Broadus, MT Hail Storm – July 2026

Broadus, MT experienced a concluded hail-producing thunderstorm on July 8, 2026, with peak hail measuring 1.13 inches in diameter. The event prompted a single NWS alert driven by radar hail detection.

What Happened

At 3:04 AM MDT on July 8, 2026, the National Weather Service issued one severe thunderstorm alert for the Broadus, MT metro area after NEXRAD dual-polarization radar detected hail signatures consistent with hailstones up to 1.25 inches. The NWS alert area covered the city and immediate rural surroundings. Radar-derived hail returns persisted for a limited period during the early morning hours before the storm moved out of the metro footprint. The event is listed as concluded.

Damage Assessment

Public feeds and local reports have not produced spotter-verified damage tied to this event in the Broadus area. Hail of this diameter commonly causes cosmetic and functional damage to exposed materials. Typical effects include windshield chips and rock-pattern pitting on vehicle paint, dents in aluminum and vinyl siding, granule loss and bruising on asphalt shingles, and localized cracking of skylights or polycarbonate panels. Light agricultural foliage damage and bruising of soft fruit can occur on exposed crops.

Inspection priorities should target vehicles parked outdoors within the NWS alert area, roofing systems with remaining service life under question, and rooftop equipment such as HVAC units and solar arrays. Photograph any suspected impact, note exact locations, and document pre-existing wear to separate prior deterioration from new hail damage.

What Contractors Should Know

Begin field work with a safety-first approach. Confirm stable ladder and roof access points before personnel ascend. Use a moisture meter or infrared scan where practical to identify underlying shingle delamination or saturated decking that may not be visible from a roof walk. For vehicles, document chips and dents with scale references and multiple angles. For roofing, focus on granule loss patterns, torn or split shingles, and exposure at flashings and penetrations.

Estimate replacement needs using measured hail size and observed damage patterns. Prioritize temporary protections only where interior water intrusion is active or likely. Prepare clear, dated photologs for each structure and include GPS coordinates when possible. Coordinate with property owners on insurance contact points and keep recommendations specific to the observed damage on-site.

For a precise, radar-derived hail track and the paid damage zone overlay, reference the Strike Map for this Broadus, MT event.