Fort Stockton, TX Hail Storm – October 2026

Fort Stockton, TX experienced a concluded multi-zone hailstorm on October 14, 2026, producing a peak 3.47-inch hail and a complex sequence of NWS warnings and radar detections. The event generated 18 NWS alerts from early afternoon into the overnight hours and produced a radar-detected hail swath across the metro.

What Happened

The event began in the early afternoon with the first radar-detected hail signature at 2:20 PM CDT and continued through the late night into the early hours of October 15. Eighteen alerts were issued by the NWS between 2:20 PM CDT on October 14 and 2:25 AM CDT on October 15. Six of those alerts included dual-polarization radar detections, while the remaining 12 were issued as NWS warning only alerts.

Radar-detected hail sizes recorded during the event rose through the afternoon. Early radar returns measured near 1.08 inches. Late-afternoon radar detections included multiple signatures above 2.0 inches between roughly 5:05 PM and 5:25 PM CDT, and a pronounced radar signature measuring 2.49 inches at 7:12 PM CDT. Warning-only alerts reported smaller to moderate hail at several points through the evening and into the overnight period.

The storm track crossed multiple NWS warning areas covering the Fort Stockton metro. Ground reports and follow-up assessments indicated variability in hail intensity across zones, consistent with a multi-cell hail track that intensified in the late afternoon and briefly strengthened again in the early evening.

Damage Assessment

Radar and warning reports show hail across the Fort Stockton area ranging from roughly 0.75 inch up to radar-detected peaks above 2 inches in several pockets. Field reports indicated occasional larger stones in localized spots. Hail at and above 1.25 inches commonly damages roofing granules and vinyl siding. Hail near 1.75 inches (golf-ball size) increases the likelihood of vehicle body dents and broken skylights. Hail approaching or exceeding 2.5 inches creates a higher risk of cracked windshields, significant roof panel deformation, and damage to rooftop equipment.

Inspectors should expect variable damage across short distances. Areas under the stronger late-afternoon and early-evening radar signatures are most likely to show concentrated roof loss, dented metal, and shattered glazing. Smaller accumulations elsewhere will commonly produce cosmetic and granule-loss damage that accelerates weathering over time.

What Contractors Should Know

Document conditions immediately. Photograph roof surfaces, siding, vehicles, and exterior glass with timestamps and geolocation where possible. Prioritize safety: assume hidden structural damage until a close inspection proves otherwise. Temporary tarps should be installed only after securing a safe work plan and confirming roof attachment points. Record pre-repair measurements and sample hail fragments if available for size validation.