BlockBefore

Cameron County, Texas

140 topographic sheets and 21 fire insurance atlases across 4 places.

Research this county

From the record

34 National Register listings published here, 4 of them National Historic Landmarks.

Sources: the National Register database, National Park Service

Texas within the United States
Cameron County within Texas
Explore by year 1884 1895

What the record shows

  • 4 places in this county were surveyed for fire insurance: Brownsville, La Feria, Harlingen, San Benito, between 1885 and 1950.
  • 21 fire insurance atlases survive for the county. Topographic coverage is national; fire insurance survey reached only incorporated places with something worth insuring.
  • 2,978 topographic sheet readings cover the county's settlements.
  • 34 properties here are on the National Register of Historic Places: 25 buildings, 4 sites, 4 districts and 1 structure.
  • 5 of the 34 listings were added during the 1970s.
  • The Geographic Names Information System records 223 populated places in this county; 222 are covered by at least one topographic sheet.

Photographs

41 photographs, 1936 to 2014

Taken for the Office of War Information and the Farm Security Administration, who photographed the country between 1935 and 1944. Works of United States government photographers, with no known restriction on use. Each opens its catalogue record.

Migrant family's car near Brownsville, Texas
Migrant family's car near Brownsville, Texas
Lange, Dorothea, photographer, 1936. Library of Congress
Harlingen, Texas. FSA (Farm Security Administration) camp. Clinic examination
Harlingen, Texas. FSA (Farm Security Administration) camp. Clinic examination
Rothstein, Arthur, 1942. Library of Congress
Farmhouse of small farmer near Santa Rosa, Texas. Tractor and rusting farm implements are in the yard, showing the changes in farming methods and also demonstrating that even the small farmers are using the new tractors and other mechanized equipment
Farmhouse of small farmer near Santa Rosa, Texas. Tractor and rusting farm implements are in the yard, showing the changes in farming methods and also demonstrating that even the small farmers are using the new tractors and other mechanized equipment
Lee, Russell, 1939. Library of Congress
Side of barn of Mexican day laborer with pigeon cote. Near Santa Maria, Texas
Side of barn of Mexican day laborer with pigeon cote. Near Santa Maria, Texas
Lee, Russell, 1939. Library of Congress
Brownsville, Texas. Charro Days fiesta. Dancing the jarabe tapatia [i.e. Jarabe Tapatío] at Triple L Club dance
Brownsville, Texas. Charro Days fiesta. Dancing the jarabe tapatia [i.e. Jarabe Tapatío] at Triple L Club dance
Rothstein, Arthur, 1939. Library of Congress
Garcia Cemetery, a small, country cemetery near the little settlement of Los Indios in eastern Cameron County, near the Rio Grande River border with Mexico
Garcia Cemetery, a small, country cemetery near the little settlement of Los Indios in eastern Cameron County, near the Rio Grande River border with Mexico
Highsmith, Carol M, 2014. Library of Congress
Brownsville, Texas. Tourists at Chamber of Commerce
Brownsville, Texas. Tourists at Chamber of Commerce
Rothstein, Arthur, 1942. Library of Congress
Harlingen, Texas. Barbecue stand
Harlingen, Texas. Barbecue stand
Vachon, John, 1943. Library of Congress
Brownsville, Texas (vicinity). Bean crop on a farm
Brownsville, Texas (vicinity). Bean crop on a farm
Rothstein, Arthur, 1942. Library of Congress
Brownsville, Texas. Mexican market
Brownsville, Texas. Mexican market
Rothstein, Arthur, 1942. Library of Congress
Brownsville, Texas. Charro Days fiesta. Dancing the jarabe tapatia [i.e. Jarabe Tapatío] at Triple L Club dance
Brownsville, Texas. Charro Days fiesta. Dancing the jarabe tapatia [i.e. Jarabe Tapatío] at Triple L Club dance
Rothstein, Arthur, 1942. Library of Congress
Harlingen, Texas. FSA (Farm Security Administration) camp. Nursery school luncheon
Harlingen, Texas. FSA (Farm Security Administration) camp. Nursery school luncheon
Rothstein, Arthur, 1942. Library of Congress
White migrant mother and son in tent home near Harlingen, Texas. See 32108-D
White migrant mother and son in tent home near Harlingen, Texas. See 32108-D
Lee, Russell, 1939. Library of Congress
Brownsville, Texas. Charro Days fiesta. Dance at El Rancho Grande
Brownsville, Texas. Charro Days fiesta. Dance at El Rancho Grande
Rothstein, Arthur, 1939. Library of Congress
Brownsville, Texas. Charro Days fiesta. Children
Brownsville, Texas. Charro Days fiesta. Children
Rothstein, Arthur, 1942. Library of Congress
Harlingen, Texas. FSA (Farm Security Administration) camp. Free play, nursery school
Harlingen, Texas. FSA (Farm Security Administration) camp. Free play, nursery school
Rothstein, Arthur, 1942. Library of Congress
Brownsville, Texas (vicinity). Bean harvesters on large farm
Brownsville, Texas (vicinity). Bean harvesters on large farm
Rothstein, Arthur, 1942. Library of Congress
Brownsville, Texas. Mexican open air market
Brownsville, Texas. Mexican open air market
Rothstein, Arthur, 1942. Library of Congress
Harlingen, Texas. Home of an orange farmer
Harlingen, Texas. Home of an orange farmer
Vachon, John, 1943. Library of Congress
Mexican day laborer's hut near Santa Maria, Texas
Mexican day laborer's hut near Santa Maria, Texas
Lee, Russell, 1939. Library of Congress
Brownsville, Texas. Charro Days fiesta. Enlisted men at El Rancho Grande
Brownsville, Texas. Charro Days fiesta. Enlisted men at El Rancho Grande
Rothstein, Arthur, 1942. Library of Congress
Kitchen table and stove of white migrant camp near Harlingen, Texas. See 32108-D
Kitchen table and stove of white migrant camp near Harlingen, Texas. See 32108-D
Lee, Russell, 1939. Library of Congress
Son of migrant family near Harlingen, Texas
Son of migrant family near Harlingen, Texas
Lee, Russell, 1939. Library of Congress
Brownsville, Texas. Charro Days fiesta. A bandido shakes hands with a local military officer
Brownsville, Texas. Charro Days fiesta. A bandido shakes hands with a local military officer
Rothstein, Arthur, 1942. Library of Congress
Harlingen, Texas. Palm trees surrounding an orange grove
Harlingen, Texas. Palm trees surrounding an orange grove
Vachon, John, 1943. Library of Congress
Brownsville, Texas (vicinity). Bean crop on a farm
Brownsville, Texas (vicinity). Bean crop on a farm
Rothstein, Arthur, 1942. Library of Congress
Brownsville, Texas (vicinity). Bean crop on large farm
Brownsville, Texas (vicinity). Bean crop on large farm
Rothstein, Arthur, 1942. Library of Congress
Brownsville, Texas (vicinity). Bean harvesters on large farm
Brownsville, Texas (vicinity). Bean harvesters on large farm
Rothstein, Arthur, 1942. Library of Congress
Brownsville, Texas. Charro Days fiesta. Committee member at El Rancho Grande
Brownsville, Texas. Charro Days fiesta. Committee member at El Rancho Grande
Rothstein, Arthur, 1942. Library of Congress
Bench of potted plants at side of home of Mexican day laborer. Near Santa Maria, Texas
Bench of potted plants at side of home of Mexican day laborer. Near Santa Maria, Texas
Lee, Russell, 1939. Library of Congress
Migrant workers talking near Harlingen, Texas
Migrant workers talking near Harlingen, Texas
Lee, Russell, 1939. Library of Congress
Brownsville, Texas. Charro Days fiesta. Check room at El Rancho Grande, cotton compress plant converted into a dance hall. A dance for officers of local military police
Brownsville, Texas. Charro Days fiesta. Check room at El Rancho Grande, cotton compress plant converted into a dance hall. A dance for officers of local military police
Rothstein, Arthur, 1942. Library of Congress
Camps of white migrant families in the mesquite near Harlingen, Texas
Camps of white migrant families in the mesquite near Harlingen, Texas
Lee, Russell, 1939. Library of Congress
Garcia Cemetery, a small, country cemetery near the little settlement of Los Indios in eastern Cameron County, near the Rio Grande River border with Mexico
Garcia Cemetery, a small, country cemetery near the little settlement of Los Indios in eastern Cameron County, near the Rio Grande River border with Mexico
Highsmith, Carol M, 2014. Library of Congress
Brownsville, Texas. Charro Days fiesta. Liberty Belle and escort at dance for enlisted men
Brownsville, Texas. Charro Days fiesta. Liberty Belle and escort at dance for enlisted men
Rothstein, Arthur, 1942. Library of Congress
Untitled photo, possibly related to: Harlingen, Texas. FSA (Farm Security Administration) camp. Nursery school luncheon
Untitled photo, possibly related to: Harlingen, Texas. FSA (Farm Security Administration) camp. Nursery school luncheon
Rothstein, Arthur, 1942. Library of Congress
Harlingen, Texas. FSA (Farm Security Administration) camp. Free play, nursery school
Harlingen, Texas. FSA (Farm Security Administration) camp. Free play, nursery school
Rothstein, Arthur, 1942. Library of Congress
Brownsville, Texas (vicinity). Bean harvesters on large farm
Brownsville, Texas (vicinity). Bean harvesters on large farm
Rothstein, Arthur, 1942. Library of Congress
White migrant mother in tent home near Harlingen, Texas. See 32108-D
White migrant mother in tent home near Harlingen, Texas. See 32108-D
Lee, Russell, 1939. Library of Congress
Southern Pacific Railroad Passenger Station, 601 East Madison Street, Brownsville, Cameron County, TX
Southern Pacific Railroad Passenger Station, 601 East Madison Street, Brownsville, Cameron County, TX
Photographer not recorded. Library of Congress
Sacred Heart Roman Catholic Church, East Sixth & East Elizabeth Streets, Brownsville, Cameron County, TX
Sacred Heart Roman Catholic Church, East Sixth & East Elizabeth Streets, Brownsville, Cameron County, TX
Photographer not recorded. Library of Congress

Places on the National Register

34

Every property in this county listed on the National Register of Historic Places, with the year it was listed and the federal nomination document.

