Hurricane Dolly, the first storm since Bret (1999) to make landfall along the Deep South Texas barrier islands, left a trail of widespread minor to moderate structural and natural damage across much of the Lower Rio Grande Valley and Deep South Texas on July 23rd, and dumped copious rainfall across the area, causing numerous instances of flooding primarily of low lying and poor drainage locations, as well as filling local resacas and arroyos, and causing notable rises on larger area creeks and rivers. Dolly intensified rapidly to an estimated minimum pressure of 962 mb while drifting northward just east of South Padre Island, and its center made landfall between 1 and 2 PM on July 23rd along the unpopulated shoreline of Cameron and Willacy County. Dolly then eased westward across southern Willacy County through the afternoon, continued into extreme northern Hidalgo County as a tropical storm during the evening, then turned northwest and accelerated through Jim Hogg County during the early morning hours of the 24th, passing into Webb County shortly after sunrise.
The strong winds and heavy rains contributed to widespread power outages in the Lower Rio Grande Valley, where at least 236,000 customers lost power, but possibly upwards of 250,000 - primarily across the more populated regions of Cameron, Hidalgo, and Willacy County. Agricultural experts deemed a substantial loss of cotton and sorghum due to the strong winds and torrential rain. As of the end of Calendar Year 2008, estimated insured property damage (wind) based on the standard doubling of insurance estimates from the Property Claims Service of the Insurance Services Office was $1.05 billion.  Reported insured flood damage from FEMA's National Flood Insurance Program is $171 thousand; however, it is estimated that the vast majority of flood damage occurred to uninsured properties, and a rough estimate of total flood damage, which was more widespread, and includes agricultural losses, will likely push total flood-related damages to between $100 and $300 million.
It is conceivable that total damage from all Hurricane Dolly related hazards may have exceeded $1.5 billion.
More than 6,000 Lower Rio Grande Valley residents were housed in temporary shelters from Deep South Texas to San Antonio at the peak of the storm; 13,000 residents across the Lower Rio Grande Valley visited FEMA Disaster Recovery Centers after the storm.  As of October 3rd, FEMA had distributed $44 million in relief; $30 million to individual households, nearly $10 million to small businesses through the Small Business Administration, and just under $5 million to local governments for infrastructure repair.
Please note that best estimates will be included on a county by county basis as data is received through the rest of the year.
Storm total rainfall from the evening of July 22nd through the early afternoon of July 24th generally ranged from 4 to 10 inches in Kenedy, Brooks, Starr, Jim Hogg, and Zapata Counties, and 6 to 14 inches in  Hidalgo, Willacy, and Cameron Counties, with locally more than 18 inches possible in the persistent southern eyewall in northern Cameron and southern Willacy Counties.  Widespread freshwater flooding occurred in these areas as Dolly moved through, and low lying, poor drainage, or areas where drainage systems failed were flooded for days, and in some cases weeks, to come.
The late intensification of Dolly just prior to landfall, combined with a brief northward jog before turning to the west along the Cameron/Willacy County line, limited Gulf storm surge effects across the Town of South Padre Island through mid morning on the 23rd.  However, hurricane force west winds whipped an estimated 3 to 4 foot water rise from Laguna Madre across the Town, with water briefly stretching across the Island at the height of the event.  The town of Port Mansfield, immediately north of the center, estimated a 4 foot storm surge and 5 foot storm tide.
Interestingly, tides to the north of Dolly's center initially fell to below predicted values on increasing northerly winds, before rising during the late afternoon and evening as the cyclone moved inland, and strong southerly flow piled a storm tide of up to 6 feet above Mean Lower Low Water (MLLW) along the uninhabited Kenedy County shoreline.
There was a single confirmed tornado in Cameron County during the late evening of July 22nd, associated with one of the first outer rain bands.  No damage was reported.

Tropical Storm in COASTAL WILLACY, TEXAS
From 23-JUL-08 13:00:00 to 23-JUL-08 19:00:00 (CST-6)
Reported by: ASOS

After the core of hurricane force sustained winds ended, and the eyewall edged inland, winds continued to back around to the south, and eventually southeast, but maintained periods of sustained values between 40 and 50 mph, with gusts likely near hurricane force, for several hours into the evening, before winds diminished below tropical storm force later in the evening. Structural damage was likely exacerbated by the continuing winds, as well as the liklihood of additional tree limbs and power lines/power poles being blown down, particularly near Port Mansfield.

