Bergen, NY Hail Storm – May 2026

Bergen, NY is tracking a hail-producing storm on May 9, 2026. Peak hail reached 1.07 inches while the system continues to produce severe conditions.

What Happened

The storm moved through Bergen in the early evening on May 9. The National Weather Service issued two warning-area alerts: a 1.00-inch hail warning at 7:09 PM EDT and a 0.75-inch hail warning at 7:52 PM EDT. Both alerts were based on the warning area and not on spotter reports. Radar and NWS products indicate the strongest return focused on the central Bergen metro corridor. The event remains active and is continuing to produce hail and strong gusts as it tracks northeast.

Damage Assessment

Observed and reported hail sizes range up to 1.07 inches in diameter within Bergen. Hail of this size commonly produces dents to vehicle sheet metal, chips to older asphalt shingles, and localized window and siding damage where exposures are unprotected. In residential areas near Main Street and County Road 12, yards and light landscaping are likely to show broken leaves and stripped bark on smaller ornamental trees. Commercial properties with flat roofing should be inspected for soft-surface bruising and membrane punctures in the next 24 to 48 hours.

Owners should document exterior damage with timestamped photos before any cleanup. Note the location and orientation of hail impacts on vehicles and roof slopes. Retain debris samples where practical for insurance and contractor review. Do not perform roof repairs on wet or actively storming surfaces.

What Contractors Should Know

Inspect roofs for impact patterns consistent with 0.75 to 1.07-inch hail. Prioritize asphalt shingle granule loss, dents in metal flashings, and concentrated impact zones on south- and west-facing slopes. Use rope-protecting techniques and fall protection when accessing peaked roofs. For flat roofs, check for soft spots and membrane abrasions rather than relying solely on visible punctures.

Photograph every structure-level defect from ground level and rooftop vantage points. Time-stamp all reports and keep a running log of addresses within the NWS warning area. Coordinate with property owners on temporary tarps only after documenting pre-existing conditions. Expect initial claims to reference the NWS warning-area alerts issued at 7:09 PM EDT and 7:52 PM EDT.

Precise hail track data and the paid Strike Map showing the radar-derived damage zone are available for subscribers seeking exact impact locations.