Photograph PropertyType ListedReference
Baxter Buildingbuilding2019100003420
Samuel Wallace Brooks Housebuilding198888002530
Browne-Wagner Housebuilding197777001430
Brownsville City Cemetery and Hebrew Cemeterysite201010000143
Brownsville City Hall and Market Housebuilding2019100004474
Brownsville Freight Depot and Warehouse Districtdistrict2018100002266
Cameron County Courthousebuilding198080004084
Cameron County Jail, Oldbuilding199594001594
Augustine Celaya Housebuilding198686000726
Celaya-Creager Housebuilding198888000523
Central Brownsville Historic Districtdistrict2019100004008
Lillian and George K. Aziz Essey Housebuilding2021100006889
Fernandez and Laiseca Buildingbuilding2018100002433
Miguel Fernandez Hide Yardbuilding199090001485
Fort Browndistrict196666000811
M.E. and Estela Cueto Garcia Housebuilding2017100001038
Hicks-Gregg Housebuilding200909000486
Cleta Friedman and Harry W. Hollowell Housebuilding2019100003533
Immaculate Conception Churchbuilding198080004085
La Madrilenabuilding198888002384
La Nueva Libertadbuilding198484001628
Manautou Housebuilding198383003130
McNair Housebuilding201515000836
Morris-Browne Housebuilding200606000955
Old Brulay Plantationbuilding197575001961
Palmito Ranch Battlefieldsite199393000266
Palmvilledistrict2021100007077
Palo Alto Battlefield National Historic Sitesite196666000812
Point Isabel Lighthousestructure197676002014
Resaca de la Palma Battlefieldsite196666000813
Rio Grande Valley Gas Company Buildingbuilding2022100007983
Southern Pacific Railroad Passenger Depotbuilding197878002903
Charles Stillman Housebuilding197979003448
The Gembuilding199191000852

Bird's-eye views and land ownership maps

2

Drawn when these were printed as single large sheets: the town seen from the air, and the county divided into its farms with every owner named. Each opens the original at the Library of Congress.

Land ownership map, 1895 - Map of Cameron County
Land ownership map (1895) - Map of Cameron County. Library of Congress.
Land ownership map, 1884 - Map of the county of Cameron, Texas
Land ownership map (1884) - Map of the county of Cameron, Texas. Library of Congress.

Photographs from libraries nationwide

7 of 36 shown

Selected from the Digital Public Library of America's 36 image records catalogued for this county. Every one shown here carries a public-domain status or a licence that permits reuse on a site that carries advertising; non-commercial, share-alike and restricted images are excluded. The selection is spread across the county's towns (at most eight per town), so no single institution's bulk upload crowds out the rest. Each opens the holding library's record, and the complete set at the Digital Public Library of America is one click away.

"Holsum Banking Company Harlingen, Texas.", Boston Public Library - undated
"Holsum Banking Company Harlingen, Texas.". Boston Public Library, via the Digital Public Library of America.
St. Joseph's Academy, Brownsville, Texas, Boston Public Library - undated
St. Joseph's Academy, Brownsville, Texas. Boston Public Library, via the Digital Public Library of America.
For a day or a year you'll enjoy your visit here, Rose Mary Courts -- Brownsville, Texas, Boston Public Library - undated
For a day or a year you'll enjoy your visit here, Rose Mary Courts -- Brownsville, Texas. Boston Public Library, via the Digital Public Library of America.
Airport obstruction chart, OC 827, Rio Grande Valley International Airport, Harlingen, Texas, Boston Public Library - undated
Airport obstruction chart, OC 827, Rio Grande Valley International Airport, Harlingen, Texas. United States. National Ocean Service, Boston Public Library, via the Digital Public Library of America.
Airport obstruction chart, OC 827, Rio Grande Valley International Airport, Harlingen, Texas, Boston Public Library - undated
Airport obstruction chart, OC 827, Rio Grande Valley International Airport, Harlingen, Texas. United States. National Ocean Service, Boston Public Library, via the Digital Public Library of America.
Brownsville/South Padre Island International Airport, Brownsville, Texas, Boston Public Library - undated
Brownsville/South Padre Island International Airport, Brownsville, Texas. United States. National Ocean Service, Boston Public Library, via the Digital Public Library of America.
Cameron Motor Hotel, 9th and Washington Street, Brownsville, Texas, gateway to Mexico, Boston Public Library - undated
Cameron Motor Hotel, 9th and Washington Street, Brownsville, Texas, gateway to Mexico. Boston Public Library, via the Digital Public Library of America.

The county from the air

48 shown

Flown by the U.S. Geological Survey between 1937 and 1989, the Aerial Photo Single Frames collection is the definitive mid-century view of the land: fields, roads and rivers as the camera saw them. The Survey holds 3,391 frames inside the rectangle that bounds this county; the 48 frames below were taken over the county itself, chosen across the decades of flights (at most four a year from that rectangle), so one flight cannot crowd out the rest. The full set is free to browse and download at EarthExplorer under the dataset Aerial Photo Single Frames.

U.S. Geological Survey aerial photograph, 1946-10-12, scale 1:20000
1946-10-12, scale 1:20000. U.S. Geological Survey aerial photograph.
U.S. Geological Survey aerial photograph, 1946-10-12, scale 1:20000
1946-10-12, scale 1:20000. U.S. Geological Survey aerial photograph.
U.S. Geological Survey aerial photograph, 1946-10-12, scale 1:20000
1946-10-12, scale 1:20000. U.S. Geological Survey aerial photograph.
U.S. Geological Survey aerial photograph, 1946-10-12, scale 1:20000
1946-10-12, scale 1:20000. U.S. Geological Survey aerial photograph.
U.S. Geological Survey aerial photograph, 1947-01-13, scale 1:20000
1947-01-13, scale 1:20000. U.S. Geological Survey aerial photograph.
U.S. Geological Survey aerial photograph, 1947-01-13, scale 1:20000
1947-01-13, scale 1:20000. U.S. Geological Survey aerial photograph.
U.S. Geological Survey aerial photograph, 1947-01-13, scale 1:20000
1947-01-13, scale 1:20000. U.S. Geological Survey aerial photograph.
U.S. Geological Survey aerial photograph, 1947-01-13, scale 1:20000
1947-01-13, scale 1:20000. U.S. Geological Survey aerial photograph.
U.S. Geological Survey aerial photograph, 1953-04-01, scale 1:32800
1953-04-01, scale 1:32800. U.S. Geological Survey aerial photograph.
U.S. Geological Survey aerial photograph, 1953-04-01, scale 1:32800
1953-04-01, scale 1:32800. U.S. Geological Survey aerial photograph.
U.S. Geological Survey aerial photograph, 1953-04-01, scale 1:32800
1953-04-01, scale 1:32800. U.S. Geological Survey aerial photograph.
U.S. Geological Survey aerial photograph, 1953-04-01, scale 1:32800
1953-04-01, scale 1:32800. U.S. Geological Survey aerial photograph.
U.S. Geological Survey aerial photograph, 1955-01-24, scale 1:71500
1955-01-24, scale 1:71500. U.S. Geological Survey aerial photograph.
U.S. Geological Survey aerial photograph, 1955-01-24, scale 1:71500
1955-01-24, scale 1:71500. U.S. Geological Survey aerial photograph.
U.S. Geological Survey aerial photograph, 1955-01-24, scale 1:71500
1955-01-24, scale 1:71500. U.S. Geological Survey aerial photograph.
U.S. Geological Survey aerial photograph, 1955-01-24, scale 1:71500
1955-01-24, scale 1:71500. U.S. Geological Survey aerial photograph.
U.S. Geological Survey aerial photograph, 1958-10-22, scale 1:24000
1958-10-22, scale 1:24000. U.S. Geological Survey aerial photograph.
U.S. Geological Survey aerial photograph, 1958-10-22, scale 1:24000
1958-10-22, scale 1:24000. U.S. Geological Survey aerial photograph.
U.S. Geological Survey aerial photograph, 1958-10-22, scale 1:24000
1958-10-22, scale 1:24000. U.S. Geological Survey aerial photograph.
U.S. Geological Survey aerial photograph, 1958-10-22, scale 1:24000
1958-10-22, scale 1:24000. U.S. Geological Survey aerial photograph.
U.S. Geological Survey aerial photograph, 1961-08-23, scale 1:14400
1961-08-23, scale 1:14400. U.S. Geological Survey aerial photograph.
U.S. Geological Survey aerial photograph, 1961-08-23, scale 1:14400
1961-08-23, scale 1:14400. U.S. Geological Survey aerial photograph.
U.S. Geological Survey aerial photograph, 1961-08-23, scale 1:14400
1961-08-23, scale 1:14400. U.S. Geological Survey aerial photograph.
U.S. Geological Survey aerial photograph, 1961-08-23, scale 1:14400
1961-08-23, scale 1:14400. U.S. Geological Survey aerial photograph.
U.S. Geological Survey aerial photograph, 1967-09-26, scale 1:24000
1967-09-26, scale 1:24000. U.S. Geological Survey aerial photograph.
U.S. Geological Survey aerial photograph, 1967-09-26, scale 1:24000
1967-09-26, scale 1:24000. U.S. Geological Survey aerial photograph.
U.S. Geological Survey aerial photograph, 1967-09-26, scale 1:24000
1967-09-26, scale 1:24000. U.S. Geological Survey aerial photograph.
U.S. Geological Survey aerial photograph, 1967-09-26, scale 1:24000
1967-09-26, scale 1:24000. U.S. Geological Survey aerial photograph.
U.S. Geological Survey aerial photograph, 1970-01-30, scale 1:29200
1970-01-30, scale 1:29200. U.S. Geological Survey aerial photograph.
U.S. Geological Survey aerial photograph, 1970-01-30, scale 1:29200
1970-01-30, scale 1:29200. U.S. Geological Survey aerial photograph.
U.S. Geological Survey aerial photograph, 1970-01-30, scale 1:29200
1970-01-30, scale 1:29200. U.S. Geological Survey aerial photograph.
U.S. Geological Survey aerial photograph, 1970-01-30, scale 1:29200
1970-01-30, scale 1:29200. U.S. Geological Survey aerial photograph.
U.S. Geological Survey aerial photograph, 1971-03-04, scale 1:64318
1971-03-04, scale 1:64318. U.S. Geological Survey aerial photograph.
U.S. Geological Survey aerial photograph, 1971-03-04, scale 1:64318
1971-03-04, scale 1:64318. U.S. Geological Survey aerial photograph.
U.S. Geological Survey aerial photograph, 1971-03-04, scale 1:64292
1971-03-04, scale 1:64292. U.S. Geological Survey aerial photograph.
U.S. Geological Survey aerial photograph, 1971-03-04, scale 1:64935
1971-03-04, scale 1:64935. U.S. Geological Survey aerial photograph.
U.S. Geological Survey aerial photograph, 1972-08-30, scale 1:124675
1972-08-30, scale 1:124675. U.S. Geological Survey aerial photograph.
U.S. Geological Survey aerial photograph, 1972-08-30, scale 1:124675
1972-08-30, scale 1:124675. U.S. Geological Survey aerial photograph.
U.S. Geological Survey aerial photograph, 1972-08-30, scale 1:124675
1972-08-30, scale 1:124675. U.S. Geological Survey aerial photograph.
U.S. Geological Survey aerial photograph, 1972-08-30, scale 1:120783
1972-08-30, scale 1:120783. U.S. Geological Survey aerial photograph.
U.S. Geological Survey aerial photograph, 1973-01-21, scale 1:20999
1973-01-21, scale 1:20999. U.S. Geological Survey aerial photograph.
U.S. Geological Survey aerial photograph, 1973-01-21, scale 1:20999
1973-01-21, scale 1:20999. U.S. Geological Survey aerial photograph.
U.S. Geological Survey aerial photograph, 1973-01-21, scale 1:20999
1973-01-21, scale 1:20999. U.S. Geological Survey aerial photograph.
U.S. Geological Survey aerial photograph, 1973-01-21, scale 1:20999
1973-01-21, scale 1:20999. U.S. Geological Survey aerial photograph.
U.S. Geological Survey aerial photograph, 1974-07-26, scale 1:31000
1974-07-26, scale 1:31000. U.S. Geological Survey aerial photograph.
U.S. Geological Survey aerial photograph, 1974-07-26, scale 1:30000
1974-07-26, scale 1:30000. U.S. Geological Survey aerial photograph.
U.S. Geological Survey aerial photograph, 1974-07-26, scale 1:30000
1974-07-26, scale 1:30000. U.S. Geological Survey aerial photograph.
U.S. Geological Survey aerial photograph, 1974-07-26, scale 1:30000
1974-07-26, scale 1:30000. U.S. Geological Survey aerial photograph.

