Gettysburg, SD Hail Storm – September 2026

Gettysburg, SD experienced a multi-pulse hail event on September 6, 2026, producing a maximum confirmed hail diameter of 1.78 inches. The storm moved across the metro in mid-morning into early afternoon with repeated radar-detected hail pulses.

What Happened

NWS issued five separate alerts for the Gettysburg metro as the system progressed. Alerts began at 8:26 AM CDT and continued through 12:38 PM CDT. Each alert identified radar-detected hail with dual-polarization radar support.

• 8:26 AM CDT — radar-detected hail to 1.62 inches.
• 9:14 AM CDT — radar-detected hail to 1.50 inches.
• 9:34 AM CDT — radar-detected hail to 1.75 inches.
• 11:30 AM CDT — radar-detected hail to 1.25 inches.
• 12:38 PM CDT — radar-detected hail to 1.62 inches.

The sequence shows multiple hail pulses over roughly four hours. Dual-polarization radar consistently flagged strong reflectivity and hail signatures at each alert time. The event is concluded.

Damage Assessment

Radar-detected pulse magnitudes during the sequence included sizes at and above the golf-ball scale (1.75 inches). Hail of this size is capable of damaging vehicle body panels, cracking or shattering single-pane windows, and causing localized roof shingle loss where impacts were concentrated. Short-duration, high-intensity pulses increase the chance of panel dents and windshield chips on parked vehicles.

Smaller pulses recorded at about 1.25 to 1.62 inches can strip granules from asphalt shingles and dent aluminum siding. Where multiple pulses passed over the same area, cumulative impacts are more likely to produce broken skylights, torn screens, and cosmetic panel damage. Field verification and roof inspections remain necessary to determine the full extent of impairment to structures and vehicles.

What Contractors Should Know

Prioritize safety and documented inspection. For roofing, inspect high-exposure slopes, ridge caps, flashing, and soffit junctions first. Photograph representative damage with scale and GPS metadata. Note exposure to repeated impacts where the alert sequence indicates multiple radar-detected pulses. Preserve samples of compromised materials for insurer review.

For auto and exterior contractors, check vehicle roofs, hoods, trunks, and glass for concentrated dent patterns and impact clusters. Look for granular loss on shingles and parallel abrasion consistent with hail trajectories. Submit time-stamped, geotagged photos and include the NWS alert times that correspond to observed damage when filing estimates or claims.

See the Strike Map for the paid product to view the radar-confirmed hail swath and the damage zone mapping for Gettysburg.