Janice R. Andrews
USA’s Midwest — As Beryl, a tropical depression now, moves through the Midwest and toward the Northeast, it still poses a serious threat. The storm left a path of devastation and floods in its wake as Harvey made landfall as a Category 1 hurricane early on Monday morning off the coast of central Texas.
Beryl’s Destructive Route
Beryl’s effects have been catastrophic, with 90 mph wind gusts resulting in life-threatening storm surges and extensive damage, 2.7 million people losing power, and at least eight fatalities in Texas. As of right moment, the storm is heading northeast, and by Tuesday or Wednesday, the Lower Great Lakes and the Lower Ohio Valley should be hit by its leftovers.
Threats of Floods and Tornadoes
Even though she’s waning, Beryl still makes a lot of rain. In Missouri, central to southern Illinois, Indiana, far northwest Ohio, and into the southern Lower Peninsula of Michigan, rainfall totals of one to three inches are predicted. Along Beryl’s anticipated route, there are flood watches in place.
“We have flood alerts in place that extend all the way from Little Rock and Fort Smith, clear up into Detroit, really the Lower Peninsula of Michigan, throughout today (Tuesday) and into the evening hours,” Craig Herrera, FOX Weather Meteorologist, said.
The strongest tornado threat is predicted to occur after 4 p.m. across southern Illinois, southwest Indiana, and western Kentucky, and it will move eastward toward the Louisville metro area after 8 p.m. “We do have a severe storm level 2 out of 5 that extends over portions of Indianapolis to Paducah, Louisville, Evansville, and Cincinnati as well,” Herrera continued. The storm is also expected to produce a few tornadoes on Tuesday.
Observing the Northeast
The Northeast is preparing for the storm’s remains as Beryl moves onward. Starting on Wednesday, there will be a lot of rain, mostly in the area of the warm front that is closer to the Canadian border.
An Unprecedented Storm
At least 19 fatalities in the Caribbean, Mexico, and the Gulf Coast have been attributed to Beryl. On June 29, the storm developed in the Atlantic Ocean and became the first hurricane of the year. As it strengthened into a Category 5 storm in June and July, it broke multiple records and was the strongest hurricane ever.
As the storm continues to affect a large area with flooding and severe weather hazards, residents along Beryl’s path are encouraged to keep informed and take necessary precautions.
