Newell, SD Hail Storm – September 2026

Newell, SD saw a concluded hail event on September 28, 2026 with peak hail measured at 2.03 inches. The multi-zone aggregate event moved through the area from late afternoon into early evening.

What Happened

A pair of dual-polarization radar hail detections bracketed the event. At 4:46 PM CDT there was a radar-indicated hail signature measuring 1.64 inches. A second radar-indicated signature occurred at 6:42 PM CDT measuring 1.63 inches. Both alerts were radar-detected and included in this aggregate report for the Newell metro area.

Storm motion carried the hail core across town during the late afternoon and into the early evening. The event is classified as concluded. No active warnings remain for the Newell area in relation to this storm on the event date.

Damage Assessment

Hail reached 2.03 inches at peak radar detection, placing it larger than a golf ball (1.75 inches) and smaller than a baseball (2.75 inches). Hail of this size commonly risks denting vehicle panels, cracking or bruising asphalt shingles, and causing localized window or skylight damage on exposed structures.

Roofing components with existing age or wear are especially vulnerable to shingle granule loss and asphalt mat compromise. Metal surfaces and outdoor equipment can show cosmetic and functional dents. Agricultural outbuildings and unprotected crops face increased loss potential where hail density was higher. Ground-level debris and concentrated impacts are typical where tree canopy did not provide cover.

What Contractors Should Know

Prioritize safety and triage. Start with a visual survey from the ground to identify obvious hazards: downed branches, broken glass, unsecured panels, and leaking roofs. Document conditions with time-stamped photos and GPS-tagged locations where possible. For roof access, confirm structural integrity before placing personnel on the surface. Temporary tarping is appropriate for actively leaking roofs pending full repair.

For estimates, sample representative areas rather than blanket replacements where damage is spotty. Inspect vehicles, HVAC units, solar panels, siding, and gutters for concentrated impact zones. Record serial numbers and manufacturer photos for specialty equipment. Communicate clear scopes of work and timelines to property owners and insurers. Maintain logs of materials used and crew hours for post-storm accounting.

Paid Strike Map subscribers can access the radar-confirmed hail swath and damage zone for this event to guide field canvasses and targeted inspections.