The cities of Katy and Fulshear are continuing efforts to return to normalcy one week after Hurricane Beryl swept across the Greater Houston area.

The big picture

On July 8, Beryl caused 77,358 CenterPoint Energy outages in Community Impact’s Katy and Fulshear coverage areas as well as widespread damages in the cities.

The older areas of Katy saw the most extensive damage due to the presence of mature trees that didn’t withstand high winds, Katy Mayor Dusty Thiele said.

Meanwhile, Fulshear Mayor Don McCoy said the city suffered a nearly 100% power outage as well as reports of fallen awnings, fences and trees.


“Having Hurricane Beryl setting its sights on the Fulshear area after only being the mayor for two weeks was quite the introduction,” McCoy said. “However, the Fulshear city staff really stepped up, and we all came together to do what was best for the city of Fulshear. I want to commend them all.”

With the widespread debris caused by the storm, both the city of Katy and Fort Bend County will hold debris pickups this week.

The details

Ceres Environmental will collect storm debris in Katy beginning July 16 and will run Mondays through Fridays until all debris is collected, according to a Facebook post from the city of Katy. Eligible debris must not be bagged and includes:
  • Vegetative debris, such as plants, shrubbery, logs, trees, tree stumps and branches
  • Fences no larger than 6 feet by 8 feet, and they must be stacked
No hazardous water, construction waste, demolition waste or appliances will be picked up by Ceres Environmental, according to the post.


Additionally, Fort Bend County Road and Bridge will begin pickup this week, according to a Facebook post by Fort Bend County Homeland Security & Emergency Management. Residents are asked to separate debris into categories, including:
  • Construction and demolition materials: building materials, carpet, drywall, furniture, glass, metal and pipes
  • Electronic waste: computers, radios, stereos and televisions
  • Household hazardous waste: cleaning supplies, batteries, chemicals and pesticides
  • Appliances and white goods: air conditioners, heat pumps, freezers and refrigerators
  • Vegetative materials: trees, limbs, brush and leaves
Looking back

Officials with both the cities of Fulshear and Katy said storm preparations were vital to ensure community members were safe. Several preparations included:
  • Preparing emergency management operations staff
  • Calling in extra staff for public works, police and fire
  • Keeping residents informed through timely warnings on social media
  • Securing critical infrastructure
“The city of Katy, its residents and staff have once again weathered a significant storm together,” Thiele said. “We are fortunate to have an exceptional public works department, police department, fire department, office of emergency management and administration, all dedicated to protecting our community. Our citizens are equally committed to assisting the city and each other in times of need. Together, we have demonstrated our resilience and strength.”