Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo says she was on trip as Beryl approaches, says she will be back today

HOUSTON – As Beryl approaches the Texas coast, Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo said she had left on a pre-planned trip for the July 4th weekend.

In a statement posted on X, formerly known as Twitter, Hidalgo said she headed out of town after receiving the blessing of emergency management officials.

• Beryl’s first bands hit this afternoon as storm strengthens ahead of a Texas coast landfall Monday

“Like many over the July 4th weekend, I headed out of town on a pre-planned trip with the blessing of emergency management professionals when forecasts showed it was safe for me to leave,” Hidalgo said. “As soon as I became aware that the forecasts changed and the storm had again shifted more in Harris County’s direction, I started my return and will be back in town at 4pm today, barring unexpected delays.”

Hidalgo encourages residents to stay alert and be aware of resources for the storm at ReadyHarris.org.

• ‘The hotel is shutting down:’ Port Lavaca evacuating ahead of Beryl

“I look forward to joining my team on the ground later this afternoon,” she said. “In the meantime, I have directed an activation at Level 1: Maximum readiness, and the team continues to work in coordination with first responders, relevant agencies, the various cities in Harris County, and the state government ahead of the storm. We are doing everything possible to help keep residents safe..”