Golf ball-sized hail detected near Wichita Falls, TX on November 2, 2026
Hail was detected at a radar-indicated point within the Wichita Falls 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 17 miles west of downtown Wichita Falls, with one report logged in Wichita County that day. At 2 inches, hail this size causes functional damage to standard architectural asphalt shingles — not just cosmetic bruising. Granule loss, cracked tabs, and compromised waterproofing membranes are realistic outcomes, particularly on roofs older than 10 years. The county's largest recorded event reached 5.33 inches in May 2020, so this storm falls well below that benchmark, but 2-inch hail is not minor.
On a $350,000 home with a 2% wind/hail deductible, your out-of-pocket threshold is $7,000 before insurance pays anything. Typical repair cost for a 2,000 square foot roof after a 2-inch hail event runs $6,000, with a range of roughly $4,900 to $7,100. 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 Wichita Falls inspection
Wichita Falls repair cost reference
Historical context
This event ranks 20th out of 227 hail events of 1 inch or greater recorded in Wichita County over the past 10 years, placing it in the upper tier by magnitude. The largest event on record reached 5.33 inches on May 22, 2020. November sees moderate hail activity in this county — 13 events over the past decade — so a late-season storm like this is not unusual.
Storm system
This was not an isolated event. The same storm system produced hail across multiple counties in both Texas and Oklahoma on the same day, with reports ranging from 0.75 inches in Tarrant and Denton counties to 2 inches in Cleveland County, Oklahoma.
Contractor guidance
Local contractor data shows current backlogs of 2 to 4 weeks in the Wichita Falls market. Storm chaser risk is rated moderate — following regional hail events, out-of-area contractors commonly move into this market to fill capacity gaps, so scrutiny matters. Texas does not issue a state-level roofing contractor license, which means verification falls entirely on the homeowner. Before signing anything, confirm the contractor holds a valid local business license, carries general liability and workers' comp coverage, and is registered with the Texas Secretary of State if operating as a corporation or LLC.
Permits & building code
At 2 inches, repair is the more likely outcome for homes with newer roofs in reasonable condition, though older or already-compromised roofs may warrant full replacement. The contractor pulls the permit in Wichita Falls, permit costs typically run $150 to $350, 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 from ground level before weather or foot traffic alters the evidence.
- 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.
- 3Verify contractor credentials before signing: local business license, general liability insurance, workers' comp coverage, and Texas Secretary of State registration if they operate as an LLC or corporation.
- 4Keep all written estimates, inspection reports, and contractor communications in one file — you may need them later regardless of how the repair decision goes.
- 5Be aware that Texas law prohibits contractors from waiving or absorbing your deductible — any contractor who offers to do so is exposing both of you to criminal liability under Texas Insurance Code § 707.002.
This storm may have damaged your roof — get a free Wichita Falls inspection
Hail size and location are based on NOAA NEXRAD radar data via SWDI; a full NWS written confirmation is pending.