Childress, TX Hail Storm – May 2026

Childress, TX experienced severe hail on May 14–15, 2026, with peak stones reaching 1.87 inches. The multi-zone storm produced repeated NWS warnings and radar-detected hail in the metro area.

What Happened

The event began the evening of May 14 and continued into the following night. NWS issued a sequence of 10 alerts across the Childress metro area between May 14 8:00 PM CDT and May 15 7:59 PM CDT. Most warnings reported hail sizes between 0.75 and 1.00 inch. Dual-polarization radar detected hail signatures near 7:56 PM CDT (1.01 inch) and 7:59 PM CDT (1.03 inch) on May 15. The earlier and intermediate warnings were issued as NWS warning only alerts at 8:00 PM CDT on May 14 and several times between 6:38 PM and 7:43 PM CDT on May 15.

Alert chronology (local times):

• May 14 · 8:00 PM CDT – 1.00 inch – NWS warning only
• May 15 · 6:38 PM CDT – 0.75 inch – NWS warning only
• May 15 · 6:48 PM CDT – 0.75 inch – NWS warning only
• May 15 · 6:54 PM CDT – 0.75 inch – NWS warning only
• May 15 · 7:07 PM CDT – 0.75 inch – NWS warning only
• May 15 · 7:32 PM CDT – 1.00 inch – NWS warning only
• May 15 · 7:34 PM CDT – 0.75 inch – NWS warning only
• May 15 · 7:43 PM CDT – 1.00 inch – NWS warning only
• May 15 · 7:56 PM CDT – 1.01 inch – dual-polarization radar detected
• May 15 · 7:59 PM CDT – 1.03 inch – dual-polarization radar detected

The sequence indicates repeated convective pulses moving through the metro. Radar detections late in the sequence corroborated the stronger cells.

Damage Assessment

NWS warnings and radar detections reported hail commonly between 0.75 and 1.03 inches during most of the event. Field and verification data show larger stones at the peak of the storm up to 1.87 inches. Hail in the 0.75–1.03 inch range commonly produces cosmetic and localized damage to exposed surfaces. Expect denting on vehicle body panels, chips to painted surfaces, and damage to asphalt shingles where granules are dislodged.

At the peak size observed in this event, risk increases for more severe roof and glazing impacts. Larger stones can crack skylights, dent metal roofing, and produce penetrations in older or marginal roofing systems. Document any broken glazing and concentrated shingle loss during initial assessments.

What Contractors Should Know

Inspect roofs for concentrated granule loss along windward slopes and at ridgelines first. Check vehicle panels, HVAC condenser fins, and exposed signage for impact patterns that match the reported hail sizes. Photograph and geolocate all affected assets. Use paired close-up and contextual shots to support scope and estimate development.