Hot Springs, SD Hail Storm – September 2026

Hot Springs, SD — Sept 6–7, 2026. A multi-zone evening into overnight storm produced hail up to 2.54 inches while moving through the Hot Springs metro. The event generated a sequence of NWS alerts with multiple radar hail detections.

What Happened

The storm developed in the early evening and progressed through the Hot Springs area in a series of cells that produced intermittent hail and NWS warnings. Alerts associated with the event are as follows:

• Sept 6 · 7:32 PM CDT (00:32 UTC): Dual-polarization radar detected 1.54-inch hail in the warning area.
• Sept 6 · 11:49 PM CDT (04:49 UTC): Dual-polarization radar detected 1.93-inch hail in the warning area.
• Sept 7 · 1:29 AM CDT (06:29 UTC): Dual-polarization radar detected 1.18-inch hail in the warning area.
• Sept 7 · 2:16 AM CDT (07:16 UTC): NWS warning issued with no radar hail detection reported.

Radar coverage shows repeated echo signatures consistent with hail-producing cores across multiple warning polygons. The event is concluded and no active alerts remain for the Hot Springs metro.

Damage Assessment

Radar detections reported hail sizes between 1.18 and 1.93 inches across successive alerts. Hail in that range commonly produces dents to vehicle panels, punctures or crushing on softer siding, and localized damage to asphalt roof shingles. Windows and skylights are at increased risk at the upper end of that range.

Localized concentrations and the aggregated radar peak indicate a higher potential for severe roof and vehicle impact along the primary hail track. Inspect properties in the path of the storm for concentrated impact points, hail accumulation, and broken glass. Photograph each damaged element with a GPS-stamped image where possible.

What Contractors Should Know

Prioritize safety. Do not perform rooftop work until inspections verify structural stability and local crews have cleared electrical hazards. Begin external assessments from the ground. Document hail size, density of impact marks, and distribution before any tarping or temporary repairs. Note the times of the radar alerts when logging job-site conditions.

For repairs, expect to encounter dented vehicles, granule loss on shingles, and fractured seals on skylights and solar panels. Estimate perimeter exposures and stage materials for targeted repairs rather than full-system replacement when damage is isolated. Coordinate with property owners on insurance documentation and provide clear photographic evidence keyed to locations and times.

Consult the Strike Map for the paid product to view the radar-confirmed hail swath and the mapped damage zone for this event.