Natural Disaster Risk in Port Isabel
Texas
Risk Summary for Port Isabel
Port Isabel scores 8.0/10 (Very High risk), above the U.S. average of 4.5. The leading hazard is Cold Wave.
Top Hazards
All 18 Hazard Scores
How it compares
Live Conditions
🏠 What this means for insurance
High-risk area — review your coverage carefully
Properties in very high-risk areas often require specialized coverage that standard homeowners policies do not include. Consider flood insurance through the NFIP, wildfire-specific endorsements, or earthquake riders depending on your top hazards. Premiums in these areas can be significantly higher than average.
This is general information only. Consult a licensed insurance professional for advice specific to your property.
Natural Hazard Profile: Port Isabel, Texas
Port Isabel is a city of approximately 10,016 residents in Cameron County, along the Gulf Coast. The area experiences an exceptionally varied climate from humid subtropical in the east to desert in the west, with overlapping tornado, hurricane, flood, and drought seasons shaping the pattern of natural hazards that residents encounter. Understanding the local risk profile is essential for anyone living in, moving to, or owning property in Port Isabel.
According to FEMA's National Risk Index, Port Isabel carries an overall risk score of 8.0/10, placing it in the very high category. Extreme cold snaps top the local risk profile, with Arctic front passages causing rapid and severe temperature drops that challenge both infrastructure and outdoor safety. The area also faces notable exposure to hurricane and heat.
Port Isabel's risk score, considerably above the 5.6/10 state average and well above the U.S. national average of 4.5/10. Of the 18 hazard categories tracked by FEMA for Cameron County, the highest-scoring are cold wave, hurricane, and heat. These scores reflect county-level data and represent the baseline risk that all communities in the county share.
Given Port Isabel's very high risk classification, residents should treat disaster preparedness as a year-round priority. This means maintaining updated homeowners and flood insurance, building a 72-hour emergency kit, knowing the evacuation routes for the primary hazards, and signing up for local emergency alert systems.
What this means for Port Isabel: Cold Wave preparedness
- Protect pipes, pets, and plants, and ensure heating systems are serviced before winter.
- Keep emergency heat and supplies ready in case of cold-related power outages.
- Dress in layers and limit exposure during extreme cold to prevent frostbite and hypothermia.
Local Factors for Port Isabel
These city-level factors differentiate Port Isabel from other communities in Cameron County and provide geographic context for its hazard exposure.
Population
10,016
SuburbanGeographic Zone
Gulf Coast
Hurricane, surge & flood risk
Climate Band
Warm Subtropical
Latitude 26.1°
Flood Terrain
Minimal — county topography limits flood risk
Flood score: 1.0/10
Wildfire Exposure
Moderate — seasonal fire risk
Fire score: 8.6/10
Coordinates
26.0534° N, 97.3100° W
Cameron County
Population and coordinates from SimpleMaps US Cities data. Hazard scores from FEMA National Risk Index. Geographic classification derived from coordinates.
Recent Climate Data for Port Isabel
Last 12 months · Source: Open-Meteo archive
Notable Weather Days (last 12 months)
ZIP Codes in Port Isabel
Other cities in Texas
Data source: FEMA National Risk Index (NRI). Scores normalized to 1–10 across all US counties. City scores inherit county-level FEMA data. For informational purposes only.