Terry, MT Hail Storm – August 2026

Terry, MT experienced a concluded hail event on August 12, 2026, producing a peak confirmed hail diameter of 0.41 inch during an early evening thunderstorm.

What Happened

An isolated severe thunderstorm moved through the Terry, MT area on the late afternoon to early evening period of August 12, 2026. The National Weather Service issued a single warning for the zone at 6:19 PM MDT (00:19 UTC) that included an internal hail estimate of 0.88 inch; that alert was issued as NWS warning only. Radar-derived hail estimates within the warning polygon showed elevated reflectivity consistent with small hail. The consolidated storm report for the single notification zone lists a maximum confirmed hail diameter of 0.41 inch. The event is concluded and no additional warnings remain active for this zone.

Damage Assessment

Hail at 0.41 inch in diameter is in the small-hail range. Typical impact at this size is limited to cosmetic effects on exposed soft surfaces and vegetation. Uncovered vehicles may show paint chips or light dents if hail struck at sufficient velocity. Roof shingles and siding are generally resistant to this diameter, though localized granular loss or cosmetic marks can occur on older or already-weathered materials. Window breakage and structural failures are unlikely from 0.41-inch hail alone.

If you observed visible roof granule loss, chipped vehicle paint, or damaged outdoor equipment after the August 12 event, document each item with dated photographs and location notes. Record exposure details such as whether the item was covered, parked, or sheltered at the time. Those observations will help distinguish pre-existing wear from potential hail impacts tied to this storm.

What Contractors Should Know

Prioritize visual inspections of vehicles, exposed HVAC units, roofing edges, gutters, and landscaping. Use scale references in photos and measure any hail-related indentations or paint chips. Note the time and GPS coordinates for each inspection point. For roofing, focus on shingles near ridges and hips where wind-driven impacts concentrate. For solar arrays, inspect cell surfaces and mounting hardware for impact marks and microfractures.

Prepare documentation for repair estimates and insurance submissions. Provide timestamped photos, measured dimensions of any damage, and a concise description of materials affected. Temporary mitigation can include tarping localized roof damage and moving exposed vehicles to covered storage when feasible. Coordinate timing of repairs with insurance adjusters to avoid unnecessary replacement if damage is minor and cosmetic.

Access the paid Strike Map for the precise damage zone and hail track for Terry, MT on August 12, 2026.