Mineral Wells, WV Hail Storm – September 2026

A hail-bearing thunderstorm moved through Mineral Wells, West Virginia, in the early evening of September 13, 2026, producing 0.8-inch stones and prompting multiple NWS alerts. The storm was short-lived and concentrated across the Mineral Wells metro corridor.

What Happened

The first National Weather Service alert for the event was issued at 7:13 PM EDT (23:13 UTC) for the Mineral Wells warning area and cited potential 0.75-inch hail as the primary hazard. Spotter submissions began near 7:40 PM EDT (23:40 UTC) when two mPING observers reported penny-sized hail; both submissions were spotter-verified and made no damage notations. A second NWS alert followed at 7:44 PM EDT (23:44 UTC) again listing 0.75-inch hail within the warning area. Dual-polarization radar later detected a slightly larger radar-derived hail signature at 7:48 PM EDT (23:48 UTC), with radar-indicated peak size measured at 0.8 inch.

The storm moved through Mineral Wells in a compact corridor during the early evening. Field submissions were clustered near the storm core timing and aligned with the final radar detection. Observers described brief, penny-sized hail showers at the reported time. The sequence of two NWS warning-only alerts followed by a radar-detected hail signature frames the event as a short-duration but locally concentrated hail episode.

Damage Assessment

Submitted spotter reports contained no notes of structural damage. Both mPING entries at 7:40 PM EDT (23:40 UTC) listed stone observations without reporting broken glass, roof impacts, or vehicle damage. Local field reports therefore indicate limited surface impact within the Mineral Wells area.

Radar-derived echoes tightened and weakened shortly after 7:48 PM EDT (23:48 UTC), suggesting a brief period of elevated hail intensity rather than a long-track damaging storm. No on-scene local storm reports were provided with damage descriptions tied to this event. Given the short-lived radar signature and the content of spotter submissions, observed impacts appear limited to transient ground-level accumulation and cosmetic effects on exposed soft materials where they occurred.

What Contractors Should Know

Prioritize inspections for properties located inside the NWS alert area and for addresses near the time-stamped spotter reports. Begin with visual surveys of roof coverings, vehicle panels, and exposed HVAC or soft-metal equipment. Document each location with time-stamped photos and note orientation and exposure. Use the NWS object-size scale when recording observations: a penny equals 0.75 inch.

When minor hail dents or granule loss are found, record the material type, approximate affected area, and any loosened fasteners. For shingle assessments, look for split or bruised granules along windward edges and field seams. For metal surfaces, photograph panel depressions with a common object for scale. Limit invasive work until you have photographic documentation and property-owner authorization.