Hail season in Central Texas: when it hits, what damage costs, and what to do after a storm
In the last two years every NOAA hail report of an inch or more near Austin fell between March and June. When hail season peaks, what size hail damages a roof, what a replacement and your deductible come to, and the first 48 hours after a storm.
In Central Texas, hail season is spring. Around Austin, NOAA's Storm Prediction Center logged 38 hail reports of an inch or larger in the 24 months to 7 October 2026, on 10 storm days — and every one fell between March and June.
When hail hits around Austin
- Mar: 4 reports
- Apr: 16 reports
- May: 17 reports
- Jun: 1 report
The biggest storm days:
- 22 Apr 2025 — 11 reports, up to 2.50-inch hail (Round Rock, Georgetown, Hutto, Weir)
- 28 May 2025 — 8 reports, up to 2.00-inch hail (Cedar Park, Leander, North and Northeast Austin)
- 22 May 2025 — 5 reports, up to 2.75-inch hail (Uhland and Kyle)
- 23 Mar 2025 — 4 reports, up to 1.00-inch hail (Bee Cave, Mountain City, Kyle)
- 30 Apr 2026 — 2 reports, up to 1.00-inch hail (Sunset Valley, McKinney Falls)
The largest stone was 2.75 inches near Uhland (Hays County) on 22 May 2025; 7 reports were 2 inches or more. Reports are points where someone measured hail, sampled here within 10 km of ten places from Georgetown to Kyle. Check your own address with the Austin hail check.
What size hail damages a roof
- About 1 inch (quarter size): the size usually associated with damage to asphalt shingles — bruised mats, knocked-off granules.
- 2 inches and up: can crack tile, dent metal and punch through worn shingles.
- Older roofs: brittle, worn shingles can be damaged by smaller stones.
From the ground, look at the soft metal first: dents on gutters, downspouts, the AC unit's fins and window screens tell you hail of size came down. Do not climb on the roof.
What a hail replacement costs — and your share
A replacement after hail costs the same as any other of its size: on our engine, a typical 1,800 sq ft house in architectural shingles is $17,807. If insurance pays, your share is usually the deductible — and in Texas many policies use a percentage wind and hail deductible, a share of the dwelling coverage rather than a flat amount. On a house insured for $350,000:
- 1% deductible: you pay $3,500; the policy covers about $14,307.
- 2% deductible: you pay $7,000; the policy covers about $10,807.
That assumes a replacement-cost policy and an approved claim. How claims, depreciation and adjusters work is in does insurance cover a roof replacement.
The first 48 hours after a storm
- Write down the date. The storm date is what an inspector and an insurer ask for; the hail check shows NOAA's.
- Photograph damage from the ground — gutters, screens, the AC, cars, outdoor furniture.
- Stop active leaks with a tarp or a bucket, and keep the receipts.
- Get one or two local roofers to inspect, not the first truck that knocks. Ask for proof of insurance, local references and a written report with photos.
- Read your policy's deadline for reporting storm damage, and call your insurer if the inspection finds damage.
- Know the price before anyone visits: a free roof quote measured from satellite.
Common questions
When is hail season in Texas?
Spring: around Austin every 1-inch-plus report in two years fell between March and June, most in April and May.
What size hail damages a roof?
About 1 inch for asphalt shingles; 2 inches and up can crack tile and dent metal.
What does a hail damage roof replacement cost?
About $17,807 for a typical house in architectural shingles; with insurance, usually your deductible.
Can a roofer pay or waive my deductible?
Not in Texas — the Texas Insurance Code forbids it.
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