Weather records

86 stations, 6 gages

The thermometers that kept this county's weather, and the gages that measured the flow of its streams, as the federal records hold them. The extremes below are measured values from those records, not estimates.

The 1950 census, district by district

132 districts

Who lived here in 1950, one enumeration district at a time, as the Census Bureau described each district. Each row opens its official National Archives result, with Population Schedules and ED Maps available there.

  • 31-1Justice Precinct 1: Port Isabel city: Port Isabel city - That part excluding Port Isabel Naval Station Bounded by City limits; City limits; City limits; Musina, Maxan, Yturria, Davis, Musina
  • 31-2Port Isabel Naval Station (In Port Isabel city)
  • 31-3Port Isabel city - That part Bounded by City limits; Musina, Davis, Yturria; Maxan, State Hwy. 100, City limits; City limits
  • 31-4Port Isabel city - That part Bounded by State Hwy. 100, Maxan; Musina; City limits; City limits
  • 31-5Justice Precinct 1 - That part outside Port Isabel city excluding Brazos Coast Guard Station and U. S. Lighthouse Brazos Santiago, including all islands in this enumeration district
  • 31-6Brazos Coast Guard Station (In Justice Precinct 1)
  • 31-7U. S. Lighthouse Brazos Santiago (In Justice Precinct 1)
  • 31-8AN/A
  • 31-8BN/A
  • 31-9Brownsville city - That part Bounded by Boca Chica Blvd., Pargols Ave.; Arthur extended; McDavitt Blvd., Ebony Ave., Pargols Ave., Lareo, Ebony Ave., Hibiscus Ct.; Palms Blvd.
  • 31-10Brownsville city - That part Bounded by Palm Blvd.; Hibiscus Ct., Ebony Ave., Lareo, Pargols Ave. Ebony Ave.; 8th S. E.; Ringold
  • 31-11Brownsville city - That part, Bounded by City limits; Pargols Ave., Boca Chica Blvd., Palm Blvd.; Elizabeth N. W.; 4th N.W., Resaca Blvd., Boca Chica Blvd., Drainage Ditch, Coria
  • 31-12Brownsville city - That part, Bounded by City limits; City limits, Coria, Drainage Ditch, Boca Chica Blvd., Resaca Blvd.; 4th N.W., Elizabeth N. W.; Central Blvd., State Hwy. 12
  • 31-13Brownsville city - That part excluding Earle Hotel Bounded by Lakeside Blvd.; Central Blvd.; Elizabeth N.W., 9th N.W.; Levee N.W., 14th N.W., Lakeside Blvd.
  • 31-14Earle Hotel (In Brownsville city)
  • 31-15Brownsville city - That part Bounded by City limits; State Hwy. 12, Lakeside Blvd.; Madison N.W., 17th N.W., Jefferson N.W., Jefferson extended N.W.; City limits
  • 31-16Brownsville city - That part Bounded by Jefferson extended N.W., Jefferson N.W., 17th N.W., Madison N.W.; Lakeside Blvd., 14th N.W.; St. Louis, Brownsville and Mexico Railway, City limits
  • 31-17Brownsville city - That part Bounded by City limits; St. Louis, Brownsville and Mexico Railway, 14th N.W., Fronton N.W., 9th N.W., St. Louis, Brownsville and Mexico Railway; Riverside Blvd., City limits; City limits
  • 31-18Brownsville city - That part Bounded by 14th N.W.; Levee N.W.; 9th N.W.; Fronton N.W.
  • 31-19Brownsville city - That part excluding Incarnate Word Convent Bounded by 9th N.W.; Elizabeth N.W.; 5th N.W.; Fronton N.W.
  • 31-20Incarnate Word Convent (In Brownsville city)
  • 31-21Brownsville city - That part Bounded by 5th N.W.; Elizabeth N.W.; Palm Blvd.; St. Francis N.W.
  • 31-22Brownsville city - That part Bounded by Palm Blvd.; Madison N.W.; 3rd S.E., Adams, 2nd S.E.; Levee
  • 31-23Brownsville city - That part Bounded by Palm Blvd.; St. Louis, Brownsville and Mexico Railway; 6th S. E.; Madison
  • 31-24Brownsville city - That part Bounded by Palm Blvd.; Ringold; 6th S. E.; St. Louis, Brownsville and Mexico Railway
  • 31-25Brownsville city - That part Bounded by 6th S. E.; Ringold; 8th S. E.; St. Louis, Brownsville and Mexico Railway
  • 31-26Brownsville city - That part Bounded by 8th S. E.; Ringold; 10th S. E.; Van Buren
  • 31-27Brownsville city - That part Bounded by 8th S.E., Ebony Ave., McDavitt Blvd.; Arthur; St. Louis, Brownsville and Mexico Railway; Ringold
  • 31-28Brownsville city - That part Bounded by St. Louis, Brownsville and Mexico Railway; Arthur; 14th S.E., Lincoln, 14th S.E.; Ringold
  • 31-29Brownsville city - That part Bounded by 14th S.E.; Taft; 17th S. E.; Arthur
  • 31-30AN/A
  • 31-30BN/A
  • 31-31Brownsville city - That part Bounded by International Blvd., Lincoln, 17th S.E.; Wilson, 18th S.E., Wilson, 19th S.E., Harding; 22nd S.E., 22nd extended S.E., City limits; Ringold extended. Ringold
  • 31-32Brownsville city - That part Bounded by 14th S.E., Lincoln, 14th S.E.; Arthur; 17th S.E., Lincoln, International Blvd.; Ringold
  • 31-33Brownsville city - That part Bounded by 10th S.E.; Ringold; 14th S.E.; Polk, 12th S.E., Tyler
  • 31-34Brownsville city - That part Bounded by 10th S.E.; Tyler; 12th s.E.; Madison
  • 31-35Brownsville city - That part Bounded by 6th S.E.; St. Louis, Brownsville and Mexico Railway, 8th S.E., Van Buren; 10th S.E.; Madison
  • 31-36Brownsville city - That part Bounded by 3rd S.E.; Madison; 7th S.E.; Washington, 4th S.E., Adams
  • 31-37Brownsville city - That part Bounded by 2nd S.E.; Adams, 4th S.E., Washington; 7th S.E.; Levee
  • 31-38Brownsville city - That part Bounded by Palm Blvd.; Levee; 5th S.E.; St. Louis, Brownsville and Mexico Railway
  • 31-39Brownsville city - That part Bounded by Riverside Blvd., St. Louis, Brownsville and Mexico Railway, 9th N.W.; Fronton N.W., 5th N.W., St. Francis; Palm Blvd., City limits; City limits
  • 31-40Brownsville city - That part excluding El Jardin Hotel Bounded by Palm Blvd.; St. Louis, Brownsville and Mexico Railway, 9th N.W., Levee; 14th S.E., City limits; City limits
  • 31-41El Jardin Hotel (In Brownsville city)
  • 31-42Brownsville city - That part Bounded by 5th S.E.; Levee; 9th S.E.; St. Louis, Brownsville and Mexico Railway
  • 31-43Brownsville city - That part Bounded by 7th S. E.; Madison; 11th S.E., Adams, 10th S.E.; Levee
  • 31-44Brownsville city - That part Bounded by 10th S.E., Adams, 11th S.E.; Madison;14th S.E.; Levee
  • 31-45Brownsville city - That part Bounded by 12th S.E.; Polk; 14th S.E.; Madison
  • 31-46Brownsville city - That part Bounded by 14th S.E.; Tyler; City limits; Jackson
  • 31-47Brownsville city - That part Bounded by 14th S.E.; Ringold; 19th S.E.; Tyler
  • 31-48Brownsville city - That part Bounded by 19th S.E.; Ringold; City limits; Tyler
  • 31-49Brownsville city - That part excluding Fort Brown Bounded by 14th S.E.; Jackson; City limits; City limits
  • 31-50Fort Brown (In Brownsville city)
  • 31-51Justice Precinct 2 - That part north of State Hwy. 4, southeast of St. Louis, Brownsville and Mexico Railway, and southeast of Rancho Viejo Floodway, including all islands in this enumeration district, outside Brownsville city.
  • 31-52Justice Precinct 2 - That part northwest of Rancho Viejo Floodway, northwest of St. Louis, Brownsville and Mexico Railway, and east of U. S. Hwy. 83, outside Brownsville city
  • 31-53Justice Precinct 2 - That part west of U. S. Hwy. 83, north of U. S. Hwy. 281 and southeast of Unnamed road extending northeast from U. S. Hwy. 281 to U. s. Hwy. 83, outside Brownsville city
  • 31-54Justice Precinct 2 - That part west of U. 3. Hwy. 83, northwest of Unnamed road extending southwest from U. S. Hwy. 83 to U. S. Hwy. 281 and northeast of U. S. Hwy. 281
  • 31-55Justice Precinct 2 - That part southwest of U. S. Hwy. 281, outside Brownsville city
  • 31-56Justice Precinct 2 - That part south of State Hwy. 4 and north of Rio Grande - Brownsville Rd., outside Brownsville city
  • 31-57Justice Precinct 2 - That part south of Rio Grande - Brownsville Rd., outside Brownsville city
  • 31-58Justice Precinct 3: San Benito city: San Benito city - That part Bounded by City limits; City limits; Rose; Sam Houston Blvd.
  • 31-59San Benito city - That part Bounded by City limits; Sam Houston Blvd.; Washington; City limits
  • 31-60San Benito city - That part Bounded by City limits, Washington; Los Fresnos Resaca (waterway); Missouri Pacific Railroad; City limits
  • 31-61San Benito city - That part Bounded by Washington; Sam Houston Blvd.; Missouri Pacific Railroad; Los Fresnos Resaca (waterway)
  • 31-62San Benito city - That part Bounded by Rose; City limits; Missouri Pacific Railroad; Sam Houston Blvd.
  • 31-63San Benito city - That part Bounded by Missouri Pacific Railroad; City limits; Brooks; Sam Houston Blvd.
  • 31-64San Benito city - That part Bounded by Missouri Pacific Railroad; Sam Houston Blvd.; City limits; City limits, Los Fresnos Resaca (waterway)
  • 31-65San Benito city - That part Bounded by Missouri Pacific Railroad; Los Fresnos Resaca (waterway); Zaragoza; Cones, Cones extended
  • 31-66San Benito city - That part Bounded by City limits, Missouri Pacific Railroad; Cones extended, Cones, State Hwy. 12; City limits
  • 31-67San Benito city - That part Bounded by State Hwy. 12; Franklin Ave.; City limits; City limits
  • 31-68San Benito city - That part Bounded by Cones, Zaragoza; Sombre Ave.; Los Fresnos Resaca, (waterway) City limits; Franklin Ave.
  • 31-69San Benito city - That part Bounded by Zaragoza; Los Fresnos Resaca (waterway); Los Fresnos Resaca (waterway); Sombre Ave.
  • 31-70San Benito city - That part Bounded by Brooks; City limits; City limits; Sam Houston Blvd.
  • 31-71Justice Precinct 3 - That part north of St. Louis, Brownsville and Mexico Railway and east of San Benito and Rio Grande Valley Railway, outside San Benito city
  • 31-72Justice Precinct 3 - That part west of San Benito and Rio Grande Valley Railway and north of St. Louis, Brownsville and Mexico Railway, outside San Benito city
  • 31-73Justice Precinct 3 - That part south of St. Louis, Brownsville and Mexico Railway, west of San Benito and Rio Grande Valley Railway and north of Resaca del Rancho Viejo (waterway), outside San Benito city
  • 31-74Justice Precinct 3 - That part south of Resaca del Rancho Viejo (waterway) and west of San Benito and Rio Grande Valley Railway
  • 31-75Justice Precinct 3 - That part south of Resaca del Rancho Viejo (waterway) and east of San Benito and Rio Grande Valley Railway
  • 31-76Justice Precinct 3 - That part south of St. Louis, Brownsville and Mexico Railway, north of Resaca del Rancho Viejo (waterway) and east of San Benito and Rio Grande Valley Railway, outside San Benito city
  • 31-77Justice Precinct 4: Rio Hondo town: Rio Hondo town - That part east of Harrolds
  • 31-78Rio Hondo town - That part west of Harrolds
  • 31-79Justice Precinct 4 - That part north of Unnamed road extending from precinct line to State Hwy. 345, and State Hwy. 345, outside Rio Hondo town
  • 31-80Justice Precinct 4 - That part south of State Hwy. 345 and Unnamed road extending from State Hwy. 345 to precinct line, outside Rio Hondo town
  • 31-81AJustice Precinct 5 - That part west of Zillock Rd. and west of Unnamed road extending south from Landrum Park Rd. to Canal, south of Landrum Park Rd. and Canal, north of U. S. Hwy. 281 and east of Los Indios - Rangerville -Harlingen Rd.
  • 31-81BJustice Precinct 5 - That part north of Canal and Landrum Park Rd., east of Unnamed rd. extending north from Canal to Landrum Park Rd. and east of Zillock Rd.
  • 31-82Justice Precinct 5 - That part west of Los Indios - Rangerville - Harlingen Rd. and north of San Benito and Rio Grande Valley Railway
  • 31-83Justice Precinct 5 - That part south of San Benito and Rio Grande Valley Railway, west of Rangerville - Los Iodios Rd. and south of U. S. Hwy. 281
  • 31-84AHarlingen city - That part Bounded by City limits, Rio Hondo Rd.; City limits; Old city limits, 15th, Southern Pacific Railroad, 3rd, Washington Ave.; 1st
  • 31-84BHarlingen city - That part Bounded by City limits; City limits; City limits, Rio Hondo Rd.; City limits
  • 31-85Harlingen city - That part Bounded by City limits; City limits, 1st; Washington Ave. Southern Pacific Railroad
  • 31-86Harlingen city - That part Bounded by City limits; Southern Pacific Railroad; Washington Ave., Missouri Pacific Railroad, Fairground Ave.; City limits
  • 31-87Harlingen city - That part Bounded by Fairground Ave.; Missouri Pacific Railroad; Missouri Pacific Railroad; City limits
  • 31-88Harlingen city - That part Bounded by City limits, Missouri Pacific Railroad; Missouri Pacific Railroad; Harrison Ave.
  • 31-89Harlingen city - That part excluding Plaza, Reese - Wil - Mond and Madison Hotels Bounded by Washington Ave.; 3rd; Harrison; City limits, Missouri Pacific Railroad
  • 31-90Plaza Hotel (In Harlingen city)
  • 31-91Reese-Wil Mond Hotel (In Harlingen city)
  • 31-92Madison Hotel (In Harlingen city)
  • 31-93Harlingen city - That part Bounded by Southern Pacific Railroad; 7th; Harrison Ave.; 3rd
  • 31-94Harlingen city - That part Bounded by Southern Pacific Railroad; 12th; Harrison Ave.; 7th
  • 31-95Harlingen city - That part Bounded by Southern Pacific Railroad, 15th, Old City limits; City limits; Harrison Ave.; 12th
  • 31-96Harlingen city - That part Bounded by Harrison Ave.; City limits; Taylor Ave. extended, Taylor Ave.; 8th
  • 31-97Harlingen city - That part Bounded by Harrison Ave.; 8th; Taylor Ave.; Missouri Pacific Railroad
  • 31-98Harlingen city - That part Bounded by Harrison Ave.; Missouri Pacific Railroad; Taylor Ave.; E
  • 31-99Harlingen city - That part Bounded by Harrison Ave.; E; Taylor Ave., F, Curtis Ave.; Cook, Hanson, Perry
  • 31-100Harlingen city - That part Bounded by City limits, Harrison; Perry, Hanson, Cook, Curtis Ave., Perry, Filmore Ave., G, Johnson Ave., F; City limits; City limits
  • 31-101Harlingen city - That part Bounded by Curtis Ave., F, Taylor Ave.; E; Lincoln Ave.; G, Filmore Ave., Perry
  • 31-102Harlingen city - That part Bounded by Taylor Ave.; 1st; Lincoln Ave.; E
  • 31-103Harlingen city - That part Bounded by Taylor Ave.; Missouri Pacific Railroad; Lincoln Ave.; 1st
  • 31-104Harlingen city - That part Bounded by Taylor Ave., Taylor Ave.extended, City limits; City limits; City limits; Missouri Pacific Railroad
  • 31-105Harlingen city - That part Bounded by Lincoln Ave.; Missouri Pacific Railroad; City limits; F, Johnson Ave., G
  • 31-106Justice Precinct 6 - That part north of State Hwy. 106 and Unnamed road extending north and west from State Hwy. 106 to Briggs - Coleman School - Combes Rd. and east of Unnamed road extending northward from Briggs - Coleman School - Combes Rd. to Willacy County line
  • 31-107Justice Precinct 6 - That part west of an Unnamed road extending southward from Willacy County line to Briggs - Coleman School - Combes Rd., north of Briggs - Coleman School - Combes Rd. and east of St. Louis, Brownsville and Mexico Railway
  • 31-108Justice Precinct 6 - That part west of St. Louis, Brownsville and Mexico Railway and north of Texas and New Orleans Railroad,
  • 31-109Justice Precinct 6 - That part south of Texas and New Orleans Railroad and north of St. Louis, Brownsville and Mexico Railway, outside Harlingen city
  • 31-110Justice Precinct 6 - That part south of Combes - Briggs - Coleman School Rd., west of Briggs - Harlingen Rd., and east of St. Louis, Brownsville and Mexico Railway, outside Harlingen city
  • 31-111Justice Precinct 6 - That part south of Unnamed road extending east and south from Combes - Briggs - Coleman School Rd. to State Hwy. 106 and south of State Hwy. 106 and east of Harlingen - Briggs Rd., outside Harlingen city
  • 31-112Justice Precinct 6 - That part south of St. Louis, Brownsville and Mexico Railway, outside Harlingen city
  • 31-113Justice Precinct 7: La Feria city: La Feria city - That part Bounded by City limits; City limits; Jessamine; Main
  • 31-114La Feria city - That part Bounded by City limits; City limits, Main; Magnolia, Canal, Magnolia; City limits
  • 31-115La Feria city - That part Bounded by Magnolia, Canal, Magnolia; Main, Jessamine, City limits; City limits; City limits
  • 31-116Santa Rosa town
  • 31-117Justice Precinct 7 - That part north of State Hwy. 107 and east of an Unnamed road extending northward from Santa Rosa to Willacy County line, outside Santa Rosa town
  • 31-118Justice Precinct 7 - That part west of Unnamed road extending south from Willacy County line to Santa Rosa and north of State Hwy. 107, outside Santa Rosa town
  • 31-119AJustice Precinct 7 - That part south of State Hwy. 107, west of Dukes Hwy., North of Clark Rd. and east of W. Cantu Rd., outside Santa Rosa town
  • 31-119BJustice Precinct 7 - That part south of State Hwy. 107, west of W. Cantu Rd. and North of Clark Rd.
  • 31-120Justice Precinct 7 - That part south of State Hwy. 107, north of St. Louis, Brownsville and Mexico Railway, and east of Dukes Hwy., outside La Feria city and Santa Rosa town
  • 31-121Justice Precinct 7 - That part south of Unnamed road extending east from Hidalgo County line to Dukes Hwy., west of Dukes Hwy. and north of St. Louis, Brownsville and Mexico Railway, outside La Feria city
  • 31-122Justice Precinct 7 - That part south of St. Louis, Brownsville and Mexico Railway, outside La Feria city
  • 31-123Justice Precinct 8: Los Fresnos town
  • 31-124Justice Precinct 8 - That part north of Resaca de los Fresnos (Waterway), including all islands in this enumeration district
  • 31-125Justice Precinct 8 - That part south of Resaca de los Fresnos (waterway), north of State Hwy. 100 and east of Texas and New Orleans Railroad, outside Los Fresnos town
  • 31-126Justice Precinct 8 - That part south of Resaca de los Fresnos (waterway), west of Texas and New Orleans Railroad and north of State Hwy. 100, outside Los Fresnos town
  • 31-127Justice Precinct 8 - That part south of State Hwy. 100, outside Los Fresnos town

