Hail can fall in the Houston area in any month, but it is most often a concern in spring, when strong thunderstorms are most frequent in Southeast Texas. You can follow the risk through NOAA's Storm Prediction Center outlooks and the National Weather Service office in Houston/Galveston, and check storm reports after the fact. A simple pre-season roof check and a plan for the first hours after a storm make hail season much easier to handle.
Most Houston-area homeowners think about hurricanes when they think about roof damage, but hail is a regular concern too. A single storm can leave one neighborhood untouched and dent every gutter a few miles away. Here is when to pay attention, where to get reliable information, how to get your roof ready and what to do when a storm passes through.
When is hail season in the Houston area?
There is no official hail season. Hail comes from strong thunderstorms, and in Southeast Texas the most active stretch for those storms is generally spring. That is when most homeowners around Spring, Cypress, Tomball and The Woodlands see hail threats in the forecast. Storms in late winter, early summer and fall can produce hail too, so it is better to watch the forecast than the calendar.
The National Weather Service defines a severe thunderstorm as one that produces hail at least 1 inch in diameter, wind gusts of 58 mph or more, or a tornado, according to the Storm Prediction Center's FAQ. Hail around that size and larger is what most often causes damage to roofs, gutters and vents. Our guide to hail size and roof damage explains how size relates to what you might see.
How do I follow hail forecasts and storm reports?
| Source | What it tells you | When to use it |
|---|---|---|
| SPC convective outlooks | The risk of severe storms, including hail, for the next several days | Days ahead of a storm, to know when to prepare |
| SPC watches | An area where severe thunderstorms or tornadoes are expected over the next few hours | The day of the storm |
| NWS Houston/Galveston warnings | A specific severe storm is happening or imminent near you | When a storm is approaching: take shelter and protect cars |
| SPC storm reports | Preliminary reports of hail, wind and tornadoes by location and time | After the storm, to note the date and reported hail sizes |
| NWS local storm reports | Reports gathered by the local office from spotters and the public | After the storm, for local detail |
The Storm Prediction Center publishes convective outlooks that show the forecast risk of severe storms for Day 1, Day 2, Day 3 and Days 4 to 8. SPC's FAQ explains that a Severe Thunderstorm Watch outlines an area where hail 1 inch or larger and/or damaging winds are expected during a two to eight hour period, and that a Tornado Watch includes those threats plus possible tornadoes.
After a storm, SPC's daily storm reports list reported hail by location and size. The reports are preliminary, so treat them as a helpful record, not proof of what hit your house. The NWS Houston/Galveston office also takes reports from the public, including hail 1 inch or larger, and points to a Local Storm Report app for viewing reports.
What should I check on my roof before hail season?
Do this from the ground and from inside. Please do not climb onto the roof.
- Take "before" photos. Photograph every side of the house and roof, plus gutters, vents you can see, AC units and windows. Dated photos of the pre-storm condition help later.
- Look for existing problems. Missing or lifted shingles, bare patches, sagging areas, and rusted or loose flashing are easier to fix before a storm makes them worse.
- Check the attic. Look for stains, damp insulation or daylight with a flashlight.
- Clean gutters and downspouts so heavy rain that comes with hail can drain.
- Trim branches that hang over the roof and could break off in strong winds.
- Gather your paperwork. Keep your policy, roof installation records and repair invoices where you can find them.
- Review your policy. Check whether your wind and hail deductible is different from your other deductibles. If you are considering impact-resistant shingles at replacement, ask your insurer whether they offer a discount.
- Plan where cars go. A garage or covered parking spot saves a lot of trouble.
What should I do when hail is in the forecast?
- Move vehicles into the garage or under cover.
- Bring in or secure patio furniture, grills and anything that can blow around.
- Close blinds and curtains to reduce the risk of injury from broken glass.
- When a warning is issued, stay indoors and away from windows until the storm passes.
What should I do after a hailstorm?
- Stay safe. Watch for downed power lines and broken glass. Do not climb onto the roof.
- Write down the date and time and check SPC and NWS reports for your area.
- Photograph damage from the ground: dented gutters and downspouts, torn screens, AC fins, siding, cars, and any shingle pieces in the yard. If you can, photograph a few hailstones next to a ruler.
- Check inside for ceiling stains and leaks.
- Protect openings. If water is coming in, a temporary tarp can limit further damage. In our preliminary ranges, an emergency tarp typically runs $350 to $950, confirmed on site. Photograph the damage before it is covered.
- Contact your insurer promptly if you believe you have damage. Your insurer decides what is covered.
- Get an inspection so someone can look at the roof up close.
Our step-by-step guide on what to do after a hail storm goes deeper, and our article on hail damage signs on gutters and siding shows what to look for around the house.
How can I avoid storm-chasing contractors after hail?
After a big hail event, door knockers show up quickly. Be cautious with anyone who pressures you to sign on the spot, asks for a large payment up front, offers to cover your deductible, or says they will handle your insurance claim. A roofer can inspect, document and estimate repairs. Your insurer decides the claim.
Hail season questions
What month does Houston get the most hail?
Spring is generally the most active time for strong thunderstorms in Southeast Texas, which is when hail is most common. Hail can still fall in other months, so watch forecasts year-round.
How can I find out if hail hit my neighborhood?
Check the Storm Prediction Center's daily storm reports and the NWS Houston/Galveston local storm reports. They are preliminary, so also look for dents on gutters, vents and cars around your home.
Should I get my roof inspected before hail season?
It can help. A pre-season look finds existing problems you can fix ahead of time, and photos of the roof's condition before a storm are useful to have later.
Want a baseline before storm season, or a check after hail? Book a free, photo-documented inspection with no obligation. Storm Bolt Roofing serves Spring and Greater Houston, in English and Spanish.
