Texas coastal emergency officials are closely monitoring Beryl in preparation for a tropical storm that will hit the Texas coast

GALVESTON, Texas (KTRK) — Texas coastal communities are bracing for what Beryl could bring early next week.

EMERGENCY OFFICIALS IN TEXAS COASTAL COMMUNITIES ARE ON HIGH ALERT

The storm that could soon hit the Texas coast has emergency officials on high alert.

“We have plans in place and we have already activated those preparedness plans,” said Bryon Frankland, Galveston’s emergency management coordinator.

Frankland said the island is currently expecting some impacts from Beryl.

“We’ll see strong rip currents along the Texas coast from Galveston to Brownsville,” Frankland said. “Storm surge will be a factor all along the coast in low-lying areas.”

IMPACTS EXPECTED TO BE MORE SEVERE FURTHER SOUTH

The message in Galveston is to be vigilant and prepared. The words are stronger further south.

“We don’t have to wait for the situation to improve,” said Mitch Thames, a spokesman for Matagorda County. “We’re not scaring everybody because a hurricane is coming.”

Matagorda County is preparing for a possible direct hit from Beryl. If it happens, leaders are predicting severe storm surge, flooding and power outages.

At this point, they are not asking anyone to leave.

“We’re not anticipating an evacuation order, but we have to be prepared,” Thames said.

STORM COULD COME AT A TIME WHEN COASTAL COMMUNITIES HAVE A LOT OF TOURISTS

The timing is not ideal. Coastal communities are currently welcoming many tourists due to the July 4th holiday.

Matagorda County said up to 60,000 more people could be in the area. If you plan to travel near the coast after this weekend, leaders recommend making sure you’re prepared.

“Enjoy the weekend,” Frankland said. “Have fun here, but stay aware of your surroundings.”

SOME TOURISTS HEAD DIRECTLY TO THE GULF

Galveston’s cruise terminals were empty Friday. That will change this weekend.

The Port of Galveston schedule indicates that four cruise ships will be heading to the Gulf. Shawn and Josy Glancy will be aboard one of those ships.

“Life is an adventure,” Shawn Glancy said. “We’re going to ride the waves, so to speak.”

A cruise that Glancy hopes is not too difficult knowing that Beryl is in the Gulf.

“Of course, we are a little skeptical about our departure, but I am sure that the cruise will keep us safe,” said Josy Glancy.

Carnival and Royal Caribbean are both planning to sail from Galveston this weekend. ABC13 has reached out to the cruise lines.

Here’s what Carnival said:

Currently we have not made any changes to embarkations in Galveston this weekend, but if any changes need to be made we will post them at the link above and keep you updated. Updates to his schedule can be found here.

Royal Caribbean sent this statement:

“The safety of our guests, crew and the communities we visit is our top priority. Working with our Chief Meteorologist, we are closely monitoring the progress of Hurricane Beryl and are making adjustments to some of our Caribbean sailings for the comfort and safety of our guests and crew. Guests and travel advisors will be notified directly of any necessary changes.”

TRAVEL EXPERTS SHARE TIPS ON WHAT YOU CAN DO WHEN TRAVELING DURING HURRICANE SEASON

Some travelers to the Caribbean have already experienced Beryl.

Brook Harrington is in Jamaica.

She was there when Beryl became a category four hurricane.

“It was nerve-wracking to see such strong winds,” Harrington recalls.

Harrington said she was prepared. She runs Harrington Travel Co. out of the College Station area.

Harrington said it’s important to be flexible and have travel insurance.

“I’ve seen firsthand the stress that other people may not have felt, being here with cancelled flights and having to stay on the island for four or five days,” Harrington said.

An out-of-pocket cost that can add up if you don’t have protection.

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