Texas Storm Damage Guide

Introduction to Texas Weather Hazards

Texas occupies a unique position in North America that makes it vulnerable to virtually every type of severe weather phenomenon. The state's 268,596 square miles span from the humid Gulf Coast to the arid deserts of West Texas, from the tornado-prone plains of the Panhandle to the hurricane-vulnerable barrier islands of the south. This geographic diversity means that no single weather threat defines Texas; instead, homeowners must prepare for multiple hazards depending on their specific location within the state.

The economic impact of severe weather in Texas is staggering. According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Texas has experienced more billion-dollar weather disasters than any other state, with total losses exceeding $300 billion since 1980. For individual homeowners, this translates to an ever-present risk of property damage that requires both proactive preparation and knowledge of the insurance claims process.

Understanding the specific weather threats in your region of Texas is the first step toward protecting your property. The Gulf Coast faces hurricane season from June through November, while North Texas experiences peak hail activity from March through May. Central Texas sits in the heart of Tornado Alley, and the entire state faces flash flood risks during severe thunderstorm events. This guide will walk you through each major threat, explain how to prepare your property, and provide detailed guidance on navigating the insurance claims process when damage occurs.

Perhaps most importantly, Texas homeowners need to understand that standard insurance policies may not cover all types of storm damage. Flood damage, in particular, requires separate coverage that many homeowners fail to obtain until it's too late. Wind and hail deductibles in Texas often differ from standard deductibles, and coastal properties face additional requirements through the Texas Windstorm Insurance Association (TWIA). By the end of this guide, you'll have a comprehensive understanding of both the weather risks you face and the insurance landscape you'll need to navigate.

Hurricane Threats on the Gulf Coast

The Texas Gulf Coast stretches for 367 miles from the Louisiana border to the Rio Grande, making it one of the most hurricane-vulnerable coastlines in the United States. Hurricane season officially runs from June 1 through November 30, with peak activity occurring in August and September. During this window, warm Gulf of Mexico waters provide the fuel for tropical systems that can rapidly intensify into major hurricanes.

Hurricane damage comes in three primary forms: wind, storm surge, and rainfall-induced flooding. Category 3 hurricanes (111-129 mph winds) and above are classified as major hurricanes capable of causing devastating damage. However, even Category 1 storms can cause significant property damage, particularly to roofs, windows, and outdoor structures. The Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale provides a useful framework for understanding potential damage:

• Category 1 (74-95 mph): Damage to roof shingles, vinyl siding, and gutters. Broken tree branches and downed power lines.
• Category 2 (96-110 mph): Major roof and siding damage. Many trees snapped or uprooted. Extended power outages.
• Category 3 (111-129 mph): Devastating damage. Well-built homes may incur major roof and structural damage.
• Category 4 (130-156 mph): Catastrophic damage. Most trees snapped. Power outages lasting weeks to months.
• Category 5 (157+ mph): Complete roof failure and wall collapse on most homes.

Storm surge poses an equally dangerous threat to coastal properties. This dome of seawater pushed ashore by hurricane winds can reach 15-20 feet in some areas, flooding ground-floor structures miles inland. Hurricane Ike (2008) produced a storm surge that devastated Galveston and the Bolivar Peninsula, while Hurricane Harvey (2017) demonstrated the catastrophic flooding potential of slow-moving tropical systems, dumping over 60 inches of rain on some areas of Southeast Texas.

Homeowners in the 14 coastal counties covered by TWIA face unique insurance requirements. Standard homeowner policies in these areas typically exclude wind and hail damage, requiring separate windstorm coverage through TWIA or a private wind insurer. Properties must have a current WPI-8 certificate, which confirms the structure meets Texas windstorm building code requirements. Without this certificate, obtaining windstorm coverage becomes extremely difficult.

Hurricane Preparation Checklist

• Review your insurance policies well before hurricane season begins
• Document your property's condition with photos and video
• Install hurricane shutters or have plywood cut to size for windows
• Secure or store outdoor furniture, grills, and decorations
• Trim trees and remove dead branches near your home
• Know your evacuation zone and have a plan ready
• Keep important documents in waterproof containers

Hail Storms in North Texas

Texas leads the nation in hail damage claims, and North Texas—particularly the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex—sits squarely in what meteorologists call "Hail Alley." This region experiences an average of 8-10 significant hail events annually, with some years seeing far more. The convergence of warm, moist air from the Gulf of Mexico with cool, dry air from the Rocky Mountains creates the perfect atmospheric conditions for supercell thunderstorms that produce large, damaging hail.

