Montague, CA experienced radar-detected hail on September 16, 2026, with a peak size of 1.15 inches. The late-afternoon to early-evening storm produced a focused hail track and generated four NWS alerts based on dual-polarization radar detections.

What Happened

The event occurred in late afternoon into early evening on September 16, 2026. The National Weather Service issued four separate alerts for the Montague area tied to dual-polarization radar hail detections and published a single warning area covering the evolving track.

Alert sequence and timings (local):

• 5:12 PM PDT – radar-detected hail near 1.00 inch in the initial warning area.
• 5:41 PM PDT – radar-detected hail up to 1.15 inches as the main core moved through the metro.
• 7:15 PM PDT – radar-detected hail near 1.00 inch on the southern fringe of the track.
• 7:20 PM PDT – radar-detected hail near 1.00 inch in the final alert before the storm weakened.

Dual-polarization radar indicated consistent hail signatures during the alert period. The NWS warning area covered the broader pathway of the storm rather than a precise strike footprint. The storm concluded in the early evening with diminishing returns on hail signatures.

Damage Assessment

The observed peak placed the event in the small-to-moderate hail category for the Montague area. Hail of the observed peak size commonly causes denting to unprotected vehicles and localized damage to older or poorly maintained asphalt shingles. Ground-level impacts are most likely where vehicles were exposed or where landscaping had limited cover.

No spotter-verified damage reports were included in the alert set for Montague at the time of record extraction. Property owners should still inspect exposed vehicles, HVAC units, and roof coverings for dents, broken skylights, granule loss, or displaced shingles. Photograph damage with a dated reference and retain vehicle or property position notes for claims and repairs.

What Contractors Should Know

Prioritize roof and vehicle assessments in areas that intersected the radar-detected hail track. For roofing, look for missing granules, bruised or split shingles, lifted tabs, and cracked sealant around flashings. Use a systematic approach: map the property, take close and wide-angle photos, and note estimated exposure time based on the storm timeline. Provide written condition notes for each structure and include the local event date in all documentation.

For immediate field work, secure loose materials and cover compromised roofing with breathable tarps when removal waits. Check gutters and downspouts for accumulated hail-related debris. Coordinate with insurance adjusters by sharing time-stamped photos and observation logs. Schedule follow-up inspections within 48 to 72 hours to document any progressive leaks or settling.