Coldwater, KS Hail Storm – July 2026

Coldwater, KS experienced a multi-zone severe hail event on July 23, 2026, producing pea- to baseball-size hail and widespread NWS warnings. The storm concluded that night after a sequence of NWS warning-area alerts and a radar-detected hail core.

What Happened

NWS issued 13 alerts between 7:32 PM CDT and 9:26 PM CDT as the storm evolved across the Coldwater metro. Early alerts at 7:32 PM and 7:45 PM indicated hail around 1.25 in. Later warning-area notices through the early evening reported hail sizes ranging from 0.75 in to 2 in. At 9:23 PM CDT a dual-polarization radar detection identified a concentrated hail core with an estimated 2.87 in diameter. The alert at 9:23 PM was the only radar-derived hail detection in the sequence; the remaining alerts were characterized as NWS warning-only products.

The warning-area footprint shifted steadily east-southeast during the event. Reported hail sizes in the warning-area alerts varied in adjacent zones, indicating a multi-cell structure rather than a single stationary supercell. The NWS warning area timestamps show escalating hail potential beginning in the early evening and peaking in the late evening with the radar-detected core.

The event is listed as concluded. No active warnings remained in the local forecast after 9:30 PM CDT.

Damage Assessment

Observed and radar-derived hail sizes ranged from roughly 0.75 in up to the event maximum of 3.43 in. Hail from 0.75 in to 1.25 in commonly causes cosmetic damage to siding, screens, and older roof shingles. Hail at or above 2 in frequently dents vehicle panels, shatters skylights, and can puncture asphalt shingles depending on shingle age and pitch.

The 2.87 in radar-detected core at 9:23 PM CDT and reported 3.43 in maximum indicate a high risk of significant roof, siding, and vehicle damage in locations intersected by the core. Expect localized broken windows and concentrated impact points on south- and west-facing surfaces where the main hail swath tracked. Assessments should prioritize structures and vehicles located inside the warning-area timestamps that bracket 9:00 PM to 9:30 PM CDT.

Document all observed damage with date- and time-stamped photos, and record measured hail sizes on-site when possible. Tie each observation to a location and time. Those details will support insurance claims and repairs for properties that intersect the radar-detected core or the NWS warning areas issued that evening.

What Contractors Should Know

Begin with a systematic roof and exterior inspection plan. Inspect for shingle granule loss, split or punctured shingles, dented metal flashing, and broken skylights. Prioritize properties with visible shingle bruising or multiple impact locations. Use lift or ladder safety best practices and confirm utility lines are de-energized before roof work. For vehicles, document dents with scale references and photograph all sides.