Hail Hits San Antonio's Northeast Side: What Homeowners Need to Know Now

If you live near FM 78, Walzem Road, or anywhere along the I-10 East corridor, you may still be sizing up the damage from the storms that rolled through San Antonio on the night of September 11, 2026. Hail and heavy rain hit the East Side, Converse, and surrounding neighborhoods hard, with some areas picking up more than two inches of rain. Residents near FM 78 and Walzem Road reported roof damage and broken windows, and many are now wondering what to do first.

The most important step is to inspect your property as soon as it is safe to do so. Walk the perimeter of your home and look for obvious signs of hail impact: dented gutters, cracked or missing shingles, damaged fascia boards, and broken windows. Hail damage on a roof is not always visible from the ground, so if you have any reason to suspect your roof took a hit, contact a licensed roofing contractor for a professional inspection before you file a claim. A qualified inspector can document damage in a way that carries weight with your insurance company.

Speak with your homeowner's insurance carrier as soon as possible. Most policies require you to report storm damage promptly, and waiting too long can complicate or reduce your claim. When you call, have your policy number ready and take plenty of photographs before any cleanup or repairs begin. Date-stamped photos taken in the days immediately following the storm are some of the strongest evidence you can provide.

Be cautious about contractors who approach you unsolicited in the days after a storm. Post-storm solicitation by unlicensed or out-of-town crews is common following events like this one, and some of these operations take upfront payments and disappear before the work is finished. Ask for a Texas contractor's license number, check reviews, and get everything in writing before anyone starts work on your home. The Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation maintains a searchable database where you can verify a contractor's credentials.

For homeowners in Converse and the communities along the I-10 East corridor, it is also worth checking with your neighbors and your local homeowners association if you have one. Sometimes damage shows up on shared structures, fences, or common-area roofs that require coordinated action. The Judson Independent School District serves much of this area, and if your neighborhood falls within JISD boundaries, community networks and school-based communication channels can sometimes be a quick way to find reputable local contractors through word of mouth.

Renters in the affected areas should notify their landlords or property managers in writing right away if they noticed roof leaks, broken windows, or any other storm-related issues inside the unit. As a renter, you are generally not responsible for the structure itself, but you should document damage to your personal belongings and contact your renters insurance provider if you carry that coverage. Do not assume your landlord's policy covers your personal property, because it almost certainly does not.

For homeowners who were already planning to sell, storm damage does not have to derail your plans, but it does need to be addressed transparently. In Texas, sellers are legally required to disclose known material defects, and storm damage clearly falls into that category. Getting repairs done correctly and documenting everything, from the contractor's invoices to the insurance settlement, will protect you legally and help maintain buyer confidence. A home with a documented repair history and a clean post-repair inspection can still be a very competitive listing.

Buyers who have a property under contract in the East Side, Converse, or I-10 East area should talk to their agent today about requesting a post-storm inspection, even if a standard inspection has already been completed. Storms can create damage that was not present at the time of the original walkthrough, and it is reasonable to ask for a reinspection of the roof and exterior before closing. Most sellers understand this request given the circumstances.

September in San Antonio is still solidly inside the active storm season, and while the calendar is edging toward fall, afternoon heat and moisture can fuel additional thunderstorms through October. If your roof or windows were already showing their age before Thursday night, this storm may be the push you needed to address deferred maintenance before conditions get worse.

Whether you own, rent, or are in the middle of a transaction, the next few days matter. Document everything, communicate with your insurance company and your contractor in writing, and lean on licensed professionals who have a stake in staying in the community long after the storm passes.