Yes, hail causes holes and craters in your shingles or knocks off granules or shingles, exposing roof felt and leading to leaks. The leaks can happen immediately after the hail impact strike, or they can develop over time in a hail-damaged shingle.
Hailstones can vary in size. Larger hailstones can cause significant damage to roofing materials.
Hail can also damage the flashing around chimneys, vents, and other roof penetrations. If the flashing is loosened or damaged, it can create entry points for water. If left unrepaired, water can spread throughout the roofing system and cause further damage.
If you suspect hail damage, contact a roofing professional immediately to have your roof inspected and repaired with tarping or shrink-wrapping, if needed.