Forbes, MN Hail Storm – July 2026

A multi-alert severe storm is tracking through Forbes, MN on July 26–27, 2026, producing hail up to 3.94 inches and continuing to develop across the metro. The event is generating repeated NWS alerts and radar-detected hail signatures.

What Happened

The storm began issuing alerts the evening of July 26 and continued into the early morning of July 27. The NWS issued eight alerts tied to this storm, covering the broader NWS warning area for Forbes, MN. Key alerts and detections are listed below:

• July 26 · 7:21 PM CDT (00:21 UTC) – 1.00-inch hail – dual-polarization radar-detected
• July 26 · 9:08 PM CDT (02:08 UTC) – 1.73-inch hail – dual-polarization radar-detected
• July 27 · 12:03 AM CDT (05:03 UTC) – 1.51-inch hail – dual-polarization radar-detected
• July 27 · 12:45 AM CDT (05:45 UTC) – 1.50-inch hail – dual-polarization radar-detected
• July 27 · 1:10 AM CDT (06:10 UTC) – 1.86-inch hail – dual-polarization radar-detected
• July 27 · 1:41 AM CDT (06:41 UTC) – 1.18-inch hail – dual-polarization radar-detected
• July 27 · 2:00 AM CDT (07:00 UTC) – 1.25-inch hail – NWS warning only
• July 27 · 2:55 AM CDT (07:55 UTC) – 1.38-inch hail – dual-polarization radar-detected

Radar returns show a concentrated hail swath within the NWS warning area. The storm remains active and is continuing to produce hail signatures on dual-polarization radar. Additional alerts or updates may follow as the system progresses across the metro.

Damage Assessment

Measured hail sizes across the event span roughly 1.0 to nearly 4.0 inches. Hail in the lower range of that span commonly causes vehicle dents, broken glass in skylights, and cosmetic damage to siding. Stones approaching 2 inches increase the likelihood of punctured vinyl siding, damaged HVAC units, and compromised glazing.

Stones near 4 inches pose a high risk to roofing systems and exposed building materials. On older or previously compromised roofs, near-4-inch hail can break asphalt shingles, dislodge underlayment, and create openings for water intrusion. Agricultural assets and outdoor equipment in the NWS warning area are at elevated risk for structural loss and crop damage where the larger stones tracked.

No spotter-verified ground reports are included here. This assessment is tied to the radar-detected hail sizes and the NWS warning area for Forbes, MN. Field confirmation is recommended before final loss estimates.

What Contractors Should Know

Prioritize safety and documentation. Check live weather and radar before any roof access. Photograph and timestamp exterior conditions from ground level first. Note GPS or street-level addresses and record pre-work condition shots for every structure. Avoid walking on wet or heavily damaged roofs. Use fall protection and ground-level inspection tools or drones where possible.