Pine Bluffs, WY Hail Storm – August 2026

Pine Bluffs, WY experienced a multi-cell hail event on August 13, 2026, producing up to 2.84-inch hail during the early evening. The event produced a sequence of NWS alerts tied to radar-detected hail signatures across the town and nearby rural areas.

What Happened

The hail-producing cells moved through the Pine Bluffs area between early and late evening. NWS issued eight radar-based alerts for hail from 7:10 PM MDT to 9:38 PM MDT. The alert sequence is listed below with local times and radar-reported sizes:

• August 13 · 7:10 PM MDT (01:10 UTC) – 1.45-inch hail detected by dual-polarization radar (NEXRAD).
• August 13 · 7:55 PM MDT (01:55 UTC) – 1.70-inch hail detected by dual-polarization radar (NEXRAD).
• August 13 · 8:02 PM MDT (02:02 UTC) – 1.57-inch hail detected by dual-polarization radar (NEXRAD).
• August 13 · 8:14 PM MDT (02:14 UTC) – 1.91-inch hail detected by dual-polarization radar (NEXRAD).
• August 13 · 8:16 PM MDT (02:16 UTC) – 1.09-inch hail detected by dual-polarization radar (NEXRAD).
• August 13 · 9:01 PM MDT (03:01 UTC) – 1.39-inch hail detected by dual-polarization radar (NEXRAD).
• August 13 · 9:11 PM MDT (03:11 UTC) – 1.00-inch hail detected by dual-polarization radar (NEXRAD).
• August 13 · 9:38 PM MDT (03:38 UTC) – 1.18-inch hail detected by dual-polarization radar (NEXRAD).

Radar signatures were consistent across successive cells. The sequence of alerts tracked a corridor of hail-producing returns through the municipal area and adjacent agricultural land. The storm concluded after the final alert at 9:38 PM MDT.

Damage Assessment

Radar-detected hail sizes reported during the alert sequence ranged from approximately 1.0 to 1.91 inches across Pine Bluffs. Hail in this size range typically produces denting to vehicle body panels and damage to exposed metal surfaces. Asphalt and three-tab shingles commonly show bruising and granular loss after multiple impacts in the same area. Skylights, solar arrays, and exterior air conditioning equipment are vulnerable to cracking and puncture.

Given storm timing through populated streets and residential neighborhoods, expect concentrated damage on vehicles parked outdoors, fencing, and rooftop edges. Inspect roofs for concentrated shingle loss along prevailing storm tracks and check vehicle paint and glass for impact marks. Prioritize documented photographic evidence of exterior surfaces and any displaced roofing granules for claims intake.

What Contractors Should Know

Begin with an exterior-only reconnaissance to document visible damage. Photograph each roof plane, vehicles, and mechanical equipment with a measurable reference such as a ruler or coin. Note orientation and street addresses. For roofing, record the type of covering, observable granule loss, cracked or split shingles, and dented metal flashings. Do not assume complete failure from surface damage alone; plan stepwise repairs beginning with emergency tarping where water entry is evident.