Harlingen, Texas: natural disaster risk
How exposed Harlingen is to floods, storms and other hazards, from FEMA and NOAA records for Cameron County.
Harlingen is a city of 72,087 people in Cameron County, Texas. FEMA's National Risk Index rates Cameron County relatively high for natural hazards overall, higher than most of the US. The costliest hazards there are hurricane, cold wave and inland flooding, with about $165 million in expected losses a year across the county. The weather service has logged 553 storm reports in the county since 1953, including 68 tornadoes and 135 floods. NOAA hurricane records show 23 hurricanes and 15 tropical storms passing within 65 miles of the county's center, 7 of them major. About 9.7% of homes in the county carry federal flood insurance.
Risk figures are for Cameron County. FEMA National Risk Index December 2025; NOAA Storm Events; US Census Bureau ACS 2020 to 2024. Updated November 6, 2026.
Top risks in Harlingen
Full Cameron County report ›- Know your evacuation zone and route before June 1.
- Ask about roof age, shutters and the separate wind or hurricane deductible on your home policy.
- Insulate pipes in outside walls, crawl spaces and garages.
- Know how to shut off the main water valve.
- Check the FEMA flood map for your address, and ask the seller or landlord about past flooding.
- Price a flood policy now. Most new federal policies take 30 days to start.
All hazards
| Hazard | Rating | A year |
|---|---|---|
| Hurricane | $84M | |
| Cold wave | $33M | |
| Inland flooding | $32M | |
| Heat wave | $6M | |
| Tornado | $3M | |
| Hail | $2M | |
| Strong wind | $1M | |
| Ice storm | $916K | |
| Drought | $678K | |
| Coastal flooding | $547K | |
| Lightning | $491K | |
| Wildfire | $379K |
Homes in Harlingen
Older homes and mobile homes usually take more damage in storms, floods and earthquakes. Ask about roof age, flood history and retrofits before you buy or rent.
Strongest tornadoes in Cameron County
More cities in Cameron County
Common questions about Harlingen
Is Harlingen safe from natural disasters?
Harlingen is in Cameron County, which FEMA's National Risk Index rates relatively high overall, higher than most of the US. The biggest hazards are hurricane, cold wave, inland flooding. No place is free of risk, so check the flood map and insurance for any home you consider.
What natural disasters happen in Harlingen?
By expected yearly losses in Cameron County, the top hazards are hurricane (Very High), cold wave (Very High), inland flooding (Moderate). Cameron County has been part of 31 federal disaster or emergency declarations for natural events.
Does Harlingen get tornadoes?
Yes. NOAA records list 68 tornadoes in Cameron County since 1950; the strongest was an F3 tornado on May 12, 1969. FEMA rates tornado risk in the county moderate.
Do I need flood insurance in Harlingen?
Standard home insurance does not cover floods. In Cameron County, about 9.7% of homes have federal flood insurance, and FEMA rates inland flooding risk moderate. Check the FEMA flood map for your address and get a quote even outside a high-risk zone.