Published: 08-20-07
Hidalgo County Judge Salinas and several mayors including Mr. Buddy de la Rosa Mayor of Weslaco; Mr. Rick Morales Mayor of Donna; and Mr. Joel Quintanilla Mayor of Mercedes stressed the importance of self-preparation today at a press briefing held at Weslaco City Hall’s legislative chamber. The National Weather Service reports that Hurricane Dean is closing in on Jamaica as a Category 4 storm and expected to strike the Yucatan Peninsula of Mexico on Tuesday. It appears the majority of the predictions expect Dean to head south of the Valley making its second landfall 225 miles south of Brownsville in northeastern Mexico.
Nevertheless at least two out of 13 predictions still put Hurricane Dean hitting Brownsville. Hidalgo County leaders are keeping a watchful eye and are urging residents to remain at a heightened state of awareness. Residents should not wait until the last minute to start their preparations.
“Dean is still considered a threat to the southern coast of Texas. We are not taking the possibility of a strike lightly; however we are NOT ordering any types of evacuations — voluntary or mandatory — at this time. We are continuing to monitor the situation” said Judge Salinas.
Planning and preparation has gone into high gear. Twice daily jurisdictions from all over the state are dialing in to state conference calls hosted by the Governor’s Division of Emergency Management to learn the latest updates on state resources being deployed to possible strike zones.
Texas Military Forces and equipment are in the Valley at an undisclosed location ready to assist the Lower Coast with Hurricane Dean and a possible evacuation. And locally Judge Salinas and the Valley mayors have been meeting throughout the weekend to discuss these calls and collectively make decisions based on the latest information. There have been meetings with school district and hospital officials. Fueling companies are stocking up gas stations to full capacity.
“Throughout the past few days Hidalgo County leaders and emergency managers have been spending a lot of time with one another. We have assessed our resources and asked the critical questions. We think we have planned for success no matter what God and Mother Nature throws our way” Judge Salinas said.
Memorandums of Understanding have been signed between Hidalgo Cameron and Willacy counties. The tri-county area is willing to share resources and help with whatever becomes necessary. The state is also poised to jump into action as soon as the locals ask them to.
“We’re not Mercedes not Weslaco or Donna. We are the Valley and we are working together to make sure our citizens remain safe” Judge Salinas said. “In the meantime people should stay calm but prepare.”
Elected officials and local emergen
