BEAVER DOWN: Hurricane Beryl Takes Down Buc-ee’s Sign in Texas

FREEPORT, Texas (KPEL News) - The damage from Hurricane Beryl as it makes landfall in Texas continues to come in. While it made landfall as a Category 1 storm, as opposed to the Category 4 strength it reached in the Caribbean, it's still brought a lot of wind and rain to Texas.

There are millions without power and plenty of damage that extends far beyond the southeast Texas coast as storms and rising floodwater hit due to the increase in rain and wind.

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The Weather Channel, which keeps track of all things happening in our atmosphere, recently posted a video clip of some of the damage. It shows one of the most sacred icons in Texas being damaged by the storm.

That's right. Beryl took down Buc-ee the beaver. You can see the clip in the tweet/X post below.

"Hurricane Beryl roared ashore in Texas as a Category 1 storm on Monday bringing heavy winds and dangerous storm surge," the Weather Channel wrote about the clip. "Watch the video to see how those winds took out a Buc-ee’s billboard in one coastal city."

A local news station in the area caught a clip from a different angle.

The Category 1 hurricane, Beryl, reached the Texas coast around 4 a.m. Monday morning. It made landfall near Matagorda County and Freeport, moving toward Houston.

Preparing for a Hurricane

Preparing for a hurricane that is days away involves several critical steps to ensure your home and family are safe.

To secure your home, start by installing storm shutters or boarding up windows with plywood and reinforcing doors, including garage doors, to withstand strong winds. Clear outdoor areas by bringing inside any furniture, decorations, and garbage cans to prevent them from becoming projectiles. Additionally, trim trees and shrubs to reduce the risk of branches causing damage. Ensure your roof is securely fastened, repair any loose shingles or tiles, and clear gutters and downspouts to prevent water buildup.

Anchor any large structures like sheds or playhouses and secure propane tanks. Prepare for power outages by stocking up on batteries, flashlights, and a battery-powered radio, charging all electronic devices, and having portable chargers ready. Consider purchasing a generator and ensure it is in good working order.

For your family, develop a family emergency plan that includes evacuation routes and meeting points, ensuring everyone knows the plan and has contact numbers memorized. Assemble an emergency kit with essentials like water (one gallon per person per day for at least three days), non-perishable food, a first aid kit, medications, flashlights, batteries, a battery-powered radio, and important documents (IDs, insurance policies).

Pack clothing, toiletries, and personal items for each family member. Review your home and flood insurance policies to ensure they are up-to-date and cover potential hurricane damage. Be prepared for evacuation by knowing your community’s hurricane evacuation routes and shelters, keeping your vehicle's gas tank full, and having cash on hand since ATMs and credit card machines may not work during a power outage.

Communicate your plan by informing family or friends of your evacuation plans and route, and establish a communication plan to keep in touch with family members during and after the storm.

Additionally, monitor local news and weather forecasts for the latest information on the hurricane’s path and intensity, and follow official guidance from local authorities regarding evacuation orders and safety measures. Protect important documents by storing them in a waterproof and portable container, including identification, insurance policies, medical records, and financial documents.

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Ensure you have a plan for your pets, including pet food, medications, and a safe place for them during the storm. Prepare your home’s interior by moving valuable items to higher ground to protect them from potential flooding, and unplug electronics and move them to a safe location. By taking these steps, you can better protect your home and family from the impact of a hurricane, ensuring you are prepared for any eventualities.