Ping pong-sized hail detected near Lubbock, TX on September 19, 2026
Hail was detected at a radar-indicated point within the Lubbock 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 was located approximately 16 miles north of downtown Lubbock, with one storm report logged in Lubbock County that day. At 1.5 inches, hail this size can produce functional damage to architectural asphalt shingles — bruising, granule loss, and cracked tabs are all possible, particularly on roofs older than 10 to 12 years. Newer shingles may show only cosmetic impact, but weathered shingles lose their capacity to shed it off cleanly. The county's largest recorded event was 5 inches on June 6, 2025 — well above this event's magnitude, though that benchmark doesn't diminish what 1.5-inch hail can do to an aging roof.
On a $350,000 home with a 2% wind/hail deductible, you're looking at a $7,000 out-of-pocket threshold before insurance pays anything. Typical repair cost for a 2,000 square foot home in this market runs $5,295, with a range of $4,332 to $6,257. 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 Lubbock inspection
Lubbock repair cost reference
Historical context
This event ranks 106th out of 188 hail events of 1 inch or larger recorded in Lubbock County over the past 10 years — solidly mid-pack by magnitude. The largest on record is 5 inches, logged on June 6, 2025. September is historically quiet here: only one comparable event has been recorded in this month over the past decade, making this storm atypical for the calendar.
Storm system
No other tracked counties recorded hail on September 19, 2026. This was an isolated event, not part of a broader regional system.
Contractor guidance
Local contractor data shows current backlogs running 4 to 8 weeks — scheduling inspections promptly limits exposure to that wait. The city intake assessment rates storm chaser risk as moderate, consistent with chaser activity that typically follows notable regional events in Lubbock. Texas does not issue a state-level roofing license, so verification falls entirely on you: confirm a valid local business license, general liability coverage, and workers' compensation before signing anything. Also check registration with the Texas Secretary of State if the contractor operates as an LLC or corporation.
Permits & building code
At 1.5 inches, repair rather than full replacement is the more likely outcome on roofs in reasonable condition — though age and pre-existing wear can shift that calculus. Lubbock requires a permit for roofing work, typically costing $150 to $350; the contractor pulls it and an inspection is required upon completion. Class 4 impact-resistant shingles qualify for a 10–20% discount with most Texas insurers.
- 1Photograph your roof, gutters, downspouts, and any exterior surfaces showing dents or granule accumulation — do this before any cleanup.
- 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 every contractor before signing: confirm local business license, liability insurance, and workers' comp coverage.
- 4Keep a file with all inspection reports, photos, contractor bids, and correspondence — organized records matter if a dispute arises later.
- 5Know your deductible amount before any conversation with a contractor or adjuster — pull your declarations page now.
This storm may have damaged your roof — get a free Lubbock inspection
Hail size and location are based on NOAA NEXRAD radar data via SWDI; full NWS storm survey confirmation is pending.