Clearwater, KS Hail Storm – September 2026

Clearwater, KS – September 15, 2026. Late-afternoon into early-evening storms produced radar-confirmed 1.61-inch hail and generated a sequence of NWS warning areas across the metro.

What Happened

The event began in the late afternoon and unfolded through early evening on September 15. Thirteen NWS alerts spanned 4:13 PM CDT to 7:59 PM CDT, with most bulletins issued as NWS warning area notifications. Dual-polarization radar detected hail signatures at key times and supported a subset of the alerts.

Alert timeline (local times and reported sizes):

• 4:13 PM CDT – 0.75-inch hail – NWS warning area only.
• 4:28 PM CDT – 0.88-inch hail – detected by dual-polarization radar.
• 4:32 PM CDT – 0.75-inch hail – NWS warning area only.
• 5:44 PM CDT – 0.75-inch hail – NWS warning area only.
• 5:48 PM CDT – 0.75-inch hail – NWS warning area only.
• 5:50 PM CDT – 0.75-inch hail – NWS warning area only.
• 6:02 PM CDT – 0.75-inch hail – NWS warning area only.
• 6:14 PM CDT – 0.88-inch hail – NWS warning area only with radar signatures earlier in the sequence.
• 6:29 PM CDT – 0.75-inch hail – NWS warning area only.
• 7:05 PM CDT – 0.75-inch hail – NWS warning area only.
• 7:19 PM CDT – 0.75-inch hail – NWS warning area only.
• 7:30 PM CDT – 0.75-inch hail – NWS warning area only.
• 7:59 PM CDT – 0.75-inch hail – NWS warning area only.

The longest span of activity occurred between roughly 4:15 PM and 8:00 PM. Radar-detected signatures were present in the early and mid portions of the sequence and coincide with the larger size reports in the timeline. The event is concluded.

Damage Assessment

Reported hail sizes during the sequence ranged from penny-sized (0.75-inch) up to 1.61 inches. Penny-sized stones commonly dent vehicle panels and can abrade window seals. Stones above one inch increase the likelihood of visible damage to asphalt shingles, roof flashings, and vinyl siding. Single-pane windows, skylights, and unprotected HVAC units face elevated risk when struck by hail in this size bracket.

No field-verified damage summaries are included here. Inspections should prioritize vehicle fleets, exposed roof areas, skylights, and outdoor mechanical equipment in Clearwater addresses that intersected the warning areas and radar-detected swath.

What Contractors Should Know

Prioritize a rapid exterior triage. Photograph representative areas and mark locations with visible impacts. Start with vehicles and rooftop penetrations that show pitting, bruising, missing granules, or cracked flashings. Use handheld hail gauges or calibrated rulers for size verification and log exact local times if available.