Hail in Midland County, Texas

Numerous roofs throughout Midland, TX were damaged during this event. A local newspaper clipping with a quote from a major roofing company estimated 40 to 50 percent of the homes in Midland needed to be re-roofed. The average cost to replace a shingled roof is anywhere from $8-$10K. This resulted in an estimated $160 million in roof damage. In addition to homes being damaged, multiple vehicles also received damage from the hail. According to local dent repair shops and car dealers across the area, an estimated 800 vehicles had to be repaired resulting in $1.2 million in damage. A Midland woman was also struck in the stomach by a hail stone, after it broke through her dining room window. Her injuries were only minor and did not require medical attention.

On April 11, 2009, a surface high northeast of the region resulted in easterly upslope flow over most of the CWA. Meanwhile, a mid to upper level low near Southern California approached the area from the west. Although the deepest moisture was confined to the Gulf Coast (due to the previously mentioned surface high) there was enough moisture convergence along a stalled surface boundary and dryline. Most unstable CAPE values along these features of 1000 j/kg and 0-6 km bulk shear magnitudes of 60 kt allowed for severe storms to develop as the dynamics neared the area during the late afternoon and early evening hours. A Severe Thunderstorm Watch was issued from 1520-2300 local.