The death toll from Tropical Storm Beryl in Texas has increased from three known to at least six, officials confirmed late Monday.
Three people were killed in Montgomery County by trees that fell during the storm, Montgomery County Judge Mark Keough said.
Keogh said a man was killed when a tree fell on him while driving a tractor on a public road, and a couple were killed when a tree fell on them in the woods.
The three previously confirmed deaths included two from falling trees and one from drowning.
As of Monday evening, Beryl was designated a “tropical depression” by officials because of its sustained winds of 35 mph.
Beryl is moving northeast at 16 mph, continuing to accelerate as it weakens.
Texas Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick said at a news conference on Monday that 2.7 million people in the state were still without power and 10 transmission lines were down.
Patrick said it would take “several days” to restore power, with the priority being to first restore power to hospitals, nursing homes and the homes of people relying on ventilators or medical equipment with faulty generators.
Officials urged the public to stay indoors and not drive.
Three people were confirmed dead, two from falling trees and one from drowning.
Houston Mayor John Whitmire announced earlier Monday night that a third person has died in the United States due to Tropical Storm Beryl.
The man, a civilian employee of the Houston Police Department, died when he was caught in flooding on his way to work Monday morning. His body was recovered from a submerged car.
The victim's identity has not been released and no other details about him have been provided. His family is currently being notified.
Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo told reporters that crews conducted 47 high-water rescues in Harris County, which includes Houston, as Beryl's floodwaters rushed through streets.
Hidalgo said street flooding remained severe Monday afternoon and she urged residents to stay home.
As far as the storm surge goes, Hidalgo said, “Things were a little better than we expected.”
Berrill's high winds have left more than 2 million customers without power across the state. Hidalgo said the timeline for restoring power to Harris County will be clearer on Tuesday.
