Ekalaka, MT Hail Storm – July 2026

A thunderstorm moved through Ekalaka, Montana on July 5, 2026, producing hail up to 1.81 inches in diameter. The event ran from late afternoon into the overnight hours and generated multiple NWS alerts and radar detections.

What Happened

The storm produced a sequence of seven NWS alerts between 4:27 PM MDT on July 5 and 12:53 AM MDT on July 6. Early dual-polarization NEXRAD hail detection reported 1.39-inch stones at 4:27 PM MDT. The NWS issued two subsequent warning-only alerts at 4:52 PM MDT and 4:57 PM MDT, each indicating roughly 1.00-inch hail in the broader warning area. A later radar-detected report at 6:13 PM MDT measured about 1.42-inch hail. Overnight coverage included a 12:12 AM MDT warning-only alert noting 0.75-inch hail, followed by a 12:45 AM MDT radar-detected 0.75-inch return and a final 12:53 AM MDT warning-only alert indicating 1.00-inch hail.

Radial analysis showed discrete hail cores tracked across the Ekalaka metro area and adjacent rural sections. Radar-derived detections provide the primary evidence for stone sizes reported at 4:27 PM MDT, 6:13 PM MDT, and 12:45 AM MDT. Other alerts reflect NWS warning polygons that covered the storm path during the event. The storm is concluded.

Damage Assessment

Stone sizes present during this storm are large enough to dent metal surfaces, strip shingle granules, crack skylights, and nick exposed glass. Vehicle panels and windshield chips are common at these size classes. Roof shingles and siding can show granule loss and bruising concentrated where hail cores passed overhead.

Expect variability across short distances. Damage is most likely where radar-detected hail cores overlapped populated points in the NWS warning area around Ekalaka. Insurance inspections should prioritize areas under the radar hail returns and where vehicles were parked outdoors during the late afternoon and early evening periods.

What Contractors Should Know

Inspect roofs for granule loss, split or bruised shingles, and displaced flashing. Start with accessible visual checks from the ground and move to hands-on inspection only with proper fall protection. Photograph representative damage and include overhead views aligned with the storm timing. Record the time and location for each photo using local time stamps.

For vehicles, document dents, cracked glass, and paint scoring. Note whether vehicles were sheltered. For HVAC and rooftop equipment, check fins, housings, and external electrical enclosures for impact damage. Provide estimates that separate cosmetic panel repair from structural or weatherproofing work, and flag any secondary water intrusion risks for immediate repair.

A Strike Map is available for customers who need the precise radar-derived hail track and paid damage zone mapping for this event.