The Unstoppable Fury of Hurricane Beryl

Summary:
Hurricane Beryl set a record by becoming the earliest Category 5 storm in the hurricane season, fueled by warm Atlantic waters and a rising La Niña. The hurricane’s devastating impact on already vulnerable infrastructure was anticipated, given prior severe weather events in the Houston area, including flooding and thunderstorms in May. Beryl caused massive destruction with storm surges, heavy rain, and tornadoes, compounding the damage from earlier storms and stressing emergency resources. The region now faces a heatwave, complicating recovery efforts. Local officials criticized inadequate preparations and insufficient infrastructure resilience. The article underscores how climate change exacerbates the frequency and intensity of such compound disasters, highlighting the need for comprehensive disaster preparedness and resilient infrastructure.