Des Moines, NM Hail Storm – August 2026

Des Moines, NM experienced severe hail on August 25, 2026, with a maximum confirmed hail size of 2.66 inches. The storm moved through the metro from mid-afternoon into early evening and is now concluded.

What Happened

The event generated 26 NWS alerts between 2:13 PM MDT and 8:56 PM MDT on August 25. Twelve of those alerts included dual-polarization radar-detected hail signatures. Fourteen alerts were issued as NWS warning only without accompanying radar hail detections.

Radar hail detections began at 2:13 PM MDT with a 1.89-inch radar-derived estimate and included a 1.91-inch radar detection at 2:21 PM MDT. Subsequent radar-detected reports during the late afternoon and early evening recorded sizes in the 0.75 to 1.91 inch range, with several larger radar hits at 5:39 PM MDT (1.50 inches) and 6:13 PM MDT (1.79 inches). Post-event analysis lists a maximum confirmed hail size of 2.66 inches for the Des Moines metro. The sequence shows multiple cycles of radar-detected hail interspersed with NWS warning-only alerts as the cells tracked across the area.

Damage Assessment

Observed hail sizes across the metro ranged from roughly 0.75 inches to 2.66 inches. Hail at or below 1.0 inch typically causes cosmetic damage to vegetation and surface abrasions to vehicle paint. Hail between 1.25 and 1.75 inches frequently produces panel dents on vehicles, dented metal flashing, and localized damage to asphalt shingles. Sizes at and above 2.5 inches represent the upper range of this event and are capable of fracturing roof shingles, puncturing siding, breaking skylights, and causing substantial vehicle damage in directly impacted neighborhoods.

Damage reports will concentrate where multiple radar-detected alerts clustered and where larger radar sizes were recorded in the late afternoon and early evening. Expect the highest density of impact in corridors matching the radar hail swath between the 2:13 PM MDT initiation and the final NWS alert at 8:56 PM MDT.

What Contractors Should Know

Prioritize rapid exterior surveys in zones that registered radar-detected hail above 1.5 inches. Inspect roofs for fractured or missing shingles, check skylights and roof-mounted equipment, and examine metal flashing and fascia for dents. Document each site with geotagged photos, a written scope noting measured hail sizes if available, and time-stamped notes tied to the local time of observation. Advise property owners to avoid post-storm roof traffic until a preliminary assessment confirms safety.

Triage work by severity and exposure. Start with structures showing water intrusion or compromised openings. For vehicle fleets and commercial properties, log VINs and serials for claims and separate clear, repairable cosmetic damage from structural penetrations. Coordinate crews to limit duplicate inspections and keep safety briefings on-site. For precise hail track and pinpoint damage zone mapping across the Des Moines metro, see the paid Strike Map product.