Stormchaser AJ on Hurricanes, Floodplains, and the Future of the RGV

Joshua Moroles

In this episode, I sit down with AJ, the Stormchaser of the Rio Grande Valley, for a powerful conversation about the past, present, and future of hurricanes in South Texas. We revisit the story of Hurricane Beulah (1967) — one of the most destructive storms in Valley history — and explore why so many experts believe our region is “overdue” for the next catastrophic strike.

From the record-breaking Gulf of Mexico water temperatures fueling today’s storms, to the flat, flood-prone terrain that makes the RGV especially vulnerable, AJ brings both scientific insight and boots-on-the-ground storm-chasing experience to the table. He shares gripping accounts of chasing violent weather, breaks down what the latest data tells us about hurricane intensity and rainfall, and explains the very real dangers that most people overlook until it’s too late.

We also dig into the floodplain realities of the Valley — why our communities are at such high risk, how decades of levee systems and drainage projects are being tested, and what would happen if another Beulah-level storm struck today. Most importantly, AJ offers practical advice for preparedness, resilience, and survival, giving Valley residents the knowledge they need to protect themselves and their families.

This is not just a storm story — it’s a wake-up call. If you live in the Rio Grande Valley, this is a must-listen episode to understand what’s truly at stake when the skies darken and the next hurricane takes aim at South Texas.