Hurricane Beryl highlights vulnerabilities in Houston's infrastructure

When Hurricane Beryl struck Houston, it revealed significant weaknesses in the city's ability to withstand even a mild hurricane, leaving millions without power.

Dylan Baddour reports for Inside Climate News.

In short:

• Hurricane Beryl, a category 1 storm, caused widespread power outages and flooding in Houston, highlighting the city's vulnerability.
• Experts warn that stronger storms could lead to catastrophic damage, similar to the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina in New Orleans.
• The storm raised concerns about the preparedness of Houston's infrastructure, particularly the power grid managed by CenterPoint Energy.

Key quote:

"A Cat 1 hurricane shouldn’t knock out your power system. I think you’ve got a problem with the power company, frankly."

— Kerry Emanuel, veteran hurricane researcher and professor emeritus at the Massachusetts Institute for Technology

Why this matters:

Houston's experience with Hurricane Beryl emphasizes the need to improve infrastructure to handle stronger storms. As climate change intensifies, such preparedness is vital to protect lives and property.