes are one of the best ways to hold back the Gulf of Mexico’s destructive storm surge.
At Florida Gulf Coast University, researchers are employing the help of LIDAR-equipped drones to map the beach before, immediately and after Hurricane Ian.
Their findings show that storm surge takes two swings at their target: once on the way in and again on the way out.
“We realized that the storm surge actually causes problems twice, once coming in the so-called flood surge and once going out the ebb surge,” said Dr. Mike Savarese with The Water School at Florida Gulf Coast University. “And that returning water created, oh, horrendous conditions, in fact, most of the damage.”
It’s that ebb surge that’s ripping away the dunes from Bolivar Peninsula.
“Could you imagine if we actually have a hurricane,” Stone said. “A category one, category two. What it’s going to do?”
A backyard in Crystal Beach on the Bolivar Peninsula eroded away by the storm surge from Tropical Storm Alberto on June 20, 2024. (Copyright 2024 by KPRC Click2Houston – All rights reserved.)
A Galveston County spokesperson told KPRC2′s Gage Goulding on Thursday that crews are still evaluating the extent of the damage.
Then they’ll be able to devise a plan to mitigate the damage until the end of hurricane season.
But the reality is, it’ll take time and that’s the one thing residents don’t have with another tropical system already brewing in the Gulf.
“Unfortunately, I think we’re doomed,” Stone said.
Copyright 2024 by KPRC Click2Houston – All rights reserved.
Tropical Storm Alberto has formed in the western Gulf of Mexico, becoming the first named storm of the 2024 Atlantic hurricane season.
What You Need To Know
Alberto is the first named storm of the 2024 Atlantic hurricane season
It’s forecast to make landfall in northeastern Mexico overnight
It will bring heavy rainfall, coastal flooding and wind impacts to parts of Texas
Alberto has max winds of 40 mph in the Gulf of Mexico and is moving west at 9 mph. It’s forecast to make landfall in northeastern Mexico sometime early Thursday morning.
However, it’s important to not just focus on the track of the storm. This disturbance is very large, with heavy rainfall, coastal flooding and wind impacts expected far from its center.
Tropical Storm Warnings are in effect for the Texas coast from San Luis Pass southward to the mouth of the Rio Grande. The northeastern coast of Mexico is also under a Tropical Storm Warning.
Heavy rainfall is expected across parts of the western Gulf Coast.
Flooding is possible across parts of south Texas as rainfall totals could exceed 5 inches this week as the storm moves inland.
Our team of meteorologists dives deep into the science of weather and breaks down timely weather data and information. To view more weather and climate stories, check out our weather blogs section.
HOUSTON – As you prepare for hurricane season by prepping for your family, first responders in Houston are doing the same.
At the Houston Fire Department, firefighters are training just in case the Houston area finds itself in the path of a hurricane this season.
Part of that training includes rescuing people from fast-rising water or flooded-out communities.
“Swift water is dangerous,” said Captain Michael O’Hare of the Houston Fire Department. “We are that last line of defense Before they are hurt.”
Captain O’Hare is among the group of leaders heading the training at Schlitterbahn Waterpark on Galveston.
There, the men and women of the Houston Fire Department are earning their name of “Houston’s Bravest.”
The training scenarios put firefighters in real work scenarios with real consequences for just one wrong step.
A Houston firefighters training for hurricane season at Schlitterbahn Waterpark on May 15, 2024. Photo by Jack Quillin (Copyright 2024 by KPRC Click2Houston – All rights reserved.)
“This opens eyes, but this doesn’t come close to the real forces that you’ll be dealing with,” Captain O’Hare said.
So why are we at a waterpark?
“Schlitterbahn is nice enough to give us a couple days to run the pumps up,” Captain O’Hare said.
The different kinds of currents and pools give Houston Firefighters the opportunity to get a feel for some of the different kinds of swift water they could encounter.
KPRC 2′s Gage Goulding was invited to tag along for an exclusive opportunity to train alongside firefighters to get a taste of just how difficult their training really is.
KPRC2 reporter Gage Goulding training alongside Houston firefighters ahead of hurricane season at Schlitterbahn Waterpark on May 15, 2024. Photo by Jack Quillin (Copyright 2024 by KPRC Click2Houston – All rights reserved.)