Wildfire, 1993 to 2020

943 fires

Every wildfire the federal occurrence database records inside this county: 943 of them, burning about 15,820 acres. 23 started naturally and 160 were recorded as arson. Each settlement page carries the fires within five miles of it.

Reported cause Fires
Missing data/not specified/undetermined352
Debris and open burning323
Arson/incendiarism160
Equipment and vehicle use38
Natural23
Power generation/transmission/distribution20
Smoking10
Railroad operations and maintenance7
Recreation and ceremony5
Misuse of fire by a minor3
Fireworks2

The five largest, by the area the report gives. Two of them were set deliberately.

DateCause SizeReported by Name on the report
30 March 2002Missing data/not specified/undetermined2,500 acresSouth Texas Refuge ComplexMUY GRANDE
20 July 1997Debris and open burning435 acresLower Rio Grande Valley National Wildlife RefugeTIOCANO
15 July 1996Arson/incendiarism425 acresLower Rio Grande Valley National Wildlife RefugeBOSCAJE
22 July 2009Missing data/not specified/undetermined400 acresLower Rio Grande Valley National Wildlife RefugeDEL MAR
8 December 2000Smoking400 acresLower Rio Grande Valley National Wildlife RefugeLAGUNA
1 September 2005Natural370 acresLaguna Atascosa National Wildlife RefugeMIDNIGHT
10 January 2017Missing data/not specified/undetermined275 acresTexas A & M Forest ServiceOLMITO
27 April 2000Arson/incendiarism250 acresLower Rio Grande Valley National Wildlife RefugeM AND M

Every settlement page carries the fires within five miles of it - see the settlement index below.

Storms, 1953 to 2025

60 of 547 shown

The NOAA Storm Events Database holds 547 reports for this county, causing 1 death, 17 injuries and about $291,248,650 in recorded property damage. Each settlement page carries the reports that name it.

Kind of event Reports
Thunderstorm Wind193
Hail101
Flash Flood92
Tornado68
Flood42
Heavy Rain40
Lightning6
Funnel Cloud3
Coastal Flood1
Waterspout1

The most serious of them, by death, then injury, then recorded damage. The accounts are quoted exactly as the forecast office filed them.

