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“We’ve never seen a hurricane this powerful this early in the season,” extreme weather expert Colin McCarthy said of Hurricane Beryl.
The first major storm of the season brought winds of 225 km/h and continuous rains, causing serious damage in many Caribbean islands: buildings were flattened, electricity and water were cut off and 10 people lost their lives.
The hurricane struck Jamaica and the Cayman Islands, and swept across Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula. It temporarily weakened to a tropical storm, but has now regained hurricane strength as it made landfall in Texas and western Louisiana.
Follow the latest updates on Hurricane Beryl as the Category 1 storm makes landfall in Texas
As of 4am UK time on Monday morning, the US National Hurricane Center warned: “National Weather Service Doppler radar data near Houston, Texas, and reports from an Air Force Reserve Hurricane Hunter aircraft indicate that Beryl’s maximum sustained winds have increased to near 75 mph (120 km/h).
“Based on this data, Beryl is now classified as a hurricane. Further strengthening is expected before it makes landfall on the Texas coast.
The UK Foreign Office said citizens should “follow and monitor local and international weather updates from the US National Hurricane Center and follow the advice of local authorities, including any evacuation orders.”
The storm hit at a time of year when many travelers visit the area. Here are the top questions and answers.
What are the effects so far?
The most significant damage appears to have been on the small islands of Carriacou and Petite Martinique, which are part of Grenada. Carriacou was “razed” and more than 98% of buildings, including the main health centre and the airport, were damaged.
“We have to rebuild from scratch,” Grenada Prime Minister Dickon Mitchell said after visiting the islands of Carriacou and Petite Martinique.
Two of the three deaths in Grenada were recorded in Carriacou. “The potential for further deaths remains a sad reality as movement is still very restricted,” Mr Mitchell said.
St. Vincent and the Grenadines has also been hit hard. Prime Minister Ralph Gonsalves said: “On one island in the Grenadines, Union Island, 90 percent of the homes have been badly damaged or destroyed.”
The storm’s impact on Jamaica has been devastating. Nearly two-thirds of homes are without power. All flights from the island’s airports were cancelled on Wednesday and authorities will assess the situation before reopening. Damage has been reported at the airport serving the capital, Kingston.
What are the prospects?
The National Hurricane Center says: “Tropical Storm Beryl is expected to intensify as it moves northwestward across the Gulf of Mexico before turning northward to make landfall along the central Texas coast as a hurricane on Monday.
“Texas interests should closely monitor this system and finalize preparations for hurricane impacts, including heavy rain, flooding, potential tornadoes and strong winds as the system moves inland across the state.
“There is a potential for life-threatening storm surge flooding along the Texas coast from Mesquite Bay to Sabine Pass, including Matagorda Bay and Galveston Bay. Residents should follow the advice of local officials and obey evacuation orders!”
“Significant flash and urban flooding is expected through Monday evening in portions of the central and upper Texas Gulf Coast and eastern Texas. Minor to isolated river flooding is also expected.
“Rip currents will cause dangerous beach conditions through Monday across much of the Gulf Coast. Beachgoers should heed warning flags and the advice of lifeguards and local officials before venturing into the water.”
What are the options for travelers in the area?
Airlines have canceled hundreds of flights to and from George Bush Intercontinental and Hobby airports. British Airways canceled its two flights from London Heathrow to Houston scheduled for Monday, as well as flights to and from the airport.
Airports in Austin, Corpus Christi, Harlingen, McAllen and San Antonio are also affected.
Southwest AirlinesTexas-based company says passengers booked through July 9 “who wish to change their travel plans may rebook or travel on standby (within 14 days of their original travel date between originating city pairs and in accordance with our accommodation procedures) without incurring additional fees.”
Passengers who booked on Delta From July 7th to 9th, you can make a new reservation without paying a change fee; until July 12th, any difference in fare will be waived.
United has a similar policy, with free changes available until July 16.
American Airlines is also implementing a July 16 travel deadline and adding cities in neighboring states, including Little Rock, Arkansas, and Lake Charles in western Louisiana.
Can travel insurance help?
Christina Tunnah, Managing Director of the Americas for World Nomads, said: “If Hurricane Beryl derails your travel plans, the first thing to do is contact your airline or travel agent as they can provide assistance. The same goes if your accommodation is affected by the disaster.”
“Travel insurance can provide cover for a range of events including trip cancellation, missed connections and travel delays, but this depends on the type of travel insurance policy you have and whether you have already started your trip.
“At World Nomads, with our Explorer Package, if your accommodation is affected, you can be covered for reasonable additional accommodation and transportation costs. You can also claim reimbursement for additional expenses incurred if your pre-booked public transportation is cancelled or delayed by more than 12 to 24 hours, depending on the scenario.”
