Hidalgo County cities, precincts to distribute sandbags as precaution

The threat of heavy rains potentially caused by Tropical Depression Harvey this weekend has prompted several cities and Hidalgo County precincts to begin sandbag distributions.

In Alamo, sandbags are available throughout the week at three locations, from 8 to 11:30 a.m. and from 1:30 to 5:30 p.m.

Alamo residents will have to fill their own bags at two sites: the Alamo Sports Complex, located in the vicinity of 7th Street and Ridge Road, as well as on the corner of 6th Street and Citrus Road.

Only residents who are disabled, or 55 years of age and over can pick up bags at the city's public works department, located at 803 S. Tower Road.

La Joya began distributing sandbags Wednesday on the south side of city hall, located at 101 Leo Ave., and will continue Thursday, according to City Manager Mike Alaniz. Residents there will be limited to as many as five sandbags per household and must bring identification and a utility bill.

The La Joya Fire Department will be in charge of distributing so residents can stop by after office hours.

Palmview City Manager Leo Olivares said sandbags will be available at the municipal park, located at 406 W. Veterans Blvd. in Palmview, from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Four bags per residence and six bags per business are the limits.

A photo ID will also be required in Palmview, where the distribution will be in a self-serve capacity.

The city's public works department is also verifying that drainage ditches are clear.

Weslaco city officials are doing the same.

"Even though it's preliminary, we're using it (Harvey) as an opportunity to make sure we're as ready as possible," Weslaco City Secretary Elizabeth Walker said Wednesday. "We're checking drainage ditches to make sure they're clear of debris (and) the storm inlets to make sure they're clear of debris. We prepped the traffic barricades and the generators."

Weslaco Fire Chief and Emergency Management Coordinator Antonio Lopez called such efforts "an in-depth inspection of all drains and inlets to make sure they're operational."

This has been an ongoing process in Weslaco since Monday.

Sandbag distribution is also expected to continue in Weslaco on Thursday. The time and location, however, will likely not be confirmed until the morning.

Walker has said that proof of residency, such as a driver's license, water or electric bill, must be shown to receive a maximum of six sandbags per residence.

EMCs James Cardoza of Mission and Kevin Pagan of McAllen have said there are no current plans to issue sandbags in their cities, but they acknowledged that plans may change depending on the storm's projected path.

Pagan said officials will monitor Harvey closely, explaining that the city coordinates with the county and other cities on sandbag distribution efforts. City employees are also asked to have all equipment and resources at the ready, as well as clearing drainage ditches.

In a news release issued Wednesday afternoon, Hidalgo County confirmed that Precincts 1, 3 and 4 had sandbags available on Wednesday with Precinct 4 continuing distribution from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Thursday.

Sandbags can be picked up at the Precinct 4 Annex Building, located at 1124 N. M Road in Edinburg.

"Past weather events have proven that weather can turn on a dime," the release read.

Julia Sullivan, public affairs director for Hidalgo County, said the county is "ready to help and assist Cameron County and anyone else who needs it in the Rio Grande Valley."

U.S. Rep. Vicente Gonzalez, D-McAllen, released a statement Wednesday confirming that his office was in contact with the Federal Emergency Management Agency and the Texas Division of Emergency Management.

"I strongly encourage all South Texas residents to pay close attention to weather reports and to take the appropriate precautions necessary to remain safe," Gonzalez said in the statement.

Robert Rodriguez, supervisory agent for the U.S. Border Patrol's RGV Public Affairs office, said that while an increase in illegal crossings is not anticipated during the storm, he stressed the danger in attempting as much during a severe rain event.

"Inclement weather, such as heavy rains, could actually pose an increased risk to anyone attempting to cross the Rio Grande illegally," Rodriguez said before addressing any post-storm operations. "The Border Patrol mission remains the same. In cases where locals are in need or are requesting assistance, there are established procedures where our local and state partners can request Border Patrol assistance. The Border Patrol participates in meetings with our local and state partners to ensure that we are prepared to address any and all emergency situations."

Asked how agents stay safe during inclement weather, Rodriguez said each sector has an office of incident management that "continuously monitors and advises agents of potential arising emergent situations."