Hurricane Beryl Strengthens to Category 1 and Hits Texas

Hurricane Beryl escalated from a tropical storm to a Category 1 hurricane as it reached Texas, causing havoc along its 3,000-mile journey from the Caribbean. This intense storm demolished houses, downed power lines, and tragically claimed the lives of at least 11 individuals. Officials urged Gulf Coast residents to evacuate, leading Texas to declare a state of emergency in 121 counties, anticipating challenging travel conditions. Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick highlighted concerns for tourists unaware of the storm's impact while spending their vacations on the coast.