Golf ball-sized hail detected near Tyler, TX on July 7, 2026
Hail was detected at a radar-indicated point within the Tyler 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 placed the hail core approximately 18 miles southeast of downtown Tyler, with one report logged in Smith County that day. At 1.75 inches, golf ball-sized hail is large enough to cause functional damage to standard architectural asphalt shingles — not just cosmetic bruising. Roofs older than 10–15 years, or those already showing granule loss, are most vulnerable at this size. Smith County's largest recorded event reached 3.5 inches on June 14, 2023, so this storm sits well below that benchmark.
On a $350,000 home with a 2% hail deductible, the out-of-pocket threshold is $7,000. Typical repair cost for a 2,000 sqft roof runs $5,518, with a range of $4,514–$6,521. 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 Tyler inspection
Tyler repair cost reference
Historical context
Smith County has logged 169 hail events of 1 inch or greater over the past 10 years, and this event ranks 55th of 169 by magnitude — solidly mid-tier. The largest on record for the county was 3.5 inches on June 14, 2023. July is historically quiet here; only 2 events of this magnitude have been recorded in July over the past decade, making this an atypical month for hail activity.
Storm system
Harris County recorded 1.25-inch hail the same day, suggesting this was part of a broader regional system rather than an isolated cell.
Contractor guidance
Local contractor data shows current backlogs of 1–2 weeks, which is relatively manageable. The city intake assessment rates storm chaser risk as low, though Tyler's thin local roofing market means capacity after larger events typically draws from contractors based in other Texas metros. Texas does not require a state-level roofing license, so verify that any contractor holds a valid local business license, carries general liability and workers' comp, 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 breaking the law — walk away.
Permits & building code
At 1.75 inches, repair rather than full replacement is the more likely outcome for a newer roof in good condition, though age and pre-existing wear will shift that calculus. The contractor pulls the permit in Tyler, inspections are required, and permit costs typically run $100–$250. 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 the ground — date-stamp every image.
- 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 signing any contract, confirm the contractor's local business license, liability insurance, and workers' comp coverage.
- 4Keep a written record of all contractor visits, estimates, and communications in a single folder.
- 5Review your policy's hail coverage terms, deductible percentage, and any exclusions for pre-existing wear.
This storm may have damaged your roof — get a free Tyler inspection
Hail data for this event is sourced from NOAA NEXRAD radar via the Severe Weather Data Inventory (SWDI) and is radar-confirmed, with a full NWS write-up still pending.