Flood in CAMERON, TEXAS
From 24-JUL-08 04:01:00 to 28-JUL-08 12:00:00 (CST-6)
Location: PORT ISABEL
Flood cause: Heavy Rain / Tropical System
Property damage: 42.75K
Crop damage: 37.50M
Reported by: Emergency Manager

The combination of 14 to 18 inches of rain, poor drainage issues, and the overarching fact that the flat, saturated landscape of the Lower Rio Grande River Delta drains very slowly, maintained widespread flood conditions well after the rains ended during the early morning of the 24th.  Numerous roads and neighborhoods, particularly across northern Cameron County, remained flooded right through the weekend which followed Dolly's passage.  In some areas, where ground drainage mechanisms were exceptionally poor, the flooding persisted into August.
One of these areas included neighborhoods across western Cameron County, including La Feria and Santa Rosa, as well as others from San Benito through Harlingen, Rio Hondo, and extending toward Arroyo City, and continuing in some neighborhoods near Bayview and Laguna Heights.
Total property damage from the flooding in Cameron County remains unknown.  Insured damages reported from FEMA as of October 1st were estimated to be just under $90 thousand, not including agricultural losses, which are estimated to be much greater.  Uninsured damages in locations in the flood zone would likely multiply these values many times over.  Note that damage values are split between the longer duration general flood described here, and the earlier flash flood period. Updates will be provided as more data are received.

Tornado in CAMERON, TEXAS
From 23-JUL-08 22:14:00 to 23-JUL-08 22:14:00 (CST-6)
Location: RUSSELLTON
Tornado F-scale: EF0
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Trained Spotter

A brief rope tornado was reported by trained Skywarn spotters near the intersection of State Highway 100 and Federal Highway 77, about 3 miles north of Rancho Viejo. No property damage was reported by local authorities from this event.

Tropical Storm in COASTAL CAMERON, TEXAS
From 23-JUL-08 13:00:00 to 23-JUL-08 18:30:00 (CST-6)
Reported by: ASOS

After the core of hurricane force sustained winds ended, and the eyewall edged inland, winds continued to back around to the south, and eventually southeast, but maintained periods of sustained values between 40 and 50 mph, with gusts likely near hurricane force, for several hours into the evening, before winds diminished below tropical storm force later in the evening. Structural damage was likely exacerbated by the continuing winds, as well as the liklihood of additional tree limbs and power lines/power poles being blown down.

Tropical Storm in WILLACY, TEXAS
From 23-JUL-08 09:00:00 to 24-JUL-08 03:00:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 52.50M
Reported by: ASOS

The approach of Hurricane Dolly to the barrier shoreline of South Padre Island early on the morning of July 23rd brought sustained tropical storm force winds inland to the east side of Willacy County away from the immediate coast, at approximately 10 AM CDT on the 23rd. Prior rainbands may have produced frequent gusts to 40 mph, but the arrival of sustained tropical storm winds would be followed by wind damage and power outages, particularly during the afternoon.  Prior to Dolly's landfall along the Cameron/Willacy County line, the western and southern eyewall intensified.  The core of the eyewall traversed southern Willacy County, generally between 1230 PM and 6:30 PM, before weakening a bit while sliding into Hidalgo County.  During this period, estimated and measured sustained winds between 60 and 70 mph, with frequent gusts to hurricane force (at least 78 mph measured at 2.25 meters above ground level in northern Cameron as a reference point), not only created widespread freshwater flooding, but created notable damage to poorly fastened roofs and some walls, particularly at industrial parks, strip centers, and farm buildings, especially along State Highway 186 from west of Port Mansfield to west of Raymondville.  Otherwise, numerous large limbs, power lines and power poles, highway signs and billboards, were blown down across the area during this time period.
As Dolly's center eased slowly through southern and western Willacy County, winds actually dropped back for a time before a feeder band on the eastern side of the center, which moved into northern Hidalgo County during the evening and overnight, weakened, and estimated winds dropped below tropical storm force for the final time just after midnight on the 24th.
At the peak of the storm, power was out to most customers in Willacy County.  Power recovery would take days to more than a week in most areas, particularly across the harder hit southern half of the county.

