Fort Davis, TX Hail Storm – September 2026

Fort Davis, TX experienced a concluded multi-alert hail event on September 19, 2026, producing up to 2.04-inch hail and a shifting radar-detected hail track through mid-afternoon into the early evening.

What Happened

Fifteen NWS alerts were issued for the Fort Davis area between 1:22 PM CDT and 6:38 PM CDT on September 19. Eight alerts originated from dual-polarization radar detections. Seven alerts were NWS warning only messages. Radar-derived hail detections ranged from 0.75 inch to the peak radar-derived size of 2.04 inches. Key radar detections included a late afternoon 1.75-inch detection near 4:26 PM CDT and multiple 1.0–1.5-inch radar returns in the late afternoon period. The sequence shows repeated re-flashes of radar hail signatures and overlapping NWS warning areas that shifted northeastward across the metro of fort-davis-tx. The storm concluded before nightfall.

Damage Assessment

Radar-detected hail sizes for this event spanned roughly 0.75–2.04 inches. A 0.75-inch stone corresponds to the NWS penny object (0.75"). A 1.75-inch detection matches the golf ball object (1.75"). The maximum 2.04-inch hail exceeds the golf ball threshold and is large enough to cause vehicle dents, break vulnerable skylights, and cause shingle loss on older or marginal roofing systems. Lighter detections near 0.75–1.0 inch are more likely to cause cosmetic damage to paint and plant material and may bruise exposed crops.

No spotter-verified ground reports are required to interpret these size classes. Where radar-detected hail exceeded 1.5 inches, prioritize inspections of metal panels, vehicle fleets, and single-layer asphalt shingles. In locations where the NWS warning area overlapped populated addresses, expect a higher probability of vehicle and rooftop exposure during the late afternoon surge of stronger returns.

What Contractors Should Know

Begin with a documented visual roof inspection, focusing first on homes and buildings identified inside the late-afternoon radar returns. Look for granule loss, cracked or missing shingles, dents in metal flashing and gutters, and cracked skylights. Photograph signatures from multiple angles with a time-stamped device. Record exact addresses and co-locate each photo to the NWS warning area before initiating estimates.

Prioritize older shingle systems and exposed vehicles for immediate temporary repairs to limit secondary water intrusion. For roofing, perform a hands-on evaluation of decking exposure only when safe. Quote repairs with measured hail size ranges from this event and note whether damage aligns with radar-detected 1.5–2.0+ inch impacts. Maintain a clear chain of custody for documentation and separate work orders tied to the affected warning area.

Access the paid Strike Map to view the radar-confirmed hail swath and the damage zone for precise post-event targeting.