Beryl forces Matagorda County to call for voluntary evacuation of coastal communities

MATAGORDA COUNTY, Texas — Matagorda County emergency officials called for a voluntary evacuation on Friday night for those living on and visiting areas along the coast, including residents in Sargent, Matagorda and Palacios. As of Friday night, the areas were under a Hurricane Watch and a Storm Surge Watch.

They clarified that the voluntary evacuation guidance meant that those residents should consider going somewhere safer as Beryl approaches.

RELATED: WEATHER IMPACT | Tropical Storm Beryl heads toward Gulf Coast

The officials warned that conditions could make it so that people aren't able to leave their homes.

They also told people to remove vehicles, including RVs, boats and large vehicles that could be affected by strong winds, before Saturday at 8 p.m.

RELATED: What can we expect along the Texas coast from Tropical Storm Beryl?

"As winds increase along the coast, it becomes dangerous for these vehicles to be on the road. We must keep the roads open and clear for the evacuation of the public," the MCEOC said in a release posted on social media.

Hurricane and storm surge watches have been issued for portions of the western Gulf Coast from the Rio Grande north to Sargent.

Be prepared

• Download the KHOU 11 Hurricane Guide for information in multiple languages
• Evacuation maps and information for the Texas Gulf Coast
• Hurricane before, during and after checklists
• Hurricane supply list
• Generator safety
• VERIFY: Three hurricane preparation myths 

Here's KHOU 11 Chief Meteorologist David Paul's update on Beryl at 7 p.m. Friday:

KHOU 11 on social media: Facebook | X | Instagram | YouTube