Hurricane Dolly Impacts South Texas - NEWS FLASH - Issue #224

July 24, 2008

South Texas has been severely impacted by Hurricane Dolly, which has now been downgraded to a Tropical Storm, limiting access to the Port Isabel and Brownsville areas where inland flooding has become the primary concern. Hurricane Dolly has dropped over 12 inches of rain on the areas mentioned, sparking flash flooding throughout, deterring delivery and affecting several USPS destinations. Flooding will remain a concern for several days as the runoff drops into the Rio Grande Valley.

Over-the-road Update

Widespread rainfall and strong winds limited access to the Port Isabel, Brownsville, and Rio Grande Valley. TL and LTL carriers have been reluctant to approach the impacted area as the flooding is still shifting due to runoff making travel conditions uncertain. Quebecor World trucks are out to deliver but are experiencing delays and proceeding with extreme caution.

USPS Update

Please see the official BSN release below for up-to-date USPS affected area information.

“The Southwest Area is continuing to evaluate the conditions of post offices in the areas of South Texas affected by Hurricane Dolly. At this time, there are numerous offices in 783 and 785 Zip Code areas that are without power including the McAllen TX plant. Operations are continuing at these locations with the use of generators. The only closed office is the Harlingen TX Post Office which is closed due to water in the building.

The Rio Grande District is working to make deliveries in all locations where it can be safely completed. In those areas where deliveries cannot be safely affected, alternate delivery arrangements will be made and announced to postal customers through local news releases.

Due to the current situation, all drop ships for McAllen TX are being redirected to San Antonio P&DC. No drop ships will be accepted at McAllen. For appointments on shipments already on the road, please call 210-368-8387 for drop ships into San Antonio. New appointments should be scheduled through FAST.”

Quebecor World Logistics will continue to closely monitor every mode of transportation affected by this severe weather and provide updates whenever possible. We, at QWL, will continue to do everything possible to mitigate the impact of the flooding.