Pine Bluffs, WY Hail Storm – August 2026

A hail-producing thunderstorm is tracking through Pine Bluffs, WY on August 13, 2026, producing a peak hail size of 2.84 inches and remaining active into the evening. The storm is continuing to produce radar-detected hail while inside an NWS warning area.

What Happened

NWS issued eight hail alerts for the Pine Bluffs area between early evening and late evening. Alerts and radar-detected hail sizes recorded on Aug 13 are: 7:10 PM MDT — 1.45-inch hail (dual-polarization radar); 7:55 PM MDT — 1.70-inch hail (dual-polarization radar); 8:02 PM MDT — 1.57-inch hail (dual-polarization radar); 8:14 PM MDT — 1.91-inch hail (dual-polarization radar); 8:16 PM MDT — 1.09-inch hail (dual-polarization radar); 9:01 PM MDT — 1.39-inch hail (dual-polarization radar); 9:11 PM MDT — 1.00-inch hail (dual-polarization radar); 9:38 PM MDT — 1.18-inch hail (dual-polarization radar).

The alert sequence shows repeated radar detections of hail within the same general corridor south and east of central Pine Bluffs. The storm remains inside an active NWS warning area and is continuing to produce hail and strong updrafts. Field conditions may still be changing as cells reorganize along that corridor.

Damage Assessment

Hail observed in the current event spans a range of sizes that carry distinct damage profiles for Pine Bluffs properties. Tennis-ball to larger-sized hail on the periphery of the peak swath is capable of producing broken skylights, severe asphalt shingle loss, and significant windshield and vehicle body damage. Hail in the 1.0–2.0 inch range recorded repeatedly by radar is consistent with denting to metal roofing, cracked siding panels, and pitted vehicle paint across exposed parking areas in town.

Areas within the present hail swath should expect a mix of cosmetic and structural damage where roofing age or existing wear is present. Exterior building components most at risk include unprotected skylights, low-slope roofing, HVAC condenser coils, and exposed solar panels. Reported vehicle exposures along the alert corridor are likely to show denting and windshield chips requiring documented inspection.

What Contractors Should Know

Safety and documentation are the immediate priorities. Crews should confirm local conditions and any active NWS warning area before mobilizing. Triage visible water-entry points and temporary-cover needs first. Take scaled photos and time-stamped video of representative roof areas, vehicles, and mechanical equipment across several addresses to support claims and scope-of-work decisions.

Plan roof and vehicle assessments with conservative timelines. Expect to encounter asphalt shingle loss, granule depletion, and localized membrane failure on low-slope roofs in the hail swath. Allocate crews for temporary tarping and targeted repairs to limit water intrusion, then schedule full inspections for replacement estimates. Coordinate with adjusters and homeowners on documented damage and retain physical samples where possible.