WhenEvent Place namedHarm What the report says
May 2023Tornado (EF1)Bayside1 killed, 11 hurt, $500,000A rapidly-developing mini-supercell formed ahead of an approaching squall line near the Lower Texas coast just before 4 AM Saturday, May 13. The supercell spawned a quick spin-up tornado that struck the town of Laguna Heights, Texas, over a two-minute period before the circulation moved over Laguna Madre Bay and rapidly dissipated. The tornado tracked to the east-northeast after the circulation was impacted by the approaching squall line, creating a boomerang effect since the original motion of the radar couplet was to the north-northwest prior to touchdown. Winds may have reached 110 mph, the top of the EF1 scale, in a few locations but the very poor quality of construction suggests 105 mph is a better estimate.||The strongest portion of the tornado, rated EF1, flattened at least six poorly built mobile home structures, removed part of the second story of a local business, and removed the majority of roof decking on at least ten other residences and buildings. At least a half dozen ash and mesquite trees were snapped or uprooted and two wooden power poles were bent. Casualties were found in several of the demolished mobile homes. A man in his forties was killed when the home collapsed on him. Five others were injured in the same cluster of damaged homes, and two more were injured in a flattened mobile home near the shoreline of Laguna Madre Bay. Two of the injuries, in the home along the bayfront, required extended hospitalizations. Thirty-eight additional residents were displaced by the tornado and were housed at the local events center with American Red Cross assistance. In all, there was the one fatality and eleven injuries, of which two were critical head injuries. Surrounding the EF1 area, portions of roofs and shingles were removed from residences, large limbs were broken, and fences were knocked down.
April 2003HailBrownsville5 hurt, $50,000,000no account filed
May 1992Thunderstorm Windnot stated1 hurtno account filed
March 2025Flash FloodLos Indios$105,000,000Some of the heaviest rainfall associated with the historic rainfall of March 26-28 fell in Harlingen. In total, nearly 19 inches was measured by trusted sources, with radar estimates up to 20.5 inches. During the peak of the multiple bands from early evening through just after midnight on the 28th, estimated rainfall rates were at least 3 per hour for at least 3 hours, including at Harlingen/Valley International Airport, where 5 fell in just 90 minutes before the power went out due to lightning strikes.||Hundreds, if not a thousand, structures had flood damage ranging from affected to destroyed. Damage details will be available for this part of Cameron County, which stretches from Harlingen through Rio Hondo and southwest to San Benito, at a later date in 2025. Harder hit areas reported up to 4 feet of water, including the IH-2 and IH-69E frontage roads in these areas. For several areas, this event ranked as a 1/100 to 1/200 annual return frequency probability event, with perhaps up to a 1/500 event in a few spots. High water would continue in several hours for a few more days, though rapid runoff allowed for relatively quick recovery.||As of July 1, a preliminary estimate of $105 million was derived from Public Assistance (PA) and Individual Assistance (IA) reports, based on applying two-thirds of the values from the number of structures that were impacted with varying levels of damage in Cameron County. The damage was applied to this entry, since much was triggered by the rainfall and rainfall rates in these areas at these times. Full damage statistics will be available by the end of 2025 or start of 2026.
June 2018Flash FloodSanta Rosa$35,000,000Multiple cells and clusters of thunderstorms during the pre-dawn hours into the morning commute on June 20th dropped measured and estimated rainfall between 5 and more than 8 inches in western Cameron County, which caused widespread flooding between La Feria, Harlingen, San Benito, and other locations. The flooding produced locally 2 to 4 feet of water depth, with Santa Rosa through La Feria particularly hard hit. Interstate 2 frontage road was closed from Harlingen to McAllen due to the intense rainfall, which fell at an estimated rate of 2 to 3 inches per hour in a few spots for 2 to 3 hours - and on top of prior rainfall earlier in the week.||Detailed damage for this particular event was not known, though total damage through multiple agencies along with standard doubling for uninsured properties, as well as significant damage to drainage canals, suggested event totals in Cameron County were over $60 million. For this particular event, which included some of the highest rainfall rates, damage was estimated at around $35 million. There were an unknown number of properties and vehicles damaged in this particular flood, though the numbers are likely above 1,000 for each case. ||Full details will be available within 12 to 18 months of the event.
June 2019Flash FloodSanta Rosa$30,000,000Measured and estimated rainfall between 8 and 15.2 inches that fell predominantly from early evening June 24th through a bit after midnight on June 25th produced widespread flash flooding across northwestern Cameron County. Hardest hit locations were the west side of Harlingen through La Feria, north to Santa Rosa, and back east to near Combes. ||In the tri-county area (western Willacy, northwestern Cameron, and southeastern Hidalgo), 1188 homes were considered destroyed or with major damage, with an additional 182 homes with minor damage. Hundreds of streets flooded, including 30 Texas-managed highways. This included the frontage roads of Interstate 2 and Interstate 69E (with up to four feet of water in Cameron County). ||More than 100 persons were evacuated to higher ground when dozens of homes were threatened by 2 to 4 feet of water in each county. In northwestern Cameron County, total neighborhoods were inundated with 1 to 3 feet of water in northwest Harlingen, Santa Rosa (where some reports noted 4 feet of water depth), and Combes. | |Individual Assistance costs for the affected area in the three counties was estimated at $27.6 million as of early August 2019; Public Assistance values were unknown but likely to add to the damage, which will be estimated at $75 million in all three counties. Daily rainfall records were set in the flood area, including 6.29 inches in Harlingen, more than four inches above the prior calendar day record (2.23 inches in 1926). The total was also a new daily record for the month (5.89 on June 20, 2018); records date back to 1912 at the site.||Despite the flooding and damage, much which occurred in the dark, there were no know deaths of injuries directly attributed to the flood.
June 2018Flash FloodBrownsville$20,000,000One day after 3 to more than 5 inches fell between Brownsville and Los Fresnos during the afternoon and early evening hours, a repeat event occurred, fed by deep tropical moisture and multiple boundaries left behind from devastating morning flooding across western Cameron and eastern Hidalgo County. A persistent line of torrential rainfall dominated through the early evening commute, with another 3 to 6 inches having fallen for a two-day total of 6 to 11+ inches. The second day rainfall produced more widespread flooding across locations in and east of Brownsville and Los Fresnos, with farm and subdivisions under 2 to 3+ feet of water when all was said and done. ||The additional flooding on saturated soils (pump priming from June 19) likely produced more damage this second go-round, including more erosion to drainage canals/ditches and mainly rural roads. Doubling of the damage left a total of around $20 million.
July 2020Flash FloodSanta Rosa$13,270,000Afternoon and early evening rains of 2 to 3 inches fell across the IH-2 corridor of Cameron County, from La Feria to east of Harlingen, and saturated soils ahead of the torrential rains that were to come later in the evening as the southern and eastern eyewall pulled copious tropical moisture into northern Cameron County after sunset. Estimated rainfall of 4 to 6+ inches by mid evening began to produce known flash flooding in La Feria and Harlingen, with two water rescues conducted in La Feria just after 10 PM CST. Despite lighter rains, flash flooding would continue due to poor drainage situations, especially in the La Feria/Santa Rosa area. A broad south to north feeder band added another 2 to 4+ inches of rainfall to the storm totals during the pre-dawn hours, and light rains would continue to around noon in western Cameron County before ending. Note: Estimated flood-related public assistance property damage is provided in this episode. However, the total damage would also include another 3 to 5 inches that would fall in an unrelated tropical band of torrential rain during the evening of July 27th.||Flooding would decimate the cotton (lint) crop and other unharvested dryland crops to an estimated value of $27.1 million. Public assistance property damage as of this writing from flooding rainfall was estimated to be at $3.3 million. Additional public and individual assistance dollar damages, as well as insured damages, from flood waters was calculated using NCEI's total dollar damage estimate (divided among the affected counties by local storm data experts). Total property damage from flood waters for Cameron County was $9.968 million.
May 2020LightningPort Isabel$7,000,000Lightning strike resulted in a structure fire at Gulfport Condominiums on South Padre Island. The fire was reported around 7 AM CDT. Time of strike was estimated by radar.
June 2018Flash FloodEvan$5,000,000A band of thunderstorms, moving slowly from west to east, intersected the sea breeze and stalled between Brownsville and Los Fresnos, dumping 3 to 5 or more inches of rainfall in a 2 to 3 hour period, causing significant street flooding and some road closures. Flood prone roads, including Morrison Blvd. in north Brownsville was closed due to 3 feet of water; Dennet road nearby was also covered in 2 to 3 feet of water. Other roads between North Brownsville and Los Fresnos were flooded with an unknown amount of water depth. Several to dozens of vehicles were flooded, with damage unknown as of this writing.
September 2010Flash FloodVilla Nueva$5,000,000Upper level energy, low level convergence, and a possible overnight low level jet stream of extremely moisture laden air from the Gulf of Mexico produced prolonged torrential rains across south central Cameron County between 2 and 7 AM CST September 19th. The area shifted to the east and northeast between 7 and 8 AM CST, but not before dumping 5 to 7 inches of rain from Brownsville to San Benito and creating extensive flooding, impacting perhaps 100 or more structures, particularly in poorly draining areas. ||Impacts included: Up to 60 homes with water incursion in Colonia Galaxia in West Brownsville along Military Highway; several homes with water in them in the nearby subdivision of Quail Hollow; 37 residents evacuated from 9 flooded homes in Laureles (2.5 miles northwest of Los Fresnos); several homes flooded in the Green Valley Farms area along FM 510 near San Benito, including one location where 17 small mixed-breed dogs were rescued. Dozens of roads were closed temporarily or, in some cases, through the day. Notable closures included Paredes Line Road just north of Ruben Torres in Brownsville, Pablo Kisel near the Morrison Blvd. intersection in Brownsville, FM 1575 near/at State Highway 100 in Los Fresnos, and portions of State Highway 345 between San Benito and Rio Hondo. The Frontage Road near Price Road, along Federal Highway 77 in Brownsville had 2 to 3 feet of water well after the rains ended; notable poor draining roads in downtown Brownsville had similar high water.||Though the rains ended between 8 and 9 AM CST, significant poor drainage flooding continued through 11 AM CST and pockets of flooding remained into the morning of September 20th. Dozen of pumps equipment were borrowed from Hidalgo County to assist with clearing water in poor drainage locations for the next few days.||Damage estimates will be into the $millions [final numbers available later this autumn]. Fortunately, no fatalities or injuries were reported as a direct consequence of the rains.
