Miles City, MT Hail Storm – July 2026

Miles City, MT experienced hail up to 1.83 inches on July 3, 2026, as a multi-zone thunderstorm moved through late afternoon into early evening. The event is concluded and produced two separate NWS alerts covering the storm path.

What Happened

Late afternoon on July 3, a radar-detected hail signature prompted the first alert at 4:52 PM MDT. Dual-polarization NEXRAD hail detection indicated hail near 1.51 inches inside that warning area. The storm redeveloped and produced a second NWS warning at 7:39 PM MDT. That second alert reported 1.00-inch hail inside the warning polygon but did not have matching radar hail detection. The combined alerts form a multi-zone aggregate report for the Miles City metro area. Observations and radar returns diminished after early evening and the event concluded.

Damage Assessment

Reported hail sizes for this event ranged from roughly 1.00 inch to 1.83 inches. Hail near 1.00 inch typically dents vehicle panels, chips paint, and strips loose granules from asphalt shingles. Hail around 1.5 inches increases the probability of shingle bruising, cracked polycarbonate skylights, and more pronounced vehicle body damage. At 1.83 inches, hail is slightly larger than a golf ball and can fracture brittle roof tiles, crack older solar panels, shatter single-pane windows, and cause concentrated impact damage to siding and HVAC condenser fins.

Expected effects vary with exposure and roof age. New laminated shingles tolerate impact better than aged three-tab shingles. Vehicles parked without cover show a higher incidence of panel dents and glass damage. Solar arrays mounted without impact-resistant glass or microinverters are more vulnerable to cell fractures at these sizes.

What Contractors Should Know

Inspect roofs first. Document granule loss, bruising, and any fractures with photos that include a measuring scale and clear location markers. Note roof age, shingle type, and any pre-existing deterioration. Check gutters, skylights, vents, soffits, siding, HVAC external coils, and exposed solar modules. For vehicles and exterior glass, photograph dents and chips from multiple angles and record VIN or address information where the damage was observed.

Advise clients on temporary protection and claims documentation. Apply temporary tarps only after a written condition assessment. Mark and log all repairs and replacement recommendations. Estimate repairs conservatively when substrate damage is visible beneath shingles. Prioritize safety—do not walk on wet or heavily bruised roofs without fall protection. For teams mapping impact lines and precise strike locations, consult the Strike Map product for paid access to the radar-derived hail track and damage zone mapping.