Tumacacori, AZ Hail Storm – August 2026

Tumacacori, AZ experienced a late-afternoon hail event on August 26, 2026 with a peak hail size of 1.28 inches detected by dual-polarization radar. The storm has concluded.

What Happened

A multi-zone severe hail event moved across the Tumacacori metro on August 26 in the late afternoon and early evening. The alert sequence recorded three NWS alerts for the same storm cell: August 26 · 3:18 PM MST (22:18 UTC) – 1.00-inch hail – NWS warning only; August 26 · 4:38 PM MST (23:38 UTC) – 1.28-inch hail – dual-polarization radar (NEXRAD hail detection); August 26 · 5:16 PM MST (00:16 UTC) – 1.00-inch hail – NWS warning only. Radar-derived hail estimates peaked at 1.28 inches in the central portion of the storm track. NWS warnings bracketed the radar detection before and after the peak alert, indicating warning-area coverage throughout the event. The storm is no longer active in the Tumacacori area.

Damage Assessment

Measured peak size: 1.28 inches. Hail at or near this size commonly produces small to moderate cosmetic and functional damage to vulnerable surfaces. Typical observations for similar events include denting of vehicle body panels, chipped paint and pitting on metal fixtures, and localized shingle granule loss on asphalt roofing where hail struck repeatedly. Solar panel surfaces and exterior HVAC components are susceptible to impact marks when struck directly. Field reports accompanying this event were limited to radar detection and NWS warning entries; no spotter-verified damage reports were included in the alert stream used for this summary.

Inspectors and claims adjusters should prioritize photographic documentation of dent patterns, roof shingle condition, and any punctures to soft metals. Measure and record hail fragments where available and note the exact times of observation relative to the August 26 alert times. For vehicle assessments, document panel locations, door edges, mirrors, and windshields with scale references. For roofing, record the number of exposed layers and photograph any concentrated granule loss or surface fractures.

What Contractors Should Know

Begin with an external safety assessment. Confirm that structures are stable and there are no live electrical hazards before deploying personnel. Use high-resolution photos and a measurement scale on every damaged surface. For roofing, perform a tactical walk-around to map damaged fields of shingles and note whether damage is isolated or widespread across the property. Temporary tarping is appropriate only where active water intrusion is likely.

For scope and estimating, price known repair items such as dent removal, hail replacement of damaged shingles, and localized replacement of metal flashings. Include solar panel inspection in scopes where arrays are present; small impact marks can require module testing or replacement depending on manufacturer thresholds. Retain any hail fragments and maintain a clear chain of photos tied to timestamps and location notes for insurance documentation.