May 2000Thunderstorm WindLaguna Vista$5,000,000A very strong heavy precipitation type supercell did extensive straight line wind damage to Laguna Vista, Laguna heights, Port Isabel and South Padre Island on the evening of May the 2nd. A National Weather Service ground survey team reported that all debris was oriented from northwest to southeast. The storm first struck the Laguna Heights and Laguna Vista communities between 820 and 835 PM CDT. Then it struck Port Isabel and South Padre Island between 840 PM and 900 PM CDT. These damaging winds knocked down 50 power poles. In addition, the damaging thunderstorm winds knocked down power lines and trees. Approximately 8800 customers were left without power and schools were closed in Port Isabel on May 3rd and 4th. Many residents reported damage to roofs, awnings, signs, canopies, marinas, and garage doors. Windows were shattered by the strong winds. The United States Coast Guard Office reported 106 knots or 122 mph winds before power failed at the Coast Guard station. Several recreational vehicles parked at Isla Blanca Park on South Padre Island were tossed on their sides. Hail the size of golfballs was reported at South Padre Island. Total damage to the utility lines and poles was estimated to be around 3 million dollars. Total damage done to the rest of the area was around 2 million. In all, it was estimated that approximately 5 million dollars of damage was done to the bayfront communities and South Padre Island.
September 1988Tornado (F1)not stated$2,500,000no account filed
August 1980Tornado (F2)not stated$2,500,000no account filed
October 2019Thunderstorm WindPort Isabel$2,000,000A cluster of potent thunderstorms developed in northeastern Mexico and moved north into Cameron County early Sunday morning. Within this cluster of storms, a strong linear downburst crossed South Padre Island from 1:24 AM CST to 1:40 AM CST. The South Padre Island Police Department reported downed power lines in between the paralleling Padre Blvd and Laguna Blvd on South Padre Island, and at one point all of South Padre Island had lost power due to 31 transmission poles that were taken down by the wind.
May 2004Flash FloodSan Benito$2,000,000Slow-moving thunderstorms with torrential rainfall developed over central and eastern Cameron county. In fact, the previous daily rainfall record was shattered when 4.56 inches of rain was reported at the Brownsville-South Padre Island Airport. This amount paled in comparison to the rain that was experienced along an axis extending from central and western sections of Brownsville north and northwest through Lost Fresnos, Olmito, Rancho Viejo and up through San Benito. Locations within this axis experienced anywhere from 5 to 9 inches of rainfall over a period of appoximately 3-4 hours.The area of heaviest rain occurred in western Brownsville where numerous homes experienced flooding. Approximately 170 homes in central and western Brownsville received at least minor flooding, as did many of the city's resacas. Flooding of homes and businesses was also reported in Los Fresnos, and in homes between Los Fresnos and San Benito. An estimated 200-250 homes were affected by flooding, and the standing water resulted in many road closures across the county, especially in the Brownsville area.
May 2023Thunderstorm WindPort Isabel$1,500,000An NWS Storm Survey was conducted on South Padre Island and found several areas of damage along South Padre Island. The survey found a couple of downed fences in the Isla Blanca area on the southern side of the island along with a couple of flipped recreational vehicles (RVs) that were exposed to the wind but only anchored by unfastened scissor jacks. The flipped RVs were initially reported by a member of the public shortly after the storms moved offshore. Winds here were measured at the Brazos Santiago (BZST2) Texas Coastal Ocean Observing Network site (TCOON) to be near 84 mph. A little farther north along the island, the metal roof at Longboards was peeled back along with a canvas type material that was blown onto the second story balcony of an older apartment complex along W Palm Street. Some of the most extensive damage was witnessed at the El Castile Condo at the corner of W Polaris Dr and Laguna Blvd, which lost its roof and roof decking and exposed at least two dozen units to the elements during the storm. Lastly, the South Padre Island Convention Center's Main Exposition hall lost a significant portion of its roof along with a snapped ash tree nearby, suggesting wind speeds remaining near 85 to 90 mph. Additionally, South Padre Island Police Department reported multiple powerlines down across the island immediately after the event.||Note: times listed are based on the survey results. All severe criteria (58 mph or greater wind gusts) occurred between 148 and 206 AM based on reports from various platforms in the area.
August 2018Thunderstorm Wind(Bro)Brownsville Arp$500,000Thunderstorm winds of just over 45 mph knocked down several palm fronds and blew unfastened lawn furniture around portions of the City of Brownsville to Los Fresnos. Brownsville/South Padre Island International Airport recorded a wind gust of 46 mph at 2:17 PM CST.
August 2018Thunderstorm WindLos Fresnos$500,000Thunderstorm winds of between 45 and 52 mph knocked down several palm fronds and blew unfastened lawn furniture around portions of the City of Los Fresnos to Harlingen. Harlingen/Valley International Airport recorded a wind gust of 52 mph at 2:46 PM CST.
July 2020Tornado (EF0)(Bro)Brownsville Arp$250,000Hurricane Hanna made landfall along the Kenedy county|coast on the evening of July 25, 2020. As Hanna pushed inland, its|eastern outer rain bands produced several areas of rotation. One|area of stronger rotation developed south of Brownsville just across|the Rio Grande in Mexico. The Brownsville radar briefly detected|a debris signature as it moved northward toward the Brownsville|airport. The Brownsville airport, in addition to residents in|nearby neighborhoods, reported wind damage.||The initial touchdown was discovered about 2.3 miles south |of Brownsville/South Padre Island International Airport. Here, an|empty tractor trailer was moved on an angle into a stand of trees, |an unanchored travel trailer was flipped, a storage shed was flattened,|and several mesquite trees lost large limbs. A few minutes later, several |areas of damage occurred on the west side of the Brownsville airport. |A dozen windows were blown out of an airplane hangar building, an|unanchored old jet staircase was flipped and a garage door|collapsed inward. In addition, a Boeing 737 aircraft was moved into a|hangar, causing damage to the hangar wall. No damage was noted to|the plane itself. As the tornado moved to the north northwest,|several large tree limbs were snapped, in addition to a weak|uprooted tree. Finally further north, two homes lost large sections|of their roofs with most walls still standing. The brief tornado|then lifted with no other tornado damage found.||Based on the survey and quality of construction materials surveyed, the tornado was rated EF0 with peak winds of 75 mph.
September 1988Tornado (F0)not stated$250,000no account filed
September 1988Tornado (F0)not stated$250,000no account filed
April 1977Tornado (F1)not stated$250,000no account filed
August 2015Flash FloodLos Fresnos$200,000Much of greater Brownsville, particularly along and west of Paredes Line Road (FM 1847), was quickly inundated by one to four feet of water after nearly three hours of torrents dropped four to more than six inches of rain during the mid-afternoon. Numerous vehicles were flooded. A school bus became trapped near Price Road and southbound U.S. 77 Frontage. The flooding was most severe in the Galaxia Colonia. Dozens of properties had some water inundation, particularly west of U.S. 88. In west Brownsville, a resaca overflowed its banks and flooded Laredo Road. Numerous roads were inundated, including U.S. 77 just south of the 511 interchange, the intersection of 511 and Paredes, and Alton Gloor near U.S. 77.
May 2008Thunderstorm WindHarlingen Airpark Ar$200,000The severe thunderstorm which caused structure, vehicle, and power line damage moments earlier in Santa Rosa roared into the northern portion of Harlingen, eventually producing an 86 mph wind gust at Valley International Airport (KHRL) at exactly 405 AM, which blew off portions of three hangar roofs on the airport grounds. Pieces from one of these roofs, made of heavier asphalt underlines, knocked out at least two large windows in the control tower! In a nearby neighborhood just west of the airport, generally well constructed buildings fared well; however, dozens of large tree limbs were snapped and some fences were partially blown down.||The storm continued to produce damage farther east, with a 25 square foot portion of one residence's roof ripped away by the winds in Las Yescas. The storm gradually weakened as it headed through largely uninhabited eastern Cameron County, on its way to dissipation in the Gulf.
April 2023Thunderstorm WindLos Fresnos$150,000An NWS Storm Survey conducted the evening of April 23rd found wind damage consistent with 65 to 75 mph wind gusts between Los Fresnos to Bayview along and north of Old Port Road. Some of the strongest winds were found near along Calle Hermosa where a large pine tree trunk was split. Also, a metal roof of the parish hall at St. Cecilia Church in Los Fresnos was blown off a strewn across W Ocean Blvd. Another cluster of wind damage was reported in and around Bayview with several tree limbs down along North San Roman Road. A large tree was uprooted on South San Roman n Road at the intersection of E Toronja Road. Several other tree limbs were downed along North San Roman Road up to Schafer Road.
June 2010Flash FloodRancho Viejo$150,000Widespread urban flooding affected an area from west of Brownsville through Brownsville, Olmito, Los Fresnos, and near Bayview during the afternoon and into the overnight hours of June 30th and into July 1st (see July report for continuation of event). Much of the flash flooding, where water reached 3 feet or higher or threatened structures, occurred in typically poor drainage locations in all areas. ||Total rainfall for the entire event ranged from 8 to near 10 inches in the areas that tended to flood, with an estimated 5 to 7 inches occurring during and just prior to the significant flood impacts. Damage from freshwater flooding directly due to Alex was unknown as of this writing; a best estimate is provided.
April 2023Thunderstorm WindRio Hondo$100,000A storm survey conducted by NWS personal found wind damage consistent with wind gusts of 60 to 70 mph. Several softwood trees were found with broke branches from Rio Hondo to about 1.5 miles east of Rio Hondo along General Brant Road. There were also several buildings with damage, including loss of wood or metal roof panels on some outbuildings and mobile homes. This includes most of an aluminum roofing covering two adjacent single-wide mobile homes blew off. At least two of these pieces were blown across adjacent State Highway 106.
May 2023Thunderstorm WindPort Isabel$100,000The Port Isabel Police Department shared pictures on social media showing damage to the Sunoco Gas station awning at the corner of Highway 48 and Highway 100 and an ice chest that had moved several feet from the front of the building. Several pictures of powerlines down were also shown. NOAA's National Ocean Service (NOS) site at Port Isabel (PTIT2) recorded wind gusts of 52 knots, or 60 mph, at 1:54AM CDT, and was used as a guide for when the strongest winds were ending.
September 2018Flash FloodPrimera$100,000Nearly four inches of rain fell in one hour in east Harlingen, causing varying amounts of flooding through the city. 2 to an estimated 3 feet of water piled up along some roads, including enough to flood an indoor garage at Harlingen/Valley International Airport. Damage amounts were unknown as most of the flooding was high water on roads, though some vehicles were inundated.
October 2015Flash Flood(Bro)Brownsville Arp$100,000Heavy and persistent rain fell across the City of Brownsville, mainly from downtown east towards the Port of Brownsville, and including all of the neighborhoods in Southmost, which took the brunt of the heavy rainfall. Four to seven inches of rain fell, with highest totals in the more densely populated sections of town where poor drainage is more of an issue as well. The heaviest rainfall, four to six inches, fell in a two to three hour window and flooding rapidly ensued, transitioning from nuisance to more lifethreatening in less than an hour. Within an hour feet of water were inundating some roads and by three hours later up to 5 feet of water covered one of the most prone areas of town the Four Corners area where State Road 4 (International Blvd.) intersects State Road 48 (Boca Chica Blvd./Padre Island Highway). Neighborhood roads in Southmost were inundated with two to three feet of water, and dozens of homes and businesses flooded due to a combination of high water that filtered into homes and vehicles that created waves of water which surged into them. At Brownsville/South Padre Island International Airport, the 6.55 inches of rainfall was reported.
