Fortuna, ND Hail Storm – September 2026

Fortuna, ND experienced a multi-cell severe hail event overnight on Sept. 4 into Sept. 5, 2026. Peak hail measured 2.19 inches as the line moved through the Fortuna metro and adjacent rural addresses.

What Happened

The event began late evening on Sept. 4 and concluded by mid-morning Sept. 5. NWS alerts and radar detections were issued across five advisory times spanning Sept. 4 at 11:35 PM CDT through Sept. 5 at 9:21 AM CDT. Key advisory points:

• Sept. 4 · 11:35 PM CDT – 1.25-inch hail reported by dual-polarization radar.
• Sept. 5 · 12:11 AM CDT – 1.00-inch hail reported by dual-polarization radar.
• Sept. 5 · 12:33 AM CDT – 1.25-inch hail reported by dual-polarization radar.
• Sept. 5 · 3:52 AM CDT – 1.25-inch hail referenced in an NWS warning without a concurrent radar-sized detection.
• Sept. 5 · 9:21 AM CDT – 1.17-inch hail reported by dual-polarization radar.

Radar-derived detections showed the strongest reflectivity focused on the Fortuna metro corridor during the overnight period. Most radar reports indicated hail in the 1.00–1.25-inch range across the NWS alert area. One warning cited a severe hail threat without a matching radar hail-size detection. Ground verification and aggregated reports established the larger peak hail measurement inside the aggregated storm footprint.

Damage Assessment

Radar and warning reports across the Fortuna metro and nearby rural addresses documented primarily 1.00–1.25-inch hail. That size range commonly produces dents to vehicle panels, concentrated shingle bruising on asphalt roofs, and surface damage to siding and exterior fixtures. Localized areas registered hail at or above 1.75 inches (golf ball = 1.75 inches), indicating the potential for broken skylights, cracked solar panels, and more significant shingle loss in discrete neighborhoods.

Reported impacts during the event included scattered vehicle dents and isolated roof material displacement in the Fortuna area. Roadside observations and municipal maintenance calls from Fortuna township noted concentrated debris and pooled water where roof leakage was later reported. Insurance and municipal crews should expect claims and service requests tied primarily to vehicle panels, roofing shingles, and exterior glass in the metro and immediately adjacent rural addresses.

What Contractors Should Know

Prioritize safety inspections in the Fortuna metro and accessible rural properties first. Start with a drive-by inventory noting roof type, visible granule loss, and window or skylight damage. Photograph and geotag all evidence from the ground before deploying ladders or lifts. When rooftop access is required, confirm dry, stable conditions and use two-person fall-protection procedures. Record the local time of inspection and match it to the NWS alert timeline for documentation.