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Hurricane Risk for McAllen, TX

No tropical storms currently threaten the McAllen area. The next one could form quickly though — get alerts before they make the news.

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On this page
  1. By the numbers
  2. Most recent hurricane
  3. Strongest ever
  4. Closest approach
  5. When hurricanes hit
  6. Recent notable storms
  7. Preparedness

Since 1851, 88 hurricanes and tropical storms have passed within 150 miles of McAllen. Here's what you should know.

Local note: Situated well inland on the Rio Grande plain, McAllen's chief hurricane hazard is extreme rain and inland flooding from slow-moving or tropical-storm–strength systems — recent storms such as Hurricane Hanna (2020) and Nicholas (2021) produced heavy, damaging rainfall across the region.

By the numbers

Total storms
88
since 1851
Major (Cat 3+)
17
at closest approach
Hurricanes (Cat 1+)
46
all categories
County
Hidalgo County
Texas

Most recent hurricane

Harold (2023)

Passed within 75 miles of McAllen on August 22, 2023. Peak intensity: TS (57 mph).

Strongest hurricane ever to pass nearby

Allen (1980)

Reached Cat 5 (190 mph) at its peak. Passed within 34 miles of McAllen.

Closest approach ever

Unnamed (1874)

Passed just 16.7 miles from McAllen on September 05, 1874.

When hurricanes hit McAllen

Distribution across the calendar year, based on every storm in the 150-mile radius since 1851:

Jan
0
Feb
0
Mar
0
Apr
0
May
0
Jun
18
Jul
11
Aug
27
Sep
29
Oct
3
Nov
0
Dec
0

Peak months are August through October, when the Atlantic season is most active. June, July, and November are secondary risk months.

Prep your supplies before the storm is named

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Recent notable storms (last 20 years)

Hurricanes (Cat 1+) within 200 miles in the last 20 years — these are the ones McAllen residents likely remember:

Storm Year Peak Closest Date
Beryl 2024 Cat 5 168 mi Jul 08, 2024
Francine 2024 Cat 2 193 mi Sep 10, 2024
Lidia 2023 Cat 4 184 mi Oct 11, 2023
Nicholas 2021 Cat 1 98 mi Sep 13, 2021
Hanna 2020 Cat 1 26 mi Jul 26, 2020
Harvey 2017 Cat 4 134 mi Aug 25, 2017
Ingrid 2013 Cat 1 176 mi Sep 16, 2013
Alex 2010 Cat 2 143 mi Jul 01, 2010
Dolly 2008 Cat 2 33 mi Jul 24, 2008

Preparedness

  1. Know your zone. McAllen is in Hidalgo County — look up your evacuation zone here.
  2. Get alerts early. Sign up below — we'll notify you when storms first form in the basin, not just when they're at your doorstep.
  3. Have 3+ days of supplies. Water (1 gal/person/day), non-perishable food, medications, flashlights, batteries, cash.
  4. Have an evacuation plan. Know where you'll go, how you'll get there, what you'll bring.
  5. Follow official orders. If your zone is told to evacuate, leave. Don't wait.