Beryl update: No damages reported, power outages seen

Published 11:43 am Monday, July 8, 2024

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Thousands of Southeast Texans are without power as Tropical Storm Beryl moves across the coast.

In Jefferson County there were 17,730 households without power and 2,862 in Orange County, according to information from Entergy Texas.

Hurricane Beryl made landfall near Matagorda around 4 a.m. Monday and has been downgraded to a tropical storm.

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Jefferson County Judge Jeff Branick said as of 10 a.m. the county’s emergency management team had not received any reports of damage from any of the emergency service districts, or road and bridge crews or the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office.

The Intracoastal Canal Bridge on Texas 87 from Port Arthur to Sabine Pass was closed due to storm surge and high tide.

There have been no reports of other bridges being closed.

The National Weather Service Lake Charles has issued a flash flood warning for Jefferson County, Orange County, Hardin County and portions of Jasper County until 2 p.m. Monday.

Disaster declaration

On Sunday afternoon, Jefferson County Judge Jeff Branick issued a disaster declaration in anticipation of Hurricane Beryl. This proactive measure was aimed at ensuring the safety and preparedness of our community as we face potential impacts from the Hurricane.

Also on Sunday, Port Arthur Mayor Thurman Bartie called for the voluntary evacuation of Sabine pass and Pleasure Island due to storm surge in the low lying areas.