Tropical Storm in KENEDY, TEXAS
From 23-JUL-08 08:00:00 to 23-JUL-08 23:00:00 (CST-6)
Reported by: C-MAN Station

Sustained tropical storm force likely edged into southeastern Kenedy County along and just west of Padre Island during the mid morning hours of the 23rd, based on observations from the Texas Coastal Ocean Observing Network, which showed sustained winds inching above 39 mph around 9 AM CDT at the Rincon del San Jose buoy, located in Laguna Madre within the Kenedy County line.  Wind gusts just over hurricane force occurred around 1 PM CDT at the same location.  Fortunately, the strongest winds remained largely over unpopulated portions of the King Ranch, and effects in Sarita, in the extreme northwest portion of the county, were minimal. These areas only received gusts to tropical storm force, and rainfall directly associated with the cyclone of less than 4 inches.

Tropical Storm in STARR, TEXAS
From 23-JUL-08 19:30:00 to 24-JUL-08 05:00:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: AWOS

Starr County experienced a long duration of impact from Dolly, particularly with persistent heavy rains from late afternoon and early evening on the 23rd, which continued right until late morning of the 24th, and dropped copious rainfall in portions of the county, with local high totals not too much below some of those reported or estimated in northern Cameron and southern Willacy Counties during the 23rd.
Much of central and northern Starr County was in the remnant southern and western eyewall, where winds were likely 35 to 45 mph with frequent gusts between 50 and 60 mph, particularly during the late evening of the 23rd and into the pre dawn hours of the 24th.  Because most of the stronger winds remained north of the larger population areas along the Rio Grande, reported damage and power outages due to wind along was relatively minor.

Flash Flood in CAMERON, TEXAS
From 23-JUL-08 10:45:00 to 24-JUL-08 04:00:00 (CST-6)
Location: PORT ISABEL
Flood cause: Heavy Rain / Tropical System
Property damage: 42.75K
Crop damage: 37.50M
Reported by: Emergency Manager

A little before noon on the 23rd, the southern and western eyewall of Huricane Dolly began to flare up, with radar data indicating reflectivity above 50 dBZ, which is indicative of blinding torrents of rain.  These torrents, falling on top of already heavy rainfall earlier that morning, began to produce high water levels, likely 3 feet or more, starting in Port Isabel, Bayview, and Laguna Vista.  Soon after the eyewall intensification, Dolly's center made landfall along the Cameron/Willacy County line, then very slowly edged west through southern Willacy County through the rest of the afternoon and evening, reaching the Hidalgo County line at around 9 PM CDT.
Throughout the afternoon, blinding, torrential rains persisted over northern and eastern Cameron County, and flash flooding of increasingly high water - as high as 5 feet in some places - spread west into Las Yescas, Rio Hondo, Harlingen, Combes, Santa Rosa, San Benito, and La Feria.  Most of San Benito was under water at one point during the late afternoon.
Measured and estimated rainfall totals in the flash flood areas from Dolly ranged from 14 to 18 inches, though there was one unconfirmed report of more than 20 inches along the Cameron/Willacy County line north of Rio Hondo.  Hundreds of homes sustained some level of inundation, and farmland was inundated across the flood zone as well.  High water and general flooding would continue for another day or two, except much longer in backed up drainage areas.
Total property damage from the flooding in Cameron County remains unknown.  Insured damages reported from FEMA as of October 1st were estimated to be just under $90 thousand, not including agricultural losses, which are estimated to be much greater.  Uninsured damages in locations in the flood zone would likely multiply these values many times over.  Note that damage values are split between the initial flash flood and the longer duration flood. Updates will be provided as more data are received.

Tropical Storm in BROOKS, TEXAS
From 23-JUL-08 20:45:00 to 24-JUL-08 04:00:00 (CST-6)
Reported by: ASOS

Impacts from Dolly in Brooks County were relatively minor, as was common for locations that were initially in the northern and eastern eyewall, which was significantly lower in intensity than the southern and western eyewall from which most of the damaging winds and flooding rains were produced.  However, a period of sustained tropical storm force winds likely affected a good portion of the county as the collapsing center moved into extreme northern Hidalgo County, eventually straddling the Brooks/Hidalgo County line before moving through Jim Hogg County during the early morning hours of July 24th.
Winds likely increased to 35 to 45 mph sustained, with gusts likely between 50 and 60 mph, across the southern half of the county beginning around 1045 PM CDT and continuing through the pre dawn hours of the 24th, before conditions began quieting down from southeast to northwest.  A peak wind gust of 45 knots, or 51 mph, was recorded at 1:45 AM on the 24th at the Brooks County Airport just south of Falfurrias.  There were an unknown number of power outages across the county, as well as some minor damage, most likely to tree limbs, power lines, and poorly built structures.

