How Hurricane Beryl Affected the Logistics System Between United States and Mexico

The logistics niche in Texas affected after hurricane Hurricane Beryl swept through the Houston area on Monday, July 8, significantly impacting airports and other transportation infrastructure. Since 11 a.m. Monday, the city had received more than 10 inches of rain, affecting many areas, according to Houston Mayor John Whitmire at a press conference. More than 2 million customers in the area were left without electricity, including more than 700,000 in Houston proper. Impact on Infrastructure and Transportation Sunday night, Whitmire and other emergency management officials encouraged people to shelter in their homes and avoid roads as much as possible, which most of the city seemed to obey. As of 2 p.m., only four accidents and 10 stranded vehicles had been reported, according to Houston Transtar tracking data. However, there were several calls for water rescues earlier in the day, according to the Houston Chronicle. Major Roads and Affected Areas According to Houston Transtar, many of the city's major thoroughfares were identified as high flood risk. The areas most affected by flooding in Houston were around and within Interstate 610 Loop, particularly at its intersection with State Highway 288. The Harris County Metropolitan Transit Authority (Metro) suspended operations the morning of July 8, and that suspension extended through the end of the day. Houston Airports Response The Houston airport system continued operating, but airlines canceled most flights in anticipation of the storm. According to FlightAware, 1,444 flights were canceled between the two airports: 1,132 flights from George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) and 312 from William P. Hobby Airport (HOU) as of 2:45 p.m. The two main airlines at their respective airports, United Airlines and Southwest Airlines, canceled 80% or more of their flights, according to data. The first flight to depart IAH was United's flight to Nashville at 4:27 p.m., while Hobby's first flight was Allegiant's to Knoxville, Tennessee, at 3:48 p.m. Airport Damage and Repairs After the storm passed, the Houston Airport System (HAS) was able to begin inspections at IAH, Hobby, and Ellington Airport (EFD). Some private aircraft hangars at Hobby suffered damage. According to HAS response at 2:30 p.m., repairs began on small leaks. At 1:38 p.m., Parkway Will Clayton was impassable due to fallen trees and debris, according to an IAH account post on X (formerly Twitter). John F. Kennedy Boulevard can be used as an alternative. "Looking at initial reports, the challenges Houston airports faced due to Hurricane Beryl are similar to those our community experienced: dangerous road conditions, debris and fallen trees, and power outages," HAS said in its 2:30 p.m. response. "Airport terminals have electricity, but we are dealing with small power outages in sections of both airports." Sunday night, IAH also reported that United Airlines would operate from Terminal C, as Terminal B was temporarily closed to optimize operations during Tropical Storm Beryl. TSA checkpoints were open at Terminals A and C, and the Terminal D checkpoint was also operating at reduced capacity. Impact on Logistics Between United States and Mexico Transportation disruption in Houston has a domino effect on logistics between the United States and Mexico. Houston is a key point in the supply chain due to its strategic location and well-developed transportation infrastructure. Flight delays and road closures affect the flow of goods between the two countries, which can cause product delivery delays and increase transportation costs. Solutions and Resilience in Logistics To mitigate the effects of such natural disasters, several solutions can be implemented: Alternative Routes: Develop and use alternative routes to avoid affected areas. This may include using other ports or nearby airports less impacted by the disaster. Infrastructure Improvement: Invest in more resilient infrastructures that can better withstand natural disasters. Technology and Monitoring: Use advanced technology to monitor weather conditions and infrastructures in real time, allowing faster and more efficient response. Strategic Warehouses: Maintain strategically located warehouses in different areas to ensure products can be distributed regardless of local conditions. How Logistics Works in Texas Texas is a key state for logistics in the United States due to its size, location, and access to important commercial routes. The state has an extensive network of highways, railways, ports, and airports that facilitate the movement of goods within and outside the country. Highways and Interstates Texas has one of the largest highway networks in the country, including important interstate highways like I-10, I-20, I-35, and I-45, which connect Texas with other states and Mexico. These highways are vital for truck transportation of goods. Ports The Port of Houston is one of the largest and busiest ports in the United States, handling a large amount of imports and exports. Other important ports in Texas include the Port of Corpus Christi and the Port of Galveston. Airports Texas has several international airports, including George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) and Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW), which are crucial hubs for air freight transportation. Railways Texas has an extensive railway network that connects the state with the rest of the country and with Mexico. This allows efficient transportation of heavy and bulky goods. Preventive measures Hurricane Beryl left a significant mark on logistics and transportation in Houston, affecting not only land mobility but also air operations. Preventive measures and rapid responses were crucial to minimize damage and ensure resident safety. The city's and its infrastructures' adaptation and resilience capacity were tested, demonstrating the importance of being prepared for natural disasters of this magnitude. Additionally, logistics between the United States and Mexico was also affected, underscoring the need for strategic solutions and the importance of resilient infrastructure.