Richardton, ND Hail Storm – September 2026

A hail-producing thunderstorm tracked through Richardton, North Dakota, on September 6, 2026, producing a radar-detected peak of 3.85 inches and multiple NWS hail alerts across the day.

What Happened

NEXRAD dual-polarization radar issued 11 NWS hail alerts for the Richardton area between 9:48 AM CDT and 8:14 PM CDT on September 6. Early activity began in mid-morning with a 1.5-inch radar detection at 9:48 AM CDT and continued through sequential radar hail detections that increased in intensity late in the day. The sequence included larger radar cores in the late afternoon and early evening, with notable radar calls issued at 12:11 PM CDT, 7:20 PM CDT, and 7:42 PM CDT.

Two local field observers submitted mPING reports from the Richardton area during the early evening. One observer reported golf-ball sized hail, 1.75 inches, at 7:16 PM CDT. A second mPING entry reported the same size at 7:29 PM CDT. Those spotter-verified observations coincided with the period of strongest radar echoes over the locality.

NWS alert areas were issued repeatedly as the storm evolved. Radar-detected hail cores moved through the broader warning area at intervals across the afternoon and early evening, then weakened after the final alert at 8:14 PM CDT. The event is categorized as concluded for Richardton.

Damage Assessment

Available local field reports for Richardton consisted of two mPING observations noting golf-ball size hail at 7:16 PM CDT and 7:29 PM CDT. No additional Local Storm Reports of structural failures or large-scale damage were filed in the submitted records for the town.

Vehicle owners in Richardton should document dent patterns consistent with golf-ball impacts. Photographs taken at scene should include a legible timestamp and an object for scale. Property inspectors should check gutters, skylights, and window screens for concentrated denting or perforations near where the spotter reports were recorded.

Radar-detected hail cores passed through areas beyond the two spotter locations. Inspections should therefore extend along the NWS alert area where radar indicated elevated hail intensity. Prioritize properties nearest the times of the spotter reports and along streets and blocks immediately adjacent to those coordinates.

What Contractors Should Know

Begin a systematic field evaluation focused on the spotter times and locations. At each property, note the time-stamped photograph, GPS coordinates, and a short descriptor of the exposure. Measure dents and compare to known object sizes – golf ball equals 1.75 inches. Record the measurement method used.

For roofing, check for granular loss, bruised shingle tabs, cracked vents, and displaced ridge caps. On vehicles, inspect door edges, roof panels, and window glass for dent clusters matching golf-ball impacts. Photograph all damage with a consistent frame – wide shot, medium context, close detail with scale. Collect owner statements with time of discovery.