Cameron County emergency officials say residents can reduce flood risk by clearing storm drains and gutters, avoiding flooded roads, and being ready to leave with essential documents and supplies.
Cameron County emergency officials are asking residents to start preparing now for potential severe weather—before water rises, winds pick up, or the next warning comes through.
They point to steps that begin right outside people’s homes. One of the simplest ways to reduce flooding, officials said, is making sure storm water has somewhere to go. The City of Brownsville Office of Emergency Management Homeland Security Director Odee Leal urged residents to check nearby storm drains and gutters for debris. especially after recent storms.
Tree limbs, leaves, and yard waste can block drainage systems and cause water to back up more quickly during heavy rain, Leal said. Sandbags can also be a line of defense against the rain.
Beyond drainage, Leal said residents should avoid flooded roads and keep monitoring weather updates. He also emphasized getting important documents and supplies into a safe place—ready to grab quickly if they need to depart from their homes.
Leal recommended charging phones and battery packs, keeping flashlights handy, and securing outdoor items that could become projectiles in high winds. He also stressed that people should never drive through flooded roadways.
If strong winds knock out power, Leal said residents should report downed power lines immediately and stay far away from them.
Officials said several communities need to take steps to prepare in case of severe weather, and that those actions can start immediately—before the problems arrive.
Cameron County Brownsville emergency management severe weather flooding storm drains sandbags power lines preparedness disaster readiness
Storm drains? They should just fix the roads first.
So we’re basically supposed to clear out leaves and then just hope the water behaves? Like ok but if it’s already flooding, I’m not grabbing sandbags in 2 minutes.
I read “never drive through flooded roadways” and honestly that’s like… common sense. But last time my cousin said the water wasn’t that deep so we went anyway, nothing happened. Not saying they’re wrong, just seems exaggerated.
They keep saying prepare now, before the warning comes through, but where are we supposed to store all the stuff? Also charging phones won’t help if the power’s out, right? I do get the downed power lines part though. Brownsville always acts like the storm is a surprise every time.