July 7th 5pm Update: Tropical Storm Beryl

MONTGOMERY COUNTY, TX -- July 7th 5pm Update: The 4pm update from the National Weather Service has been put out and the forecast track has not changed much since 1pm update. However, confidence is building in the forecast for wind and heavy rain.

***finalize preparations now***

Tropical Storm Beryl is expected to intensify into a Hurricane later today before landfall early Monday morning. At this time forecasted to be a Category 1 hurricane but we are preparing for and urging residents to expect as high as Category 2.

What to expect:

The center of circulation will be just to the west of Montgomery County as it moves north east later tonight into Monday. The proximity of Western Montgomery County to the center will determine how significant wind damage will be.

Winds Sustained at 40-60 mph with gust over 70 mph are expected. Stronger winds expected west of I-45.

Isolated tornados are possible as Beryl passes by Montgomery County early tomorrow morning and for much of Monday.

We are under a Tropical Storm Warning due to the wind speeds expected.

Rain will be heavy at times but at this time we are not expecting significant flooding with 4-6 inches expected with some isolated areas seeing higher amounts. The higher amounts will be west of I-45.

As a reminder Judge Keough has issued a Disaster Declaration in addition to the Governors Declaration. This frees up resources and activates our Emergency Management Plans. The Judge has been in contact with state and local officials throughout the day to ensure resources needs are met around the county. We are prepared for the worse case scenario at this time.

We urge residents to get to their final destinations before 9pm tonight and stay in place throughout Monday. Do not go out on the roads tomorrow if at all possible.

Our State Senators and Representatives have been in constant contact with the EOC and have made sure state resources are at our disposal should the need arise. To assist with any state resource needs, State Senator Creighton has staff on hand in the EOC tonight working with our staff.

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