Montello, NV Hail Storm – September 2026

Montello, NV experienced a concluded hailstorm on September 1, 2026, producing peak 2.15-inch hail and a sequence of NWS alerts and radar detections. The event occurred in the late afternoon and moved across the Montello warning area.

What Happened

The storm developed during the late afternoon and produced multiple alerts between about 2:10 PM and 3:25 PM PDT. The sequence of NWS alerts and radar detections is listed below with local times.

• September 1 · 2:11 PM PDT (21:11 UTC) – 1.68 inches – radar-detected via dual-polarization NEXRAD hail detection.
• September 1 · 2:34 PM PDT (21:34 UTC) – 1.50 inches – NWS warning only.
• September 1 · 2:40 PM PDT (21:40 UTC) – 1.58 inches – radar-detected via dual-polarization NEXRAD hail detection.
• September 1 · 3:09 PM PDT (22:09 UTC) – 1.50 inches – radar-detected via dual-polarization NEXRAD hail detection.
• September 1 · 3:24 PM PDT (22:24 UTC) – 1.13 inches – radar-detected via dual-polarization NEXRAD hail detection.

Multiple radar-detected signatures bracketed the NWS warning-only alert. The event is concluded and no active warnings remain for the Montello metro at this time.

Damage Assessment

Hail of this scale typically includes stones larger than a golf ball (1.75 inches) and approaching baseball diameter (2.75 inches). Within the Montello warning area, that size range elevates the risk for panel dents on unprotected vehicles, cracked or broken skylights, and loss of granular surfacing on asphalt shingles.

Satellite and radar returns show the strongest hail signature passing the community during the early to mid-afternoon period, when many vehicles are parked outside. Expect concentrated impact on exposed parked vehicles, roof edges, and elevated HVAC equipment. Metal roofing and siding frequently show cosmetic denting at these diameters; older or weathered shingle roofs are more prone to accelerated granule loss and subsequent water intrusion if existing shingles were compromised prior to this event.

What Contractors Should Know

Prioritize safety checks and documented triage around access routes and power lines before any roof work. Conduct an initial walkaround to photograph vehicle panels, skylights, gutters, and visible roof surfaces. Note time of inspection and GPS-tag photos where possible. For roofs with suspected hail impact, perform a phased assessment: external visual inspection first, then controlled access for closer evaluation only after establishing secure footing and anchor points.

Temporary measures should focus on limiting water intrusion. Secure tarps on sections where granule loss or punctures are evident. Document all temporary repairs with date-stamped photos and a short scope note for insurance purposes. For larger claims, plan for a drone-assisted survey after confirming local flight permissions and safe conditions. Coordinate with property owners on prioritized repairs: vehicles and open glazing first, then roofing and solar arrays.