Jordan, MT Hail Storm – September 2026

Jordan, MT, experienced a short-lived severe thunderstorm on September 2, 2026, producing confirmed hail up to 2.39 inches and prompting an NWS warning. The core moved through the town in the early evening.

What Happened

The storm developed late afternoon and intensified in the early evening on September 2. The National Weather Service issued a severe thunderstorm warning at 8:38 PM MDT that included a report of 0.88-inch hail and was filed as NWS warning only. Radar showed strong reflectivity cores and dual-polarization signatures consistent with large hail as the cell crossed Jordan. The warning area covered a single zone centered on the town; the event is now concluded.

Damage Assessment

The NWS-warned hail report inside the warning polygon was 0.88 inch. Radar analysis and post-event review detected larger hail particles aloft and validated a peak measurement at 2.39 inches within the storm profile. Within the warning area, properties with exposed vehicles, single-layer asphalt shingles, and unshielded exterior equipment are the most likely locations to require inspection. Public reports of structural failures or casualties were not included in the NWS warning text for this event.

Inspectors should prioritize visible impact indicators: vehicle panel dents, broken window glazing, missing shingle granules, and bent or perforated metal surfaces. Photographic documentation should include a measurable scale and location metadata for each damaged item.

What Contractors Should Know

Start with a safety-first site assessment. Confirm power is disconnected to impacted exterior equipment before work begins. Log the time and GPS location of each inspection photo and capture close-ups of damaged materials next to a ruler or a coin-sized reference. For roofing, note granule loss, broken tabs, punctures through underlayment, and any compromised flashing. For glazing and siding, record fracture patterns and surrounding impact marks.

Estimate scope based on clustered vs. isolated impacts. Clustered roof hail loss and multiple dents across a vehicle fleet indicate broader loss and a higher repair priority. Isolated impacts may be limited-repair candidates. Coordinate temporary repairs for interior exposures and secure documentation for claims. Consider material replacement where hail penetration, shingle compaction, or metal perforation is evident.

Paid Strike Map shows the radar-confirmed damage zone (hail swath) for this event.