Tropical Storm in JIM HOGG, TEXAS
From 23-JUL-08 21:30:00 to 24-JUL-08 08:30:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: AWOS

Impacts from Dolly in Jim Hogg County were relatively minor, as was common for locations that were initially in the northern and eastern eyewall, which was significantly lower in intensity than the southern and western eyewall from which most of the damaging winds and flooding rains were produced in the populated areas of the Lower Rio Grande Valley.
However, a period of sustained tropical storm force winds likely affected a good portion of the county as the collapsing center moved from near the four corners of Jim Hogg, Hidalgo, Brooks, and Starr County northwest through western Jim Hogg County generally during the pre dawn hours of the 24th, moving just southwest of Hebbronville before edging along the Jim Hogg/Zapata County line before heading quickly into Webb County soon after daybreak.
Winds likely increased to 35 to 45 mph sustained, with gusts likely between 50 and 60 mph, very near the track within the weakening inner eyewall, beginning around 1030 PM CDT on the 23rd, and continuing until mid morning on the 24th near Hebbronville, before conditions improved. A peak wind gust of 47 knots, or 54 mph, was recorded at 9:25 AM on the 24th, with sustained winds of 33 knots, or 38 mph, just below tropical storm strength, at the Jim Hogg County Airport just northwest of Hebbronville.  There were an unknown number of power outages across the county, as well as some minor damage, most likely to tree limbs, power lines, and poorly built structures.

Flash Flood in WILLACY, TEXAS
From 23-JUL-08 12:45:00 to 24-JUL-08 05:00:00 (CST-6)
Location: SEBASTIAN
Flood cause: Heavy Rain / Tropical System
Property damage: 14.25K
Crop damage: 50.00M
Reported by: Emergency Manager

A little after noon on the 23rd, the first torrents of blinding rains from a flare-up of convection in the southern and western eyewall of Huricane Dolly began heading into southeastern Willacy County. These torrents, falling on top of already heavy rainfall earlier that morning, likely began producing high water levels, likely 3 feet or more, starting near Porfirio.  Soon after the eyewall intensification, Dolly's center made landfall along the Cameron/Willacy County line, then very slowly edged west through central and southern Willacy County through the rest of the afternoon and evening, reaching the Hidalgo County line at around 9 PM CDT.
Throughout the afternoon, blinding, torrential rains persisted over south central and eventually southwestern portions of the county, within the inner core of convection immediately west of the center of circulation. Flash flooding of increasingly high water - as high as 5 feet in some places - spread west into Raymondville, Lyford, Sebastian, and La Sara.  Parts of Raymondville and Lyford were under differening levels of water during the afternoon and into the evening.
Measured and estimated rainfall totals in the flash flood areas of Willacy County from Dolly ranged from 12 to 18 inches, though there was one unconfirmed report of more than 20 inches along the Cameron/Willacy County line north of Rio Hondo.  Dozens of homes likely sustained some level of inundation, and farmland was inundated across the flood zone as well.  High water and general flooding would continue for another day or two, except much longer in backed up drainage areas.
Property damage data are based on reported, insured values from the FEMA National Flood Insurance Program.  Actual values are likely significantly greater, due to the number of residences and businesses that flooded and were uninsured.  Crop damage data is also estimated, and will be adjusted as more accurate data are received. Please note that damage values have been split between the flash flood period, and the more general flood event which followed.

Flash Flood in HIDALGO, TEXAS
From 23-JUL-08 16:00:00 to 24-JUL-08 06:00:00 (CST-6)
Location: EDCOUCH
Flood cause: Heavy Rain / Tropical System
Property damage: 28.50K
Crop damage: 10.00M
Reported by: Emergency Manager

