Tropical Storm Danielle never formed in the Gulf of Mexico Saturday as forecasters had predicted.
In fact, the tropical cyclone quickly became disorganized, degenerating into a low of trough pressure making its way onto the Tamaulipas coast Saturday afternoon. Rain chances diminished quickly with only a 20 percent to 30 percent chance of rain Saturday night and during the day Sunday.
Late Saturday afternoon, a tropical storm warning was in effect for coastal Cameron County and coastal Willacy County because of anticipated tropical storm conditions, the National Weather Service in Brownsville/Rio Grande Valley reported. Tropical storm force winds were anticipated late Saturday night.
Quick moving brief “splash and dash” showers were expected Saturday night near the coast and again along the beaches early Sunday, the NWS reported.
Other than that, the Rio Grande Valley can expect it to be “Generally, hot and breezy on Sunday,” the NWS said.
Unsure of what type of rainfall the tropical cyclone would bring to the Valley, cities across the area set up sandbag distribution sites early Saturday morning.
In Brownsville, residents lined up at about 6:45 a.m. at Monte Bella Park on Alton Gloor Boulevard waiting for the distribution site to open at 7 a.m.
Brownsville city employees working at the location said traffic at the distribution site was moving smoothly and there were plenty of sandbags for people who needed them.
At the Brownsville Event Center on Paredes Line Road, a second sandbag distribution site, a line of motorists in the parking lot, and down Paredes Line Road, waited to get their six to 10 sandbags that were being offered.
In anticipation of possible storm conditions, crews at the Port of Brownsville spent some of their time Saturday morning distributing sandbags to the tenants at the port, the Port of Brownsville posted on its Facebook page. On Friday, they were busy securing buildings, warehouses, docks, and patios.
The City of Harlingen also reported that it was making sandbags available to residents and businesses on Saturday as tropical weather continued to intensify Friday afternoon.
The sandbags were to be made available at the Public Works Facility located at 404 South 54th Street from 7 a.m. until noon Saturday.
The pre-filled bags were for Harlingen residents and businesses that have garbage service with the city. An ID verifying their Harlingen address and a water bill verifying the garbage service was required. This was a drive-thru service and no shovels or bags were required.
Residents were to be allowed six bags and businesses 12. They were also encouraged to look around their properties for any items that could be swept away and potentially cause a blockage in the drainage system.
Dry conditions are anticipated Monday and Tuesday with rain chances of 20 percent to 30 percent expected through the rest of the week.
