Pampa, TX Hail Storm – August 2026

Pampa, TX experienced a short-lived but intense hail event on August 16, 2026, with stones as large as 1.76 inches in diameter in the early evening. The storm produced multiple NWS alerts and radar-detected hail swaths across the metro area.

What Happened

The event began in the early evening on August 16. At 7:00 PM CDT NWS issued a severe thunderstorm warning noting 0.75-inch hail in the warning area. At 7:22 PM CDT radar indicated larger hail, and a second NWS alert cited 1.05-inch hail based on dual-polarization radar detection. The aggregate record for the multi-zone report shows a maximum hail diameter of 1.76 inches within the broader storm footprint. Storm motion favored a northeastward track across the Pampa metro during the hour following the first warning.

Damage Assessment

Reported and radar-derived hail sizes ranged from roughly 0.75 inch to a maximum of 1.76 inches. Hail in the 0.75–1.05 inch range commonly causes dents to vehicle body panels and cosmetic damage to vinyl and aluminum siding. At 1.76 inches, stones are large enough to crack older single-pane glass, fracture skylights with existing stress points, and gouge softer roofing materials such as asphalt composites that are near end of service life.

Inspectors should expect vehicle hail dents concentrated along the storm’s northeastern path through the metro. Roofing impacts will be most likely where shingles were already worn or where prior roof cuts and nail pops exist. No generic damage claims are included here; field inspection and photographic documentation remain necessary to establish the extent and timing of loss for individual properties.

What Contractors Should Know

Begin with a structured external inspection. Photograph vehicle panels, siding, windows, and roof areas showing granular loss or fractures. Measure representative hail stones when possible and note collection locations. Prioritize tarping or temporary covers only where active leakage is present. Do not assume underlying structural compromise without probing and documentation.

For roofing contractors, focus initial estimates on replacement needs where asphalt shingles show multiple full-granule loss areas or fractured tabs. For siding and glazing work, document perimeter seals and record any broken panes or dent clusters. Maintain time-stamped photos and a log of measurements for each property. Coordinate with property owners about temporary repairs and provide clear scopes for work tied to observed hail sizes and locations.

Precise radar-derived hail track data and the paid Strike Map product are available for clients who require verified hail swath and damage zone detail.