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Weather Hazards Good to know

Hale County sits in prime tornado and hail country

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.

Content last revised 2026-07-11

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More stories and useful context near Hale County

A balanced next shelf: local character first, with practical context close by.

Stories & local character

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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Practical

Running Water Draw can flood — check FEMA maps before buying near it

Running Water Draw passes through Hale County and its floodplain is mapped by FEMA — property near it may require flood insurance.

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Stories & local character

Cotton and irrigated farming built Hale County's economy

Hale County became one of Texas's leading farming counties, built on cotton, grain sorghum, wheat, corn, and Ogallala-fed irrigation.

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Good to know

El Paso Faces Frequent Drought and Intense Summer Heat

El Paso County is one of the hottest and driest parts of Texas, with drought conditions present in most years and summer temperatures regularly above 100 degrees.

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Place pages in Hale County

AbernathyEdmonsonHale CenterPetersburgPlainview

Nearby county shelves

Floyd (6) Lamb (5) Lubbock (41) Swisher (5) Castro (5) Crosby (4)