Torrential rains from Hurricane Dolly began pelting eastern Hidalgo County around 3 PM CDT on the 23rd, and flash flooding began soon after, probably at around 4 PM CDT in the Edcouch/Elsa/Mercedes area, spreading slowly west during the rest of the afternoon and evening.  The initial surge of torrential rains, which pounded these areas until around 7 PM CDT or so, became a more widespread area of moderate to locally heavy rainfall later in the evening and overnight, generally along a stripe of central Hidalgo County, along and just north of Federal Highway 83.  As with Cameron and Willacy Counties earlier on the 23rd, the heaviest rains were associated with the western and southern portions of Dolly's circulation, which edged into eastern Hidalgo County by around 9 PM CDT on the 23rd, then eased northwest overnight, reaching the four corners of Jim Hogg, Brooks, Hidalgo, and Starr County at little after 230 AM on the 24th.
The prolonged heavy rains quickly produced high standing water, particularly in poorly draining areas of eastern Hidalgo County by late afternoon of the 23rd, including Mercedes, Elsa, and Edcouch. Residential and business flooding with some areas having at least 3 feet of water, continued through the night.  Farther west, including the more populated portions of central Hidalgo County, minor to moderate flash flooding developed later in the evening and overnight, with worst conditions favoring poor drainage locations.
Heaviest measured and estimated rainfall included a swath of 10 inches or more from rural western Hidalgo County through the Hidalgo/Cameron and Hidalgo/Willacy County lines, immediately west and south of Dolly's Center.  This included the northern portions of Mission, McAllen, Donna, and Weslaco, as well as Edinburg and Alton.  Estimated and measured storm totals of 12 to 16 inches were found from Monte Alto the Edcouch and Elsa; it's possible that more than 16 inches fell near the Willacy/Cameron/Hidalgo County line near Monte Alto.
High standing water, particularly in eastern portions of the county, continued for more than a day after the flash flood; some poor drainage locations near Elsa, Edcouch, and Mercedes would maintain flood conditions for another week or more.
Property damage values are those received on insured properties by the National Flood Insurance Program, and are likely well below the actual damages caused by the flooding, particularly in eastern Hidalgo County.  Crop and agricultural damage is based, thus far, on data as of October 3rd from the Texas Agrilife Extension Service, who reported Dolly's flood losses to cotton and sorghum as the worst agricultural disaster in decades.  Updated values will be provided as data are received.  Please note that damages have been split between the flash flood period, and the longer, general flood which followed.

Tropical Storm in HIDALGO, TEXAS
From 23-JUL-08 13:45:00 to 24-JUL-08 03:00:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 189.40M
Reported by: ASOS

Dolly's slow progression westward across south central Willacy County during the afternoon and evening of the 23rd delayed the onset of sustained tropical storm force winds into Hidalgo County, but by mid afternoon on the 23rd, the winds indeed arrived, and would continue well into the evening and overnight, at first in broad rain bands within a large circulation around the enlarged center, and later in rain bands well to the east and southeast of the collapsing core.
Sustained winds in the western and southern eyewall increased to 35 to near 50 mph, with gusts nearing hurricane force, generally between 4 PM and 8 PM, especially across the more populated southern half of the county.  These sustained winds would continue toward midnight, and likely a bit after midnight across the western third of the county as additional squalls moved through.  The persistence of the heavy rains eventually produced widespread inland flooding.
Wind damage reports were typical of tropical storm force winds, including the likelihood of thousands of tree limbs blown down, numerous power lines and a number of power poles down, and minor structural damage to poorly constructed buildings, and mobile trailer type homes.  The heaviest damage was concentrated generally along and east of Federal Highway 281, where near hurricane force gusts occurred.
Power outages were widespread, and it was likely that at least 100,000 customers were without power at the peak of the storm during the late afternoon and evening of the 23rd.  As with other hard hit areas in Cameron and Willacy Counties, power was not recovered in full for days, and in some cases more than a week, after the storm had moved by.

Tropical Storm in CAMERON, TEXAS
From 23-JUL-08 07:25:00 to 24-JUL-08 03:00:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 420.00M
Reported by: ASOS

