Decker, MT Hail Storm – May 2026

Decker, MT experienced a concluded hail-producing thunderstorm in the early evening of May 30, 2026. Dual-polarization radar detected hail reaching 1.58 inches at the storm peak.

What Happened

The storm moved through Decker in the late afternoon into early evening on May 30, 2026. NWS issued one severe thunderstorm alert during the event. The alert timestamped 6:40 PM MDT indicated radar-detected hail and prompted the warning polygon for the local area. Dual-polarization NEXRAD data identified the strongest return associated with hail near the town during that scan. The event is concluded and no additional alerts were issued for this cell after 6:40 PM MDT.

Damage Assessment

Hail this size commonly causes surface damage to vehicle paint and glass chips on exposed automobiles. Asphalt shingles can sustain bruising and granule loss where hail strikes repeatedly. Unprotected skylights and single-pane windows are at increased risk for glazing damage or breakage. Metal-clad vents, air-conditioning units, and satellite dishes can show dents and deformation under repeated large-stone impacts.

There are no spotter-verified damage reports attached to the warning record for this event. Inspections in Decker should prioritize photographic documentation of dents, punctures, and missing shingle granules. Record exact locations and timestamps for each observation to match with radar-derived impact estimates.

What Contractors Should Know

Begin exterior assessments at the property line and move systematically across the roof and cladding. Photograph every damaged element with a scale reference. Measure and log hail dents on vehicles and HVAC components, and note any glass fractures or skylight failures. For roofs, document broken tabs, fractured shingles, and concentrated granule loss adjacent to penetration points. Include coordinates or street addresses for each finding.

Prioritize temporary protections for exposed openings and compromised equipment to prevent secondary water intrusion. Provide homeowners with a concise scope of visible damage and a recommended timeline for permanent repairs. Maintain chain-of-custody for removed materials and keep dated photos to support conditions at inspection time.

The paid Strike Map provides the precise hail track and the damage zone for this event.