Hailstone size directly correlates with damage potential. The National Weather Service uses common objects to describe hail size: pea (1/4 inch), marble (1/2 inch), quarter (1 inch), golf ball (1.75 inches), tennis ball (2.5 inches), and softball (4+ inches). Hail larger than one inch in diameter is considered severe and capable of causing significant property damage. Golf ball-sized hail can crack or break windows, dent siding and gutters, and cause extensive roof damage. Softball-sized hail can penetrate roofs and cause catastrophic damage to vehicles.

Roof damage is the most common and costly form of hail damage to homes. Asphalt shingles, the most common roofing material in Texas, are particularly vulnerable. Signs of hail damage include:

• Circular or irregular dark spots on shingles where granules have been knocked off
• Soft spots that feel like bruised fruit when pressed
• Cracked or broken shingles
• Exposed fiberglass mat beneath granules
• Dents in metal flashing, vents, or gutters
• Damage to air conditioning units, window screens, or outdoor furniture

The challenge with hail damage is that it may not be immediately visible from ground level. Many homeowners don't realize their roof has been damaged until leaks develop months or even years later. This delayed discovery can complicate insurance claims, as policies typically require timely reporting of damage. After any significant hail event, homeowners should have their roof professionally inspected.

Insurance policies in Texas often include separate hail deductibles, which may be expressed as a percentage of your dwelling coverage rather than a fixed dollar amount. A 2% hail deductible on a $300,000 home means you pay the first $6,000 of any hail damage claim. Some policies have even higher deductibles of 3-5% in hail-prone areas. Understanding your deductible structure before damage occurs is essential for financial planning.

Protecting Your Property from Hail

While you can't prevent hail storms, you can minimize damage through smart material choices. Impact-resistant roofing materials, rated Class 3 or Class 4 under UL 2218 standards, can withstand larger hailstones and may qualify you for insurance premium discounts. Metal roofing, tile, and certain synthetic materials offer superior hail resistance compared to standard three-tab asphalt shingles. When it's time to replace your roof, consider the long-term cost savings of more durable materials.

Tornado Safety and Preparedness

Texas experiences more tornadoes than any other state, averaging 130-140 annually. The infamous "Tornado Alley" runs through North-Central Texas, though tornadoes can and do occur anywhere in the state. Tornado season peaks from April through June, but tornadoes can form any time atmospheric conditions are favorable, including during the nighttime hours when they're most dangerous.

The Enhanced Fujita (EF) Scale measures tornado intensity based on damage indicators. While EF0 and EF1 tornadoes cause relatively minor damage, EF3 and above tornadoes produce catastrophic destruction:

• EF0 (65-85 mph): Minor damage. Branches broken, shallow-rooted trees pushed over.
• EF1 (86-110 mph): Moderate damage. Roofs stripped, mobile homes overturned, windows broken.
• EF2 (111-135 mph): Considerable damage. Roofs torn off well-built homes, large trees snapped.
• EF3 (136-165 mph): Severe damage. Entire stories of well-built homes destroyed, heavy cars thrown.
• EF4 (166-200 mph): Devastating damage. Well-built homes leveled, structures blown off foundations.
• EF5 (200+ mph): Incredible damage. Strong frame houses swept away, automobile-sized missiles generated.

Every Texas home should have a designated tornado safe room—an interior room on the lowest floor with no windows. Bathrooms, closets, and spaces beneath staircases often work well. During a tornado warning, go to your safe room immediately and protect your head and neck. If you don't have an interior room, consider installing a FEMA-compliant safe room or storm shelter.

After a tornado, document all damage thoroughly before making any repairs. Take photographs and video of every affected area, including structural damage, damaged personal property, and debris. Keep damaged materials until your insurance adjuster has inspected them. Make temporary repairs to prevent further damage, but keep receipts for reimbursement.

