Tucson, AZ Hail Storm – September 2026

Metro Tucson, AZ experienced a multi-zone hail event on Sept 24, 2026, producing stones up to 1.67 inches in late afternoon. The episode generated an NWS warning followed by multiple dual-polarization radar detections across the metropolitan area.

What Happened

The event began in early afternoon with an NWS-issued severe thunderstorm warning at 1:07 PM MST (20:07 UTC) that mentioned potential 1.00-inch hail within the warning area. Dual-polarization radar detected hail shortly after. Key alert points:

• 1:07 PM MST (20:07 UTC) – NWS warning only cited 1.00-inch hail in the warning area.
• 1:25 PM MST (20:25 UTC) – Dual-polarization radar detected 1.00-inch hail along the developing storm track.
• 2:15 PM MST (21:15 UTC) – Dual-polarization radar again identified 1.00-inch detections as the system moved across the metro.
• 4:22 PM MST (23:22 UTC) – Dual-polarization radar indicated larger returns consistent with 1.33-inch hail, with the overall radar-derived peak measuring 1.67 inches.

Radar detections were spatially consistent across multiple scans, indicating a shifting hail track through suburban and urban portions of the Tucson metro. The storm concluded the same day in the early evening.

Damage Assessment

Observed sizes during the event spanned roughly coin-scale to just under golf-ball scale. Stones in this range commonly dent vehicle body panels and aluminum trim. They can fracture older, single-layer asphalt shingles and displace shingle granules. Skylights, solar panels, exposed HVAC condensers, and vinyl siding in the storm path are at elevated risk of impact damage.

Damage exposure was concentrated where the radar hail track crossed residential and commercial districts within the Tucson metropolitan area. Roof inspections should prioritize areas with south- and west-facing exposures and structures with older roofing systems. Vehicle fleets parked outdoors along the hail track are likely to show panel dents and chipped paint where impacts occurred.

What Contractors Should Know

Safety first. Evaluate structural access and fall risk before roof work. Begin triage inspections within 24 to 72 hours of the event. Photograph every suspect area with a dated scale reference and geotag when possible. For roofs, check for fractured shingles, missing granules, and torn flashings. For HVAC and solar, inspect fins, housings, and glass for cracks. Document findings in a time-stamped report for property owners and insurers.

Work prioritization should follow leak risk and public safety. Secure temporary coverings only where inspections show breached weatherproofing or active leaks. Coordinate with property managers on vehicle inventories and fleet locations to quantify panel and glass damage. Use local radar-derived hail information and visual confirmation to target mobilization and estimated scopes of work.