July 2010FloodSanta Rosa$100,000Incredible rainfall estimated to be more than 50 inches in around 10 days' time between June 30th and July 9th across the front range and peaks of the Sierra Madre Oriental in Coahuila Province, Mexico, ultimately flowed through the entire Lower Rio Grande basin for much of the summer of 2010. ||Nearly a month of dam releases from Falcon International Reservoir at 60,000 cfs ultimately required water to be diverted at Anzalduas Dam (southwest of Granjeno) into Mexico and the U.S. Floodway system, which includes the North Floodway which curves east across northwest Cameron County just south of Sebastian. ||These floodways, protected by a robust system of levees and gates, protected communities outside of the levees by containing up to 50%, or 4 to 8 to feet, of fast flowing water, within them. In Cameron County, there were no reports of structural damage as the North Floodway tracks in largely uninhabited country. However, several paved and unpaved roads were flooded inside the levees, including the Federal Highway 77 (Expressway) frontage road (the Expressway was well above the water level), County Road 506, and FM 1425 (along the Cameron/Hidalgo County line) ||Crops may have been destroyed by the flood along North Floodways, but damage in northwest Cameron County was unknown as of this writing. Infrastructure damage to roads and low water bridges may have exceeded [$x] thousand in northwestern Cameron County.
May 2007Flash FloodHarlingen$100,000Significant flash flooding was reported in the Mariposa subdivision of north Harlingen with water up to car headlights.
November 1998Thunderstorm WindBrownsville$76,000no account filed
June 2012Flash FloodMaudlin Arpt$75,000Heavy rain fell during the afternoon hours across Brownsville. Western and downtown portions of Brownsville were especially hard hit with rainfall totals over 5 inches reported by a spotter and CoCoRaHS reports. Flash floods closed several roads, overtopped resacas, and reached into properties near and in downtown. A trained spotter reported water in the streets and resacas out of their banks and over walls; this spotter also reported five inches of rain. A NWS employee reported that Price Road was impassible with at least a foot of water over it in western Brownsville. Emergency manager reported water in a few homes in downtown Brownsville and resacas getting high. Emergency manager also reported that Price Road was mostly closed, Boca Chica Blvd was closed in a few spots, and a few other streets were closed as well.
April 2013Thunderstorm WindLaureles$50,000In North Los Fresnos, two tin roofs were lifted from old, poorly constructed trailers in a colonia neighborhood just east of the intersection of FM 510 and FM 1847 (Arroyo Blvd). Severe water and structural damage occurred at each residence; insulation was peeled from the roofs and some walls had cracked or collapsed. Both structures were uninhabitable. Nine persons were displaced. Farther west along FM 510, a power pole was leaning at a 45 degree angle, and a mesquite tree was uprooted near the intersection of FM 803 and Henderson Road, about 4 miles to the southwest of the residential damage.
September 2010Heavy RainDel Mar$50,000Heavy rainfall associated with a slow moving convergence zone slid east from what had been a train of 5 to 7 inches in 5 hours a bit farther west in Cameron County (Brownsville to San Benito). Between South Padre Island and Laguna Atascosa/Arroyo City, measured and estimated 3 to 5 inches of rain produced more nuisance flooding with up to 2 feet of water covering Padre Boulevard (Town of South Padre Island), a known poorly draining road which frequently experiences minor flooding. As of this writing, no significant damage was reported from the heavy rains in these areas.
May 2008Thunderstorm WindSanta Rosa$50,000The same severe thunderstorm that rolled a number of trailer homes, ripped a roof off of an industrial building, and blew down hundreds of trees and limbs in central Hidalgo County continued to maintain strength while racing into northwest Cameron County. Wind gusts estimated near 80 mph damaged homes in Santa Rosa, and flipped two vehicles along Farm to Market Road 506, including a pickup truck on a driveway near the intersection of Orphanage and Louisiana. A number of power lines were also down in the area.
April 2006Thunderstorm WindBrownsville$50,000Estimated gusts were reported by a National Weather Service employee. Widespread minor wind damage was reported in Brownsville, Harlingen and Los Fresnos due to strong outflow winds produced by thunderstorms in the area.
October 2003Flash FloodHarlingen$50,000Heavy rains produced flash flooding of roadways and businesses in Harlingen. Several cars stalled in high water near the expressway and the heavy rain caused a roof failure to a local business.
March 1994HailHarlingen$50,000A severe thunderstorm formed along the Rio Grande River as a cold front was moving through deep South Texas. The storm produced hail up to one-inch in diameter and very strong wind gusts near Weslaco. As the storm moved eastward, it continued to produce hail in eastern Hidalgo and western Cameron County. Hail up to golf ball-size fell in the west side of Harlingen. Marble-size hail was reported between Weslaco and Harlingen in the towns of La Feria and Los Fresnos.
March 1993Thunderstorm WindBrownsville$50,000Thunderstorm winds knocked down a few utility poles and uprooted a few trees. Quarter-size hail was reported in the Lakeway subdivision north of Brownsville.
April 1997Tornado (F1)Brownsville Arpt$45,000no account filed
July 2008FloodPort Isabel$42,750The combination of 14 to 18 inches of rain, poor drainage issues, and the overarching fact that the flat, saturated landscape of the Lower Rio Grande River Delta drains very slowly, maintained widespread flood conditions well after the rains ended during the early morning of the 24th. Numerous roads and neighborhoods, particularly across northern Cameron County, remained flooded right through the weekend which followed Dolly's passage. In some areas, where ground drainage mechanisms were exceptionally poor, the flooding persisted into August. ||One of these areas included neighborhoods across western Cameron County, including La Feria and Santa Rosa, as well as others from San Benito through Harlingen, Rio Hondo, and extending toward Arroyo City, and continuing in some neighborhoods near Bayview and Laguna Heights.||Total property damage from the flooding in Cameron County remains unknown. Insured damages reported from FEMA as of October 1st were estimated to be just under $90 thousand, not including agricultural losses, which are estimated to be much greater. Uninsured damages in locations in the flood zone would likely multiply these values many times over. Note that damage values are split between the longer duration general flood described here, and the earlier flash flood period. Updates will be provided as more data are received.
July 2008Flash FloodPort Isabel$42,750A little before noon on the 23rd, the southern and western eyewall of Huricane Dolly began to flare up, with radar data indicating reflectivity above 50 dBZ, which is indicative of blinding torrents of rain. These torrents, falling on top of already heavy rainfall earlier that morning, began to produce high water levels, likely 3 feet or more, starting in Port Isabel, Bayview, and Laguna Vista. Soon after the eyewall intensification, Dolly's center made landfall along the Cameron/Willacy County line, then very slowly edged west through southern Willacy County through the rest of the afternoon and evening, reaching the Hidalgo County line at around 9 PM CDT. ||Throughout the afternoon, blinding, torrential rains persisted over northern and eastern Cameron County, and flash flooding of increasingly high water - as high as 5 feet in some places - spread west into Las Yescas, Rio Hondo, Harlingen, Combes, Santa Rosa, San Benito, and La Feria. Most of San Benito was under water at one point during the late afternoon.||Measured and estimated rainfall totals in the flash flood areas from Dolly ranged from 14 to 18 inches, though there was one unconfirmed report of more than 20 inches along the Cameron/Willacy County line north of Rio Hondo. Hundreds of homes sustained some level of inundation, and farmland was inundated across the flood zone as well. High water and general flooding would continue for another day or two, except much longer in backed up drainage areas.||Total property damage from the flooding in Cameron County remains unknown. Insured damages reported from FEMA as of October 1st were estimated to be just under $90 thousand, not including agricultural losses, which are estimated to be much greater. Uninsured damages in locations in the flood zone would likely multiply these values many times over. Note that damage values are split between the initial flash flood and the longer duration flood. Updates will be provided as more data are received.
August 2015Thunderstorm WindStuart Place$30,000Microburst produced 60 to 65 mph winds that flipped an unanchored Gulfstream trailer, partialy removed the roof at an auto dealershpi on Altas Palmas Road, knocked down telephone poles, as well as broken hundred of tree limbs from mesquite, cottonwood, sycamore, and poplar trees, two of which fell onto a residence and damaged the roof.
July 2005Tornado (F0)Rio Hondo$30,000Short-lived tornado was reported by the general public. Completed damage assessment confirmed destruction to a mobile home by the tornado.
July 2021Flash FloodMaudlin Arpt$25,000Reports received via social media of flooding along Frontage Road near the Sunrise Mall in Brownsville, with floodwaters reaching up to the headlights of cars. Additional flooding was also noted on FM 802/Ruben Torres Boulevard.
October 2019Thunderstorm WindLos Fresnos$25,000A line of strong thunderstorms developed over the lower Rio Grande Valley and quickly became severe as it progressed eastward across Cameron County. Within the line, a very notable downburst developed just ahead of Bayview and caused destructive straight-line winds. Widespread tree damage was surveyed, in addition to the destruction of a sunroom on the south side of Bayview. Also, several large trees were uprooted with numerous large tree branches down.
May 2010Thunderstorm WindPort Isabel$25,000The thunderstorm complex continued to generate strong, damaging winds as it moved across southeast Cameron County, affecting Bayview, Port Isabel, and South Padre Island. The strongest wind core appeared to rip through Port Isabel across the southern portion of the Town of South Padre Island. At Port Isabel, numerous power outages were the result of power lines and poles blown down at several locations throughout the city. ||As the storm reached South Padre Island, the U.S. Coast Guard Station located in the Bayside recorded a 64 mph wind gust (at 936 AM CST, a six minute recorded observation). At nearly the same time (937 AM CST), a 60 mph gust was recorded by a Citizen Weather Observer Program sensor on Sheepshead Street. In the same area, palm trees were blown down along Coral Street; large metal signs were blown from their mounts along the Queen Isabella Causeway Bridge, and more power lines and a transformer were blown down at the intersection of Constellation Dr. and Laguna Boulevard, all between 930 and 940 AM CST (end time estimated by radar).
March 2004Flash FloodBrownsville$25,000Heavy rains over Cameron county produced flash flooding. Flash flooding of roads and small streams was reported over western sections of the city of Brownsville and also in the Paseo de la Resaca area.
September 2003Flash FloodBrownsville$25,000The general public reported water entering the school buildings at Hanna High School.
November 1989Tornado (F0)not stated$25,000no account filed
November 1983Tornado (F0)not stated$25,000no account filed
November 1983Tornado (F0)not stated$25,000no account filed
April 1977Tornado (F1)not stated$25,000no account filed
May 1970Tornado (F2)not stated$25,000no account filed
May 1969Tornado (F3)not stated$25,000no account filed
May 1969Tornado (F2)not stated$25,000no account filed
May 1969Tornado (F3)not stated$25,000no account filed

