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Updated at 2:48 p.m. with more distribution sites
Storms, severe weather and flooding are all in the forecast for the Rio Grande Valley this weekend.
The National Weather Service said Thursday that a flash flood watch has been issued for all of Deep South Texas from 7 a.m. Saturday to 1 p.m. Sunday.
“A series of upper level disturbances to combine with abundant rich Gulf of Mexico moisture to produce several clusters of thunderstorms Friday night through Sunday night,” the NWS wrote in a statement. “At this time the best chances for thunderstorms is for Friday night and again Saturday night with confidence increasing for stronger storms Saturday night. These storms will be capable of producing large hail, damaging winds, and possible isolated tornadoes.”
Numerous flash floods Saturday afternoon through Sunday morning are likely, the service said Friday, noting that in poor drainage locations 2 to 4 feet of water is possible and that areas could see significant flood events.
“Due to the nature of thunderstorm “systems,” it is not possible to forecast which community may be hit hardest, two days out,” a release said. “All communities — from the urban Rio Grande Valley of Hidalgo and Cameron County to cities and towns with arroyos and creeks running through them need to be ready for dangerous and life-threatening water levels. The potential for overnight flooding on Saturday makes the situation more concerning.”
According to a statement, an initial cluster of thunderstorms is expected to approach the western ranchlands Friday afternoon, growing increasingly more probably for showing up in that area and the Upper Valley that night.
The NWS expects another cluster or two of storms to move through Deep South Texas Saturday afternoon through Sunday morning.
“Beneficial rain is forecast for the Falcon Lake watershed and Deep South Texas; however, rain rates will be very important in determining what kind of hazards are experienced,” it read. “If rain falls in a short period of time, or moves across the same areas repeatedly, flood risk increases.”
The Valley is already recovering from storm damage severe enough that Gov. Greg Abbott declared a state of disaster for Hidalgo County on Thursday.
The city of McAllen, meanwhile, announced that it was distributing sandbags Friday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the McAllen Public Works Recycling Center, located at 4101 N. Bentsen Road.
“Proof of residency, such as a utility bill must be provided,” a release read. “Residents will be required to fill their own sand bags and are limited to six each for residents and 12 bags each to businesses. McAllen Public Works will provide bags and shovels, but residents are encouraged to bring their own shovels, as well.”
The city of Alamo is distributing sandbags to residents who live within city limits at three locations today. Residents will have to prove they live in Alamo’s city limits.
Sandbags can be picked up at Alamo City Hall, located at 420 N. Tower Road in Alamo, and must be be self-filled at the Alamo Sports Complex on Ridge and Tower Road, Alaniz Park on 6th and Duranta and Balli Park at 8th and Nebraska.
Please be prepared to fill your own bags with your own shovel. Residents over 60 years old or with a disability can stop by Alamo City Hall for a voucher to get pre-filled sandbags from our City of Alamo Service Center.
Palmview residents must also bring proof of residency to pick up sandbags, four per household and six per business, at Palmview City Hall, located at 400 W. Veterans on the west side of the building. Residents are asked to follow the cones.
Distribution in Palmview will run through 7 p.m. Friday.
Pharr is distributing sandbags through 8 p.m. Friday at the Pharr EMS Headquarters on 3000 N. Cage Blvd. and at the Jones Box Park on 1201 W. Rosa Lane.
Shovels and bags will be provided to residents and the sites will be self-service. There will be six and 12 bags given to each resident and business, respectively, and proof of residency is required.
A second distribution will take place from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday at the same locations.
Pharr residents can also receive phone alerts by texting “PHARRALERTS” to 99411 and receive information about road closures, weather alerts, water line disruptions and other issues, the city said in a news release Friday.
Hidalgo County Precinct 3 is also distributing free sandbags for county residents at La Mansion. This is self-service.
There are also sandbags available at the Sullivan Substation on El Pinto Road and on the corner of La Homa Road and State Highway 107.
Distribution is scheduled until 5 p.m. and there is a five-bag limit per family. Residents are asked to bring a shovel and gloves (for self-service only), as well as a picture ID.
Locations include La Mansion (self-service) at 2401 N. Moorefield Road in Mission; Sullivan Substation at 1429 El Pinto Road in Sullivan City; La Homa and SH 107 Station (sandbags) at 2804 W Mile 7 Road in Mission.
