Far From the Beach, Still in the Storm Path
McAllen is the largest city in Hidalgo County, stretching south to the Rio Grande across from Reynosa. It is well inland and sits about 121 feet above sea level, so storm surge isn't the worry here. Rain is.
The climate is hot and semi-arid, with only about 22.31 inches of rain in an average year. September, the peak of hurricane season, is by far the wettest month at about 4.74 inches. Long dry stretches can make it easy to forget how fast a tropical rainband or a stalled storm can overwhelm the flat landscape and the ditches that drain it.
Most water damage in McAllen comes from a handful of sources: heavy rain that floods streets and slab homes, roof leaks after hail or wind, rare freezes that split pipes, and everyday plumbing failures.
The June 2018 Flood in Mission and McAllen
The Great June Flood of 2018 is the event many residents still talk about. From June 18 to 22, McAllen's official co-op station recorded 11.36 inches. Earlier rain had already soaked the ground, and the National Weather Service estimated that at least 2,700 homes and businesses flooded in many neighborhoods across Mission and McAllen. Multiple subdivisions in south McAllen reported water inside homes.
The NWS noted that drainage simply could not handle rainfall rates that topped 5 inches per hour. Two years later, Hurricane Hanna's rainbands put McAllen, Mission and Weslaco under flash flood emergencies in July 2020, and about 194,000 Valley residents lost power.
Hidalgo County Drainage District No. 1 manages the county's master drainage system and publishes a floodzone map you can use to check your area. Find it on the HCDD1 website.
Hail, Wind and the Roof Leak That Shows Up Later
McAllen's 2013 hailstorm destroyed many vehicles and buildings, a reminder that roofs here take real punishment. Hurricane Beulah in 1967 sent gusts of more than 100 mph as far inland as McAllen, Edinburg, Mission and Pharr.
Roof damage doesn't always leak right away. A cracked shingle or lifted flashing may let in water only during the next heavy rain, and by then the attic insulation and ceiling drywall may already be wet. Watch for brown rings on ceilings, sagging drywall or a musty smell in upstairs rooms.
When a storm has opened up a roof or broken windows, storm damage cleanup usually begins with emergency tarping and board-up, followed by drying of anything that got wet.
When Water Is Already Inside
- Turn off the water. For a plumbing break, shut the main valve. For a sewer backup, stop running water and flushing toilets. McAllen lists a sewer backup line at (956) 648-4010 and a water issues line at (956) 681-1717.
- Watch out for electricity. Never touch switches or appliances while standing in water.
- Know what kind of water it is. Floodwater and sewage are Category 3 and need protective gear and sanitizing. A burst supply line starts out as clean Category 1 water.
- Document before cleanup. Photos and video help the insurance claim later.
- Bring in help. Call (888) 817-5061 and we will connect you with a local company for emergency water removal and drying.
From Extraction to Finished Repairs
A provider handling water damage restoration in McAllen will typically:
- Extract standing water from floors and carpets with pumps and extraction wands.
- Remove wet drywall, baseboards and pad that cannot be saved, especially after contaminated water.
- Map moisture with meters and thermal imaging so nothing is missed behind walls or under cabinets.
- Dry the structure with dehumidifiers and air movers, checking readings daily. See structural drying for more.
- Repair walls, flooring and trim once materials test dry, through water damage repair.
Ask whichever company you choose about its licensing, liability insurance and the training its crew has, such as IICRC certification.
Freeze Week 2021 and McAllen Plumbing
Winter Storm Uri in February 2021 brought McAllen record lows between 10 and 20 degrees and left many residents without power or water for about a week. The National Weather Service called it the first widespread killing freeze in the Rio Grande Valley since December 1989.
Homes built for heat often have pipes in attics or exterior walls, and those lines can split when temperatures drop that low. Damage is often found only when the water comes back on. If that happens, close the main right away and check ceilings, closets and walls for signs of a leak.
Shops, Offices and Rental Homes in McAllen
For McAllen business owners, commercial water losses come with their own pressures: tenants to keep open, inventory to protect and records to save. A sprinkler line break in a strip center or a roof leak over an office suite can affect several businesses at once.
Property managers and landlords can call the same line used by homeowners. The restoration company you are connected with can set up drying in phases so parts of a building stay usable, and its moisture records help when more than one tenant or insurer is involved. For larger floods, see flood damage restoration.
Mold, Licensing and Insurance in McAllen
Mold can begin growing on wet materials within 24 to 48 hours, according to EPA guidance, and McAllen's heat speeds things along. Fast drying is the best defense.
For larger jobs, Texas has clear rules. TDLR licenses mold assessors and remediators, and a license is generally required for 25 contiguous square feet or more of mold. The assessor and remediator on a project must be different people or companies, and a Certificate of Mold Remediation must be issued within 10 days of the work. Learn more about mold removal.
On the insurance side, standard homeowners policies generally exclude flood, so rain flooding is usually covered only by NFIP or private flood insurance, with a typical 30-day NFIP waiting period. The Texas Attorney General notes that many policies cover only sudden and accidental leaks and may cap mold coverage. Report damage promptly, keep the drying logs, and call (888) 817-5061 for residential or commercial help, available 24/7.
McAllen Districts and Nearby Hidalgo County Cities
WaterQ's free line connects callers throughout McAllen and neighboring Hidalgo County cities with independent local restoration companies.
Neighborhoods
- Downtown McAllen
- De Palmas Historic District
- 17th Street Entertainment District
- McAllen Arts District
- Uptown McAllen
- McAllen Convention Center District
- South McAllen
Nearby communities
McAllen Water Damage FAQ
Can McAllen flood even though it's far from the coast?
Yes. The danger is heavy rain, not surge. In June 2018, the National Weather Service estimated at least 2,700 homes and businesses flooded in Mission and McAllen when rainfall rates topped 5 inches per hour.
How do I check flood risk for my McAllen address?
Hidalgo County Drainage District No. 1 publishes a floodzone map dashboard on its website, and FEMA flood maps are also available. Remember that intense rain can flood homes outside mapped zones.
My ceiling has a brown stain after a hailstorm. Is that water damage?
It often is. Hail can crack shingles or loosen flashing, and water may reach the attic and ceiling only during later rains. Have the roof and attic checked, and get wet insulation and drywall dried or replaced before mold sets in.
Do I need a licensed company for mold cleanup in Texas?
For mold areas of 25 contiguous square feet or more, a TDLR license is generally required. The assessor and the remediator must be separate, and you should receive a Certificate of Mold Remediation afterward.
Who will actually come to my McAllen property?
WaterQ is a free referral service, not a contractor. Your call connects you with an independent, local restoration company that inspects the damage and performs the work.
Local emergency and flood resources
Official sources for alerts, flood maps and preparedness in and around McAllen: