Huachuca City, AZ Hail Storm – September 2026

Huachuca City, AZ experienced radar-detected hail on September 14, 2026, producing a peak hail size of 1.54 inches during a multi-zone storm that moved through the metro from mid-afternoon into early evening.

What Happened

The event developed in the mid-afternoon and persisted into the early evening across the Huachuca City metro area. NWS warning-only alerts issued twice in the early afternoon and twice in the early evening over the broader warning area. Key alerts for the aggregated event were:

• Sept 14 · 1:46 PM MST (20:46 UTC) – 1.00-inch hail reported in an NWS warning only alert.
• Sept 14 · 2:22 PM MST (21:22 UTC) – 1.00-inch hail reported in an NWS warning only alert.
• Sept 14 · 5:20 PM MST (00:20 UTC) – 1.54-inch hail detected by dual-polarization radar (NEXRAD hail detection).
• Sept 14 · 6:23 PM MST (01:23 UTC) – 0.75-inch hail reported in an NWS warning only alert.
• Sept 14 · 7:06 PM MST (02:06 UTC) – 0.75-inch hail reported in an NWS warning only alert.

The radar detection at 5:20 PM MST identified the largest hail cores within the multicell cluster. Earlier and later NWS warning-only reports indicate scattered hail reports and broader storm warnings across the warning area. The event is concluded.

Damage Assessment

Reported hail sizes ranged from 0.75 inch to 1.54 inches. A 0.75-inch (penny) hail size typically causes superficial damage to soft materials and can nick exposed vehicle paint. A 1.00-inch (quarter) hail size commonly dents automobile sheet metal and can damage vinyl siding and shallow roof features. The radar-detected 1.54-inch hail sits between quarter and golf-ball sizes and increases the likelihood of denting to aluminum panels, cracked skylights, and shingle bruising on older or weathered roofs.

Localized impacts are most likely where the radar hail cores passed. Expect the highest concentration of vehicle dents and rooftop granule loss along the primary storm track identified in the alert sequence. Broken glass and damage to exterior equipment such as air-conditioning condensers or attic vents are possible where hail fell with the larger cores.

What Contractors Should Know

Prioritize safety and documentation on initial site visits. Photograph roof fields, gutters, HVAC units, and representative vehicles from multiple angles before disturbance. Note hail sizes observed at each structure and record timestamps in local time. Start with a walkaround to identify punctures, shingle bruises, and dent patterns. Use non-invasive inspection methods first; lift only where necessary to confirm granule loss or membrane damage.

For immediate remediation, secure temporary tarping for roofs with exposed decking. Tarping and board-up work should be documented with before-and-after photos and material receipts. Expect to replace bruised or partially delaminated shingles rather than attempt localized patching when granule loss is widespread. Coordinate vehicle and glass repairs with insured owners and document all observations tied to the specific addresses in the warning area.