Larned, KS Hail Storm – September 2026

Larned, KS experienced a brief late‑afternoon hail-producing storm on September 30, 2026, peaking at 1.73 inches and producing a compact hail track through the metro area.

What Happened

The event developed in the late afternoon and prompted a National Weather Service severe thunderstorm warning issued at 3:20 PM CDT. The warning covered the local warning area around Larned and included no hail size estimate in its text. Dual-polarization radar showed a concentrated hail signature moving east‑northeast through the Larned metro. Radar-derived hail detection identified a short, focused track of intense return values across and just east of town before the cell weakened and the storm concluded later that afternoon. Public NWS messaging did not include spotter-verified hail reports for the warning period.

Damage Assessment

Hail in the golf-ball range (golf ball = 1.75 inches) can produce dents to unprotected metal, puncture or crack vulnerable glazing, and abrade roofing granules on asphalt shingles. For this storm's compact track through Larned, the highest exposure was along the core radar-indicated path through town and adjacent rural sections. Vehicles left outdoors within that corridor were most likely to show panel dents and windshield chips. Roofs with older, weathered shingles are at greater risk for granule loss and underlying mat damage where impacts were concentrated. Exterior vinyl siding and HVAC equipment on rooftops can exhibit pitting or cosmetic damage from impacts of this magnitude.

What Contractors Should Know

Prioritize visual roof and vehicle inspections in the core path identified by local reports and radar imagery. Photograph damage with scale references and timestamps. Check for granule accumulation in gutters and downspouts, and inspect attic spaces for signs of punctures or leaks that may not be immediately visible from ground level. Use clear, dated documentation for each address inspected.

Limit ladder work to safe weather windows and follow standard fall‑protection procedures. For roof work, confirm decking integrity before installing permanent materials. Temporary tarping is appropriate for active leaks to mitigate interior damage, but avoid permanent repairs until a full inspection and measurements are completed. Coordinate with property owners on permit status and insurance notifications.

See the Strike Map for the radar-confirmed hail swath for this Larned event.