Fort Stockton, TX Hail Storm – July 2026

Fort Stockton, TX experienced a hail-producing storm on July 2, 2026, with peak hail measured at 1.09 inches. The event occurred in the late afternoon and was characterized by brief but intense hail reports and two National Weather Service warnings.

What Happened

Storm activity began to affect the Fort Stockton area in the late afternoon on July 2. The National Weather Service issued two severe thunderstorm warnings tied to this storm. The first warning was issued at 4:52 PM CDT and cited 0.88-inch hail. A second warning followed at 5:24 PM CDT and again cited 0.88-inch hail. Warnings covered the metro footprint for Fort Stockton and adjacent rural areas. The overall storm is concluded.

NWS warnings for both alerts were categorized as NWS warning only. Surface observations and the event record include a higher peak measurement of 1.09 inches in localized returns. Reports indicated a compact hail swath moving roughly northeast across parts of the metro. No active warnings remained after the late-afternoon period.

Damage Assessment

Hail reported in the warning messages at 0.88 inches is capable of producing visible vehicle dents, shingle bruising, and damage to exposed soft materials. Localized measurements reaching just over one inch increase the risk of punctures to older asphalt shingles and denting on unprotected metal surfaces. Fort Stockton roofing and vehicle owners in the direct path should expect cosmetic damage to paint and potential punctures where roofing materials were already worn.

Glass breakage is uncommon at the sizes reported, but skylights, thin metal awnings, and unshielded solar modules should be inspected. Drainage and flashing should be checked where hail accumulation or impact could displace seals. Documented late-afternoon timing means wet surfaces and residual runoff may have moved material and hidden impact points until after storms subsided.

What Contractors Should Know

Inspect roofs for granular loss, split or bruised shingles, and dented metal panels. Prioritize properties located within the NWS warning polygons issued at 4:52 PM CDT and 5:24 PM CDT and focus first on structures with known older roofing or visible wear. Use a graduated scale or ruler in photographs to record impact size. Note exact addresses and the local observation time when documenting damage. Temporary tarps are appropriate for active leaks. Record tarp placement with date-stamped photos.

For vehicles and exterior equipment, document dent locations with a measurement reference and photograph from multiple angles. Check solar arrays for micro-cracks and microinverter connections. Provide customers with clear, timestamped inspection notes and retain copies of the NWS warning times and hail-size values cited in the alerts. Coordinate with insurers using the gathered photographic evidence and the local inspection log.