Linn, KS Hail Storm – April 2026

What Happened

Linn, KS saw a severe hail event on April 9, 2026, with peak hail reaching 1.25 inches in the morning hours. The storm was concluded.

A severe thunderstorm alert was issued at 9:32 AM CDT. The alert called for 1.25-inch hail and was backed by dual-polarization radar from NEXRAD hail detection. The event was mapped as a single-zone storm report in the Linn metro area.

The alert window centered on late morning across the warning area. Radar data supported the hail threat before the storm moved out of the area and the event closed.

Damage Assessment

Hail at 1.25 inches can produce denting on vehicles, cracked window screens, and impact marks on softer roof materials. It can also leave visible bruising on siding, trim, vents, and outdoor equipment.

Field crews should expect damage to vary sharply across short distances. A single hail swath can produce roof claims on one block and only cosmetic impact on the next. In Linn, the strongest hail signal was tied to the radar-detected track during the morning alert.

Crews working this event should document impact points with roof slope, exposure, and material type. Metal surfaces can show denting quickly. Asphalt shingles may show bruising or granular loss that is less obvious from the ground. Soft metals, painted trim, skylight frames, and condensers deserve close inspection.

Watch for secondary losses tied to water intrusion after the storm. Even a brief hail burst can loosen sealant, damage flashings, or open small entry points around vents and edges. In single-zone events, the most useful early evidence often comes from the first set of exterior photos and a direct review of the roof field notes.

What Contractors Should Know

Start with the highest-impact surfaces. Roof planes, gutters, downspouts, windows, siding, garage doors, and HVAC units should be checked first. Record pitch, slope direction, and the exact side of the structure that faced the storm path. That detail helps separate hail impact from unrelated wear.

Use close-range inspection methods where the damage pattern is subtle. Asphalt roofs may need granular loss checks, soft metal checks, and slope-by-slope comparisons. On metal roofing, even shallow dents can reveal the hail footprint. On vehicle fleets, mirror housings, hoods, and roof panels often show the first visible impacts.

Keep documentation tied to the local storm timeline. The 9:32 AM CDT alert is the anchor point for this event. If you are canvassing in Linn, focus on properties within the morning hail path and compare damage reports against the storm’s mapped track.

For lead routing and field planning, use the Strike Map for precise hail track data.