Albert, KS Hail Storm – August 2026

What Happened

A hail storm tracked through Albert, Kansas on August 18, 2026, producing 1.74-inch stones and triggering multiple NWS warnings and radar hail detections. The sequence began in the early evening with three NWS warning-only alerts and a later dual-polarization radar detection that mapped hail echoes across the town.

NWS issued a warning at 6:34 PM CDT and upgraded a warning at 6:43 PM CDT that referenced up to 1.5-inch hail. A local spotter reported quarter-size hail at 6:42 PM CDT in Albert, and that report was recorded as spotter-verified. Dual-polarization NEXRAD later produced a radar-derived hail detection at 7:10 PM CDT that aligned with the advisory corridor. A final NWS warning-only alert issued at 7:27 PM CDT as the activity moved eastward.

Radar-detected hail echoes tracked a concentrated swath through central Albert between roughly 6:35 PM and 7:30 PM CDT. The spotter report at 6:42 PM CDT falls within that swath. Observations combine NWS warning-only alerts and a radar-detected analysis with a field spotter report for local verification.

Damage Assessment

Field reports indicate localized surface impact along the radar-detected swath through Albert. The spotter-verified quarter-size hail at 6:42 PM CDT corresponds to an area of elevated radar hail signatures over the town. No additional local storm reports with larger impact measurements were filed in the immediate aftermath.

Public and emergency channels logged scattered backyard and vehicle exposure consistent with quarter-size hail in the neighborhood near the spotter location. Radar signatures show the most concentrated reflectivity and dual-polarization hail probability over the town center and immediately east of it. NWS warning polygons covered a broader corridor; the narrow radar swath indicates where surface impacts were most likely.

Where reports exist, impacts were limited to cosmetic surface effects on exposed materials and short-duration accumulation on ground surfaces. No municipal roof-collapse or large-scale structural failure reports were received in the field reports for this event.

What Contractors Should Know

Prioritize inspections for addresses located inside the radar-detected swath and within the spotter-verified area in central Albert. Start with a visual roof survey from the ground and aerial photos where safe access is available. Look for shingle bruising, granular loss, dents on metal flashings, and impact pits on exposed HVAC units and gutters.

Document every observation with time-stamped photos and GPS-tagged notes. Capture at least two angles per suspected impact and include a wider view showing surrounding streets or landmarks. Separate new impact evidence from preexisting wear in your notes and photo set.

Estimate replacement versus repairs based on isolated punctures or widespread shingle loss in the swath. For vehicle and siding claims, check south- and west-facing surfaces first in the affected corridor. Flag properties within the NWS warning area for follow-up if they fall on the radar-detected track or are near the 6:42 PM CDT spotter location.