Grass Range, MT Hail Storm – July 2026

Grass Range, MT recorded hail up to 1.6 inches on July 3, 2026, from a concluded, multi-zone thunderstorm that moved through the area. The storm generated a sequence of NWS alerts and multiple radar detections across the metro.

What Happened

The storm produced four distinct NWS alerts between mid-afternoon and early evening on July 3. At 2:34 PM MDT (20:34 UTC) dual-polarization NEXRAD radar indicated 1.5-inch hail in the western portion of the metro. Around 3 PM MDT (21:00 UTC) an NWS warning reported 1.0-inch hail across central sectors; that warning was issued without a concurrent radar detection. In the late afternoon, a radar-detected alert at 4:58 PM MDT (22:58 UTC) registered the largest return in the sequence. Early evening radar returns at 7:08 PM MDT (01:08 UTC) showed 1.4-inch hail as the system weakened.

Radar-detected returns were the primary evidence for the larger hail signatures. One alert relied on an NWS warning only, without a matching radar hail signature at issuance time. The event concluded after the 7:08 PM MDT radar return as the convective cluster decayed and ground reports did not indicate ongoing hail later that night.

Damage Assessment

Hail ranged from around one inch to the peak radar-detected signature. Hail in the 1.0-inch range commonly causes cosmetic damage to vehicle paint and can ding exterior metal panels. Hail above 1.25 inches increases the risk of localized shingle damage on asphalt roofs, denting of metal siding, and damage to outdoor equipment.

The late-afternoon radar peak corresponds to the highest potential for concentrated impacts along the storm path. Property owners should expect denting to vehicles parked outdoors in affected neighborhoods. Roof inspections should prioritize areas with visible granule loss, exposed underlayment, or split shingles. Window and skylight damage is less likely at these sizes but can occur where objects were directly struck or where older glazing exists.

What Contractors Should Know

Inspection teams should deploy with a clear checklist. Start with vehicle and metal surface assessments for dents and paint gouges. Move to roofing: document granule loss, cracked or missing shingles, and any soft spots on decking. Photograph every issue with a dated reference and the nearest street or GPS coordinate. Note that hail size varied along the track; record local observations rather than applying a single damage assessment to an entire municipality.

Repair crews should stage common roofing materials and fasteners for standard shingle replacement and temporary tarping where decking exposure is found. Window contractors should prioritize properties with reported glass damage or visible impact patterns. Use safety protocols for wet or unstable roofs after convective activity. Coordinate with property owners about temporary measures and provide itemized estimates that separate hail-specific repairs from wear-and-tear items.