A new drone video recently captured the full extent of devastation along Surfside Beach, a serene coastal enclave just south of Houston. The footage starkly reveals several homes ripped apart and partially collapsed, no match for the ferocity of Hurricane Beryl's powerful onslaught.

Joedy Perdew, who traded suburban life for the allure of coastal living, has deep roots in Surfside Beach. "I've been here for 12 years," Perdew reflected, "and I've been coming here since the early 90s." Despite owning a home in this picturesque community, Perdew, originally from Arlington, opted to ride out the storm, confident that Beryl would spare her property.

"My house is tucked away near City Hall, the Coastguard, EMS, and the police station," Perdew explained, believing these strategic placements would offer some protection. However, as the wind speeds intensified and relentless rain pounded the area for hours, Perdew acknowledged moments of uncertainty. "When the house started rocking, there were definitely moments of fear," she admitted, "but I never regretted my decision to stay."

Local officials from Brazoria County drew comparisons between Hurricane Beryl and the destructive force of Hurricane Nicholas just a year prior. While Nicholas had left the community without power for a week, the damage caused by Beryl far exceeded expectations. "The wind was relentless," Perdew recalled, "and the surge lifted everything in its path." Large chunks of asphalt roads were washed away, leaving behind deep potholes, and the iconic A-frame beachfront homes, long a symbol of Surfside Beach, bore the brunt of the storm's fury.

Austin Campell, a lifelong resident, expressed astonishment at the devastation wrought upon these familiar landmarks. "It's heartbreaking to see them in ruins," Campell lamented. "Those homes have been part of our community for generations."

Gary Thompson vividly recounted the harrowing experience as Beryl swept through Surfside Beach. "There was this deafening boom, scraping noises, and the wind was howling," Thompson described. The force of the storm ripped off the tin canopy of a nearby convenience store, scattering debris across streets and yards. "It felt like everything was blowing my way," Thompson added.

Despite the widespread destruction, the spirit of resilience and community solidarity remains unshaken among Surfside Beach residents. "We're like family here," Perdew affirmed. "We'll come together, help each other rebuild, and start anew."

As residents brace themselves for the arduous task of recovery amidst the stifling heat and humidity, the focus remains on rallying support and restoring normalcy to their beloved coastal community.