Haviland, KS Hail Storm – July 2026

A hail-producing thunderstorm moved through Haviland, Kansas on July 9, 2026, producing stones up to 2.59 inches in diameter. The event generated multiple NWS alerts and radar-detected hail reports and is now concluded.

What Happened

The storm developed in the late afternoon and persisted into the early morning hours. The first NWS alert issued at 4:27 PM CDT; the final alert issued at 1:47 AM CDT. StormSnipe recorded 20 NWS alerts tied to the event. Seven of those alerts included dual-polarization radar detections. Thirteen were NWS warning only alerts without radar-derived hail signatures.

Radar-detected hail reports included measured returns consistent with 2.25 inches, 1.72 inches, 1.63 inches, 1.60 inches, 1.57 inches, 1.41 inches and 1.13 inches. NWS warning-only messages clustered around 0.75 to 1.00 inch. Alerts were issued in a repeating sequence through late afternoon, evening, and after midnight as cells redeveloped and tracked across the Haviland area.

Damage Assessment

Alerted hail sizes during the event ranged from roughly 0.75 inch to multiple radar readings above 1.5 inches. In Haviland, that range corresponds to likely vehicle denting and shingle impact on exposed roofing types where strikes were concentrated. Repeated impacts at the larger radar-detected sizes increase the probability of fractured asphalt shingles and torn vinyl siding on exposed elevations.

Areas that experienced repeated alerts and radar detections warrant close inspection. Window glazing and skylights on structures with western and southern exposures should be checked first. Roof-mounted solar panels, air-conditioning condensers, and exposed mechanical equipment are at elevated risk where larger radar returns were recorded.

What Contractors Should Know

Triage inspections should start at properties near the heaviest alert concentration and radar-detected signatures. Prioritize photographic documentation of vehicle panels, roof slopes, gutters, and mechanical equipment before any temporary repairs. Measure and record hail diameters found on-site and compare them to the July 9 alert sequence to correlate damage to the strongest passes.

Estimate teams should note the mix of NWS warning-only alerts and radar-detected returns when assigning scope. Repeated sub-inch strikes can cause cumulative shingle granule loss that is not obvious from a single pass. Use walkable-surface tests, high-resolution imagery, and targeted ladder inspections rather than blanket replacement recommendations.

Refer to the Strike Map for the precise hail track and paid damage zone data.