Patagonia, AZ Hail Storm – September 2026

Patagonia, AZ experienced hail on September 13, 2026, during a late-afternoon to early-evening thunderstorm. The event produced stones up to 1.35 inches and is now concluded.

What Happened

The storm impacted the Patagonia area in the early evening hours. The National Weather Service issued two severe thunderstorm warnings covering the multi-zone event: 6:27 PM MST and 7:16 PM MST. Warning polygons covered parts of the metropolitan Patagonia-az zone. Radar returns showed hail signatures consistent with measured stones in the area. No active warnings remain; the event has concluded.

Damage Assessment

Hail in this size range sits between a quarter coin and a golf ball on the NWS object scale. A quarter equals 1.00 inch and a golf ball equals 1.75 inches. Stones near 1.35 inches commonly cause denting to sheet metal and aluminum on vehicles. Older asphalt shingles can show bruising and localized granule loss. Vinyl siding and unprotected skylights are at elevated risk of cosmetic and functional damage. Landscaping and exposed glass can also incur breakage or punctures depending on impact angle and object exposure.

Initial field checks should prioritize visible vehicle dents, gutters and downspouts, vulnerable roof areas such as hips and ridges, and soft metal flashing. Document all observations with dated photographs and measurements. Preserve damaged samples of shingles or siding where possible for adjuster review.

What Contractors Should Know

Start with a safety assessment before any roof access. Use fall protection and secure ladders on stable ground. For roofing, record granule loss patterns, brittle fracture of shingle corners, and any punctures through underlayment. Measure hail marks with a ruler or caliper and include a coin or scale object in photos for reference. Note the time of inspection and exact address; insurers and adjusters require clear documentation.

Estimate repair scope conservatively. Small-area repairs may not eliminate downstream leakage if underlying lap seams are compromised. Consider temporary tarping for exposed areas and coordinate with the property owner before replacing roofing materials. Provide itemized estimates that separate cosmetic panel work from structural repairs to aid claims processing.

See the paid Strike Map for the radar-confirmed hail swath and the damage zone.