Silver City, NM Hail Storm – August 2026

Silver City, NM experienced a multi-zone hail event on August 4, 2026, producing peak stones up to 3.26 inches in diameter as the storm moved through the metro. The storm concluded after a sequence of NWS alerts and radar-detected hail reports from mid-afternoon into early evening.

What Happened

The event began in the mid-afternoon and persisted into the early evening across the Silver City metro. NWS alerts and dual-polarization radar detections tracked intermittent intense hail cores as storms moved northeastward. Eight distinct alerts were issued for the metro and adjacent areas:

• 3:35 PM MDT – 1.02-inch hail – radar-detected by dual-polarization radar
• 4:44 PM MDT – 1.51-inch hail – radar-detected by dual-polarization radar
• 5:15 PM MDT – 2.26-inch hail – radar-detected by dual-polarization radar
• 5:39 PM MDT – 1.00-inch hail – NWS warning only
• 6:47 PM MDT – 1.00-inch hail – NWS warning only
• 7:32 PM MDT – 1.60-inch hail – radar-detected by dual-polarization radar
• 7:35 PM MDT – 1.00-inch hail – radar-detected by dual-polarization radar
• 8:30 PM MDT – 1.24-inch hail – radar-detected by dual-polarization radar

Radar returns show multiple hail cores passing over the metro. Several of those cores produced stones above one inch, and one core produced stones exceeding three inches in diameter. The event is listed as concluded for Silver City.

Damage Assessment

Hail stones of this scale cause concentrated damage along the storm track through the metro. Expect broken vehicle glass, severe deformation of vehicle body panels, and extensive shingle loss on asphalt roof systems in areas beneath the strongest radar returns. Metal roofing and HVAC units can sustain dents and perforations where stones exceeded one inch.

Properties with solar arrays, skylights, soft cladding, and exposed glazing in the central and northern sectors of the metro are at increased risk. Water intrusion is likely where shingles were breached or flashing was dented. Localized reports of shattered auto glass and dented siding should be treated as priorities for inspection and temporary mitigation.

What Contractors Should Know

Prioritize safety and triage inspections. Work crews should confirm power is isolated before accessing roofs or rooftop equipment. Document each inspection with dated, geo-tagged photos that include a measurable scale. Note roof type, observed granule loss, punctures, broken vents, and any glazing damage. Start with properties located under the radar-detected cores and under the NWS warning areas listed above.

For immediate repairs, use breathable tarps and secure per local code. Distinguish between cosmetic panel dents and penetrations that allow water entry. Provide clients a clear scope: temporary tarping, prioritized repairs to prevent secondary damage, and estimates for full replacement when hail penetration or extensive shingle loss is observed. Coordinate documented findings with adjusters and retain inspection files for claims.