Linton, ND Hail Storm – July 2026

A late-afternoon hail storm moved through Linton, North Dakota on July 3, 2026, producing 1.5-inch stones and leaving photographic evidence at about 4:30 PM CDT. The event generated two separate dual-polarization radar hail detections during the late-afternoon window.

What Happened

Dual-polarization radar detected two distinct hail alerts in the Linton warning area at 4:23 PM CDT and 4:49 PM CDT. The detections bracket a late-afternoon period of convective activity that passed through the town and immediate outskirts. At 4:30 PM CDT a spotter-verified photograph was relayed by broadcast media showing hail collected next to a quarter. Radar-detected hail signatures and the spotter photo coincide temporally with the NWS warning area issued for the event. The radar returns indicate discrete hail cores rather than a long-lived supercell signature. Movement through the Linton metro occurred over roughly a half-hour window of observable hail echoes on NEXRAD hail detection products.

Damage Assessment

Surface impact evidence for this event is limited to the spotter-verified photograph taken in the Linton area. The image shows whole hail on the ground in a residential or roadside setting; no local storm reports documented structural roof failures or widespread vehicle damage in the same reporting package. Dual-polarization radar shows focused hail detections confined to the warning area rather than a broad swath across surrounding counties. Field indicators suggest localized yard and minor exterior impacts where hail accumulated on exposed surfaces. There are no additional NWS local storm reports tied to this event listing torn roofing or downed trees.

What Contractors Should Know

Inspect south- and west-facing roof slopes first. Late-afternoon sun and wind orientation in Linton mean those exposures are most likely to show granule loss or impact bruising after compact hail falls. Walk rooftop surfaces under safe conditions and look for granule matting, bruised asphalt shingles, and small divots in single-layer roofing. Note any areas with concentrated dark streaking where hail accumulation may have scoured granules.

Check gutters, soft metals, and mechanical equipment at ground level. The photographic evidence indicates whole stones on lawns and pavement. Expect dents in aluminum trim, gutters, and exposed HVAC cabinet panels near where the photo was taken. Vehicles parked in driveways should be evaluated for shallow dents and cracked paint, focusing on hood and roof panels.

Document findings with time-stamped photos and geotags tied to Linton addresses. Prioritize visible exterior items first, then schedule lift access only if roof evidence suggests shingle compromise. For planning and targeted field work, use the radar-detected timing window centered on the late-afternoon alerts to align canvass routes with the likely path through the town.