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The National Weather Service has issued updated forecasts for Hurricane Beryl. While forecasted impacts to Southeast Texas are minimal, Orange County Judge John Gothia and his office have been monitoring the storm.

“We’ve been watching it and having three weather calls a day,” Gothia said.

As of 1 p.m. Wednesday afternoon, the storm is a Category Four hurricane with maximum sustained winds of 140 MPH. It is currently in the Caribbean Sea as it nears a potential impact over Jamaica.

Beryl may continue to weaken over the next few days as it moves into a more hostile environment in the western Caribbean.

Current models predict that Beryl will reach Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula around 8 a.m. Friday. From there, it will emerge in the Gulf of Mexico late Friday night into Saturday morning.

The NWS says there remains high uncertainty regarding the storm’s eventual track and intensity once it enters the Gulf. Based on current forecasts, effects on Southeast Texas appear limited to minor coastal flooding.

However, things can change quickly and SETX residents should remain vigilant. Continue monitoring official forecasts and review your plans for if the storm were to change course and potentially impact the region.

“If it isn’t this one, there’s probably going to be more storms in the Gulf this summer,” Gothia said. “We tell people to have plenty of water and non-perishable food items on hand. Make sure to hang on to important paperwork and have a plan.”

Visit ready.gov online to ensure you’re prepared for hurricane season and sign up for the Southeast Texas Alerting Network to receive emergency notifications.