The approach of Hurricane Dolly to the barrier shoreline of South Padre Island early on the morning of July 23rd brought sustained tropical storm force winds inland to the east side of Brownsville, including the Port, just before 730 AM on the 23rd. Prior rainbands had produced frequent gusts to 40 mph, but the arrival of sustained tropical storm winds was soon followed by wind damage and power outages, particularly during the afternoon.  Prior to Dolly's landfall along the Cameron/Willacy County line, the western and southern eyewall intensified.  The core of the eyewall traversed northern Cameron County, where impacts were more substantial than in southern Cameron County.
Northern Cameron (Harlingen, San Benito, Rio Hondo):  A period of estimated and measured sustained winds betwee 60 and 70 mph, with frequent gusts to hurricane force (at least 78 mph measured at 2.25 meters), developed around 1 PM and continue through around 5 PM, beginning in northeast Cameron County near Arroyo City and extending west through Las Yescas, Rio Hondo, Harlingen, San Benito, Palm Valley, and La Feria, not only created widespread freshwater flooding, but created notable damage to poorly fastened roofs and some walls, particularly at industrial parks, strip centers, and farm buildings, especially from Harlingen to points east. Otherwise, numerous large limbs, power lines and power poles, highway signs and billboards, were blown down across the area during this time period.
As Dolly's center eased slowly from southern Willacy into northern Hidalgo County, the last of the sustained tropical storm force winds began to exit Cameron County from Palm Valley to Santa Rosa and La Feria, just after midnight on the 24th.
Southern Cameron: Along and just north of the Rio Grande, from the Kellers Corner/Brownsville Airport area through Brownsville and to points west, roughly along federal highway 281 through Los Indios out toward the Hidalgo/Cameron County line, conditions were a bit more benign, as the core of the southern and western eyewall generally missed the area.  Here, sustained tropical storm force winds persisted from around 830 AM until 6 PM, though gusts above 40 mph persisted until near midnight.  In this area, sustained wind generally peaked between 45 and 55 mph, with peak gusts just below hurricane force between 1130 AM and 2 PM. Here, damage was primarily to thousands of tree limbs, hundreds of power lines, and many elevated highway signs and billboards, but structural damage was primarily to unfastened shingles of roofs of moderate to well constructed buildings, and occasional failures of more poorly constructed roofs at industrial parks and farm buildings.
At the peak of the storm, power was out to just about all of Cameron County, with an estimated 115,000 customers down during the middle of the afternoon.  Across northern Cameron County, power recovery would take days to more than a week, while many locations in southern Cameron County returned to power within a few days after Dolly's passage.

Hurricane (Typhoon) in COASTAL CAMERON, TEXAS
From 23-JUL-08 10:00:00 to 23-JUL-08 13:00:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 367.50M
Reported by: Mesonet

After edging northward just off the Cameron County coastline during the early to mid morning, the inner western eyewall reached South Padre Island at around 11 AM CDT, further intensifying between 11 AM and 1 PM while edging across Laguna Madre into Port Isabel, Bayview, Laguna Heights, and Laguna Vista.  Sustained winds at 7.2 feet above ground level in completely exposed areas peaked at 78 mph at 1:20 PM CDT on South Padre Island, measured by a sensor just north of the northernmost beach access point.
As the western eyewall continued to intensify and begin moving inland, it is assumed that at similarly exposed locations near the coast, periods of sustained one minute winds just above hurricane force (74 mph) were experienced. Peak sustained winds at higher exposed locations, such as near the top of high rise buildings in the Town of South Padre Island, may have occasionally reached or exceeded 100 mph between noon and 130 PM.
The most significant damage was seen in locations with a pronounced exposure to the west or southwest, from which the strongest winds in the inner eyewall occurred.  In these areas, structures with open, gable-ended aluminum or metal roofs had all or portions of the roofs torn off.  Stucco cladding at the Town of South Padre Island's Convention Center was shorn from one wall.  Similar damage was noted from Port Isabel through Bayview, including to hangars and the tower cab at the Cameron County airport.  A number of resorts on South Padre Island sustained damage, particularly in older high rises where the combination of roof, siding, and window damage resulted in weeks to months of repair.  Other common damage included hundreds of felled wooden telephone poles, as well as quite a bit of shingle damage to better constructed homes.  Hundreds of large tree limbs were also blown down.  Power outages were widespread and of long duration, generally from one to two weeks in most locations.
There were two notable injuries on South Padre Island. A 17 year old boy was blown from a 7th floor balcony at a high rise condominium; a woman was injured at the Bahia Mar resort when part of a stairwell collapsed on her.

Flood in WILLACY, TEXAS
From 24-JUL-08 05:01:00 to 28-JUL-08 12:00:00 (CST-6)
Location: SEBASTIAN
Flood cause: Heavy Rain / Tropical System
Property damage: 14.25K
Crop damage: 50.00M
Reported by: Emergency Manager

The combination of 14 to 18 inches of rain, poor drainage issues, and the overarching fact that the flat, saturated landscape of the Lower Rio Grande River Delta drains very slowly, maintained widespread flood conditions well after the rains ended during the early morning of the 24th.  Numerous roads and neighborhoods, particularly across southern Willacy County, remained flooded right through the weekend which followed Dolly's passage.  In some areas, where ground drainage mechanisms were exceptionally poor, the flooding persisted into August.
Some of these areas included neighborhoods in Raymondville, Lyford, La Sara, and Porfirio.
Property damage data are based on reported, insured values from the FEMA National Flood Insurance Program.  Actual values are likely significantly greater, due to the number of residences and businesses that flooded and were uninsured.  Crop damage data is also estimated, and will be adjusted as more accurate data are received. Please note that damage values have been split between the general flood event listed here, and the flash flood period which preceded it.

