Poplar, MT Hail Storm – September 2026

Poplar, MT — Sept 2, 2026. A multi-cell hail-producing storm moved through the Poplar area in the early evening into late night, producing a peak radar-confirmed hail diameter of 1.91 inches and multiple NWS hail warnings.

What Happened

The storm prompted five NWS hail alerts spanning 5:48 PM to 11:41 PM MDT on Sept 2. Alerts and radar-detected hail estimates were issued at: 5:48 PM MDT – 1.00-inch hail; 10:14 PM MDT – 1.79-inch hail; 10:42 PM MDT – 1.70-inch hail; 11:08 PM MDT – 1.25-inch hail; and 11:41 PM MDT – 1.00-inch hail. NWS warnings accompanied the radar signatures each time. Dual-polarization radar returned repeated hail echoes as the system moved through the metro area. The warnings track shows the storm redeveloping and maintaining hail cores through the late evening period. The event is concluded.

Damage Assessment

Hail up to 1.91 inches in Poplar can deform aluminum and thin steel panels on vehicles. Impact of this size also commonly fractures older or poorly attached asphalt shingles and can crack or puncture skylights and polycarbonate panels. Siding made from vinyl or thin aluminum may show gouges or splitting where hail struck at high velocity.

Where hail cores passed over residential roofs, expect shingle bruising, granule loss, and shortened roof life even if immediate leaks are not present. On commercial low-slope roofs, inspect membrane seams and rooftop equipment for dents and displaced flashings. Reported pavement scouring and dent patterns on parked vehicles will help locate the most heavily impacted streets and lots.

What Contractors Should Know

Prioritize safety and documentation on initial site visits. Photograph vehicle panels, roof fields, gutters, and any broken glazing with time-stamped images. Record the local time and nearest cross-street for each photo. Mark suspected impact locations and preserve loose shingles or siding samples. Do not perform permanent repairs until the area is documented for insurance purposes.

Begin roof assessments with a close visual inspection from ground level and then a controlled rooftop examination. Look for shingle granule loss, crushed tabs, torn underlayment, and dented metal flashings. Check HVAC units, solar panels, and exterior mechanical equipment for impact damage. Provide clients with concise, itemized estimates and a photo log tied to the storm timeframe.

A paid Strike Map is available for customers who require the radar-confirmed hail swath and the paid product's damage zone for the Poplar, MT event.