09/11/2026
Hello friends and neighbors. I have been doing some research. Some may find it alarming. I believe it is best to stay informed and prepared. Lately, all of the hype in Harlingen is about the data center, rising water/electricity bills, our not so transparent city leaders and all of the other projects coming to the RGV. I haven't given much thought about the battery storage facility on Loop 499. Just another reminder of the coming (hopefully not) dystopian future. If this facility catches fire, those of us in the area need to be ready for mandatory evacuations. Have a go bag ready. It doesn't have to be a bug out type bag but enough clothes, medications, pet supplies etc to hold you over for possibly 3 to 5 days. These fires can be intense and take several days to put out and can also reignite. I made a few maps using Nukemap to show what the danger zone and probable evacuation zones will be. I AM NOT AN EXPERT OR EMPLOYED BY ANY GOVERNMENT AGENCY OR RELATED INDUSTRY. These are my opinions. Links are below. Also consider the prevailing southeast winds. Toxic smoke may be an issue several miles away. Experts recommend evacuation up to 2 miles from the fire. I pray this will never be something any of us have to deal with.
Photo 1: 1/3rd mile evacuation
Photo 2: 1 mile evacuation
Photo 3: 2 mile evacuation
Depending on weather conditions, these can and will change.
https://finance.yahoo.com/energy/articles/norwegian-company-launches-largest-u-100000871.html
https://www.npr.org/2025/01/17/g-s1-43268/fire-battery-storage-plant-california-moss-landing
https://westchester.news12.com/lithium-ion-battery-storage-facility-condemned-in-warwick-after-december-fire
https://www.epa.gov/electronics-batteries-management/battery-energy-storage-systems-main-considerations-safe
https://nuclearsecrecy.com/nukemap/
