Bottineau, ND Hail Storm – July 2026

Bottineau, ND · July 15, 2026. A multi-zone hail storm is tracking through the Bottineau metro early this morning, producing radar-detected hail up to 2.52 inches and continuing to produce severe returns.

What Happened

Storm activity began before dawn and is ongoing. The event generated two NWS hail alerts within the Bottineau warning area. The first alert was issued at 2:23 AM CDT with dual-polarization radar indicating stones near 1.76 inches. The second alert was issued at 3:21 AM CDT with dual-polarization radar indicating stones near 1.80 inches. Both alerts were based on NEXRAD hail detections and reflect a multi-zone aggregate storm signature moving through the county.

Radar trends show persistent strong reflectivity cores traversing the metro and nearby rural roads. Returns remain organized and are continuing to produce large hail and frequent heavy precipitation. Field reports are still being collected while the storm is active. The event is a live, evolving situation. Additional alerts or expansions to the warning area are possible as cells track through town and the surrounding county.

Damage Assessment

Radar indicates stones larger than golf-ball size in multiple cells as they cross Bottineau. Hail of this size can fracture vehicle glass, dent metal panels, and cause localized roof shingle loss where impact angles concentrate on exposed surfaces. Farm equipment and unshielded outdoor infrastructure along county roads and near the downtown grid are at elevated risk while the storm is active.

Vegetation impacts are likely in standing crops at the storm's path. Leaves and tender plant tissue can be stripped from corn and soybean fields when stones exceed one and a half inches. Reported hail sizes from the alert sequence correlate with potential for broken greenhouse glazing and damaged solar panels on fixed arrays if panels are struck at steep angles.

What Contractors Should Know

Safety is the priority. Work crews in the Bottineau metro and adjacent townships should halt exterior operations until radar returns weaken and the NWS warning area is cleared. Inspect staging areas and parked equipment for hail-induced dents, shattered glazing, and concentrated shingle loss after the storm passes. Document damage with time-stamped photos taken from safe locations and log GPS coordinates where possible.

For immediate repairs, prioritize temporary tarps over roofs showing missing shingles to prevent water intrusion from subsequent rainfall. For vehicle fleets, move serviceable vehicles into covered storage only after radar indicates the threat has passed. Record serial numbers and model details of damaged equipment to expedite insurance and procurement workflows. Schedule detailed roof and siding assessments once the warning area is lifted and ground teams can operate safely.

Paid subscribers can view the Strike Map for precise hail track and damage zone detail.