Harlingen Disaster Risk Score & Hazard Analysis
With a population of 115,767 and a calculated risk score of 97.4, Harlingen faces unique challenges. This page is a complete hazard risk assessment for Harlingen, TX. The community in Harlingen is tight-knit and spirited. But being prepared means knowing what could go wrong. Historical data suggests a pattern of river flooding activity.
Total Risk Score
With a calculated Risk Score of 97.402, Harlingen requires specific preparation. The data highlights River Flooding as the most critical threat to mitigate.
Top Hazards for The Harlingen Area
When analyzing the risk profile of Texas, Harlingen's geography makes it particularly susceptible to river flooding risks. Crucially, we've weighted historical incidence rates to arrive at a localized risk verification of 99.2. Heavy rainfall events can quickly overwhelm local drainage, making situational awareness key.
Meteorological data for Texas confirms that local planning increasingly focuses on mitigating heat waves. In light of this, based on multi-decade trend analysis, we assign an exposure rating of 99.2. Identifying a safe, windowless interior room is part of basic move-in preparation here.
Meteorological data for Texas confirms that local planning increasingly focuses on mitigating hurricanes. In light of this, based on multi-decade trend analysis, we assign an exposure rating of 98.8. Understanding the difference between a hurricane watch and warning can be a lifesaver.
The Apartment Fortress
Living in Harlingen? Learn how to handle water storage, sanitation, and security in a small space.
How to Prepare in Harlingen
Read the Full Guide →General preparedness is critical for Harlingen. While specific risks vary, the fundamentals of survival—water, food, and information—remain the same.
Critical Action Checklist
- 1Prepare for secondary heat waves if power is lost.
- 2Keep a physical map of the local area in case GPS fails.
- 3Maintain a 3-day supply of non-perishable food and water.
- 4Have a first aid kit and a supply of prescription medications.
- 5Keep a battery-powered radio to stay informed during power outages.
Essential Gear for Harlingen
Water
Scepter 5 Gallon Water Container
Bombproof water storage. 5 gallons is the minimum for one person for 5 days.
Power
Jackery Explorer 300
Keep phones and laptops charged during multi-day outages.
Water
Sawyer Products Mini Water Filtration System
Filters up to 100,000 gallons. Essential when tap water is compromised.
Do not wait for a River Flooding warning to start packing. Secure your essential gear today.
View Complete Gear Checklist →Compare Nearby Cities
| City | Risk Score | Analysis |
|---|---|---|
| Houston | 100.0 | Choosing between Harlingen and Houston? Harlingen presents a lower overall risk profile. |
| Dallas | 98.7 | When compared to Dallas, Harlingen is statistically safer. The difference of 1.3 points highlights local geological and meteorological variations. |
| San Antonio | 97.5 | San Antonio and Harlingen share similar regional risks, but our data gives Harlingen the edge in overall safety. |
| Austin | 95.6 | When compared to Austin, Harlingen is slightly higher risk. The difference of 1.9 points highlights local geological and meteorological variations. |
| Fort Worth | 98.3 | Choosing between Harlingen and Fort Worth? Harlingen presents a lower overall risk profile. |
Frequently Asked Questions
How common are River Floodings in Harlingen?
With a risk score of 99.2 for River Flooding, Harlingen is considered highly vulnerable. Residents should have a specific plan for River Flooding events, which are the primary driver of the city's overall risk profile.
Is Harlingen safer than other cities in Texas?
It varies by hazard. While Harlingen has its own risk profile (Total Score: 97.4), it is among the higher-risk areas in Texas. See our state rankings for a direct comparison.
Should I move to Harlingen given the risk of Heat Wave?
Every city has risks. The threat of Heat Wave (Score: 99.2) is manageable with proper preparation. The local infrastructure in Harlingen is designed to handle this, but personal insurance and a 'go-bag' are recommended.
How does Harlingen compare to other cities in Texas?
See the full Texas Disaster Rankings to see how Harlingen stacks up against other cities in the state.