Melrose, NM Hail Storm – October 2025

Melrose, NM saw a concluded hail storm on 2025-10-06 with a peak confirmed hail size of 1.25 inches. The event produced five NWS alert entries from late afternoon into early evening.

What Happened

The storm first reached hail criteria at 4:32 PM MDT with 1-inch hail detected by dual-polarization radar. Alert confidence increased at 5:11 PM MDT and again at 5:39 PM MDT, when radar indicated 1.25-inch hail. Two later alerts, at 5:57 PM MDT and 6:38 PM MDT, returned 1-inch hail with radar and spotter verification.

The sequence places the strongest hail signal in the middle part of the event, with the largest verified stones detected during the late afternoon window. The storm then continued to produce smaller but still severe hail into early evening before ending. The five alerts give a multi-zone view of the hail swath across the Melrose area.

Damage Assessment

Hail in the 1-inch to 1.25-inch range can affect roofs, siding, gutters, vehicles, skylights, and soft metals. In Melrose, the radar-derived peak of 1.25 inches points to a hail threat that is larger than standard quarter-size stones and close to golf ball size.

For contractors, that size range calls for a roof-by-roof inspection, not a quick visual check from the ground. Look for bruised shingles, displaced granules, cracked vents, dented metal trim, and impact marks on north- and west-facing slopes where wind-driven hail often concentrates. On metal roofs and accessories, check seam damage, fastener movement, and punctures around thinner components.

Interior concerns matter too. If the storm hit older roofs, verify attic intrusion, stained decking, and moisture near roof penetrations. On vehicles, document hood, roof, mirror, and glass impacts before parts move or weather changes the evidence. For multifamily and commercial properties, separate losses by roof section, elevation, and exposure window so field notes match the hail timing across the event.

What Contractors Should Know

Start with the 1.25-inch alert cluster at 5:11 PM MDT and 5:39 PM MDT. Those were the strongest hail detections in the sequence. Use them as the anchor when sorting inspection routes, especially if you are comparing multiple addresses inside the Melrose warning area.

The later radar and spotter-verified alerts at 5:57 PM MDT and 6:38 PM MDT show continued hail after the peak. That pattern often leaves a mixed field report, with some properties showing only minor impact and others carrying enough damage for a full claim review. Separate direct-hit structures from fringe addresses. Mark roof age, slope direction, construction type, and any existing wear before you leave the site.

Photograph the same surfaces in the same order at every property. Start with elevations, then roof planes, soft metals, window screens, HVAC fins, and vehicles. Keep timestamps on each set. If a property shows only light cosmetic marks, note that clearly. If there are dents on metal and impacts on roofing materials, flag it for a full inspection path.