Ping pong-sized hail detected near Houston, TX on September 11, 2026
Hail was detected at a radar-indicated point within the Houston 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-confirmed strike landed approximately 18 miles east of downtown Houston, with one hail report logged across Harris County that day. At 1.5 inches, architectural asphalt shingles typically sustain functional damage — granule loss, cracked tabs, and compromised mat integrity — particularly on roofs older than 10 to 15 years. Newer shingles may show cosmetic bruising without functional loss; an inspector will need to make that call on-site. The county's maximum recorded hail event reached 2.75 inches on May 31, 2024, so today's event, while meaningful, sits well below the county's worst.
On a $350,000 home with a 2% wind/hail deductible, the out-of-pocket threshold is $7,000. Typical repair cost for a 2,000 square foot roof after a 1.5-inch event runs $5,928, ranging from $4,850 to $7,006. 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 Houston inspection
Houston repair cost reference
Historical context
This event ranks 61st of 156 recorded hail events of 1 inch or greater in Harris County over the past 10 years — solidly mid-tier. The largest on record is 2.75 inches, logged on May 31, 2024. September is historically quiet: no events of 1 inch or greater have been recorded in this month over the past decade, making this an unusual late-season occurrence.
Storm system
The same-day pattern shows a broad Texas corridor was active, with quarter-sized hail in McLennan and Williamson counties and golf ball–sized hail reaching 2.5 inches in Bexar County — suggesting a regional system rather than an isolated cell.
Contractor guidance
Local contractor data shows current backlogs of 4 to 8 weeks in the Houston market. The storm chaser risk is rated high — Houston regularly draws out-of-state roofing contractors after significant events, and door-to-door solicitation often begins within 24 to 48 hours. Texas does not require a state-level roofing license, so verify that any contractor holds a valid local business license, carries liability and workers' compensation insurance, and is registered with the Texas Secretary of State if operating as an LLC or corporation. Under Texas Insurance Code § 707.002, a contractor who offers to waive or absorb your deductible is committing a Class B misdemeanor — walk away.
Permits & building code
At 1.5 inches, repair rather than full replacement is the more likely outcome, though roof age and pre-existing condition will drive that determination. Houston requires a permit for roofing work; the contractor pulls it, costs typically run $150 to $400, and an inspection is required. Class 4 impact-resistant shingles qualify for a 10–20% discount with most Texas insurers.
- 1Photograph your roof, gutters, downspouts, and any exterior surfaces immediately — date-stamped images establish pre-inspection baseline.
- 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.
- 3Before any contractor enters your property, verify their business license, liability insurance certificate, and workers' comp coverage — request documents, not just verbal assurances.
- 4Keep a written record of every contractor conversation, quote, and visit, including names, dates, and any written estimates you receive.
- 5Review your policy's wind/hail deductible clause and coverage exclusions so you understand your position before any repair decisions are made.
This storm may have damaged your roof — get a free Houston inspection
Hail detection is based on NOAA NEXRAD radar data (SWDI); a full NWS ground-truth write-up is pending.