Flood — Hidalgo, Texas

2003-10-13 to 2003-10-27 · Hidalgo, Texas

Event narrative

A strong weather disturbance combined with abundant tropical moisture across the region to produce intense rainfall across Deep South Texas during the period. The heaviest rains fell across Brooks, Jim Hogg, Starr, Hidalgo, Cameron and Willacy counties. La Joya in western Hidalgo county received over 13 inches of rain, Harlingen received 11 inches, with 10 inches falling at Mc Cook and Falfurrias. Unofficial reports of 14 inches of rain falling over southern Brooks county. The heavy rains over Starr county caused a rise of Los Olmos Creek. The creek crested at 13 feet at Rio Grande City, on Oct 14, flood stage is 10 feet. The creek quickly fell from flood stage that same afternoon. Numerous homes along Los Olmos Creek suffered water damage. The heavy rains across the rest of Deep South Texas caused flooding over mostly low lying, flood prone areas.Over 550 homes across Deep South Texas suffered minor to moderate damage due to the rising flood waters. The flooding in Brooks county resulted in the closure of U.S. Highway 281 for several days. Emergency shelters were established in Hidalgo, Brooks and Starr counties to house evacuees.

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 5327927. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.