Kingman, AZ Hail Storm – August 2026

Kingman, AZ experienced a concluded hail event on August 31, 2026, peaking at 3.22 inches in diameter and producing multiple radar-detected returns and NWS warnings across the metro.

What Happened

The storm initiated in mid-morning and persisted into early evening, generating 12 discrete NWS alerts from 9:13 AM MST to 6:19 PM MST. Seven alerts included dual-polarization radar detections and five were NWS warning-only notices. Key radar detections: 1.06 inches at 9:13 AM MST, 1.72 inches at 2:13 PM MST, 2.32 inches at 2:43 PM MST, 1.10 inches at 3:24 PM MST, 1.18 inches at 3:54 PM MST, 1.56 inches at 5:04 PM MST, and 1.39 inches at 6:19 PM MST. NWS warning-only reports issued in parallel included 1.00-inch and 0.75-inch alerts in the late morning and late afternoon.

The largest measured hail for the event was 3.22 inches. Radar-detected returns were concentrated in mid- to late-afternoon, with the strongest radar signature registered around 2:43 PM MST. The event produced a repeating hail-swath pattern across portions of the Kingman metro rather than a single isolated cell.

Damage Assessment

Hail across the Kingman metro ranged from roughly 0.75 inches to 3.22 inches during the event. Radar-detected echoes in the 1.5–2.3 inch range occurred during mid-afternoon, and the documented maximum reached 3.22 inches later in the sequence.

Practical implications for materials at those sizes: hail in the 0.75–1.25 inch range commonly causes cosmetic dents to aluminum and vinyl surfaces. Returns in the 1.5–2.5 inch range increase the likelihood of panel dents on vehicles, bruising or tearing of asphalt shingles, and damage to skylights and thinner single-pane glass. Objects exposed during the 2.32-inch radar return at 2:43 PM MST and around the maximum 3.22-inch observation were at elevated risk for severe sheet-metal and glazing damage. No generalized statement about total loss or community-wide damage is implied; local outcomes depend on exact exposure, cover, and building condition.

What Contractors Should Know

Prioritize inspections for properties located along the radar-detected swath and inside the NWS warning areas issued between mid-morning and early evening. Focus initial roof scans on granule loss, torn shingle tabs, and punctures around roof penetrations. Check rooftop equipment, HVAC units, solar arrays, and skylights. For vehicle and exterior metal work, photograph dent patterns and note timestamps; the strongest radar returns occurred around 2:13–2:43 PM MST and again in the early evening period near 5:04–6:19 PM MST.

Document all findings with timestamped photos and location data before commencing repairs. Secure loose debris and prioritize fall-protection when working on pitch roofs. Coordinate with insurers using time-stamped inspection logs and the radar-detected size chronology to support scope decisions. Paid users can access the Strike Map to view the radar-confirmed hail swath and the associated damage zone for this event.