Bagley, MN Hail Storm – July 2026

Bagley, Minnesota, July 3, 2026. A late‑afternoon hail storm produced a peak 1.55‑inch hail diameter and generated two NWS warning areas as it moved across the metro.

What Happened

The storm moved through the Bagley area in late afternoon into early evening. NWS issued two radar-supported alerts during the event. At 4:33 PM CDT (21:33 UTC) the first alert reported radar-detected hail at 1.4 inches. At 5:28 PM CDT (22:28 UTC) a subsequent alert reported radar-detected hail at 1.25 inches. Dual-polarization NEXRAD radar detections indicated the strongest return during the late-afternoon pulse, and reports were aggregated across multiple warning areas for the Bagley metro.

Storm structure featured strong cores with brief, intense downdrafts typical of pulse severe cells. The observed hail sizes were concentrated along a narrow path through the western and central portions of the Bagley warning areas. The event concluded in the early evening; no active warnings remained after the 5:28 PM alert.

Damage Assessment

Hail between roughly one and one-and-a-half inches in diameter commonly produces cosmetic and functional damage to exposed surfaces. Asphalt shingles, especially older or already-brittle roofs, often show granule loss, bruising, and occasional cracking after strikes in this size range. Vehicles in driveways and on streets may exhibit panel dents, chipped paint, and damaged trim. Skylights, thin metal roofing, and vinyl siding are at elevated risk for cracking or punctures when struck by hail near one-and-a-half inches.

Ground-level assets such as air-conditioning condensers, solar panels, and outdoor equipment can sustain dents and bent fins that reduce performance. Agricultural impacts are possible for specialty crops and horticulture, with leaf shredding and fruit scarring likely where hail density was highest. Inspections in Bagley that document roof granule loss, dent patterns on vehicles, and concentrated surface impacts will support repair and insurance workflows.

What Contractors Should Know

Prioritize roof and exterior inspections in the mapped warning areas. Photograph roofs with scale and location metadata before any disturbance. Note granule loss, cracked or displaced shingles, and soft spots at hips and ridges. For vehicles and mechanical equipment, record dent size and distribution and collect owner statements on when vehicles were moved or sheltered.

Separate emergency repairs from permanent fixes. Temporary tarps and fast-response tarping should be documented with photos showing the condition before and after. Obtain NWS alert timestamps and radar-detected hail sizes when filing claims or estimating scope. Paid Strike Map subscribers can access the precise hail track and the damage zone for this event.