GALVESTON, Texas — Galveston Emergency Management officials have issued a voluntary evacuation notice for residents in the island's west end ahead of Beryl's landfall.
Officials said that although the chances of tides above five feet are low, tides above that level could prevent smooth travel on major roads, making it difficult for the city to respond to emergencies.
Galveston's West End is currently under a Storm Surge Warning, issued by the National Weather Service.
“Mayor Brown signed the order out of an abundance of caution,” said Galveston City Manager Brian Maxwell.
This voluntary evacuation order is effective beginning 10 a.m. Sunday, July 7 and impacts residents and visitors west of 103rd Street not protected by Galveston's Seawall.
Emergency management officials remind residents and visitors that if they decide to stay in a low-lying area, they may not be able to safely leave for several hours and emergency services may not be available while tides remain high.
Current predictions from the National Weather Service have tides rising late in the day Sunday with peak tides on Monday morning around sunrise.
After that time, it's expected that the surge will gradually recede during the day Monday. Any excessive rain from Beryl could produce flooding.
Officials said Galveston's Emergency Operations Center will remain open until Beryl is no longer a threat. They can be contacted at 409-765-3710.
