Ping pong-sized hail detected near Austin, TX on August 28, 2026
Hail was detected at a radar-indicated point within the Austin monitoring area. Actual impact can vary by neighborhood, so nearby homes should use this as a signal to check roofs, gutters, siding, and vehicles.
Damage assessment
The radar return placed this strike approximately 19 miles east of downtown Austin — one confirmed report logged in Travis County that day. At 1.5 inches, architectural asphalt shingles are the primary concern: expect granule loss and potential bruising, though functional damage depends heavily on roof age and existing condition. Shingles under 10 years old may show cosmetic impact only; anything older or already weathered is more likely to show accelerated deterioration. Williamson County, directly to the north, recorded 2-inch golf ball-sized hail the same day — if your roof sits near the county line, the exposure picture changes.
On a $350,000 home with a 2% wind/hail deductible, that threshold lands at $7,000 out of pocket before insurance pays anything. Typical repair cost for a 2,000 square foot roof in this market runs $6,356, ranging from $5,200 to $7,511. Get a professional inspection before making any insurance decisions.
At these numbers, you're better off repairing out of pocket — the typical repair cost falls below your deductible. Filing a claim likely isn't worth it unless a full inspection reveals significantly more damage.
This storm may have damaged your roof — get a free Austin inspection
Austin repair cost reference
Historical context
Travis County has logged 199 hail events of 1 inch or larger over the past 10 years, giving this event a rank of 96th out of 199 by magnitude — solidly in the middle of the county's recorded history. The largest event on record reached 3 inches on May 10, 2024. August is historically quiet here: zero events of this size or larger have been recorded in this month over the past decade, making this storm an outlier on the calendar.
Storm system
This was not an isolated cell — Harris County to the southeast logged 2.75-inch baseball-sized hail the same day, and Williamson County directly to the north saw 2-inch golf ball hail, pointing to a broader convective system moving through central and southeast Texas.
Contractor guidance
Local contractor data shows current backlogs running 4 to 8 weeks in the Austin market. The city intake assessment rates storm chaser risk as high — Austin is a documented target for out-of-state roofing crews, and door-to-door solicitation typically begins within 24 to 48 hours of a notable event. Texas does not require a state-level roofing license, so verifying a contractor's local business license, liability insurance, and workers' compensation coverage falls entirely on the homeowner. Under Texas Insurance Code § 707.002, any contractor who offers to waive or absorb your deductible is breaking the law — that offer is a red flag, not a deal.
Permits & building code
At 1.5 inches, repair rather than full replacement is the more likely outcome for most roofs, though age and existing condition can push that either direction. Travis County requires a permit for roof work; the contractor pulls it, inspections are required, and permit costs typically run $150 to $400. Class 4 impact-resistant shingles qualify for a 10–20% discount with most Texas insurers.
- 1Photograph your roof, gutters, downspouts, and any exterior surfaces from ground level — date-stamp everything before conditions change.
- 2Get a repair estimate from a licensed contractor before contacting your insurer — at these numbers, out-of-pocket repair is likely cheaper than filing a claim.
- 3Vet any contractor before signing: confirm local business license, liability insurance, and workers' comp — get documentation, not promises.
- 4Keep a written record of all contractor visits, quotes, and communications, including the date and name of anyone who comes to your door.
- 5If you pursue repairs, confirm the contractor pulls the required permit and that a county inspection is completed before final payment.
This storm may have damaged your roof — get a free Austin inspection
Hail detection is sourced from NOAA NEXRAD radar via SWDI and is radar-confirmed; a full NWS storm survey write-up is pending.