Butte, MT Hail Storm – September 2026

Butte, MT experienced radar-detected hail on September 2, 2026, peaking at 1.31 inches in the late afternoon. The storm produced a series of NWS alerts across the metro and concluded by early evening.

What Happened

The event ran from early afternoon into early evening on September 2, 2026. NWS issued 11 alerts for the Butte metro between 1:33 PM MDT and 5:57 PM MDT. Dual-polarization radar detected multiple hail signatures during the sequence. Radar-detected alerts occurred at 1:33 PM MDT (0.75 inch), 2:13 PM MDT (1.00 inch), 2:57 PM MDT (0.75 inch), 3:15 PM MDT (0.75 inch), 3:59 PM MDT (0.75 inch), 4:13 PM MDT (1.31 inches peak), and 4:36 PM MDT (0.76 inch). Four alerts were issued as NWS warning only. The last advisory associated with the system was issued at 5:57 PM MDT. The storm track moved across the Butte metropolitan area in a generally eastward direction during the late-afternoon window.

Damage Assessment

Reported radar sizes ranged from roughly 0.75 inch to 1.31 inches. Hail in the 0.75–1.31 inch range can dent vehicle body panels, crack or pit automotive glass, and strip granules from asphalt shingles. Skylights, vinyl siding, and unprotected exterior equipment are at elevated risk where impacts concentrated. If roof coverings are older or previously compromised, localized penetration and accelerated wear are possible. Ground-level inspections in the Butte metro should prioritize vehicles and exposed mechanical equipment in the eastward track of the storm.

What Contractors Should Know

Conduct prioritized exterior inspections for properties along the storm path in Butte. Start with photographic documentation using date, time, and GPS coordinates. Record hail size reference objects in images when possible. Focus initial assessments on visible roof granule loss, dented HVAC units, cracked skylights, damaged siding panels, and hail patterns on vehicle fleets. Note locations of concentrated impacts to help scope temporary covers and sequencing for full repairs.

Safety and triage guidance for field crews: use fall protection and certified lifts when accessing roofs. Avoid walking on wet or granule-depleted shingles where structural integrity is uncertain. For claims work, collect serial numbers and equipment photos for exterior units and document pre-existing roof conditions where visible. Schedule follow-up detailed roof inspections and prioritize aging roofs, thin metal panels, and areas with clustered impacts.

A radar-confirmed hail swath and damage zone for this event are available in the paid Strike Map product.