Eureka, SD Hail Storm – April 2026

Eureka, South Dakota saw a late-evening severe thunderstorm on April 22, 2026 that produced hail up to 1 inch across the metro area. The storm has concluded.

What Happened

A short-lived severe cell moved through the Eureka, SD metro late on April 22. The National Weather Service issued two severe thunderstorm warnings for the area. The first warning was issued at 8:58 PM CDT (01:58 UTC) and cited 0.75-inch hail. A second warning followed at 9:22 PM CDT (02:22 UTC) and cited 0.75-inch hail. Both alerts were issued as NWS warning only.

Local radar returns and post-event reporting indicate hail reached as large as 1 inch in parts of the metro. The event was concentrated in the early evening period and cleared the area within roughly an hour after the second warning.

Damage Assessment

Reported hail sizes ranged from pea to roughly 1 inch. Hail in that range commonly dents vehicle panels and can bruise soft landscaping. Asphalt shingle roofs can show visible granule loss where hail struck repeatedly. Vinyl siding and outdoor fixtures may display impact marks or chipped paint.

In Eureka, the highest hail readings came from areas within the NWS warning area for the two alerts. Expect isolated vehicle dents and minor exterior cosmetic damage on exposed structures. No widespread roof failures are expected from this size of hail, but localized repairs are likely where hail concentrated on parked vehicles or exposed rooftop sections.

What Contractors Should Know

Prioritize visual inspections for granule loss on asphalt shingles, dents in metal flashings, and damaged gutters. Photograph and geotag all observed impacts. Note the hail size range cited in the NWS warnings (0.75 inch) alongside any field measurements that show up to 1 inch. Record location-specific observations to separate storm-impacted addresses from unaffected nearby properties.

Use conservative estimates for replacement vs. repair decisions. Soft-trip items such as screens, solar panels, and HVAC condenser fins may need targeted repairs rather than full replacement. Maintain ladder and fall protection protocols during rooftop assessments. Schedule follow-up inspections after temporary tarping, and document any temporary measures with timestamps and worker initials.

Paid subscribers can view the Strike Map for the precise hail track and the mapped damage zone for this event.