The first session involved flipping a capsized inflatable rescue boat.
“If our boats are caught sideways in the current, they will probably knock over,” Captain O’Hare said.
When that happens, one of the firefighters swims under the boat and braces themselves in the air pocket.
Meanwhile, on the top, another firefighter is using their body weight to pull on straps and flip the boat upright.
“This is what we want our guys to realize before they do get inside the water the first time,” said Firefighter Christopher Cullen.
Next, firefighters headed over to the not-so-lazy river for some defensive swimming training.
“Our feet are up and in front in case we encounter something under the water that we can’t see,” Captain O’Hare explained.
A Houston Firefighter training for hurricane season at Schlitterbahn Waterpark on May 15, 2024. Photo by Jack Quillin (Copyright 2024 by KPRC Click2Houston – All rights reserved.)
In this instance, it’s a giant plastic tube, which could be a floating tree or telephone pole.
“Things that we call strainers, or anything that is stopped in the water, that if we get wedged up against, we won’t be able to recover,” said Captain O’Hare. “So, we learn how to swim over those or to divert around them.”
The easy part is floating on your back and letting the current push you along. But flipping around and getting over the obstacle is no walk on the beach.
Gage Goulding: “It wasn’t that bad. But the camera doesn’t do it justice.”
KPRC2 reporter Gage Goulding training alongside Houston firefighters ahead of hurricane season at Schlitterbahn Waterpark on May 15, 2024. Photo by Jack Quillin (Copyright 2024 by KPRC Click2Houston – All rights reserved.)
The Houston Fire Department saved the best training for last – one that was introduced with the following statement: “We’re not here to get hurt.”
At the Boogie Bahn, crews crank up the water blasting at our feet.
“This isn’t normal training where you go out and just do it,” Cullen said.
The goal is to work as a team and move sideways through the swift water, using only a paddle to check for dangers in front of them.
“A lot of people, they see this skinny moving water and think it is not moving very fast,” said Cullen. “And since it’s not moving very fast and it’s not deep, they think they can cross it.”
KPRC 2′s Gage Goulding was voted to the front of the pyramid by his fellow teammates.
KPRC2 reporter Gage Goulding training alongside Houston firefighters ahead of hurricane season at Schlitterbahn Waterpark on May 15, 2024. Photo by Jack Quillin (Copyright 2024 by KPRC Click2Houston – All rights reserved.)
Two Houston firefighters were holding Gage down by his life vest while he moved sideways through the water, breaking up the pressure for those behind him.
They made it most of the way through the water, but where the current was its strongest, we lost one of our teammates.
It wasn’t long until everyone fell.
Christopher Cullen: “We’re going to put you in some harm’s way, and you might get some bumps and bruises on it. That’s the only way you’re going to learn from it.”
Gage Goulding: “So how did I do with everything? Be honest.”
Christopher Cullen: “I think you did great. I mean, you saw everybody falling down. That gets everybody over there.”
While it might look like fun and games, it’s a very important experience for firefighters to get their feet wet when it comes to dangerous flood waters.
A Houston Firefighter training for hurricane season at Schlitterbahn Waterpark on May 15, 2024. Photo by Jack Quillin (Copyright 2024 by KPRC Click2Houston – All rights reserved.)
“We don’t want our guys to walk out and haven’t been introduced to that type of water before,” Cullen said.
While they’re preparing for hurricane season, they use this knowledge year-round.
In early May during historic rainfalls and flooding, the Houston Fire Department deployed their swift water teams to rescue those caught in the flood waters or trapped in their homes.
“The opportunity for us to go in and help evacuate people; It’s good for refreshing us and boat operations and safety factors,” Captain O’Hare said.
While they hope everyone heeds warnings, evacuates and never finds themselves in harm’s way – they need to be ready just in case.
“If something does happen, you’re going to have a team that’s ready to come get you,” Cullen said.
Copyright 2024 by KPRC Click2Houston – All rights reserved.
Hurricanes are one of nature’s greatest threats to residents of the Houston-Gulf Coast Region. That is why ABC13 has teamed up with Kroger and Ark Generators & Electrical Services to bring you the Hurricane Tracking Guide! This will help you chart hurricanes and give you great information about severe weather safety. Be prepared this season. The ABC13 Hurricane Tracking Guide is available at participating local Kroger stores.
