Gonzales, TX Hail Storm – May 2026

Gonzales, Texas is being struck by a multi-zone hail-producing storm on May 1, 2026. The system is producing hail up to 1.56 inches and is continuing to track through the metro area.

What Happened

Storm activity began before dawn and is still active. At 1:22 AM CDT a dual-polarization radar alert detected 1.00-inch hail moving through the western portions of the metro. A second radar-detected alert at 2:37 AM CDT again indicated 1.00-inch hail along the storm's corridor. At 2:40 AM CDT the National Weather Service issued a warning reporting 1.25-inch hail inside the warning area. At 2:46 AM CDT the NWS updated or reissued warning coverage for 1.00-inch hail as the line continued eastward.

Alerts came as a sequence of radar-detected signatures and NWS warning reports. The radar evidence includes dual-polarization hail detection on NEXRAD. The NWS warnings align with those radar signatures but include ground-observed elements in parts of the warning polygon. The storm remains active and conditions may still be developing across Gonzales city limits and nearby unincorporated areas.

Damage Assessment

Hail sizes observed in this event range from roughly 1.00 inch to 1.56 inches. Hail in the 1.00-inch size commonly produces dents to vehicle body panels, broken vehicle glass in some impacts, and bruising or granule loss on asphalt roofing. Hail at 1.25 inches and above increases the likelihood of shingle loss on older or weathered roofs. At the upper range near 1.56 inches, expect more frequent panel dents on parked vehicles, shattered skylights or large glazing in exposed locations, and accelerated wear on rooftop HVAC condensers and exposed metal fixtures.

Damage will concentrate along the storm track through the city and adjacent neighborhoods. Vehicles parked outdoors on uncovered streets and driveways are the most commonly affected property class in Gonzales based on the hail sizes reported. Roof assessments should prioritize sections oriented toward the storm approach and any addresses inside active NWS warning areas at the times listed above.

What Contractors Should Know

Prioritize safety and triage. Do visual inspections from the ground or with drones where safe and permitted. Document each property with geotagged photos, timestamps, and concise notes on hail size and visible damage. Start roof-level work only after assessing structural integrity and securing fall protection. For urgent leaks, use temporary tarps and fastenings that avoid further roof puncture.

Estimate and scheduling guidance. Group inspections by neighborhood along the storm track to reduce travel time. Record measured or compared hail sizes and link them to photos and times for claims support. Preserve representative undamaged shingles or materials for adjuster comparison. Coordinate with insurance adjusters and fleet owners for rapid vehicle triage and recovery. Consult the Strike Map for precise hail track data.