VIDEO ARCHIVE: Remembering the April 12, 2016 massive hailstorm It’s been 10 years since baseball-sized hail tore through San Antonio
EDITORS NOTE: Check out Meteorologist Justin Horne’s 2016 report on the historic hailstorm in the video above.
It’s a day many of us remember: April 12, 2016.
Storms formed near Del Rio and moved west, arriving in San Antonio during the late evening hours.
The most powerful storm moved just north of downtown San Antonio, prompting numerous reports of 2 to 3 inches of hail. However, hail up to 4.5 inches came down in pockets around the city.
Rarely do storms produce large hail for this long over such a populated area.
April 12, 2016 Hail Swath (Copyright 2021 by KSAT - All rights reserved.) The storm resulted in losses of $1.36 billion , making it the second-costliest hail storm in Texas history. To add insult to injury, San Antonio was hit by another storm with large hail just two weeks later.
Watch below — KSAT Explains: Why hail happens in San Antonio
Whatever the Weather Subscribe to the free Whatever the Weather newsletter for a weekly rundown from the KSAT Weather Authority.
Copyright 2026 by KSAT - All rights reserved.
About the Authors Justin Horne headshot
Justin Horne is a meteorologist and reporter for KSAT 12 News. When severe weather rolls through, Justin will hop in the KSAT 12 Storm Chaser to safely bring you the latest weather conditions from across South Texas. On top of delivering an accurate forecast, Justin often reports on one of his favorite topics: Texas history.
Sarah Spivey headshot
Sarah Spivey is a San Antonio native who grew up watching KSAT. She has been a proud member of the KSAT Weather Authority Team since 2017.
Sarah is a Clark High School and Texas A&M University graduate. She previously worked at KTEN News.
When Sarah is not busy forecasting, she enjoys hanging out with her husband and cat, and playing music.
What should you do in a flash flood? Adler Road Closure Forces Detours on Boerne ISD's First Day SAPD Officer Caught on Video Making Remark About Women North Side drivers will be seeing construction on San Pedro Ave. till April 2028, VIA says 10 shots fired into a car. A son is dead. His mom is fighting for her life. RJ Takes Driver's Ed test GMSA team shares their favorite grades 🎒Watch this before sharing your back-to-school photos! The most affordable night out in San Antonio These Kids Have MIXED Feelings About Going Back to School 😅 The doctor who gave away her kidney — and got a lifelong friend Major upgrades coming to John Jay HS (but first, the chaos) New warning signs, increased patrol presence aim to prevent truck-train crashes in Schertz Father speaks out after sons shot, killed Shelters offer dog kennels for abuse survivors Alamo Ranch traffic is out of control-- here's what's being done about it A San Antonio legend is closing its doors after 30+ years NW Side Drivers looking for traffic relief KSAT Investigates: Shooting at NISD Stadium Neighbor shoots 11-year-old and his brother in their own driveway Previous video Next video