The following is a statement from the City of Harlingen on efforts to remove flood waters from areas of the city.
Harlingen Continues Dewatering Efforts
Harlingen, Texas – The City of Harlingen continues to remove standing water from neighborhoods and City roadways. Monday night’s unexpected rain event caused flash flooding in several areas of the City. The heavy rainfall temporarily exceeded the five-year designed capacity of the City’s interior storm drainage system. Weather reports indicate more than 12 ½ inches of rain pounded Harlingen within a 3-4 hour time period. This amount of rainfall is classified between a 100-500 year storm event.
With the help of Cameron County Commissioner Precinct 4 Gustavo Ruiz, City crews have begun pumping water out of the most inundated neighborhoods where the water is receding very slowly such as, the Spanish Acres Subdivision which includes Barcelona, Buena Vista, Marchita, and La Paloma Ave. as well as, the Hickory Oaks Subdivision on the southwest side of the City just off of Bass Boulevard.
Since the chance of rain has diminished considerably, the hope is that most neighborhoods will see the water start to recede. In the meantime, City crews continue to assess neighborhoods and dewatering will be addressed as to those most in need.
Residents that have already started cleanup efforts should place debris in the front curb so that crews can pick up as soon as reasonably possible.
Meantime, all City pools remain closed and the Summer School Program has been canceled. The 7 on 7 Football and the Softball games have also been canceled for today. At the Tony Butler Golf Course, holes 1-9 and 19-27 are playable but 10-18 are closed.
Today, only two major streets remain closed due to flooding.
- Loop 499 intersection at 77
- Wilson to Bass Boulevard
There are several streets in neighborhoods that have standing water and drivers are strongly encouraged not to drive through there so as not to push water into homes.
In addition, The Harlingen Water Works System continues to urge reduced water use particularly in the areas that are flooded. Residents are asked to avoid running washing machines, dishwashers, and any other large water appliance or system until the water recedes. As a reminder cleanouts should never be opened in the yard to drain yard flooding as this will only cause more problems for people downstream and can increase the chance for backups into houses in the same neighborhood. It is also illegal and will jeopardize the offender’s water account.
The City of Harlingen will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates as the situation changes.
