Marathon, TX Hail Storm – May 2026

Marathon, TX experienced severe hail late afternoon into early evening on May 8, 2026, including measured stones up to 2.35 inches in diameter. The cell produced multiple radar-detected hail cores and prompted a sequence of NWS warning areas.

What Happened

NWS issued four warning areas for the storm between 4:12 PM CDT and 5:42 PM CDT on May 8, 2026. Each alert was based on dual-polarization NEXRAD hail detection.

• 4:12 PM CDT — radar-detected hail signature indicating 1.41 inch diameter hail.
• 5:20 PM CDT — radar-detected hail signature indicating 1.65 inch diameter hail.
• 5:32 PM CDT — radar-detected hail signature indicating 1.00 inch diameter hail.
• 5:42 PM CDT — radar-detected hail signature indicating 1.55 inch diameter hail.

The storm concluded in the Marathon area after the 5:42 PM CDT warning area expired. Field reporting and post-event measurements recorded maximum hail at 2.35 inches in diameter within the affected corridor.

Damage Assessment

Observed and measured hail sizes ranged from roughly 1.0 inch to 2.35 inches along the storm path. Hail at the lower end of that range commonly causes denting to vehicle body panels, bruising to asphalt shingles, and localized damage to vegetation. Hail of 1.5 to 1.7 inches frequently produces more widespread vehicle panel damage, broken skylights, and bruising that can accelerate shingle granule loss on roofs.

Stones near the peak measurement of 2.35 inches have sufficient mass to crack single-pane glass, puncture thin metal roofing, and deform aluminum siding and RV exteriors. Expect the greatest concentration of those impacts along the main hail track and within the NWS warning areas issued between 4:12 PM CDT and 5:42 PM CDT.

Documented damage in Marathon will reflect the mix of rural property types here: residential roofs, parked vehicles and recreational vehicles, agricultural outbuildings, and exposed equipment. Photographs with scale and location stamps will be essential for claims and repair prioritization.

What Contractors Should Know

Prioritize roof inspections for shingle fracture, split tabs, and granule loss. Check metal panels, HVAC condenser fins, and exposed plumbing vents for dents and punctures. On vehicles and mobile units inspect rooflines, windows, and running gear for impact dents and cracked glass. Record diameter estimates at each location, capture a ruler or coin in photos for scale, and log GPS coordinates or a parcel address with each image.

For immediate repairs, secure tarps over compromised roof sections to prevent water intrusion. Tarp placement should follow standard safety protocols and be limited to temporary protection until a full assessment is completed. Flag mobile homes, RVs, and fleet vehicles for expedited work. Coordinate with property owners on documented estimates and keep repair scopes tied to the measured hail sizes and locations noted during field inspection.