Chadron, NE Hail Storm – July 2026

A multi-zone hail-producing thunderstorm moved through Chadron, NE on July 9, 2026, producing hail up to 2.22 inches in diameter. The event ran from mid-afternoon into the early evening and is now concluded.

What Happened

The storm produced seven NWS alerts across the Chadron metro between mid-afternoon and early evening on July 9. Activity began around 3:20 PM CDT and continued through 6:59 PM CDT as the system tracked eastward across the area.

Alert sequence (local times and detection):

• 3:20 PM CDT – 1.14-inch hail detected by dual-polarization radar.
• 3:57 PM CDT – 1.77-inch hail detected by dual-polarization radar.
• 4:40 PM CDT – 2.15-inch hail detected by dual-polarization radar.
• 5:21 PM CDT – 2.19-inch hail reported and spotter-verified.
• 5:59 PM CDT – two simultaneous radar detections of 1.50-inch and 1.17-inch hail.
• 6:59 PM CDT – 1.42-inch hail detected by dual-polarization radar.

NWS issued seven alerts tied to this single storm complex. Radar-detected returns reached the 2.15-inch range by 4:40 PM CDT. A spotter-verified 2.19-inch report arrived at 5:21 PM CDT. Storm status: concluded.

Damage Assessment

Observed hail sizes ranged from roughly 1.1 to 2.22 inches. Radar-detected 1.1–1.8-inch hail in the early and mid-afternoon alerts typically causes denting to unprotected vehicles, bruising to exposed crops, and localized impact to vinyl siding in the Chadron area. Dual-polarization returns at and above 2.15 inches on the storm's core correspond with higher risk to roofing materials.

Spotter-verified hail at 5:21 PM CDT and radar returns near 2.15 inches indicate potential for shingle granule loss, split or lifted asphalt shingle tabs, broken skylight glass, and more pronounced vehicle panel damage where the storm core passed. Inspectors should expect the greatest loss concentration along the storm track identified in the alert sequence and within areas covered by the NWS warning polygons issued during the event.

What Contractors Should Know

Prioritize inspections on properties located along the 4:40–5:30 PM CDT core track where radar returns and a spotter report exceeded 2.1 inches. For roofing, document granule loss, tab separation, and membrane punctures with time-stamped photos before conducting temporary repairs. For vehicles and exterior equipment, log dents and cracked glass with measurements and GPS-tagged images.

Stage crews and materials where NWS warnings overlapped populated corridors in the Chadron metro. Schedule tarping and temporary fixes ahead of full replacements. Coordinate with adjusters using the alert times and locations above to align field notes to the storm timeline.

Paid subscribers can access the Strike Map for precise hail track and damage zone mapping.