The only hurricane shelter in Willacy County opened Tuesday evening at the Raymondville High School gym. City manager Eleazar "Yogi" Garcia told commissioners last night that the shelter is fully stocked with food, water and other emergency supplies that may be needed.

"Its fully functional," said Garcia.

There will be no evacuation of Willacy County other than those who live in low, flood prone areas and they should call 2-1-1 emergency line before the storm hits, if they need help.

Hurricane Alex with winds of up to 85 miles an hour is expected to hit land 75 to 100 miles south of Brownsville, in Mexico late Wednesday. Tropical force winds of 55-60 miles an hour should hit South Texas and from six to eight inches of rain are expected in Cameron and Willacy counties. 4th of July Celebration still on--Maybe.. City manager Eleazar "Yogi" Garcia said that Sunday's 4th of July Celebration is still expected to take place as scheduled, with cookouts, a parade, fireworks and food booths, providing that Hurricane Alex clears out of the area by Sunday and that conditions are not too bad.

Should there be standing floodwater, however, or any extensive storm damage the celebration will be canceled, The storm is expected to go ashore in Mexico south of Brownsville.

"We decided to go ahead as scheduled,"said Garcia, even if we have to cancel later.

Fireworks for the Fireworks Show will not be purchased until the city is sure the event will happen, Garcia said.