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Today is the first day of the 2024 Atlantic hurricane season. Here are some helpful resources to help you and your family get ready.
What You Need To Know
Hurricane season runs through Nov. 30
It’s expected to be an active season
Track the latest in the tropics here
How to prepare?
Even if you are not in a storm’s path, there are ways to prepare in advance that will make it easier for you when the time comes. It’s important to know if you live in an evacuation zone, and if so, to develop an evacuation plan for you and your family.
You can assemble a hurricane kit, including items like non-perishable food for your family and pets, water, flashlights, a first aid kit and more.
Also, reviewing your insurance plans if you own a home and to sign up for flood insurance if it is a separate plan.
This year’s forecast includes several factors, primarily record warm sea surface temperatures in the eastern and central Atlantic. Global climate models and forecasters also suggest a transition to La Niña conditions by the peak of Atlantic hurricane season.
More resources
Learn More About Hurricanes
Our team of meteorologists dives deep into the science of weather and breaks down timely weather data and information. To view more weather and climate stories, check out our weather blogs section.
Today is the first day of the 2024 Atlantic hurricane season. Here are some helpful resources to help you and your family get ready.
What You Need To Know
Hurricane season runs through Nov. 30
It’s expected to be an active season
Track the latest in the tropics here
How to prepare?
Even if you are not in a storm’s path, there are ways to prepare in advance that will make it easier for you when the time comes. It’s important to know if you live in an evacuation zone, and if so, to develop an evacuation plan for you and your family.
You can assemble a hurricane kit, including items like non-perishable food for your family and pets, water, flashlights, a first aid kit and more.
Also, reviewing your insurance plans if you own a home and to sign up for flood insurance if it is a separate plan.
This year’s forecast includes several factors, primarily record warm sea surface temperatures in the eastern and central Atlantic. Global climate models and forecasters also suggest a transition to La Niña conditions by the peak of Atlantic hurricane season.
More resources
Learn More About Hurricanes
Our team of meteorologists dives deep into the science of weather and breaks down timely weather data and information. To view more weather and climate stories, check out our weather blogs section.
GULFPORT, Fla. — The past hurricane seasons have brought surprises to even some of the most seasoned Gulfport residents, so this year, first responders are being even more proactive.
Tropical Storm Eta, in 2020, ripped nearly a dozen boats from their moorings, sending them into the shore.
What You Need To Know
Gulfport police ask residents who live on boats to have anchors, safety gear, and storm plan
Mariners asked to check condition of lines to avoid boats breaking free during storms
Hurricane Idalia in 2023 brought a number of calls for help into the emergency operations center at the height of the storm from boaters wanting to be rescued.
Sgt. Rob Burkhart with the Gulfport Police Department says ahead of an incoming storm, he goes boat to boat to check in with residents and asks them if they plan to evacuate.
“We can’t force people off their boats,” Burkhart said.
While some boaters evacuate ahead of a storm, others choose to stay. Burkhart says in those situations he warns the residents about the risk of riding a storm out on the water.
“Once we reach 50 miles per hour sustained winds, we’re going to worry about our own safety and we’re going to shelter,” he said.
During Hurricane Idalia last year, Burkhart said the police department received a number of 911 calls from boaters in Boca Ciega Bay, despite the warnings they gave to those residents.
“I was working the night shift, and we sat there all night taking phone calls from people who were out in the storm and we had to tell them I’m sorry we can’t do anything until the storm passes,” he said.
To prepare for a storm, Burkhart says he goes out on the water and takes a mental census of which boats are occupied in order to better help law enforcement respond to emergencies when it’s safe to do so. He also visually checks moorings and anchor lines, to make sure that each boat is prepared for the storm so they can avoid boats cutting free and injuring others or getting beached on the shoreline.
“If you think your boat is going to survive, it’s just a matter of time until the right storm comes along and it doesn’t,” he said.
George Cavanaugh has been living on his boat part-time for the last two years. He says he decided to stay on his vessel during a strong unnamed storm in December 2023, but quickly regretted that decision.
“The storm wasn’t powerful enough for me to evacuate, but then the squalls came up and I wish I did,” he said. “I’ve learned really quick to respect Mother Nature.”
