Pocatello, ID Hail Storm – August 2026

A severe hail storm tracked through Pocatello, ID on August 22, 2026, producing 1.52-inch stones and prompting two NWS severe thunderstorm warnings.

What Happened

Two NWS warnings covered the event. The first was issued at 2:12 PM MDT (20:12 UTC) for 1.00-inch hail with NWS warning-only credibility. The second was issued at 6:17 PM MDT (00:17 UTC) for 0.75-inch hail with NWS warning-only credibility.

Radar-detected hail signatures tracked along a corridor through the Pocatello metro during the late afternoon and early evening. A spotter reported nickel-size hail near Idaho State University at 2:12 PM MDT (20:12 UTC). That spotter-verified observation is the primary ground-truth report tied to this storm.

Dual-polarization radar indicated intermittent cores capable of producing damaging stones, interspersed with weaker echo returns later in the event. The storm sequence shows a stronger mid-afternoon cell and a separate early-evening pulse that prompted the later warning.

Damage Assessment

Field reports and public storm logs are limited for this event. The single local storm report documents nickel-size hail near Idaho State University at 2:12 PM MDT (20:12 UTC). No additional local storm reports of roof, vehicle, or infrastructure damage were filed to NWS for Pocatello on August 22, 2026.

Radar detections align with the spotter location, indicating the surface impact was geographically localized around the university and adjacent neighborhoods. StormSnipe’s radar-derived hail track shows concentrated returns where the spotter reported hail. There is no aggregated evidence from public reports of widespread structural damage in the Pocatello metro tied to this storm.

What Contractors Should Know

Prioritize inspections within and immediately around the Idaho State University campus and nearby residential blocks. The spotter-verified nickel-size report locates the most reliable surface impact. Start with visual roof assessments for granule loss on asphalt shingles and shallow dents in metal flashings and HVAC cowls. Capture high-resolution photos and timestamp each image. Include oblique shots to show dent patterns on vehicles and siding.

Triage properties by roof age and material. Older asphalt shingles and single-ply membranes show small hail damage earlier than newer impact-rated products. Metal roofs and rooftop mechanical units can show discrete dents that are repairable but can lead to long-term seal failures. Use drone surveys for initial coverage where local ordinances allow, then follow with close-access inspections for confirmed damage.

Document client communications with the 2:12 PM MDT spotter report and the two NWS warning times. That sequence helps establish timing for claims and repairs. For temporary protections, prioritize sealing exposed roof penetrations and securing loose roofing materials. Log serial numbers and model data on rooftop equipment if dents are observed. Keep work crews staged for follow-up inspections in the early evening neighborhoods that were under the second NWS warning.