CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas — The city of Corpus Christi originally planned to host a three-day sandbag distribution event Wednesday-Friday ahead of Hurricane Beryl, which is moving through the Caribbean Sea, but had to shorten it to a two-day event because of the overwhelming response.
The first event was held Wednesday at the City Service Center, located at 5352 Ayers St. Friday's event will be at the same location, but will take place from 8 a.m.-7 p.m., or until all bags are gone.
At 11:21 p.m. Wednesday, the city released a statement explaining that overwhelming demand was the reason for Thursday's distribution cancelation.
During Wednesday's event, each vehicle received seven sandbags, officials stated that 14,000 sandbags were available.
"We would recommend front doors, garage doors for these sandbags to be used," Corpus Christi Public Works Assistant Director Gabriel Hinojosa said.
Over the last two weekends, 10,000 sandbags were distributed at two events hosted by the city of Corpus Christi. Hinojosa said that equates to about 1,400 residents.
"It's just to, you know, divert those food waters, if it comes to that scenario, away from those entrances and around their property," Hinojosa said.
It was a self-service event, so people were asked to load the sandbags into their own car. If needed, Hinojosa said staff were available to help.
Resident Raul Narvaez lives on Topeka Street and is not far from the Corpus Christi Bay. Since his house sits at a lower elevation, he said this is not the first time he came to pick up sandbags before a storm.
"We came and picked some more before, and these help, because it -- the water didn't go through," Narvaez said.
He was one of many who braved the long line on Wednesday, sharing it was well worth the wait.
"We're going to put them, cause they, the water zips under the house and that's the only way you can stop it," Narvaez said.
Hinojosa said sandbags are one of many ways people can prepare for Hurricane Beryl and other storms during the remainder of hurricane season.
"You're going to be boarding your windows, you're going to be, you know, bringing in your plants, you know, taking care of your animals. This is just another thing to prepare for, for a hurricane," Hinojosa said.
Future sandbag events will be posted on the city's social media platforms, according to a press release.
Other cities and counties in the Coastal Bend also are holding events. To see if your hometown is included, click here.
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