Tularosa, NM Hail Storm – August 2026

Tularosa, New Mexico saw late-afternoon to early-evening hail on August 7, 2026, with radar-detected hail reaching 2.33 inches at peak. The multi-zone storm produced four National Weather Service alerts across the town's warning area.

What Happened

The event moved through late afternoon into early evening. NWS alerts were issued at 4:23 PM MDT (22:23 UTC), 4:47 PM MDT (22:47 UTC), 5:41 PM MDT (23:41 UTC), and 6:28 PM MDT (00:28 UTC). Dual-polarization NEXRAD returned multiple hail signatures tied to those alerts. Radar-derived hail estimates issued with the alerts ranged from about 1.32 to 1.57 inches. The system is concluded; no active warnings remain for the Tularosa warning area.

Damage Assessment

Radar detections across the warning area included multiple pockets of hail in the 1.3–1.6 inch range. Hail in that range commonly produces denting to vehicle body panels and can damage asphalt shingles on older roofs. Localized radar returns farther along the storm track indicated even larger stones were possible in isolated cells. Property directly beneath the reported hail track should be inspected for roof, siding, skylight, and vehicle damage.

Field reports or insurance claims tied specifically to numbered addresses are not provided here. Use the NWS warning area to identify broadly affected neighborhoods, then prioritize inspections in locations where radar-derived hail estimates and photographic evidence overlap.

What Contractors Should Know

Begin exterior inspections at the edge of the NWS warning area and work inward along the radar-derived hail track. Photograph roof slopes, ridge lines, gutters, HVAC units, and exposed vehicles with a date stamp. Note hail patterns on soft metals and painted surfaces; clustering or consistent cratering along one roof plane suggests concentrated impact and higher replacement likelihood. Include measurements of shingle granule loss and any punctures through flashing or vents.

Document all findings with high-resolution images and concise notes. When conditions permit, perform moisture and membrane tests before completing repairs to detect hidden leaks. Provide separate estimates for partial repairs versus full-replacement where hail cluster density or underlying substrate damage is present. Coordinate timing with property owners and insurers, and retain original photos for any dispute resolution.

Precise hail track and damage zone mapping are available on the Strike Map for subscribers.