Willard, NM Hail Storm – August 2026

Willard, NM experienced a concluded hail-producing storm on August 1, 2026, with a peak hail measurement of 1.76 inches and a sequence of radar and NWS warning alerts through the late afternoon and early evening.

What Happened

The event unfolded late afternoon into early evening on August 1. The first NWS alert arrived at 4:58 PM MDT and reported 1.37-inch hail detected by dual-polarization radar. A NWS warning at 5:45 PM MDT reported 1.00-inch hail (warning-only). A second NWS warning at 6:13 PM MDT again reported 1.00-inch hail (warning-only). A final NWS warning at 7:32 PM MDT reported 0.75-inch hail (warning-only). The alert sequence covered the Willard metro polygon and adjacent rural grid. Radar-derived detection was present in the initial alert; subsequent alerts were NWS warning only. The storm has concluded.

Damage Assessment

Recorded hail sizes across the alert sequence ranged from 0.75 to 1.76 inches in the Willard area. Hail at 0.75 inch commonly dents siding and can nick painted surfaces on vehicles. Hail around 1.00 inch frequently produces panel dents on automobiles and can bruise composite asphalt shingles. The peak 1.76-inch measurement reaches a size where fiberglass skylights and polycarbonate panels may crack. Metal roofing and HVAC fins are likely to show denting at that size.

If you observed damage in central Willard or within the NWS warning area, document the location and exposure. Photograph vehicle panels, roof edges, gutters, and HVAC units with a dated timestamp and a measurable scale such as a ruler or coin. For roofs, note slope and material type when recording damage. Do not assume uniform damage across the warning polygon; hail intensity commonly varies across short distances.

What Contractors Should Know

Field teams should prioritize documented inspection points: roofs, gutters, siding, skylights, solar panels, and exposed vehicles. Start with a ground-level walkaround and photo log. Use drones where local regulations and site conditions permit to capture roof-condition imagery without unnecessary foot traffic on wet or recently damaged shingles. Mark GPS coordinates for significant hits and tie those coordinates to time-stamped photos for claims and repair planning.

Estimate repair actions based on observed damage and material vulnerability. For asphalt shingle roofs showing granule loss and bruising at sizes near or above 1.00 inch, prepare for selective shingle replacement and targeted flashing repair. For metal panels and HVAC fins dented by 1.76-inch hail, create costed options for panel repair or replacement. Maintain safety protocols – secure fall protection on steep roofs, avoid work during active lightning or gusty conditions, and confirm homeowner or site access permissions before entry.

Access the Strike Map for precise hail track data and the paid damage zone overlay to guide claims and repair coordination.