Valley crews preparing for expected freeze tonight, Saturday

McALLEN — A freeze is expected in the Rio Grande Valley tonight and early Saturday morning, weather experts said.

Temperatures will likely plunge into the low 30s today, though the weather should warm up by Saturday, according to meteorologists with the National Weather Service Forecast Office in Brownsville.

Local authorities are preparing for the possibility of freezing conditions in eight South Texas counties: Brooks, Cameron, Hidalgo, Jim Hogg, Kenedy, Starr, Willacy and Zapata.

Officials with the Texas Department of Transportation are unfolding signs that warn motorists to watch for slick roads and reminding them buckle up during potentially icy conditions.

TxDOT crews with the agency’s Pharr District — a multi-county area that includes the Valley — are also preparing trucks to spread gravel mix on highways should ice begin to form over roads.

“It prevents the concrete from freezing up by creating a cushion, a blanket,” said Robert DeLa Fuente, maintenance supervisor for the district. “Our main concern is to keep motorists moving and not close roads.”

Crews also have chemicals on hand to remove ice from the roads should conditions worsen.

“We’re also prepared to close the expressway,” DeLa Fuente said. “It all depends on the conditions.”

Residents should shelter livestock and pets over the weekend, said Jeral Estupinan, science and operations officer at the weather service in Brownsville. They should also avoid putting heaters near furniture or drapes to avoid sparking fires.

“Be sure to dress in layers and wear a hat or other head covering,” Estupinan added.

DeLa Fuente said motorists should avoid icy patches and refrain from braking if they happen to drive over them.

“If possible, stay off the highway,” he said.

Although residents are encouraged to avoid the chilly weather, the cold snap might actually help crops, said Brad Cowen, county extension agent for agriculture and natural resources for Texas AgriLife Extension’s Hidalgo County office.

“When it gets close to freezing, (it is) not a problem. It helps in some ways,” Cowen said. “It concentrates the sweetness in our citrus … and the cool weather helps concentration in sugar cane, which is being harvested now.”

The cold weather could also keep pests away from crops, Cowen said. If frost strikes the area, some crops could sustain a little damage, but nothing that would devastate the local agriculture.

“It would be a good thing, really,” Cowen said.

Monitor staff writer Jennifer Berghom contributed to this report.

Martha L. Hernández covers Mission, western Hidalgo County and general assignments for The Monitor. You can reach her at (956) 683-4846.

Ana Ley covers law enforcement and general assignments for The Monitor. She can be reached at (956) 683-4428.