FEMA expects about as much hazard damage per building in Progreso as in the typical U.S. town, mostly from hurricanes
On FEMA’s National Risk Index, Progreso gets a C+ for hazard risk: higher expected damage per building than 58% of U.S. towns, #390 of 642 in Texas. Most of that expected damage is hurricanes (65%), then river and rain flooding (27%). Flood insurance has paid 2 claims here since 2019.
Graded on FEMA’s expected yearly building damage per dollar of building value (NRI v1.20, December 2025), weighted by where residents live; flood claims are shown, not graded. How hazard risk is graded
What Progreso faces
Each hazard’s share of the building damage FEMA expects here, and how its rate compares with the rest of the country.
Hurricanes
River and rain flooding
Hail
Shares are of FEMA’s expected building damage, the measure the grade uses; ranks compare each hazard’s building-damage rate with all 85,154 U.S. census tracts. In FEMA’s terms, river and rain flooding is FEMA’s “Inland Flooding” (rivers and streams overflowing their banks, or rain overwhelming drainage). FEMA defines coastal flooding as high or rising tides and storm surge, so surge damage is counted there. Drought isn’t listed: FEMA counts its losses in crops only.
What’s behind Progreso’s grade
Hurricanes are 65% of the building damage FEMA expects in Progreso, and Progreso’s rate of hurricanes damage is in the top 7% of U.S. census tracts. Next is river and rain flooding at 27% (lower than 94% of U.S. census tracts).
C+ #390 of 642 in Texas; higher expected damage per building than 58% of U.S. towns (21,298).
Progreso’s residents live in 2 census tracts; FEMA’s figures are combined by where they live.
The typical Texas town has higher expected damage than 50% of U.S. towns; within the state, Progreso has more expected damage per building than 61% of Texas towns.
In dollars, FEMA expects about $3.8M a year in losses across Progreso: $811K to buildings, the rest to people and crops.
Does Progreso flood? Rarely: 2 flood claims since 2019
Every paid claim on a federal flood insurance policy in Progreso, from FEMA’s records: 1.5 per 1,000 homes, fewer than 69% of the 13,809 U.S. towns with a flood insurance record.
Progreso isn’t in FEMA’s Community Rating System, which cuts flood insurance up to 45% in towns that do extra flood-proofing.
Insurance rates: Hidalgo County.10 federal disasters brought FEMA money to Progreso
Disasters that paid out in Progreso itself (aid to households or repair grants to the City of Progreso), newest first, with that year’s flood claims.
- 2025Severe Storms and Flooding103 households applied for aid$656K aid approved1 flood claim paid that year
- 2019Severe Storms and Flooding14 households applied for aid$10K aid approved1 flood claim paid that year
- 2018Severe Storms and Flooding66 households applied for aid$107K aid approved
- 2016Severe Storms and Flooding3 households applied for aid$2K aid approved
- 2015Severe Storms, Tornadoes, Straight-line Winds, and Flooding65 households applied for aid$35K aid approved$44K to the City of Progreso for repairs
- 2015Severe Storms, Tornadoes, Straight-line Winds and Flooding11 households applied for aid$1K aid approved
Show all 10
- 2010Hurricane Alex51 households applied for aid$45K aid approved
- 2008Hurricane Dolly367 households applied for aid$329K aid approved$47K to the City of Progreso for repairs
- 2002Severe Storms, Tornadoes and Flooding383 households applied for aid$841K aid approved
- 1999Hurricane Bret$14K to the City of Progreso for repairs
Hidalgo County has had 26 natural disasters declared by the President since 1953, most often hurricanes and tropical storms, then severe storms. Not counted: the 2005 Hurricane Katrina evacuee emergency, which covered counties that took in evacuees.
Old photos of Progreso after a storm or flood belong in the town’s history. Add one, or share what you remember below.
Add to the Progreso archive →Get ready for what Progreso faces
A short kit for the hazards that drive the building damage here, what to check before you buy, and where neighbors get alerts.
- The season runs June through November and peaks from mid-August to mid-October.
- Bring in porch furniture and anything the wind can throw.
- Fill the gas tank and charge phones before the storm arrives.
- Turn around at flooded roads: a foot of moving water can carry off a car.
- Flood insurance usually takes 30 days to start, so buy it before the forecast.
- Keep papers and medicines up high, in a grab-and-go bag.
- Park in a garage or under cover when storms are forecast.
- Stay away from windows while it falls.
- Photograph roof and car damage for your insurer.
- Look up the address on FEMA’s flood map.
- Ask the seller or landlord whether it has ever flooded, and what flood insurance costs there.
- Get a flood insurance quote early: policies usually start 30 days after you buy.
Know where neighbors sign up for alerts? Add it to the Handbook so everyone has it.
Questions about natural hazards in Progreso
Is Progreso at risk for natural disasters?
On FEMA’s National Risk Index, Progreso has higher expected damage per building than 58% of U.S. towns: C+ for hazard risk, #390 of 642 in Texas. Most of the expected damage is hurricanes (65%) and river and rain flooding (27%). This is FEMA’s model of an average year for today’s buildings, not a forecast.
Does Progreso flood?
Flood insurance has paid 2 claims in Progreso since 2019, $120K in all, or 1.5 per 1,000 homes, fewer than 69% of U.S. towns with a flood insurance record. 1 properties have flooded more than once.
Is Progreso in a flood zone?
Flood zones are drawn street by street, so the answer depends on the address: look it up on FEMA’s flood map. In Hidalgo County, 3.7% of all homes carry federal flood insurance.
How much is flood insurance in Progreso?
FEMA’s Community Rating System list shows no discount for Progreso’s flood program. Premiums depend on the building; policies usually start 30 days after you buy, so get a quote early.
What was the biggest storm in Progreso?
By FEMA money that reached Progreso, Severe Storms, Tornadoes and Flooding (2002): 383 households applied for aid, $841K approved.
Is Progreso at risk from hurricanes?
It is the largest share of the building damage FEMA expects here (65%), and Progreso’s rate for it is in the top 7% of U.S. census tracts.
Storm stories
Memories, warnings and help from neighbors in Progreso.
Sources: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (December 2025), census-tract table, combined by where Progreso’s residents lived in the 2020 census; OpenFEMA: NFIP redacted claims, multiple-loss properties, community status book and residential penetration rates, housing assistance (owners and renters), public assistance funded projects, hazard mitigation properties and disaster declarations. Homes: Census ACS 2020–24. Preparedness tips: Ready.gov. FEMA’s model is an average of expected damage, not a forecast. How hazard risk is graded.