Big Wells, TX Hail Storm – April 2026

A hail-producing thunderstorm is tracking through Big Wells, TX on April 30, 2026, producing hail up to 3.25 inches and remaining active.

What Happened

The storm began producing severe hail in the late evening and is continuing into the early morning hours. NWS issued eight alerts tied to this storm between 11:33 PM CDT on April 30 and 3:04 AM CDT on May 1. Radar detections and NWS warnings describe a multi-zone hail event moving northeast across the Big Wells area.

• April 30 · 11:33 PM CDT – 2.91-inch hail detected by dual-polarization radar (NEXRAD) in the western sector.
• May 1 · 12:02 AM CDT – 2.00-inch hail noted in an NWS severe thunderstorm warning.
• May 1 · 12:05 AM CDT – 1.28-inch hail detected by dual-polarization radar.
• May 1 · 12:42 AM CDT – 1.81-inch hail detected by dual-polarization radar.
• May 1 · 12:47 AM CDT – 1.00-inch hail detected by dual-polarization radar.
• May 1 · 1:28 AM CDT – 1.63-inch hail detected by dual-polarization radar.
• May 1 · 2:31 AM CDT – 1.00-inch hail detected by dual-polarization radar.
• May 1 · 3:04 AM CDT – 1.50-inch hail detected by dual-polarization radar.

The sequence shows repeated radar-detected hail signatures with one explicit NWS warning callout. The storm is continuing to produce hail and conditions may still be developing across adjacent zones.

Damage Assessment

Observed hail sizes during the event span from roughly 1 inch to multiple inches in diameter. Hail at the lower end of that range commonly causes broken windows in vulnerable structures and dented soft metals. Mid-range hail commonly fractures asphalt shingles, shatters vehicle glass, and causes visible abrasion on siding. Larger clasts can puncture roofing materials, deform metal roofing and gutters, and cause deeper impact damage to vehicles.

Given the multi-zone character of this storm, expect spatial variability in damage within the Big Wells area. Property owners should prioritize documented inspections of roofing, vehicles, siding, skylights and exposed mechanical equipment. Photographic documentation with time stamps and location notes will aid any subsequent insurance or repair workflows.

What Contractors Should Know

Contractors should be staging crews for rapid, documented assessments. Begin with exterior walkarounds noting shingle granule loss, cracked or split shingles, dented gutters and metal flashing. Use photo logs and note GPS or address-level locations. Do not perform destructive sampling before recording pre-repair conditions. Safety protocols for working on wet or ice-covered surfaces apply when hail persists or meltwater is present.

Estimate temporary tarping needs for open or punctured roofing and plan for coordinated vehicle inspections in neighborhoods where hail was largest. Prepare material lists for common repairs—shingles, underlayment, flashing, metal panels—and schedule prioritized replacements where exposure and localized damage are severe. Communicate inventory lead times to property owners and insurers while the event remains active.