Valley areas preparing for more rain from tropical depression
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According to a report from the Texas State Operations Center, three Texas Task Force 1 swiftwater rescue teams were dispatched to Laredo and three teams were dispatched to McAllen. Ten high profile vehicles and 30 personnel, along with two UH-60 helicopters from the Texas Military Forces, were activated to support search and rescue operations. Other emergency officials were also dispatched to provide support and assistance to local jurisdictions. Volunteer organizations such as the American Red Cross and the Salvation Army were on site to coordinate shelter and mass care operations. The Texas Department of Transportation was coordinating road closures as necessary in the affected areas.
The Texas Task Force 1 teams arrived in Laredo Thursday, said Force, and began site surveys along the Rio Grande and met with local officials. The initial survey was largely reconnaissance, he said, "...seeing what areas are low-lying, what the river is doing as it rushes and surveying buildings that could possibly be used for (housing) evacuees."
Force described the Valley area along the river as having "buildings submerged, vehicles and tractor trailers submerged and water rushing at a fast pace."
"The danger is directly along the river itself," he said. "In speaking with local jurisdictions, they describe the river as the highest they've seen it in a significantly long time."
According to the National Weather Service this morning, heavy rainfall was expected to continue across the Rio Grande Valley and flood and flash flood warnings remained in effect. Heavy rainfall continues to be forecast for some Valley areas, with predictions of up to eight inches in some isolated areas.
