Texas Porch

Weather Hazards

Hale County sits in prime tornado and hail country

The South Plains around Plainview sees frequent severe thunderstorms, large hail, and occasional tornadoes, especially from March through June.

Hale County Home & Property

The National Weather Service office in Lubbock covers Hale County. The South Plains is one of the highest hail-frequency zones in the United States. Hailstones can reach golf-ball size or larger, damaging roofs and vehicles. Tornadoes have touched down in Hale County — a tornado was recorded near Cotton Center in Hale County in 2007.

If you are buying or renting in Hale County, ask about hail damage history on any structure. Flat terrain with few trees means storms can build quickly and move fast. The NWS Lubbock website has local forecasts, storm reports, and historic event archives. Sign up for local weather alerts through your county emergency management office or a weather app that uses NOAA data.

Source to confirm: NWS Lubbock – April 17, 2007 Hail and Tornado Event

More Hale County notes

Property Tax Basics

Two offices handle property taxes in Hale County

Hale County splits property tax duties between two offices, which can confuse new property owners.

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Homestead Exemption

A homestead exemption can lower your property tax bill

Texas law lets homeowners reduce what their home is taxed on if they live there as their main residence.

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Agricultural Valuation

Farm and ranch land can be taxed on what it produces, not its market price

Texas allows working agricultural land to be appraised at its farming productivity value, which is usually much lower than market value.

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Mineral Rights

Mineral rights and surface rights are often owned by different people in Hale County

Oil was discovered in Hale County in 1946, and mineral rights on many properties were severed from surface rights long ago — check before you buy.

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