Van Horn, TX Hail Storm – September 2026

Van Horn, TX recorded a hail-producing storm on September 24, 2026, peaking at 1.63 inches in diameter. The event moved through the area in the late afternoon and produced multiple NWS alerts and a radar-detected hail signature.

What Happened

The storm developed in the late afternoon and produced a series of alerts across the Van Horn area. At 3:20 PM CDT the radar indicated 1.44-inch hail via dual-polarization NEXRAD hail detection. At 4:27 PM CDT the NWS issued a warning noting 1.00-inch hail. At 5:25 PM CDT a subsequent NWS warning again cited 1.00-inch hail. The sequence shows an initial radar-detected core followed by two NWS warning-only alerts as the storm progressed eastward through the local warning area. The multi-zone aggregate report covers the full alert sequence for Van Horn and adjacent notification zones. The event is concluded.

Damage Assessment

Radar and warning reports show hail ranging from about 1.00 to 1.63 inches across the affected corridor through Van Horn. Hail at and above 1.00 inch commonly causes cosmetic damage to vehicles, including dents to body panels and damage to exposed trim. Roof shingle granule loss and bruising of asphalt shingles are possible where hail concentrated on roof slopes. Metal components such as HVAC housings, gutters, and aluminum siding are prone to dents at these sizes. Glass damage is less likely below 1.75 inches, but localized cracked skylights and fragile rooftop equipment may be observed in areas where the larger 1.44–1.63-inch signatures were detected. Reported times and radar tracks should be used to prioritize inspections on properties downtrack of the 3:20 PM CDT radar detection and the later NWS warning corridor.

What Contractors Should Know

Inspect roofs for granule loss, bruised or split shingles, and displaced flashing. Photograph roof slopes systematically with time-stamped images and note orientation and pitch. Check metal roofs and HVAC housings for dents that can compromise panels or mounting points. On vehicles, focus on hoods, roofs, and rear decks where denting concentrates. Use consistent measurement methods and include an inch scale or coin reference in photos for client documentation.

Prioritize claims by overlaying the warning area and radar-detected path. Start with structures and vehicles located directly downtrack of the 3:20 PM CDT radar detection, then expand to properties within the 4:27 PM CDT and 5:25 PM CDT NWS warning corridors. Coordinate with property owners on temporary tarping only where active leaks are present. For paid clients, reference the Strike Map to review the radar-confirmed hail swath and the mapped damage zone for Van Horn.