Texans should be alert for the potential impacts of Tropical Storm Beryl, which is forecast to intensify back to hurricane strength before making landfall along the Texas Gulf Coast on Monday, July 8, according to the Insurance Information Institute (Triple-I). It would be the first U.S. landfall of the 2024 Atlantic hurricane season.

In its 10 a.m. CT advisory Saturday, the NHC warned of “an increasing risk of hurricane-force winds and life-threatening storm surge along portions of the lower and middle Texas coast late Sunday into Monday.” NHC also warned of flash and urban flooding, which could impact Texas and several other states throughout much of next week as the system tracks northeast following landfall. The Texas coast is under hurricane and storm surge watches.

“We are expecting, unfortunately, to see environmental conditions conducive for Beryl to re-strengthen and regain hurricane strength. Just a small change in the track of the storm can mean a big difference in where the center of Beryl makes landfall,” National Hurricane Center Director Michael Brennan told the Orlando Sentinel Friday.

Beryl has already proven to be a catastrophic storm as it left a trail of death and destruction while it wreaked havoc through the Caribbean this week. The storm also set numerous historic marks including the strongest hurricane on record for both June and July and the most rapid intensification of any Atlantic basin hurricane before Sept. 1. It reached Category 5 major hurricane status with maximum wind speeds of 165 mph on July 1.

The Triple-I offers these preparedness tips for all Lone Star State residents in the path of Beryl:

• Review your evacuation plan and, if you have a pet, your pet's evacuation plan
• Make sure your hurricane kit includes a minimum 14-day supply of non-perishable food and drinking water (one gallon per person, per day) for all family members and pets, as well as a two-week supply of medications for everyone in your household
• Write down the name and phone number of your insurer and insurance professional and keep this information either in your wallet or purse
• Purchase emergency supplies, such as batteries and flashlights
• Fully charge your cell phones so you can receive weather alerts
• Prepare your yard by removing all outdoor furniture, lawn items, planters and other materials that could become airborne due to high winds
• Fill your vehicle’s gasoline tank 

Damage caused by hurricanes and tropical storms are covered under different insurance policies, according to the Triple-I:

• Wind-caused property damage is covered under standard homeowners, renters and business insurance policies. Renters’ insurance covers a renter’s possessions while the landlord insures the structure.
• Property damage to a home, a renter’s possessions, and a business – resulting from a flood – is generally covered under either a FEMA National Flood Insurance Program policy or a private flood policy, if the homeowner, renter or business has purchased one. Dozens of private insurers offer flood insurance in addition to FEMA.
• Private-passenger vehicles damaged or destroyed by either wind or flooding are covered under the optional comprehensive portion of an auto insurance policy. Approximately 80% of U.S. drivers choose to purchase comprehensive coverage.

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