West Lafayette, IN Hail Storm – June 2026

West Lafayette, IN saw multiple hail-producing thunderstorms on June 6, 2026, with stones reaching 1.8 inches across parts of the metro. The event produced a sequence of NWS warnings and a radar hail detection from mid-afternoon into the late evening.

What Happened

The storm complex affected the West Lafayette metro from mid-afternoon into late evening on June 6. Seven NWS alerts were issued between 2:46 PM EDT and 9:01 PM EDT. The sequence of alerts and key detection notes:

• 2:46 PM EDT – 1.00-inch hail reported in an NWS warning only.
• 2:55 PM EDT – 1.09-inch hail detected by dual-polarization radar.
• 3:24 PM EDT – 1.00-inch hail reported in an NWS warning only.
• 6:40 PM EDT – 0.75-inch hail reported in an NWS warning only.
• 6:53 PM EDT – 0.75-inch hail reported in an NWS warning only.
• 8:09 PM EDT – 1.00-inch hail reported in an NWS warning only.
• 9:01 PM EDT – 0.88-inch hail reported in an NWS warning only.

One radar-derived hail detection occurred in the mid-afternoon period. The other six alerts were issued as NWS warning-only reports. The storm is concluded. Field crews and local spotters reported localized impacts consistent with hail-bearing cores moving through the metro.

Damage Assessment

Stones at the upper end of the event's sizes are large enough to dent metal and damage asphalt roofing shingles. Roofing exposure should be checked for bruising, granule loss, and cracked or displaced shingles. Vehicles parked outdoors are at risk for panel dents, cracked glass, and broken mirrors where hail struck directly.

Smaller stones in the 0.75–1.1 inch range commonly cause chipped siding, cracked outdoor light fixtures, and potted plant loss. Skylights, solar panels, and HVAC units with exposed fins or condenser coils are vulnerable where hail concentration was greatest. Document visible damage with geotagged photos and note the time and location of each observation to support claims and repair estimates.

What Contractors Should Know

Prioritize safety and progression. Complete a visual roof walk from the ground first. Use binoculars or drone imagery to identify areas with lost granules, shingle edge failure, and concentrated impact patterns. Mark suspected impact clusters for targeted inspection. Confirm structural or glazing failures before removing or replacing materials.

Prepare scopes of work organized by priority – emergency tarps and temporary roof coverings first, then full shingle replacement or panel repairs. Photograph pre-repair conditions and keep device timestamps intact. Coordinate with property owners on insurance documentation and provide itemized repair estimates by address and roof section. Use local hail concentration data to plan canvass routes and allocate crews efficiently.