Terlingua, TX Hail Storm – July 2026

Terlingua, TX experienced a multi-zone hailstorm on July 19, 2026, producing peak hail to 2.09 inches. The storm moved through late afternoon into early evening and has concluded.

What Happened

The cell first produced significant hail in the late afternoon. NWS alerts recorded four distinct hail reports across the Terlingua metro on July 19. At 4:03 PM CDT (21:03 UTC) radar detected 1.75-inch hail near the western edge of the metro. At 4:22 PM CDT (21:22 UTC) the NWS issued a warning noting 1.00-inch hail in the broader warning area. Radar again detected 1.00-inch hail at 4:49 PM CDT (21:49 UTC). A later radar-detected pulse at 8:11 PM CDT (01:11 UTC) produced 1.71-inch hail. The peak hail size mapped for the aggregate event reached 2.09 inches.

Dual-polarization NEXRAD detections identified multiple hail cores along a shifting track through the Terlingua area. The alert sequence shows periods of radar-detected hail punctuated by an NWS warning that covered a wider warning area. Storm motion took the strongest cores across sparsely populated sections of the metro and into nearby open terrain.

Damage Assessment

Hail sizes observed across Terlingua ranged from roughly 1.0 inch to a peak of 2.09 inches. Hail near 1.0 inch commonly dents vehicle panels, chips paint, and damages single-layer asphalt shingles on exposed roof slopes. Hail approaching or exceeding 1.75 inches increases the risk of shingle fracture, dented metal roofing, and damage to exposed air-conditioning condensers and satellite dishes.

Given the site distribution, expect the most concentrated damage along the mapped hail track where radar indicated the larger cores. Isolated structural impacts are more likely near exposed installations such as rooftop HVAC units, solar arrays, and parked vehicles. Roof coverings older than 10 years are at higher risk of granular loss and accelerated wear when struck by 1.75-inch-plus stones.

What Contractors Should Know

Inspect roofing for punctures, bruising, and broken tabs on steep and low-slope surfaces. Begin with the highest-probability path identified in the alert sequence and prioritize visible openings around HVAC mounts, skylights, and flashing. Photograph signatures of impact from multiple angles and log GPS points when possible. For vehicles, document dents and broken glass before any movement.

Safety and temporary protection are immediate priorities. Secure tarps only after a hazard assessment and use attachment methods that do not cause additional roof damage. Evaluate condensers, exterior electrical enclosures, and solar modules for impact and wiring stress. Coordinate with property owners on written estimates and retain original alert timestamps and radar-detected sizes for scope justification. Refer to the paid Strike Map for precise hail-track data.