Augusta, ME Hail Storm – June 2026

A hail storm tracked through Augusta, Maine, late afternoon on June 28, 2026, producing 1-inch stones and prompting an NWS warning at 5:21 PM EDT. The event was spotter-verified and exercised a short-lived radar hail signature across the Augusta metro.

What Happened

An NWS severe thunderstorm warning for 1-inch hail was issued at 5:21 PM EDT for the Augusta metro. Radar scans showed a distinct hail signature moving northeast through the city during the late-afternoon convective pulse. A spotter-verified field observation tied to a public Facebook post arrived at 5:36 PM EDT and described stones ranging from roughly dime to quarter size, with the time estimated by radar. The storm cell weakened within 30 to 45 minutes after the warning and is listed as concluded.

Damage Assessment

Field observers photographed hail accumulating on pavement and vehicle surfaces in the Augusta metro. The spotter-verified Facebook submission included multiple images of stones on car hoods and sidewalks. No spotter report in the submitted field data documented roof failure, siding loss, or other structural collapse attributable to this event. Local observations indicate concentrated deposition near the area captured in the posted images rather than a broad swath of continuous damage.

Where quarter-size stones were visible in the photos, expect small dents in soft metal panels and surface abrasions to exposed vinyl and rubber components. Dime-size stones in the same images were unlikely to produce through-the-roof breaches on asphalt shingles but can strip granules and accelerate wear on older roofing. Photographs show wet surfaces and localized pooling directly beneath photographed cars, consistent with brief heavy precipitation coincident with the hail pulse.

What Contractors Should Know

Inspect vehicles and exterior equipment first. Photographs from the spotter post show hail on car hoods and windshields in the immediate area. Start with a drive-by to document visible dents, cracked glass, and dent patterns on metal panels. Photograph items from multiple angles and include a time-stamped reference in images. Note the 5:36 PM EDT timestamp from the spotter observation when documenting initial conditions.

For roofing crews, prioritize older roofs and the windward sides of structures within the photographed area. Quarter-size stones can remove shingle granules and create isolated impact marks that are not always visible from ground level. Use a binocular or drone inspection where safe and permitted. Avoid walking soft or recently wet shingles unless the roof is rated for that work; rely on non-invasive imaging first and follow with a targeted, hands-on inspection if necessary.

Check mechanical equipment and exposed finishes. Air-conditioning condenser fins, vehicle AC condensers, and aluminum gutters are susceptible to small dents from quarter-size hail. Look for fin damage, bent metal, and concentrated dings on horizontal surfaces. Document all findings with scale references and location notes tied to the Augusta metro neighborhoods photographed in the field report.