This site is here to help Hidalgo County residents prepare for, respond to, and recover from disasters like floods, extreme heat, hurricanes, tornados, and windstorms. It connects individuals and families with trusted local resources like shelters, food aid, legal support, and more.

Resilience isn’t just about supplies, it’s about strong social ties. As Dr. Daniel Aldrich says, communities that are connected are better able to face and recover from crisis. This page is your guide to staying informed, prepared, and supported before, during, and after disaster strikes.

Flooding is one of the most common disasters in the Rio Grande Valley. Because our region is flat and close to the Gulf of Mexico, heavy rains, especially during hurricane season, can quickly lead to dangerous flooding. Poor drainage systems, fast-growing neighborhoods, and climate change can make the problem even worse.

Understanding alerts and terminology:
Flash flooding happens suddenly, often within minutes or hours after heavy rain. Regular flooding occurs as a result of more prolonged rain events, usually when local rivers or drainage canals overflow.

The RGV has seen various flooding disasters such as the fooding caused by Hurricane Dolly in 2008, and the disasterous floods of 2018. You can find pictures of the 2018 floods below, collected from NOAA.

Flash flooding safety tips:

• When flooded: Turn around, don't drown. Six inches of fast-moving water can knock over and carry away an adult.
• Never drive through flooded roadways or by barricades: 12 inches of fast-moving water can carry away a small car, and 18 to 24 inches of fast-moving water can carry away most large SUVs, vans, and trucks.
• If your vehicle stalls, leave your vehicle behind and seek higher ground.

Extreme heat is a period of high heat and humidity with temperatures above 90 degrees for at least two to three days. In extreme heat your body works extra hard to maintain a normal temperature, which can lead to death. Extreme heat is responsible for the highest number of annual deaths among all weather-related hazards. Extreme heat is common in the Rio Grande Valley, especially during the summer months. With temperatures often rising above 100°F, the heat can be dangerous, especially for children, older adults, outdoor workers, and people without air conditioning.

Average temperatures in the RGV:

• Typically range between 95*F and 105*F (35*C to 45*C)
• "Feels like" temperatures (with humidity) can be 110*F+ (43*C+)
• Nighttime lows usually stay between 75*F and 80*F (24*C to 27*C)

Heat realted illnesses:

Heat cramps

• May be the first sign of heat-related illness, and may lead to heat exhaustion or stroke.
• Symptoms: Painful muscle cramps and spasms usually in legs and abdomen, and heavy sweating.
• First Aid: Apply firm pressure on cramping muscles or gently massage to relieve spasm. Give sips of water unless the person complains of nausea, then stop giving water.
• Seek immediate medical attention if cramps last longer than 1 hour.

Heat exhaustion

• Symptoms: Heavy sweating; weakness or tiredness; cool, pale, clammy skin; fast, weak pulse; muscle cramps; dizziness, nausea or vomiting; headache; fainting.
• First Aid: Move person to a cooler environment, preferably a well air-conditioned room. Loosen clothing. Apply cool, wet cloths or have person sit in a cool bath. Offer sips of water.
• Seek immediate medical attention if the person vomits, symptoms worsen or last longer than 1 hour

Heat Stroke

• The most serious heat-related illness, occurring when the body can no longer control its temperature. It is a medical emergency and can be life-threatening
• Symptoms: High body temperature (103°F or higher), hot, red, dry, or damp skin,rapid and strong pulse, headache, dizziness or confusion, nausea, loss of consciousness (passing out).
• First Aid: Call 911 immediately—heat stroke is a medical emergency. Move the person to a cooler place. Use cool cloths, ice packs, or a cool bath to lower their temperature quickly. Do not give them anything to drink if they are confused, unconscious, or unable to swallow.

• 🕶️ Stay indoors during the hottest parts of the day (usually 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.).
• 💧 Drink plenty of water and electrolytes, even if you’re not thirsty. Avoid alcohol and sugary drinks.
• 👕 Wear lightweight, light-colored, and loose-fitting clothing.
• 🧢 Protect yourself from the sun with hats, sunglasses, and sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher).
• 🚗 Never leave children or pets in parked cars—temperatures rise quickly and can be deadly.
• 🏠 Use shades or curtains to block sunlight and keep indoor spaces cooler.
• 🐾 Keep pets cool and hydrated with shade and fresh water.
• 🏞️ Limit outdoor activities and take frequent breaks in the shade or indoors.
• 🥵Watch for heat cramps, heat exhaustion and heat stroke.
• 📱 Stay informed—monitor local weather updates and heat alerts.

Understanding alerts and terminology:

A hurricane is a large storm system that forms over warm ocean waters and can bring strong winds (74 mph or higher), heavy rain, flooding, and tornadoes. In the Rio Grande Valley, hurricanes can cause major damage to homes, roads, and power lines, sometimes with very little time to prepare. Hurricane season runs from June 1 to November 30 each year in the Atlantic Ocean, Caribbean Sea, and Gulf of America.

Common hazards from hurricanes:

• Wind damage to buildings, trees, and power lines
• Heavy rainfall and flash flooding
• Storm surge (a rise of ocean water that floods coastal areas)
• Tornadoes spawned by the storm
• Power and water outages
  

Know the alerts:

• Hurricane Watch: Be prepared. A hurricane might affect your area within 48 hours. Start your emergency plan, gather supplies, and stay updated.
• Hurricane Warning: Take action. A hurricane is expected in your area within 36 hours. Follow evacuation orders if given, and take all safety precautions.
• Tropical Storm Watch/Warning: Similar alerts but for weaker storms (winds between 39–73 mph). These can still cause flooding and damage.

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Why is reporting your damages important?

How to report your damages: