Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo Rushes Back to Lead Storm Response as Tropical Storm Beryl Nears

HOUSTON — As Tropical Storm Beryl nears the Texas coast amid a bustling Fourth of July weekend, Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo announced her early return from a previously scheduled trip. Hidalgo, who initially departed with assurances from emergency management that it was safe to do so, decided to come back after the storm’s forecast shifted, potentially putting her jurisdiction at greater risk. Hidalgo took to social media to communicate her movements, emphasizing that she had left Houston based on professional advice indicating that the storm posed no immediate threat at the time. However, the … Read more

Polk County Declares Disaster Ahead of Tropical Storm Beryl’s Expected Escalation to Hurricane

Polk County, Texas is bracing for the impact of Tropical Storm Beryl, which is predicted to escalate into a hurricane as it approaches the Texas coastline. In anticipation of the severe weather threat, a disaster declaration was signed by County Judge Sydney Murphy on Saturday. The proclamation comes as Beryl is tracked moving toward the area with increasing strength, expected to hit early Monday, July 8, 2024. This preemptive measure aims to prepare and protect the community which is still recuperating from previous storm damages earlier in April. According to the declaration, Beryl is likely … Read more