Flood in HIDALGO, TEXAS
From 24-JUL-08 06:01:00 to 28-JUL-08 12:00:00 (CST-6)
Location: EDCOUCH
Flood cause: Heavy Rain / Tropical System
Property damage: 28.50K
Crop damage: 100.00M
Reported by: Emergency Manager

The combination of 10 to 16 inches of rain, poor drainage issues, and the overarching fact that the flat, saturated landscape of the Lower Rio Grande River Delta drains very slowly, maintained widespread flood conditions well after the rains ended during the early morning of the 24th.  Numerous roads and neighborhoods, particularly across eastern and central Hidalgo County, remained flooded right through the weekend which followed Dolly's passage.  In some areas, where ground drainage mechanisms were exceptionally poor, the flooding persisted into August.
Some of these areas included neighborhoods in and near Elsa, Edcouch, and Mercedes, and likely in others farther west from Edinburg to Alton, as well as parts of McAllen as well.  Near Mercedes, an employee of the International Boundary and Water Commission (IBWC) reported that a structure which allows the canal to drain into the Arroyo Colorado Floodway collapsed. This created an obstruction so the canal filled up and started flowing back into the adjacent community, exacerbating the ongoing flood. Pumping efforts began over the weekend of the 26th and 27th.  Other notorious neighborhoods with poor drainage, particularly in and near Elsa, had continued high water for several weeks after Dolly's passage.
Property damage values are those received on insured properties by the National Flood Insurance Program, and are likely well below the actual damages caused by the flooding, particularly in eastern Hidalgo County.  Crop and agricultural damage is based, thus far, on data as of October 3rd from the Texas Agrilife Extension Service, who reported Dolly's flood losses to cotton and sorghum as the worst agricultural disaster in decades.  Updated values will be provided as data are received.  Please note that damages have been split between the general flood listed here, and the flash flood period which preceded it.

Hurricane (Typhoon) in COASTAL WILLACY, TEXAS
From 23-JUL-08 11:00:00 to 23-JUL-08 13:00:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 20.60M
Reported by: Mesonet

After edging northward just off the Cameron County coastline during the early to mid morning, the intensifying inner western eyewall nudged into Willacy County along the Laguna side shoreline from Port Mansfield to the Cameron County line at approximately Noon CDT.  The eyewall continue to rotate through eastern, then southern, Willacy County until 2 PM, before conditions weakened to tropical storm strength for the rest of the afternoon and into the evening.
While no verifying observations of sustained hurricane force winds exist from the county, it can be inferred that at similarly exposed locations near the coast, including along the east facing Laguna Madre shoreline, where the most intense core of the eyewall passed through, periods of sustained one minute winds just above hurricane force (74 mph) were experienced.
The most significant damage was seen along highway 186, from east of Raymondville to Port Mansfield, where substantial damage was noted to trees, power lines, and power poles, as well as to open roof structures in and near Port Mansfield.  Similar to Coastal Cameron County, power was out to Port Mansfield and nearby communities during the peak of the storm, and for at least a week after.
There were two notable injuries in the county.  An elderly man had part of a finger torn off by flying debris in Port Mansfield, and a local television reporter sustained minor head injuries from flying debris in an open area, but was treated at the scene.

Storm Surge/Tide in COASTAL CAMERON, TEXAS
From 23-JUL-08 04:30:00 to 23-JUL-08 10:36:00 (CST-6)
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: C-MAN Station

Brief, but rapid, tidal rises near the Port of Brownsville Ship Channel entrance near the southern extent of the Laguna Madre occurred soon after daybreak on July 23rd, as Hurricane Dolly made its closest approach to the area as northeast to east winds piled water up to nearly 3 feet, and perhaps up to 4 feet in some locations, at time of high tide.  At the Port Isabel tide gage, a peak storm tide of 3.87 feet was realized at 8 AM CDT, with a peak surge of 2.95 feet about an hour later, at 912 AM CDT. Reports from the Port of Brownsville ship channel entrance estimated a 5 foot storm tide, and 4 foot surge, at around the same time.
As Dolly edged northward, winds turned to the northwest, then west, quickly ushering out the surge by late morning; the intensification of the western and southern eyewall brought hurricane force west winds, which blew tides out sharply along east-facing shorelines by early afternoon.  At 254 PM CDT, the ebb tide fell to 0.10 feet above Mean Lower Low Water, and at 518 PM, the tidal departure was nearly -0.50 feet.

