Parsons, KS Hail Storm – September 2026

Parsons, Kansas experienced a multi-zone hail-producing storm on September 12, 2026, with peak hail measured at 2.23 inches. The event produced sustained warning activity and multiple radar hail detections across the metro area.

What Happened

The event began midday with the first NWS warning at 12:26 PM CDT and continued into the early hours of September 13, ending with the last advisory at 1:23 AM CDT. StormSnipe logged 32 separate NWS alerts for the Parsons metro during that period. Many alerts were issued as NWS warning only; several were accompanied by dual-polarization NEXRAD hail detections.

Notable radar-detected hail reports included a 1.81-inch radar detection around 1:53 PM CDT, a 1.37-inch detection near 2:06 PM CDT, and additional radar detections in the 1.17–1.26 inch range during late afternoon and early evening. The alert pattern shows repeated redevelopment and a track that crossed the Parsons warning area multiple times. The storm is concluded.

Damage Assessment

Observed and radar-detected hail sizes during the event ranged from penny-scale to above golf-ball size. Penny-scale hail (0.75 inches) and quarter-scale hail (1.00 inch) were repeatedly indicated by NWS warning-only alerts. Radar detections in the golf-ball class (1.75 inches) were recorded along portions of the track.

Quarter- and golf-ball–class hail is capable of denting vehicle panels, cracking glazing, and causing localized shingle damage on roofs. In Parsons, focus inspections on residential neighborhoods and exposed parking areas that overlapped the NWS warning area and the tracked radar swath. Note that roof-covering failures and surface dents are most likely where golf-ball–class hail traversed populated blocks.

What Contractors Should Know

Prioritize inspections of roofs, siding, HVAC condenser units, and vehicle fleets located inside the Parsons NWS warning area during the event. Start with photographic documentation showing roof elevations, hail size reference (coin or ruler), and timestamps. Record the NWS warning polygons that included each address and retain radar-detected hail points when available. Use the NWS warning area to identify which properties were within the broader alert footprint.

Estimate roofing impact by combining visible shingle loss, bruising, and granule displacement with the local size class indicated by radar detections and warnings. For vehicles, document dent patterns and paint damage with close-up images and a scale. Secure temporary protections where active leaks are present and provide clear scope notes tied to the local warning times and radar detections.

For the radar-confirmed hail swath and a precise paid-product hail footprint, refer to the Strike Map for the radar-confirmed hail swath.