City of Edinburg Announces Sandbag Distribution As Heavy Rains Expected This Week

By Arnoldo Mata

Edinburg, Texas (June 17, 2024) — The City of Edinburg will be distributing sandbags to residents and businesses on Monday, June 17, at the Edinburg Service Center located at 1201 N. Doolittle Rd. The distribution event will run from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. The distribution comes in the wake of warnings from the National Weather Service of expected heavy rains this week.

Residents who wish to receive sandbags must live within the city limits and provide proof of residency, such as an ID and a utility bill. Each household is eligible to receive up to six sandbags, while businesses can receive up to eight. For those who bring their own bags, unlimited sand will be provided.

This initiative aims to help residents and businesses prepare for potential flooding and severe weather conditions. The City of Edinburg encourages all eligible community members to take advantage of this opportunity to safeguard their properties.

The National Weather Service (NWS) last week issued a tropical weather outlook for the region. A broad surface low in the Bay of Campeche may develop into a tropical cyclone by midweek. Although there is no immediate threat to the lower Texas coast, an influx of deep tropical moisture is expected to bring much-needed rainfall to deep South Texas, with the potential for heavy rain and flooding.

Beach and marine conditions are expected to become dangerous, with elevated seas and tides, as well as an increased risk of rip currents along the lower Texas coast. Residents are advised to stay informed and monitor local weather forecasts for updates.

Key points from the NWS include:

• A broad surface low may develop into a tropical cyclone in the Bay of Campeche by midweek.
• This system is expected to move slowly westward or west-northwestward.
• Regardless of any tropical development, an influx of deep tropical moisture will increase shower and thunderstorm chances across South Texas this week. Heavy rainfall and flooding are possible.
• Elevated seas and tides, as well as an increased risk of rip currents, are expected along the Lower Texas coast.

For more information, residents can visit the city’s official social media pages or contact the Edinburg Service Center directly. Stay updated on the latest weather forecasts at weather.gov/bro and hurricanes.gov.

Follow @cityofedinburg on social media for updates and more information.