Sanderson, TX Hail Storm – May 2026

Sanderson, TX experienced a severe hail-producing thunderstorm on May 19, 2026, producing a peak 3.7-inch hailstone and moving through the late afternoon into the early evening. The event concluded; multiple radar detections and an NWS warning covered the storm's path.

What Happened

The storm entered the Sanderson area in the late afternoon and progressed east-southeast before weakening after early evening. The National Weather Service issued six related alerts while dual-polarization radar produced multiple hail detections across the same corridor.

Alert sequence (local times):

• May 19 · 4:35 PM CDT – 1.00-inch hail – NWS warning only
• May 19 · 4:47 PM CDT – 2.25-inch hail – dual-polarization radar detection
• May 19 · 5:17 PM CDT – 1.27-inch hail – dual-polarization radar detection
• May 19 · 5:30 PM CDT – 3.07-inch hail – dual-polarization radar detection
• May 19 · 6:20 PM CDT – 1.22-inch hail – dual-polarization radar detection
• May 19 · 6:46 PM CDT – 1.04-inch hail – dual-polarization radar detection

Dual-polarization radar detections determined multiple hail cores within the NWS warning area. Aggregated reports put the peak measured hailstone at 3.7 inches. The event is now concluded and no active alerts remain for Sanderson.

Damage Assessment

Radar-detected hail across Sanderson ranged from approximately 1.0 inch to the peak 3.7 inches. Properties inside the NWS warning area, including central Sanderson and adjacent corridors, were exposed to the full range of sizes at different times during the event.

Hail in the 1.0–1.5-inch range commonly produces visible denting to vehicles and can damage siding and outdoor equipment. Hail between about 2.25 and 3.07 inches has energy sufficient to dislodge asphalt shingles, fracture glazed skylights, and cause more extensive vehicle body and glass damage. Hail at or near 3.7 inches can cause severe roof system penetration, structural shingle failure, and significant vehicle loss in directly impacted locations.

No spotter-verified damage reports are included here. Field inspections should confirm the presence and extent of impacts at specific addresses within the warning area.

What Contractors Should Know

Prioritize safety and documentation upon arrival. Use hard-hat and eye protection when working in areas with loose debris. Photograph all affected surfaces with a dated scale photo, capture roof elevations and vehicle positions, and collect GPS coordinates for each inspection point. Begin with visual roof assessments from ground level or via drone where allowed. Mark suspected penetrations and temporary-tarp areas clearly for follow-up.

Estimate replacement needs based on measured hail sizes and visible damage. Check gutters, vents, HVAC units, solar panels, and fenestration for impact. Anticipate multiple repair categories where core detections exceeded 2 inches. Coordinate with property owners on tarping, water intrusion mitigation, and insurance documentation. Maintain inspection logs and link each entry to the mapped hail track for the most accurate claim support.