As Beryl barreled toward the Texas Gulf Coast, residents and officials alike braced for what Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick called a “deadly storm” that would bring significant rain, winds, and flooding. Despite the warnings and disaster declarations for 121 counties, many locals remained unfazed, opting to stay and ride out the storm.
In Seadrift, a coastal city of 1,000 people, Alysa Jarvis, vice president of a community group, declared her intention to stay put, determined to protect her waterfront home from flooding. Similarly, Tamra Flores, a manager at Bubba’s Seafood in Seadrift, planned to close the restaurant early but had no plans to evacuate, citing the tight-knit nature of the community.
In Aransas Pass, a volunteer evacuation notice was issued, urging residents to leave but not requiring it. Paulette Alvizo, a resident, decided to stay with her family, confident in their storm preparations and past experiences.
The scenes at stores along the coast painted a picture of both preparation and nonchalance. While some stocked up on essentials like bottled water at a Walmart in Galveston, others at a Home Depot in Corpus Christi focused on garden supplies and outdoor furniture.
As the storm approached, residents secured their homes, gassed up generators, and waited to see the extent of Beryl’s impact. Despite the warnings and preparations, the response to the storm varied among coastal communities, with some choosing to stay and weather the storm while others heeded the warnings and evacuated.
With Beryl expected to intensify into a Category 1 hurricane, the Texas Gulf Coast braced for the worst as residents prepared for the potential devastation that lay ahead.
