Guttenberg, IA Hail Storm – October 2026

Guttenberg, Iowa experienced a late-afternoon convective line on October 13, 2026 that produced a peak hail diameter of 1.02 inches and a concentrated hail track across the city and nearby rural sections. The storm is concluded.

What Happened

A convective line moved through Guttenberg during the early evening. The National Weather Service issued two severe thunderstorm warnings for the event. The first warning began at 5:44 PM CDT and cited 1-inch hail with NWS warning only confidence. The second warning began at 6:20 PM CDT and again cited 1-inch hail with NWS warning only confidence. Radar returns showed concentrated reflectivity consistent with hail cores along the line as it translated east-southeast through the metro warning area.

Storm motion and timing produced a narrow corridor of enhanced reflectivity. Local spotter and public reports did not escalate the advisory sequence beyond the issued warnings. The event is classified as concluded for the Guttenberg area.

Damage Assessment

No spotter-verified structural damage reports were submitted for Guttenberg during or immediately after the event; the warnings remained NWS warning only. Hail of this diameter is roughly the size of a U.S. quarter coin. Where hail fell, expect scattered cosmetic impacts rather than wholesale structural failures.

Anticipated effects from hail this size include paint chips and small dents on exposed vehicle panels, minor abrasions to asphalt shingle granules that may appear as bruising when inspected up close, and foliar damage to vulnerable crops or young landscaping. Roof coverings with existing wear are the most likely to show accelerated deterioration where hail cores impacted repeatedly along the storm's path.

What Contractors Should Know

Begin exterior inspections with a drive-by assessment of the warning area and any reported impact locations. Photograph orientation-controlled reference shots of vehicles, gutters, siding, and roof eaves before performing closer inspections. For roofs, look for granule loss, shingle bruising, and point impacts at eave and hip lines. Record GPS coordinates and time-stamped images for each observation.

Prioritize safety and temporary mitigation where water intrusion is possible. If membrane or shingle breaches are found, install temporary covers and schedule full repairs during daylight with a two-person crew for roof work. Coordinate documented findings with homeowners and insurers. Expect a higher volume of minor cosmetic claims; size and distribution of impacts will determine scope and prioritization of repairs.

View the paid Strike Map product for the radar-confirmed hail swath and the precise radar-derived damage zone for this event.