HOUSTON (1080 KRLD)- Hurricane Beryl made landfall near Matagorda, Texas, between Corpus Christi and Galveston, Monday morning. The National Hurricane Center says Beryl had winds of 80 miles an hour when it made landfall about 4 a.m.
Flash flood warnings stretched from Victoria to Beaumont and as far inland as Bryan. Some areas could receive more than a foot of rain.
In Houston, Mayor John Whitmire says he has been in touch with state leaders in Austin as well as neighboring cities and counties.
"Never have we experienced the collaboration of multiple levels of government and departments," he says. "We've been in contact with the emergency center in Austin, Acting Governor Dan Patrick."
Governor Greg Abbott is on an economic development trip to Japan, South Korea and Taiwan.
Houston Police and Fire prepositioned rescue crews in areas known to flood. Police Chief Larry Satterwhite says the department has about 20 high water rescue trucks, 30 boats and "hundreds of personnel trained in swift water, so we're much more prepared."
While Beryl has made landfall, heavy rain is expected to continue into Monday afternoon, so Houston Fire Chief Samuel Pena says crews will stay ready for additional rescues.
"It is one big community, and we want to ensure we're doing the right thing for our community," Pena says. "Heed the warnings. Make sure you stay connected to reputable news sources."
While people around Houston have been urged to stay home, local leaders do urge people to call family, neighbors and friends to check on them.
"We've got the best first responders in the country right here in Houston, Texas and Harris County, Texas, but we don't need to put them in any unnecessary danger," says Harris County Commissioner Adrian Garcia, who previously served as sheriff.
Monday afternoon, CenterPoint Energy said 2.1 million customers along the Texas Coast had lost power.
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