Hidalgo County, TX (KRGV) — Hidalgo County Emergency Management is preparing for upcoming weather by stationing water pumps along a floodway levee to prevent flooding.

Eight water pumps will be stationed along the International Boundary and Water Commission floodway levee from Mercedes to La Villa.

Officials say this will benefit all of Hidalgo County, especially the eastern part of the county.

Each pump can move about 2,000 gallons of water per minute.

"The specific goal is public safety. Making sure we have all the resources available to protect the residents of Hidalgo County and our municipal communities," Emergency Management Coordinator Ricardo Saldana said.

Crews are also cleaning, widening and mowing the grass on drainage ditches.

Hidalgo County Emergency Management will also have two high water vehicles available in case of flooding.

Officials are reminding residents that if they encounter high water, they should turn around and not attempt to drive through it.