VIDEO ARCHIVE: Remembering the April 12, 2016 massive hailstorm It’s been 7 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 2023 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.
From Hill Country flooding to Bexar County wildfires, here are the Top 5 weather events of 2025 ▶ 2:16
From Hill Country flooding to Bexar County wildfires, here are the Top 5 weather events of 2025
US Army veteran from Texas credits wilderness therapy for helping adjust to civilian life ▶ 0:55
US Army veteran from Texas credits wilderness therapy for helping adjust to civilian life
Pope Leo’s first Christmas brings a powerful message ▶ 1:16
Pope Leo’s first Christmas brings a powerful message
Erica Hernandez talked to Fluffy about his special relationship with San Antonio. ▶ 1:39
Erica Hernandez talked to Fluffy about his special relationship with San Antonio.
FBI warns of ‘modern-day terrorism’ as Texas-born extremist group targets youth online ▶ 1:41
FBI warns of ‘modern-day terrorism’ as Texas-born extremist group targets youth online
Kerrville landowner plans monument to honor volunteers who aided during deadly July 4 floods ▶ 1:48
Kerrville landowner plans monument to honor volunteers who aided during deadly July 4 floods
Bystander rescues woman trapped after plane crash in Galveston ▶ 0:51
Bystander rescues woman trapped after plane crash in Galveston
Here's where letters to Santa go every Christmas ▶ 1:36
Here's where letters to Santa go every Christmas
TxDOT begins construction on multi-year US Highway 90 expansion project ▶ 1:21
TxDOT begins construction on multi-year US Highway 90 expansion project
Bexar County's Military and Veteran Services Department director placed on leave ▶ 1:30
Bexar County's Military and Veteran Services Department director placed on leave
Caught on camera: Shootout between man, BCSO deputies leaves neighborhood shocked ▶ 1:57
Caught on camera: Shootout between man, BCSO deputies leaves neighborhood shocked
San Antonio police urge reporting of minor porch thefts ▶ 1:18
San Antonio police urge reporting of minor porch thefts
Shoplifter charged with attempted murder after pointing gun at officer ▶ 1:04
Shoplifter charged with attempted murder after pointing gun at officer
Woman becomes first wheelchair user to travel to space ▶ 0:45
Woman becomes first wheelchair user to travel to space
Gibson Costume Shop, a 100-year-old San Antonio staple, to begin liquidation sales in January ▶ 1:06
Gibson Costume Shop, a 100-year-old San Antonio staple, to begin liquidation sales in January
2 deputies fatally shoot man after he fires at them during domestic disturbance call, BCSO says ▶ 0:58
2 deputies fatally shoot man after he fires at them during domestic disturbance call, BCSO says
What parents can do to help children stay safe online ▶ 0:56
What parents can do to help children stay safe online
Any dog can be ‘dangerous’ 🐾 ▶ 0:57
Any dog can be ‘dangerous’ 🐾
What to know about holiday travel as AAA projects new record ▶ 0:53
What to know about holiday travel as AAA projects new record
Steele High School student conductor reimagines 'Joy to the World' ▶ 1:51
Steele High School student conductor reimagines 'Joy to the World'
Service members traveling through San Antonio International for the holidays ▶ 1:08
Service members traveling through San Antonio International for the holidays
Salvation Army helps thousands of San Antonio children through Angel Tree program ▶ 0:56
Salvation Army helps thousands of San Antonio children through Angel Tree program
Scams targeting San Antonio seniors on the rise, SAPD says ▶ 0:50
Scams targeting San Antonio seniors on the rise, SAPD says
West Side neighbors rally to replace stolen Christmas tree ▶ 1:52
West Side neighbors rally to replace stolen Christmas tree
Outgoing North East ISD superintendent discusses timing of departure, district’s challenges ahead ▶ 1:14
Outgoing North East ISD superintendent discusses timing of departure, district’s challenges ahead
Previous photo Next photo