Flooding Risks and Prevention

Flooding is the deadliest weather phenomenon in Texas and one of the most costly. The state's combination of clay soils, rapid development, and extreme rainfall events creates perfect conditions for devastating floods. Flash floods can turn dry creek beds into raging rivers within minutes, trapping motorists and flooding homes with little warning. The infamous "Turn Around, Don't Drown" campaign exists because Texas sees more flood-related deaths than any other state.

Hurricane Harvey in 2017 demonstrated the catastrophic flooding potential in Texas. The storm dumped over 60 inches of rain on parts of Southeast Texas over several days, flooding over 300,000 structures and causing an estimated $125 billion in damage. But flooding doesn't require a hurricane—severe thunderstorms regularly cause flash flooding across the state, particularly in urban areas where impervious surfaces prevent water absorption.

Critical point: Standard homeowner insurance policies do NOT cover flood damage. This is perhaps the most important insurance fact for Texas homeowners to understand. Flood insurance must be purchased separately, either through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) or private insurers. If you have a federally-backed mortgage and your property is in a designated Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA), flood insurance is mandatory. However, over 25% of flood insurance claims come from properties outside high-risk zones, proving that flooding can occur anywhere.

NFIP policies have coverage limits of $250,000 for the dwelling and $100,000 for contents. For homes worth more, excess flood insurance from private insurers can provide additional protection. Flood insurance policies typically have a 30-day waiting period before coverage takes effect, so don't wait until a storm is approaching to purchase coverage.

Flood Mitigation Measures

• Elevate electrical systems, water heaters, and appliances above potential flood levels
• Install check valves in plumbing to prevent sewage backup
• Seal basement walls with waterproofing compounds
• Maintain proper drainage away from your foundation
• Keep gutters and downspouts clear of debris
• Consider installing a sump pump with battery backup
• Store valuable items and important documents above flood level or off-site

Navigating the Insurance Claims Process

When storm damage occurs, how you handle the insurance claims process can significantly impact the outcome. Insurance companies process thousands of claims after major weather events, and adjusters are under pressure to close claims quickly. Understanding the process and your rights as a policyholder helps ensure you receive fair compensation for your losses.

Step 1: Document Everything Immediately

Before cleaning up or making repairs, thoroughly document all damage. Use your smartphone to take photos and video of every affected area, inside and out. Capture wide shots showing the overall damage and close-ups showing specific details. If possible, include something for scale (a ruler, coin, or hand) in photos of damage like hail dents. Document damage to personal property and keep damaged items until your adjuster has inspected them.

Step 2: Prevent Further Damage

Your insurance policy requires you to take reasonable steps to prevent additional damage. Cover broken windows with plywood or plastic. Place tarps over roof damage. Move undamaged belongings away from water intrusion. Keep all receipts for materials and labor—these emergency repairs are typically reimbursable.

Step 3: File Your Claim Promptly

Contact your insurance company as soon as possible to report the damage. Most policies require timely reporting. Have your policy number ready and be prepared to describe the damage. Keep a log of all communications with your insurer, including dates, times, and the names of people you speak with.

Step 4: Meet with the Adjuster

An insurance adjuster will inspect your property to assess the damage. Be present during this inspection if possible. Walk the adjuster through all damage, including areas they might miss. Share your documentation and point out specific concerns. Don't be afraid to respectfully disagree if you believe damage has been overlooked.

Step 5: Get Your Own Estimates

Don't rely solely on your insurance company's assessment. Get estimates from licensed contractors for comparison. If there's a significant discrepancy between the adjuster's estimate and contractor quotes, this documentation supports your case for additional compensation.

Common Claim Mistakes to Avoid

• Waiting too long to file your claim
• Throwing away damaged materials before documentation
• Making permanent repairs before adjuster inspection
• Accepting the first settlement offer without review
• Not reading your policy to understand coverage and exclusions
• Failing to document pre-loss condition of your property

When to Seek Professional Help

If your claim is denied or you believe the settlement offer is unfair, you have options. Texas law allows policyholders to invoke the appraisal process, where independent appraisers determine the value of the loss. For complex claims or disputes, consulting with a public adjuster or insurance attorney may be worthwhile. These professionals work on contingency, typically taking a percentage of any additional recovery.