Miles City, MT Hail Storm – May 2026

Miles City, MT recorded a radar-detected hail event on May 30, 2026, with peak hail reaching 1.78 inches in diameter. The event occurred in the early evening and has concluded.

What Happened

NWS issued a sequence of three alerts tied to the same storm cluster on May 30. The first alert at 6:32 PM MDT identified 1.78-inch hail based on dual-polarization NEXRAD hail detection. A follow-up alert at 7:19 PM MDT showed 1.46-inch radar returns along the storm track. A final alert at 7:28 PM MDT registered 1.00-inch hail signatures as the system moved east of the Miles City metro.

Radar returns showed a concentrated hail swath through the Miles City metro area between late afternoon and early evening. The event produced multiple, discrete hail cores rather than a single continuous line. The storm sequence is concluded and no active NWS severe warnings remain for the metro area.

Damage Assessment

Peak radar-detected hail reached 1.78 inches in the Miles City metro. Hail in the 1.0 to 1.78-inch range can dent unprotected metal and aluminum surfaces on vehicles and agricultural equipment. Roofing materials such as three-tab asphalt shingles are at risk of granule loss and bruising where impacts concentrated. Skylights and older single-pane glass are vulnerable to cracking from impacts approaching 1.75 inches.

Observed radar magnitudes indicate the highest impact potential concentrated near the 6:32 PM MDT detection point and along the subsequent 7:19 PM MDT track. Where hail accumulation occurred, yard debris and lighter outdoor equipment may show impact damage. Field verification is required to determine actual loss at individual properties.

What Contractors Should Know

Perform a targeted exterior inspection on roofs, vehicles, and exposed mechanical equipment in the Miles City metro first. Photograph all damage with a scale reference and note exact addresses and coordinates when possible. Prioritize sheets of metal, HVAC condenser fins, and vehicle panels for early assessment. Use binoculars or a drone for initial roof surveys where access is unsafe.

Document inspection dates and maintain a chronological photo log for any insurance or repair estimates. For roofing concerns, mark suspected impact zones and arrange for a hands-on evaluation under safe conditions. Temporary tarping is appropriate for active leaks, but attach tarps only where they will not cause further damage. Consult the Strike Map for the paid damage zone product to pinpoint radar-derived hail tracks before scheduling crews.

See the Strike Map for precise, paid-product hail track data and the radar-derived damage zone for this Miles City event.