Tropical Storm Beryl is expected to strengthen into a hurricane as it approaches the US state of Texas after causing devastation across the Caribbean, killing at least 11 people. The storm made landfall in Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula before being downgraded to a tropical storm. However, it is forecasted to regain hurricane strength over the warm waters of the Gulf of Mexico. Beryl rapidly intensified to a Category 4 hurricane as it moved through the Caribbean, making it the strongest storm recorded early in the Atlantic hurricane season, which experts attribute to climate change.
The National Hurricane Center (NHC) warned of storm surges, flash flooding, and life-threatening rip currents as Beryl heads towards the Texas coast, likely making landfall as a Category 1 hurricane. The storm has already caused property damage and power outages in Mexico, leading to evacuations of tourists and deployment of military troops. The Caribbean islands also suffered significant damage and loss of life, with appeals for assistance from government officials.
The warm waters of the North Atlantic have been cited as a key factor in Beryl’s intensity, with temperatures higher than usual fueling major storms. The storm’s path has left a trail of destruction, underscoring the need for preparedness and response to extreme weather events. As Beryl approaches Texas, residents are advised to take precautions and heed warnings from authorities to mitigate risks associated with the storm.
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