Markleeville, CA Hail Storm – June 2026

Markleeville, California experienced a concluded severe hail event on June 18, 2026, producing a peak 1.09-inch hailstone and multiple NWS radar-based alerts across the immediate metro area.

What Happened

The storm moved through the Markleeville area in a late-afternoon to early-evening window on June 18. The National Weather Service issued four separate warning-area alerts tied to dual-polarization radar detections. Alerts were issued at 4:50 PM PDT (23:50 UTC), 7:17 PM PDT (02:17 UTC), 8:04 PM PDT (03:04 UTC), and 10:07 PM PDT (05:07 UTC). Each alert cited radar-detected hail signatures within the warning area; no on-scene spotter submissions were included with those alerts. The event concluded before midnight local time. Radar-derived hail detections repeatedly returned through the evening, indicating multiple cells or pulses crossing the same corridor into the valley.

Damage Assessment

Hail from this event reached a size capable of producing cosmetic and functional damage to common materials in the Markleeville valley. Expected effects include dents and bruising to unprotected vehicles, pitting of older or untreated automotive glass, and localized denting to asphalt shingles and light-gauge metal roof panels. Vulnerable siding materials such as older vinyl or thin aluminum are at higher risk of cracking or surface deformation. Exposed agricultural assets in low-elevation fields and small orchards can show fruit bruising and leaf shredding from hail of this scale.

No storm spotter damage reports were attached to the NWS alerts that accompanied this event. Any suspected damage claims should be validated with on-site inspection and photographic documentation tied to the June 18 timeframe and the specific address or parcel.

What Contractors Should Know

Prioritize roof and vehicle assessments in the lower-elevation residential pockets and along the valley floor where radar detections concentrated. Start with photographic logs of pre-existing conditions and new damage under consistent lighting. Check asphalt shingles for localized impact marks and fracture of granules near ridge and eave lines. Inspect skylights and exposed glazing for pitting that can progress to cracks. For metal roofing, look for dents along exposed edges and fastener plates.

For emergency repairs, deploy tarping only after documenting damage and confirming structural attachment points. Use temporary fasteners rated for local wind exposure and avoid driven fasteners through compromised sheathing. For insurance workflows, provide time-stamped photos, GPS-referenced site notes, and contractor estimates that reference the June 18 event. Coordinate with vehicle owners for windshield and bodywork triage before corrosion or interior water ingress occurs.

For a precise radar-derived hail track and location-level strike mapping in the Markleeville area, consult the paid Strike Map product for exact hail swath and damage zone boundaries.