Rawlins, WY Hail Storm – May 2026

A multi-zone hail storm is tracking through Rawlins, WY on May 9, 2026, producing a storm-wide maximum of 1.13 inches and continuing to develop into the early evening. The system is producing discrete hail cores and varying intensity across the metro.

What Happened

The storm generated three NWS alerts across the Rawlins metro on May 9. At 2:43 PM MDT (20:43 UTC) a hail alert noted radar-detected cores sized to 1.25 inches based on dual-polarization radar. At 4:21 PM MDT (22:21 UTC) a second radar-detected alert reported smaller hail near three-quarters of an inch. A 5:00 PM MDT (23:00 UTC) NWS warning-only alert followed, citing up to 1.00-inch hail within the warning area. The alert sequence shows fluctuating core intensity and multiple hail-producing cells moving through the same corridor. The storm is still active and continuing to produce hail and thunderstorm winds across segments of the metro.

Radar coverage shows compact cores embedded in a broader convective line, producing localized bursts. The three alerts cover distinct zones across the Rawlins warning area. Field reports and radar sampling returned a maximum measured hail diameter of 1.13 inches within the aggregated event area. Expect continued variability as new cells move through during the late afternoon and early evening.

Damage Assessment

Alert sizes range from about 0.75 inches to radar-detected cores exceeding one inch. In Rawlins neighborhoods and adjacent outlying areas that received the larger cores, vehicular body damage and denting are likely on exposed cars and light trucks parked outdoors. Roof finishes with weakened or aged asphalt shingles can show bruising and accelerated granule loss where hail exceeded one inch. Skylights, solar panels, and unshielded mechanical equipment are vulnerable where hail cores were most intense.

Smaller hail cores reported in the storm will produce cosmetic damage to siding, paint chips, and superficial denting on thinner metal surfaces. Insurance adjusters and contractors working in the Rawlins metro should prioritize visual inspection of parked vehicles, roof coverings, HVAC condenser units, and exterior glazing in areas under the radar-detected cores and the NWS warning area.

What Contractors Should Know

Document conditions immediately. Photograph damage with a clear scale reference and note the specific time and street-level location. Use the NWS warning area polygons and the radar alert times to cross-reference inspection priorities. For roofs, perform a walkaround first to identify granule loss, split or fractured shingles, and damaged flashings. Avoid ladder work until conditions are safe; hail-producing cells remain active.

Plan triage by segmenting work into high-, medium-, and low-priority repairs based on visible structural impact and exposure to the active storm path. Secure temporary covers for damaged openings and protect interior assets before beginning permanent repairs. Coordinate with vehicle owners and property managers to document pre-repair conditions for claims and invoicing. See the Strike Map for precise hail track data.