Storm Surge/Tide in COASTAL CAMERON, TEXAS
From 23-JUL-08 11:00:00 to 23-JUL-08 14:00:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 5.00M
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Broadcast Media

The intensification of the western and southern eyewall of Dolly brought hurricane force west winds, which blew tides out sharply along east-facing shorelines by early afternoon.  Unfortunately, the same situation that spared both Port Isabel and nearby communities on the east facing side of Laguna Madre, as well as the beachfront structures on South Padre Island, allowed bayside flooding to develop along the west facing shoreline of South Padre Island, as an estimated 4 foot surge pounded through Laguna Boulevard, and continued across Padre Boulevard, even reaching Gulf Boulevard at time of highest impact, between 1 and 130 PM CDT. Buildings on stilts and pilings fared well, while others may have sustained some inundation flooding, which likely combined with some freshwater flooding due to blinding rains associated with the most intense period of the storm, generally between 11 and 2 PM CDT.
Conditions improved later in the afternoon as winds continued to back to the southwest, then south, and drop off markedly in speed.

Flash Flood in STARR, TEXAS
From 24-JUL-08 06:30:00 to 24-JUL-08 10:30:00 (CST-6)
Location: LA GLORIA
Flood cause: Heavy Rain / Tropical System
Property damage: 10.00K
Crop damage: 50.00M
Reported by: Emergency Manager

The slow west, then northwest, movement of Hurricane Dolly through Willacy County during the daylight hours of the 23rd generally kept the heaviest rains from moving into the western Lower Rio Grande Valley. However, overnight on the 23rd, and especially during the morning hours of the 24th, persistent heavy rain bands developed, initially just west and southwest of the immediate center of circulation as it moved into southern Jim Hogg County between 230 and 430 AM, then mainly around and after sunrise in bands stretching from Roma in southwest Starr County northeast toward La Gloria.  Arroyos in and near Roma filled quickly, and some minor flash flooding likely resulted from the rainfall, before the rains gradually tapered off toward noon on the 24th.
Measured and estimated rainfall in Starr County, particularly where the likely flooding occurred, 8 to 12 inches occurred, with perhaps a bit more just to the southeast of Falcon Heights and north/northeast of Roma.
Property and Crop damage are currently estimated. Property damage is estimated based on insured damage reports from FEMA's National Flood Insurance Program, but are likely a bit lower than actual damages since most impacted areas were likely insured.  Updates will be provided as additional data are received.

Storm Surge/Tide in COASTAL WILLACY, TEXAS
From 23-JUL-08 12:24:00 to 23-JUL-08 14:42:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 200.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: COOP Observer

The landfall of Dolly's center along the Cameron/Willacy County line, and westward drift bisecting the Willacy County shoreline on Laguna Madre, caused two separate tide rises and falls.  The initial rise, during the late morning into early afternoon, preceded landfall, and was related to the general surge to the northwest of the cyclone.  Estimates by the Port Mansfield Harbormaster and staff were a surge up to 3 feet, and a storm tide up to 4 feet, at this time.  Minimal damage was sustained at the Port, though a number of docks and piers were compromised.
Based on station datum at Port Mansfield, a peak tide of 5.12 feet was observed at 236 PM CDT, which converted to a storm surge of 3.06 feet.
As winds backed from north to west, the tide quickly ran out during the mid to late afternoon.  However, toward evening, as winds continued to veer to the southwest and eventually back around to the south, tides rose again, to a lesser extent, later in the evening and overnight.  Data were not available for the overnight period.

Storm Surge/Tide in KENEDY, TEXAS
From 23-JUL-08 23:18:00 to 24-JUL-08 07:30:00 (CST-6)
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: C-MAN Station

The landfall of Dolly's center along the Cameron/Willacy County line, and westward drift bisecting the Willacy County shoreline on Laguna Madre, initially maintained a north to north-northwesterly flow well to its north, drawing tides out of the Kenedy County shoreline (negative surge), including the east facing shoreline of the Laguna Madre.  However, by late afternoon on the 23rd, winds continued to back, and eventually turned south to southeasterly by evening and overnight, with 30 to 40 knot and gusty winds helping to generate a tidal surge to develop in Kenedy County. Based on station datums, the peak tide was 5.99 feet between 418 and 518 CDT on the 24th.  This value was likely equivalent to an estimated 2.33 foot storm surge, generally between 430 and 5 AM CDT, based on predicted values.
No damage or new cuts were reported with the minimal surge on uninhabited Padre Island or the east facing shoreline of the Laguna Madre.