Ely, NV Hail Storm – July 2026

Ely, NV experienced a late-afternoon convective storm on July 21, 2026, producing 0.69-inch hail and localized heavy showers. The event was short-lived and concluded within the Ely warning area.

What Happened

Storm cells developed over eastern Nevada in the late afternoon and crossed the Ely urban area and adjacent rural zone. The National Weather Service issued a severe thunderstorm warning at 3:25 PM PDT (22:25 UTC) for 1-inch hail; the warning carried NWS warning only confidence. Dual-polarization radar detected discrete hail signatures and mapped hail echoes that tracked through the single-zone report area. Radar-derived hail estimates were below the warned threshold, and the event concluded without subsequent warnings for the same cell cluster. The single-zone nature of the report indicates the storm footprint remained compact across the Ely-NV metro.

Damage Assessment

The warning had NWS warning only designation and radar-detected hail echoes were sub-inch across the mapped track. For properties within the Ely warning area this level of hail typically results in cosmetic impacts rather than immediate structural failure. Observable outcomes consistent with this size include minor dents to vehicle bodywork, scuffing or surface abrasion on painted metal, punctate leaf and soft-tissue damage to landscaping, and small impact marks on exposed soft roofing materials. Asphalt shingle roofs in good condition are unlikely to suffer widespread granule loss from this event, though older or weathered shingles can show isolated damage. No spotter-verified severe damage reports were attached to the issued warning.

What Contractors Should Know

Inspect areas that received the mapped hail track first. Prioritize vehicle fleets, exposed HVAC condenser fins, solar arrays, and metal siding for visible impact marks. Document findings with timestamped photos and GPS-referenced notes. Measure and log any denting or shingle granule displacement immediately to support repair estimates and insurance submissions.

For roofing contractors, limit initial scope to surface-level assessment unless inspections reveal concentrated damage tracks. Replace or patch only documented compromise points. For exterior trades, confirm whether coatings or sealants have been breached on trim, gutters, and exposed conduit. Keep records of access routes and property boundaries within the warning area to avoid encroachment issues during canvass operations.

Subscribers seeking the precise radar-derived hail track and paid-layer damage zone should consult the Strike Map for detailed coordinates and a visual hail track overlay.