Mines and quarries

10 recorded

The Survey's mineral resources record lists 10 workings inside this county. 7 still produce and 3 are closed or unrecorded. Each settlement page carries the workings within five miles of it.

Commodity Workings
Fluorine-Fluorite3
Titanium2
Phosphorus-Phosphates1
Chromium1
Manganese, Strontium1
Fluorine-Fluorite, Barium-Barite1
Barium-Barite1
Manganese1
Bentonite, Barium-Barite1

The least common of them first, because a county's hundredth gravel pit says nothing its first ten did not.

Where SiteCommodity StatusRecorded
Brownsville MillBentonite, Barium-BariteProducer
Brownsville Minerals PlantBarium-BariteProducer
Brownsville PlantManganeseProducer
C E Minerals Chrome PlantChromium, Manganese, Strontium, Fluorine-Fluorite, Barium-BaritePast Producer
Fosboro Phosphate PlantPhosphorus-PhosphatesProducer
Brazos IslandTitaniumUnknown
Padre IslandTitaniumUnknown
Brownsville MillFluorine-FluoriteProducer
Brownsville MillFluorine-FluoriteProducer
Oglebay Norton Fluorspar PlantFluorine-FluoriteProducer

Every populated place in the county

223

Named settlements recorded in the Geographic Names Information System, each with the topographic sheets covering it. Villages, hamlets and abandoned places alike. Each is shown with the nearest named watercourse or landform and the survey quadrangle it falls on. The 4 places that were also surveyed for fire insurance come first, with the number of atlases and photographs held for them.

The vanished settlements of Cameron County: the places named above that are no longer on the map.

Recorded here

Brownsville, Texas

16 topographic sheets and 8 fire insurance atlases, 1885 to 1949

La Feria, Texas

13 topographic sheets and 5 fire insurance atlases, 1917 to 1936

Harlingen, Texas

13 topographic sheets and 4 fire insurance atlases, 1919 to 1950

San Benito, Texas

13 topographic sheets and 4 fire insurance atlases, 1917 to 1949

Everything this county holds

The complete index, with nothing left out. Each of these is a separate record with its own page: a federal survey report, or the case file that argued a property on to the National Register. Both are public domain and reproduced word for word.

Surveyed structures

28 structures

The vanished settlements of Cameron County, the places these records name that are no longer on the map.

Provenance

  • Topographic sheets. USGS Historical Topographic Map Collection, county index, measured from the bulk metadata.
  • Fire insurance maps. Library of Congress Sanborn collection, faceted to this county.
  • Photographs. Each place queried individually against the Library of Congress Prints and Photographs search.
  • Wildfire. Short, Karen C. 2022. Spatial wildfire occurrence data for the United States, 1992-2020 [FPA_FOD_20221014]. 6th Edition. Fort Collins, CO: Forest Service Research Data Archive. https://doi.org/10.2737/RDS-2013-0009.6 Collected with United States Government funding and usable without additional permissions or fees.
  • Mines and quarries. USGS Mineral Resources Data System (MRDS) https://mrdata.usgs.gov/mrds/ A work of the United States government, no copyright under 17 U.S.C. 105.
  • Storms. NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information, Storm Events Database https://www.ncei.noaa.gov/stormevents/ A work of the United States government, no copyright under 17 U.S.C. 105. Narratives are quoted verbatim from the National Weather Service report and are not edited or summarised.