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Rio Grande Valley officials urge residents to prepare as forecasts point to active 2026 hurricane season
Summary
Regional officials at an Edinburg press conference highlighted an active 2026 hurricane season — forecasting 13–14 named storms — and urged residents to assemble three-day emergency kits, register for mass alerts and follow evacuation guidance.
Edinburg — Regional emergency managers and elected officials gathered at Edinburg City Hall to urge residents across the Rio Grande Valley to prepare for an active 2026 hurricane season.
"We're in El Niño," Hidalgo County Emergency Management Coordinator Rick Saldana said, citing forecasts that call for "13 to 14 named storms, three of those to be major and one to be extreme." Saldana told attendees to monitor local and national warnings, watch for storm surge and maintain neighborhood drainage to reduce flooding risks.
Mayor Omar Ochoa read a proclamation designating May 3–05/09/2026 as Hurricane Preparedness Week in the City of Edinburg, citing guidance from the governor's office, the National Weather Service and the Federal Emergency Management Agency. The proclamation was presented ceremonially and no formal vote was recorded.
Edinburg Fire Chief Omar Garza gave three specific safety priorities for residents. "Turnaround, don't drown," he said, advising residents not to drive through standing water. He also warned that portable generators should be run outdoors and at least 20 feet from homes, and urged households to install and maintain carbon monoxide alarms; the Fire Department offered free CO-detector installation to Edinburg residents.
McAllen Assistant City Manager Jeff Johnston urged every household to assemble an emergency kit with enough supplies to last at least three days, including extra medication and pet supplies when appropriate, and to protect important documents in waterproof bags. He also encouraged residents to check insurance coverage, including flood insurance where needed.
Mission Police Chief Cesar Torres outlined law enforcement's role in evacuations, traffic control and search-and-rescue operations and urged early compliance with evacuation notices. "Evacuate early. Don't wait until the last minute," he said, adding that keeping roads clear helps responders reach people who need urgent help.
Speakers stressed communication and signing up for mass-notification systems. Danny Ramirez described local systems such as Code Red and Everbridge and emphasized that county and city registration ensures residents receive phone calls, texts and emails when the National Weather Service issues alerts. Robert Alvarez of the Texas Division of Emergency Management described the state's role in resource coordination and the State of Texas Assistance Request (STAR) system that helps local jurisdictions request state support.
The press conference closed with offers for media one-on-ones and a group photo. Officials encouraged residents to prepare now — assemble kits, verify medications and insurance, register for local alerts and follow evacuation instructions when issued.
