Glencross, SD Hail Storm – September 2026

Glencross, SD is tracking a mid-morning storm on September 28, 2026, producing peak hail near 1.07 inches and continuing to produce radar-detected hail cores.

What Happened

A thunderstorm entered the Glencross area in the mid-morning hours and is currently tracking through town. The National Weather Service issued a hail warning for the local warning area at 6:57 AM CDT on September 28, citing dual-polarization radar hail detection for up to 1.25 inches. Radar returns show concentrated hail cores moving on a northeast heading across the immediate Glencross metro. The storm remains active and may continue to produce additional hail and locally heavy precipitation as it moves through surrounding rural sections.

Damage Assessment

Hail measured near 1.07 inches is slightly larger than a US quarter coin (quarter-sized = 1.00 inches). Stones at this size commonly cause denting to parked vehicles, pitting of glass, and bruising or granule loss on asphalt roofing shingles. Older or already-weathered shingles are more prone to fractured tabs. Vinyl siding, exposed soft metals such as aluminum awnings, and rooftop-mounted mechanical equipment can show denting or surface deformation when struck by hail in this size range. Ground-level vegetation, unsecured skylights, and solar panels may sustain cosmetic or functional damage depending on exposure and angle.

Inspectors should expect to find shingle granule accumulation in gutters and downspouts. Check for hairline fractures along laminate shingle edges and for pitting on vehicle metalwork. Small penetrations of rubber seals on rooftop units are possible where hail struck repeatedly. Document visible impact patterns tied to the storm's approach vector rather than assuming uniform damage across the entire warning area.

What Contractors Should Know

Prioritize a safety-first approach. Work only under daylight and non-storm conditions. Wear fall protection on steep roofs and avoid walking on wet or heavily granulated shingles. Photograph damage with time-stamped images and include compass-facing shots to show impact patterns relative to the storm track. Note roof age, recent repairs, and any pre-existing wear in inspection reports.

Limit temporary repairs to stabilizing measures: cover open penetrations, secure loose panels, and apply short-term roof covers where necessary to prevent water intrusion. Do not remove large sections of roofing for estimates unless structural compromise is evident. Provide clients with clear, itemized scopes for permanent repairs and track material granule loss and fastener pull-through as part of repair bids.

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