When was the last time a hurricane hit brownsville tx?

Question

before today that is.

Answer 1

last thursday

Answer 2

The last major hurricane that was a direct hit, was Allen in 1980.  That a Category 3 storm.  In 1983, Barry hit, which was Category 1 at the time.  

Some other storms have come close in more recent years, and have impacted Brownsville, but weren't technically a direct hit:

1988: Gilbert, Category 3

1999: Brett, Category 4 (direct hit South Padre Island)

2003: Erika, Category 1

2005: Emily, Category 3