***Update: Austin County Now Under Disaster Declaration as Hurricane Beryl Approaches***

AUSTIN COUNTY, TX โ€“ In response to the latest forecasts for Hurricane Beryl, Acting Governor Dan Patrick has expanded the state’s Hurricane Beryl Disaster Declaration to include an additional 81 counties, bringing the total to 121 counties. This update now includes Austin County.

Governor Patrick emphasized the need for final preparations, stating, “Today and tomorrow are the last two days for Texans to prepare for the incoming storm. Beryl poses a significant threat with high winds and potential flooding.”

Austin County residents are urged to finalize their emergency preparations and remain alert to any changes in the storm’s path. For detailed information and real-time updates, visit our Hurricane Beryl Page.

Stay informed, stay safe, and ensure you and your family are prepared for the potential impacts of Hurricane Beryl.

 

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AUSTIN COUNTY, TX – As Hurricane Beryl approaches the Texas Gulf Coast, Acting Governor Dan Patrick has issued disaster declarations for several counties, including our neighboring Wharton County. Although Austin County is not currently named in this declaration, residents should remain vigilant and prepared due to the potential for the stormโ€™s course to shift.

Counties Under Disaster Declaration: Aransas, Atascosa, Bee, Bexar, Brooks, Calhoun, Cameron, DeWitt, Dimmit, Duval, Frio, Goliad, Gonzales, Hidalgo, Jackson, Jim Hogg, Jim Wells, Karnes, Kenedy, Kinney, Kleberg, LaSalle, Lavaca, Live Oak, Matagorda, Maverick, McMullen, Medina, Nueces, Refugio, San Patricio, Starr, Uvalde, Victoria, Webb, Wharton, Willacy, Wilson, Zapata, and Zavala.

Given the proximity to Wharton County, Austin County residents are urged to stay informed and prepared for any potential impacts from Hurricane Beryl. Hereโ€™s a detailed weather forecast and preparedness checklist to help you stay safe.

Weather Forecast Summary for Austin County, TX:

Monday, July 8, 2024:

  • Morning (9 AM to 12 PM):

    • Wind speeds will increase from 14 mph to 26 mph.
    • Wind gusts will range from 25 mph to 44 mph.
    • Expected precipitation amounts are around 0.95 inches by noon.

  • Afternoon (1 PM to 3 PM):

    • Wind speeds will peak at 29 mph and 32 mph.
    • Wind gusts will rise significantly, reaching up to 47 mph by 3 PM.
    • Total precipitation expected to be around 2.55 inches by 3 PM.
  • Evening (4 PM to 12 AM):
    • Wind speeds will decrease from 51 mph at 4 PM to 12 mph by midnight.
    • Wind gusts will be highest at 4 PM with 77 mph, gradually decreasing to 21 mph by midnight.
    • Additional precipitation amounts will accumulate, with an expected total of 1.51 inches by midnight.

Detailed Observations:

  • The highest wind speeds and gusts are expected between 3 PM and 5 PM on Monday, with the most intense period likely around 4 PM to 5 PM.
  • Significant rainfall is anticipated throughout the day, with the heaviest rainfall predicted in the afternoon.
  • Wind direction will shift from northerly in the morning to southwesterly by late afternoon, indicating a change in the storm’s impact direction.

Hurricane Preparedness Checklist

  1. Emergency Kit:

    • Water: At least one gallon per person per day for at least three days.
    • Food: A three-day supply of non-perishable food.
    • Battery-powered or hand-crank radio: NOAA Weather Radio with tone alert.
    • Flashlight and extra batteries.
    • First aid kit.
    • Whistle: To signal for help.
    • Dust mask: To help filter contaminated air and plastic sheeting and duct tape to shelter-in-place.
    • Moist towelettes, garbage bags, and plastic ties: For personal sanitation.
    • Wrench or pliers: To turn off utilities.
    • Manual can opener: For food.
    • Local maps.
    • Cell phone with chargers and a backup battery.

  2. Family Emergency Plan:

    • Develop a plan that includes how to contact family members and where to meet if separated.
    • Identify a safe room or area in your home to stay during the storm.
    • Have a plan for pets.

  3. Home Preparations:

    • Secure outdoor objects.
    • Board up windows or install storm shutters.
    • Trim trees and shrubs to reduce the risk of debris.
    • Secure your homeโ€™s roof, doors, and windows.
    • Consider purchasing a portable generator.

  4. Evacuation Plan:

    • Familiarize yourself with local evacuation routes and shelters.
    • Keep your vehicle’s gas tank full.
    • Keep an emergency kit in your vehicle.

  5. Stay Informed:

    • Monitor local news and weather reports for updates.
    • Sign up for emergency alerts and warnings.

Important Contacts:

Stay Safe and Informed

While Austin County is not currently under the disaster declaration, the proximity to Wharton County means residents should remain alert and prepared for any changes in the storm’s path. Stay tuned to local news channels and the National Weather Service for the latest updates and advisories.

For more information on hurricane preparedness, visit Ready.gov and The National Hurricane Center.

Stay safe, Austin County and stay up-to-date with information on our Hurrican Baryl Page where you can stay informed with real-time updates as we get them directly affecting Austin County, TX, as Hurricane Baryl approaches. We’ll provide crucial information from local officials and trusted news sources to help you stay safe and prepared. Check back to the page frequently for the latest developments and advisories.