National Guard

Texas Army National Guard troops are out in force in Hurricane Dolly's aftermath, distributing food and water, working at shelters and assisting with any evacuations as waters rise, a National Guard spokesman said.

Starting Thursday, Guardsmen opened five sites to distribute supplies to residents, including sites in Brownsville, Harlingen, Weslaco and South Padre Island, said Col. Sean Ryan, Texas commander of the Guard's Interagency Task Force.

The Guard also is traveling with the Salvation Army and American Red Cross to distribute supplies, food and water in hard-hit neighborhoods, he said.

Emergency workers and Guardsmen also had performed 140 search-and-rescue missions by Thursday morning, and have helped to evacuate stranded residents, officials said.

Because of weather conditions, the Guard hasn't yet used its Black Hawk helicopters or aircraft, but will do so if needed, Ryan said.

In addition, 90 Guardsmen were stationed at nine shelters across the Valley as of Thursday afternoon.