Clayton, NM Hail Storm – September 2026

Clayton, NM experienced late-afternoon hail on September 30, 2026. Peak stones measured 1.95 inches and the storm produced multiple NWS warnings and radar-detected hail.

What Happened

The event occurred in the late afternoon into early evening on September 30. Dual-polarization NEXRAD first detected hail at 3:47 PM MDT, reporting 1.21-inch echoes within the Clayton metro. A second radar-detected pulse at 4:24 PM MDT registered 1.00-inch echoes. The National Weather Service issued or extended severe thunderstorm warnings at 4:44 PM MDT and again at 5:28 PM MDT; both warnings cited 1.00-inch hail potential. The warning sequence spans roughly 3:45 PM to 5:30 PM MDT and covers multiple warning polygons issued for Clayton and adjacent areas. The storm has concluded.

Radar returned strong dual-polarization signatures during the 3:45–4:30 PM window, then produced additional warning-level returns through early evening. Ground reports and the aggregated record indicate isolated larger stones within the radar swath. Where radar-detected hail aligned with warning polygons, NWS advisories were active while the cells moved through the metro.

Damage Assessment

Radar detections during the warning sequence documented hail echoes at 1.00 and 1.21 inches. Hail at those sizes commonly produces cosmetic to moderate damage. Expect dented vehicle panels, chipped or cracked skylights and solar panels, and loss of roof shingle granules on asphalt roofing. Aluminum and vinyl siding can sustain dents and scoring. Exterior-mounted equipment such as HVAC units and exposed electrical enclosures are at risk of impact damage.

Isolated larger stones reported inside the radar swath increase the likelihood of broken glass, cracked gutters, and punctured soft materials such as patio umbrellas and awnings. Pre-existing wear on roofing materials raises the probability of shingle blow-off or accelerated leakage where hail struck. Claims assessments in Clayton should prioritize vehicle inspections and roof evaluations where radar detections overlapped populated blocks.

What Contractors Should Know

Conduct visual roof surveys first from the ground and from short ladders where safe access exists. Look for granule loss, exposed asphalt, split tabs, and concentrated shingle damage on windward slopes and on ridgelines. Photograph damage with date/time stamps and include reference shots showing nearby storm indicators such as downed debris or blocked gutters. For vehicle fleets, document dents, cracked glass, and paint scoring before moving equipment or performing wash cycles that might obscure impact marks.

For emergency repairs, prioritize tarping over actively leaking structures and securing or covering exposed HVAC and solar equipment. Coordinate with property owners on insurance documentation and obtain signed authorization before performing permanent repairs. Contract crews should consider walk-behind infrared or moisture scanning only after roofs have been cleared of loose debris and allowed to dry sufficiently.