McAllen News, McAllen TX News, cold weather shelters
Staff Report
McAllen, TX - Cities across Hidalgo County are opening warming centers and cold weather shelters this weekend as temperatures are expected to drop across the Rio Grande Valley, offering residents safe, heated spaces during overnight and daytime hours.
Officials said no precipitation is expected in the Valley and icy road conditions are not anticipated. However, residents are urged to stay warm, use caution and check weather forecasts if traveling outside the region, as other areas of Texas are expected to see more severe winter weather.
McAllen warming center locations
McAllen residents can access multiple warming locations at city facilities, including the McAllen Public Library and several community centers.
The McAllen Public Library, located at 4001 N. 23rd St., will be open during regular hours: Monday through Thursday from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., Friday and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Sunday from 1 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Additional warming locations in McAllen include the Lark Community Center at 2601 Lark Ave., the Palmview Community Center at 3401 Jordan Road West, and the Las Palmas Community Center at 1921 N. 25th St. Each facility will be open during posted daytime and evening hours, with residents encouraged to call ahead for availability and operating times.
Edinburg overnight warming center
In Edinburg, the Dustin M. Sekula Memorial Library at 1906 S. Closner Blvd. will operate as an overnight warming center for two nights.
The facility will be open from 5 p.m. Sunday through 9 a.m. Monday and again from 5 p.m. Monday through 9 a.m. Tuesday. Residents staying overnight are asked to bring prescribed medications, a pillow, blanket and non-perishable food or snacks. Pets are not allowed at the Edinburg location.
Additional shelters in Weslaco and Mercedes
Weslaco and Mercedes are also offering shelter options during the cold weather event.
In Weslaco, the First Baptist Church of Weslaco, located at 600 S. Kansas Ave., will operate a shelter on Jan. 25 and 26. Intake hours are from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m., with shelter hours running from 6 p.m. to 7 a.m. Guests are asked to bring identification and prescribed medication.
In Mercedes, the Mercedes Safe Dome at 1202 N. Vermont Ave. will be open Sunday from 6 p.m. to midnight and may remain open overnight if shelter is needed. Officials noted that pets are welcome at the Mercedes location.
Officials encourage community awareness
Emergency management officials emphasized that warming centers are a critical resource for individuals and families vulnerable to cold temperatures. Residents are encouraged to check on neighbors, elderly family members and those without adequate heating, and to share information about available shelters.
The list of warming centers may be updated as additional locations are announced.
Source -- Hidalgo County Emergency Management.