Sarita, TX Hail Storm – May 2026

Sarita, TX experienced a concluded severe hail event on May 22, 2026, producing a peak radar-detected hailstone of 3.87 inches. The system produced multiple large-hail echoes through the early evening.

What Happened

NWS issued six radar-based hail alerts tied to a single storm complex between 5:24 PM CDT and 7:44 PM CDT on May 22, 2026. All alerts referenced dual-polarization radar hail detection. The alert timeline and radar hail estimates were:

• 5:24 PM CDT – 1.68-inch hail detected by dual-polarization radar
• 5:57 PM CDT – 2.82-inch hail detected by dual-polarization radar
• 6:25 PM CDT – 2.77-inch hail detected by dual-polarization radar
• 6:49 PM CDT – 1.48-inch hail detected by dual-polarization radar
• 7:26 PM CDT – 3.87-inch hail detected by dual-polarization radar
• 7:44 PM CDT – 2.68-inch hail detected by dual-polarization radar

The sequence shows repeated radar-identified large-hail cores passing over the Sarita area during the early evening. NWS issued warning-area polygons corresponding to the detections as the storm translated east-southeast.

Damage Assessment

Radar-estimated hail sizes in this event ranged from roughly 1.48 inches to 3.87 inches. Hail near 1.5 inches commonly dents metal, cracks landscaping features, and chips paint. Hail above 2.5 inches often causes obvious roof shingle damage, broken vehicle glass, and punctures to soft building materials. Hail approaching 4.0 inches can fracture asphalt shingles, break multiple vehicle windows, and cause structural damage to skylights and weak siding.

Field reports and repair calls in the Sarita vicinity cited roof granule loss, dented vehicle panels, and shattered automobile glass consistent with the radar-detected hail sizes. Note the spatial distribution varied across the warning area; damage reports clustered where the radar cores crossed populated points.

What Contractors Should Know

Prioritize rooftop inspections in locations under the radar-identified cores between 7:00 PM CDT and 7:30 PM CDT, with immediate attention to asphalt shingle roofs and skylights. Document all damage with geotagged photos and a visible scale next to punctures, dents, and broken glass. Record the roof slope, material, and any exposed fasteners. For vehicles, log VIN or license plate, and photograph all sides with close-ups of perforations or shattered glass.

Safety and verification steps. Use fall protection and inspect decking from accessible vantage points before removing shingles. Check attic for daylight penetration and interior water stains. Provide occupants with a clear itemized scope: compromised shingles, flashing, vents, and glass. Coordinate with adjusters and reference the storm timing in repair records.