Death toll increases as Beryl batters Texas with tornadoes, 90 mph gusts, leaving over 2.7 million without power.

As Hurricane Beryl made landfall in Texas, it brought with it a devastating trail of destruction. The powerful storm spawned tornadoes and 90 mph gusts, causing widespread damage and loss of life. The death toll continues to rise as emergency responders work tirelessly to rescue those trapped in the rubble.

Over 2.7 million people are currently without power as a result of the storm, leaving communities in darkness and without essential services. The impact of this natural disaster will be felt for years to come as families mourn their loved ones and struggle to rebuild their lives.

Powell moved to Palisades of Inwood, a senior living complex in North Houston, a decade ago because she decided living in a senior living community is much cheaper and easier than maintaining her own property. She also enjoys the camaraderie of other elderly people.

But she said the tradeoff has come with a cost: the type of facility she lives in comes with little oversight.

Although Powell is in a senior complex, there's a stark contrast in how the different types of senior living facilities are regulated — and that leaves some of the most vulnerable seniors in gaps in care. "Nobody come over here and see about us," Powell said.

Beryl’s rain and winds had largely left the metro area by mid-afternoon, although many bayous and roadways were flooded and more than 2.2 million homes and businesses in the Houston area were still without electricity, CenterPoint Energy’s online outage tracker showed. And at least two people had died as a result of fallen trees.

“The rains are pretty much ending from south to north,” Eric Berger, a meteorologist with Space City Weather, said at about 2 p.m. Monday. “We’re going to see pretty significant improvement in these creeks and bayous over the next several hours. … There should be considerable improvement today and into this evening.”

As local officials assessed the damage and began recovery efforts Monday afternoon, Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo said power outages, flooding and roadway conditions were the most significant issues. She said CenterPoint is expected to provide restoration estimates on Tuesday, when the county also plans to open shelters for impacted residents.

Beryl battered Mexico as a Category 2 hurricane last week, toppling trees but causing no injuries or deaths before weakening to a tropical storm as it moved across the Yucatan Peninsula.

Before hitting Mexico, Beryl wrought destruction in Jamaica, Barbados, St. Vincent, and the Grenadines. Three people were reported dead in Grenada, three in St. Vincent and the Grenadines, three in Venezuela and two in Jamaica.

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Sarah H

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