Marathon, TX Hail Storm – September 2026

A thunderstorm moved through Marathon, Texas on September 4, 2026, producing 1.54-inch hail and prompting a National Weather Service severe thunderstorm warning at 8:18 PM CDT. The event is concluded.

What Happened

The storm arrived in the Marathon area in the early evening of September 4 and produced measurable hail within the single reported zone. The NWS issued a warning at 8:18 PM CDT that mentioned 1.00-inch hail; the warning was issued without additional spotter verification and is recorded as NWS warning only. Post-event data shows a maximum hail diameter of 1.54 inches detected within the zone.

Radar reflectivity indicated a concentrated hail core moving northeast across the Marathon metro area. Dual-polarization signatures and NEXRAD hail-detection points registered above-threshold returned power consistent with multi-centimeter hail while the warning was active. No active watches or subsequent warnings were issued for this storm after the 8:18 PM CDT warning.

Damage Assessment

Hail reaching 1.54 inches in diameter is larger than a U.S. quarter and approaches golf-ball size. That size commonly produces denting in soft metals, punctures or bruising in asphalt shingles, and damage to unprotected skylights or plastic roof components. Vehicles parked in the open are at risk of panel dents and paint damage. Vinyl siding can show cracking or gouging where impacts were concentrated.

If there were any localized concentrations of larger hailstones along the storm track, expect more severe granular loss on composite shingles and localized glass damage to older, untreated windows. Absence of ground-verified spotter reports limits the ability to tie observed structural damage to specific points along the track. Inspectors should document any visible impact patterns and preserve time-stamped photos for claims processing.

What Contractors Should Know

Prioritize roof inspections where shingle surface granularity, bruising, or framed fractures are visible. Begin with a walk-around photographic survey from ground level using a GPS-enabled device, then perform a hands-on roof check with proper safety controls. Focus on roof penetrations, vents, flashing, HVAC units, gutters, and soft metal components. Record hail mark diameters with a calibrated scale and note the orientation and density of impacts.

For vehicle fleets and exterior siding, document dents, paint breaks, and siding cracks with close-up and context shots. Temporary tarping is appropriate only for actively leaking roofs and should be documented with before-and-after images. Coordinate with insurance contacts on inspection windows and provide cost estimates tied to observed damage types. Maintain a clear chain of custody for all evidence and timestamps for each inspection.

See the paid Strike Map for the radar-confirmed hail swath and the associated damage zone.