Flood — Cameron, Texas

2003-09-19 to 2003-09-30 · Cameron, Texas

Event narrative

Heavy rains were widespread across Deep South Texas during the period. Monthly rainfall totals ranged from 7 to 15 inches. Portions of Hidalgo, Willacy and Cameron counties experienced heavy rains during a 5 day period from 17th through the 21st resulting in long-lasting flooding of low-lying areas. During this period, rainfall totals averaged 5 to 9 inches over Hidalgo County, with 6 inches over Willacy County. Cameron County received 6 to 12 inches of rain, with Bayview, reporting 12.74 inches, 12.05 inches falling at Port Isabel, 9.69 falling at Los Fresnos, and 7.87 inches at Brownsville. The heavy rains caused extensive flooding of urban areas. Damage reports from Cameron county officials indicate, that approximately 467 homes were affected by flooding rains. Another 175 homes and businesses in Hidalgo and Willacy counties were also affected. The region had experienced heavy rainfall much of the previous week due to abundant tropical moisture from the Gulf of Mexico. The rainfall led to saturated soil moisture values and low flash flood guidance values. From the 19th on, heavy rainfall was caused by a slow moving tropical wave in combination with a cold front and moisture from the Gulf of Mexico. The American Red Cross opened an emergency shelter in the San Benito area of Cameron County which housed 223 people, primarily from the Green Valley acres subdivision and from areas surrounding the City of Los Fresnos. The Salvation Army provided over 3200 meals for individuals impacted by the flooding, while the Texas Baptist Men Association provided 2100 hot meals and over 1000 showers.

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 5327615. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.